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ebarnes--75's avatar
ebarnes--75
Follower
Apr 13, 2025

Download speed a fraction of upload speed

I have this wifi7 device and a previous wifi6 device connected into the same security appliance but experience very different results.  This started immediately after the FW update v10.5.18.3_2.2.37 (I didn't update until 9 Apr 2025) so I know it's directly related.  I have daily automated speed tests running plus I always do connectivity tests before and after updates and it happened instantly after.  The current physical configuration has been installed and running without issues since Dec 2024 and has had no changes in architecture.  The only updates within the last month have been the firmware of the orbi 770.  After hours of troubleshooting and eliminating potential causes, I then verified no new updates for devices posted as of yet.  I did factory reset and reapply settings; factory rest and not reapply settings with the same results.  I am a skilled network and systems engineer with many years of Orbi usage so I can follow some direction if needed.

 

- Broadband:  AT&T 1gbps fiber (async) in bypass mode

- Firewalla Gold SE in router mode (2.5Gbps)

- Main Client devices (well rounded variety):  Samsung s24 ultra (6ghz capable), Alienware area 51m2 (5ghz capable), Unraid 7.0.0 Server with Window 11 Pro VM (10gbe ethernet), and various other mobile/tablet devices

- I have a relatively large device count, currently 46 devices but up to 67

- All tests performed were duplicated on each device and I've moved physical connections around to chase the well behaving tests for comparisons as much as possible

- Previous history of testing showed speeds in the 1100/1200 down/up ranges.  Galaxy s24 Ultra regularly reached these speeds and higher from the router and the satellite

- Created an html5 speed test docker and applied it to one of my Unraid servers to rule out any outside DNS or routing issue.  s24 Ultra (5ghz+6ghz wifi) 177/1162Mbps down/up.  Alienware (5ghz wifi) 894/915Mbps down/up.  Tab s4 (5ghz wifi) 350/266Mbps down/up (this is likely normal but wanted to add it for comparison)

 

Using the same external destination server with Speedtest (all via app and web), and all tests performed on and off the device (i.e. completely ethernet or with wireless AP), the following are the results:

 

- Orbi in-app Speed test is 1063/1247Mbps down/up (connected to 10gbe switch, connected to ATT)

- Firewalla Wifi Speed test (app) is 153-182Mbps/1184-1366Mbps down/up (the s24 ultra will travel through the 770)

- Firewalla Ethernet Speed test is 1019/1132Mbps down/up (connected to 10gbe switch, connected to ATT)

- Most wireless device external downloads are between 150Mbps-350Mbps/900-1400Mbps down/up (except the Alienware will get up to 500/500Mbps but it has an advanced AI Killer card so it's always moving and tweaking the connections so it is always optimized)

- Every ethernet device download is between 950Mbps-1400Mbps and upload is similar (this is the normal rates on/off wifi)

 

Now onto the wifi6 device, every device that goes through that router (in AP mode using the same ports as the wifi7) will get the normal expected speeds around 1100/1200Mbps down/up, even if it's plugged into the wifi7 device's ethernet ports it gets approximately the same expected rates.  This seems to point to the download channel of the wifi7 device (since the upload rates are normal).  I've tried numerous configurations (IPv6 is disabled throughout my network) with no luck.  Any ideas to try?  This post is probably not exhaustive as I've been working on it for a few days now with no improvements, so I've tried a lot through systemic troubleshooting and likely completed the entire tier1-3 playbook lol.  I've used all new cat6 cables but when I perform the same tests with the wifi6 router everything behaves normally so it's likely not that.

 

Thanks in advance.

1 Reply

  • What is the model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT ?
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

     

    What speeds are seen with a ethernet connected PC directly connected to the ATT Fiber box?

    What speeds are seen with the Orbi RBR in router mode connected to the ATT Fiber box with out the firewall appliance device in the mix? 

     

    How many RBS are deployed? 
    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?  

     

    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

     

    Try disabling the following while in router mode with Orbi RBR and see:
    Armor, Smart Parental Controls, Traffic Meter.