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Forum Discussion
3sp3r4nz4
Aug 18, 2026Aspirant
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,...
dglsmcd_USMC
Aug 20, 2026Luminary
I have an Orbi 973 series in AP mode. IoT works perfectly with the satellites picking up the bulk of the IoT load with several home automation devices. Now, rather than leaving you saying, "Well, that is great for you!", I am going to tell you what works for me. By the way, I am running the latest firmware (V12.1.11.10_5.4.8) with wireless backhaul.
Whenever I transition from router to AP mode and back I do a complete reset of first the satellites then the router using the reset button (hold reset until flashing orange). Using the Orbi app, I setup the Orbi router/satellites then after completion of the setup on the app I go to the Web GUI for the Orbi and go through the settings specifically as it deals with main, IoT, and Guest networks. The LAST step that I do after everything is setup using the Web GUI on the wireless side is change over to AP mode. Once the changeover to AP mode is complete, I power down the Orbi router and make my cable connections between the main router (which is also powered down) and the Orbi router using the WAN interface on the Orbi router (971). After powering up first the Orbi router then your main router my Orbi app shows my IoT devices connecting through the closest satellite(s). I am using a fixed channel 11 using both 2.4 and 5GHz IoT. I have done this transition between router and AP mode (and back) countless times so please do not resign yourself to only having IoT connections on the router. I know a lot of this sounds very basic but there is a method to my madness lol.
- 3sp3r4nz4Aug 20, 2026Aspirant
Hello,
Thanks for the details. I follow the same process, except that I connect the internet gateway to the RBR at the start, as requested by the app during setup.
I notice that you are configuring the IoT network on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Could the problem we are experiencing stem from these differences?