NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

ultifisher's avatar
ultifisher
Follower
May 22, 2026

Terrible Support, many problems

I have had an Orbi RBE871 and 2 RBE870 satellites for almost a year. They have never worked all that well, especially for cell phone calls via Wi-Fi, which we need because we have almost no local cell coverage.

I have opened many cases. Invariably they end up getting cut off (due to poor cell coverage), then I get phone mails that they tried calling too many times and are closing the case. Most of the time I get "thank you for holding, a technician will be with you shortly"... for hours.

My most recent problem (along with the poor cell wi-fi, that they have never fixed), is that the administration app (both on the phone and on my PC) do not show many attached devices, not even the cell phone or PC that is connected to the RBE871. The technicians are clueless, cannot find any problem or any suggestions for how to resolve the problem, then we lose the call, etc.

orbi 870 series

1 Reply

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    May 22, 2026

    What phone platforms are you using? Apple or Android? 

     

    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?

    Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR?

    Which ISP are you with? 

     

    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:

    NETGEAR Mobile Applications and Android/Apple/Windows Devices FAQ | NETGEAR Communities

     

     

    Try disabling the following and see:

    Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Protection Engine, Traffic Meter.

    Is SIP ALG enabled or disabled on the RBR?