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Forum Discussion
Orbi 970
Hi all,
Latest firmware at 9.12.5.3 deployed to the RBR and RBS devices.
First and foremost - had relatively fantastic performance before with other mesh wifi setups. No drops or connectivity issues. Upgraded to this Orbi as my TP-Link devices finally suffered an actual hardware failure and I wanted to give this brand a shot.
Installation was smooth, not too bad. Some basic features seemingly missing from the web interface and the app (Hidden SSID option, anyone?) which I didn't think too much of. However, I started running into some curious issues. I have a mix of wired and wireless devices. Wired devices are, for the most part, fine. Wireless, it seems spotty. As an example, my work laptop will occasionally show 'Reconnecting' with wireless, which I found unusual. Thought it was primarily my system image, as I'm running Ubuntu.
However, I have noticed video conferences over Webex or Zoom have been sporadic. I will lose audio / connectivity and then cut back in. It's almost as if it's dropping wireless connectivity and then reconnecting.
If not that, I noticed that my mobile phone will also not be connected to the wireless network and be on my mobile network. And sometimes, my Pixel will be connected to the wireless network - but with "no internet access". I'm not sure what it is, I can't quite put my finger on it- but it seems like devices don't maintain their wireless connection and end up re-authenticating/connecting to my network. Like, there's a timeout or something. This is especially true for my wireless security cameras and I find it a bit frustrating.
Has anyone experienced oddities like this before with Orbi 970? I have never had issues before on previous mesh systems but wanted to see if there were some other things (besides manually setting channel frequency) that could apply.
(I had a support case open via the Orbi app- but it was primarily routine troubleshooting of manually adjusting/setting the channel frequency of 2.4 and 5Ghz bands which obviously did not help)
4 Replies
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.The mobile phone is a Pixel phone? What version? What Os version is loaded on the phone?
Be some users posting about Orbi and Pixel phones not working well. Haven't seen much in recent time frame though.
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?Do you see same issues if you connect to the separate IoT network?
Try setting up a IP address reservation for your devices on the RBR.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, IPv6, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter.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-messageOrbi doesn't support hidden SSID names.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? Arris S33
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.The mobile phone is a Pixel phone? Yes What version? Pixel 9 Pro XL What Os version is loaded on the phone? Android 15
Be some users posting about Orbi and Pixel phones not working well. Haven't seen much in recent time frame though. I don't have random MAC setup for my Pixel phone, but I have noticed 3-4 different variations of my phone under the Orbi app.
How many RBS are deployed? 2
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? 3 story, 1450
What is the distance between the router Junction box where all wires are located within top floor master bedroom closet.and satellite(s) 1 satellite on 2nd floor, and 1 satellite on bottom floor.
️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR Correct
and RBS Correct
️ 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? Wouldn't know, always had RBS on.
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices? Wireless. Wired, can't really tell if it's YouTube or the Orbi system.
What channel configurations are currently set on the router? Per support's last suggestion 11 for 2.4 and 64(DFS) for 5Ghz.Do you see same issues if you connect to the separate IoT network? I don't use IoT network.
Try setting up a IP address reservation for your devices on the RBR. I have an IP address reserved for my NAS.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, IPv6, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter. I can try and disable Armor. I do not use IPv6 nor do I use Smart Parental Controls/Circle. I can try and disable Traffic Meter.Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home: I do not randomize any of my MAC addresses for my devices.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/222...Orbi doesn't support hidden SSID names. Thanks for the info, that is a shame.
Lets try setting channel 40 on 5Ghz.
Lets try turning OFF one of the RBS. for that size of home, the router unit and just 1 RBS should be enough.
At some point try the RBS all turned OFF to test the phone and PC behaviors.
markwayne wrote:
Some basic features seemingly missing from the web interface and the app (Hidden SSID option, anyone?)
Hiding the SSID was a feature of many early WiFi systems. There was a concept that this somehow provided some sort of security. The very first Orbi router (RBR50) had this option (and still does to this day). When Netgear introduced WiFi6 versions of the Orbi mesh (802.11ax), that feature disappeared and has never been brought back. Likewise for the WiFi7 systems.
