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Wifi mesh RBS 350 satellite range suddenly reduced
Hello,
I have a wifi Mesh router RBR350/RBS350 installed with a single satellite. The system has been running fine for at least 2 years. Suddenly the reception sone some devices in the 2.4 GHertz (e.g. Internet radio) has become too weak, so that the device is unable to connect. This is the conclusion I reached after doing a few tests. I did not change anything on either the router or the satellite configuration. I tried with a spare satellite to check if it was the coming from the satellite hardware. Same reception problems
What is happening and what can I do?
I remember from a netgear router 25 years ago that changing the Wifi chanel could resolve some problems.
ON the satellite setup page, the wifi channel is set to automatic. Should I try another value?
Thank you in advance for your help!
8 Replies
Would be useful to hear more about these tests. Specifically interested in the signal level and "Link Level" at the location of the internet radio.
Yes, the default setting of the 2.4G WiFi channel is "auto", which means that the system periodically scans the available channels (1-11 in North America, 1-13 in other parts of the world) and chooses what it considers to be the least congested. The drop down menu allows the user to choose any available channel. I have always considered this to be a "no win" situation because if I perform channel analysis and set my system to a specific 2.4G channel, other nearby WiFi systems may be set to "auto" and react by changing their channel settings. How often am I willing to perform channel analysis and change channels?
What devices are you speed testing with?
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-message
POC60 wrote:
Hello,
I have a wifi Mesh router RBR350/RBS350 installed with a single satellite. The system has been running fine for at least 2 years. Suddenly the reception sone some devices in the 2.4 GHertz (e.g. Internet radio) has become too weak, so that the device is unable to connect. This is the conclusion I reached after doing a few tests. I did not change anything on either the router or the satellite configuration. I tried with a spare satellite to check if it was the coming from the satellite hardware. Same reception problems
What is happening and what can I do?
I remember from a netgear router 25 years ago that changing the Wifi chanel could resolve some problems.
ON the satellite setup page, the wifi channel is set to automatic. Should I try another value?Thank you in advance for your help!
First of all, Thanks for your replies. I have taken some time to investigate the problem and I can't say I found an explanation.
First of all, hera are a few more additional facts:- Router software version V4.4.1.29_3.10.80
- Satellite software version V4.4.1.29
- The satellite is wired to the router via Ethernet
- The reception problem is with an internet radio (2.4 GHertz band)
in the mean time, I also installed a Wi-fi ananlyser on my Mac (NETSPOT), which gives me more precise info on wifi signal strength. One of the observations is that signal strength at the Internet radio that could not connect is borderline. I moved the satellite closer to the radio. It seemed to resolve my problem. But guess what? The problem was back. And then, suddenly the signal becomes too weak .Moreover, it seems quite erratic. Netspot reads signal strenght fluctuating between -68dB and -91dB at different times in exactly an identical position.
I also tried to swap satellite (I have an extra unused one). But this does not change anything. I also switched off the Guest Wifi network to prevent potential interference: no effect
Finally, I tried with a different brand old 2.4 GHz ADSL router hardwired into the ORBI router and located next to my ORBI satellite. At times, ORBI signal strength can be 5 dB weaker than the old router.
I have the obvious solution of placing my additional satellite in the same room as the internet radio. It works (signal strenght -50dB).
What puzzles me is that I had no problem with the same radio and the same satellite for some 2 years. And then, all the sudden, signal strength seams to be weaker. Or maybe, is it possible that my Internet radio has become less "receptive"?Pierre
Anyway, thanks for your help.
What is this internet radio? Is there a brand and model#?
Does this internet radio give off or broadcast a 2.4Ghz signal? If so and if it's in the same room or near the RBS, then this will cause some interferences and problems. Would be best to keep this device far away from the RBS.
