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Re: Experiencing disconnects and slow loading on iPhone 14's
I 'upgraded' to the Orbi 970 in April 2024. I am running the (2 unit) system in Access Point mode (as I have a lot of existing infrastructure including a very good (wired) router). Multiple issues wi...
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.
Does this happen with the RBR in Router mode instead of AP mode?
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
Be aware that in newer iOS 18, there are 3 options now, random, fixed and disabled. I use disable here at home as I like to see what actual host name for phones and pads are.
I don't have a 14 and have a 12 Pro Max and iPad 6th gen I think, Have not seen issues with the phone with my 970 online that's in router mode. Last time I tried AP mode, worked as well.
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 🛰
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, IPv6, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter.
This has been (and still is) being investigated by support and engineering. Currently running beta firmware 9.12.4.1101_1.3.17 which hasn't helped at all.
I'm not able to test with the system in Router mode as that would involved huge complications and disruption to my network. And anyway, router mode is of no use to me - I need AP mode.
The NetGear system is not connected to the ONT. My wired router (NetGate 6100) is connected to the ONT and the Orbi router unit is connected, via switches, to the router.
I have CAT-6A everywhere and the Orbi is using 10 GbE wired backhaul via a 10 GbE NetGear switch.
All iPhones and iPads are using native MAC addresses (private MAC addresses are disabled) as I assign 'fixed' IPs to all devices using DHCP static reservations.
Devices range from iPhone 12 through to iPhone 16 Pro and from iPad gen 7 through iPad Pro 13" M4 plus a bunch of watches (series 6 through 9).
Upstairs is approx 61 m2 (650 sq ft). Downstairs is approx 81 m2 (872 sq ft).
Distance between units is ~10m (33 ft) horizontal and ~4m (12 ft) vertical, though as I;m using wired backhaul that should be less of an issue.
I think part of the problem is that they didn't;t really put much thought.effort into AP mode; lots of limitations and bugs. AT this point (6 months in and still flaky as hell) I think I'd be better off with a product designed from the ground up to be an access point (or mesh of APs) rather than one where it is clearly a second thought. Even if they can solve the stability issues and IPv6 connectivity problems I'm still left without usable guest network capability.
An interesting data point is that prior to deploying the Orbi system my WiFi was provided by 3x Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11ac units (all running in AP mode) which provided both main and guest networks. Apart from a few places in the house where signal was a little low, and overall speeds being a bit middling, that was a rock solid setup with zero issues.