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Forum Discussion
IoT devices do not connect to the RBE970 (Satellite) when the RBE971 (Router) is in AP mode
Hello,
Same problem here.
After extensive testing, IoT devices do not connect to the RBE970 (Satellite) when the RBE971 (Router) is in AP mode; instead, all IoT devices connect to the RBE971, even if the signal is poor and the RBE970 is closer with a better connection.
However, it works better when the RBE971 is in router mode; in that case, the majority of IoT devices connect to the RBE970...
Regards
10 Replies
What FW version is on the RBR and RBS?
What brand and model# host router is the RBR connected too?
RBR using Dynamic or Static configuration for AP mode?
How are the RBS connected to the RBR? Wireless or ethernet?
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 🛰
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
How is the IoT network configured? Default SSID name or custom name?
Using Both frequencies or a single frequency?
How are you determining that your IoT devices are not connected to the RBS?
How did you enable the IoT network? Using the RBR Web page or Orbi app?
Both units are running the latest firmware (V12.1.11.10).
The RBR is connected to the Freebox Pop (Iliad France group).
When the RBR is in AP mode, the Freebox (in router mode) handles DHCP.
When the RBR is in router mode, the RBR handles everything, and the Freebox is in bridge mode.
The house is approximately 3000 square feet spread over three levels. The RBR is on the second level, and a single RBS is on the first level; the third level doesn't need one.
The distance between the RBR and the RBS is about 20 feet; the walls and floors are very thick (reinforced concrete + underfloor heating).
They are connected via Ethernet (RJ45).
The main Wi-Fi is set to "Auto" for the 2.4 GHz band and channel 40 for the 5 GHz band (WPA2-PSK + WPA3-Personal).
The IoT network is 2.4 GHz only (WPA2-PSK) with a custom name that differs from the main network and does not include "IoT" in the name
Connection details for the RBS are provided via the web administration page...
I manage the system via the web interface because the app causes issues (for instance, using the app disables access control on the web interface).
Current issues:
I have left the RBR in router mode; it's not perfect, but it works better than in AP mode.
I have Samsung S25 Ultra phones (two identical units) that frequently disconnect and then report an incorrect password when attempting to reconnect. I have to toggle airplane mode to fix it.
The water heater on the third level connects to the RBS on the first level instead of the RBR on the second level.
Finally, there is still one IoT device on the first floor connecting to the second floor's RBR, but I'm waiting to see how the situation develops...
However, it works better in router mode than in AP mode; in AP mode, all 2.4 GHz IoT devices connect to the RBR, even if they are right next to the RBS.
Thank you for the details.
Other user is on a prior version of FW. Will see if they update there post and if anything changes.
Even if you have the RBS ethernet connected, I'd try the RBS out at 30 feet to see if this changes anything.
How are the RBS ethernet connected? Directly behind the RBR or is there a LAN patch panel or LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS?
Try changing to manual channels 1 and 40 or 11 and 48 on the RBR.
Try doing a NETWORK RESET on the phones. Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on the phones.
NETGEAR Mobile Applications and Android/Apple/Windows Devices FAQ | NETGEAR Communities
Can you load up a wifi scanning application on a phone or pad and see if you see the IoT network broadcast signal coming from the RBS?
Try a factory reset and setup from scratch.
Orbi Systems Manual Factory Reset Process | NETGEAR Communities
It looks like the same issue jsteele82 encountered in the other thread, and my wife wants to leave me because I keep running tests and cutting off the Wi-Fi :)
