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Forum Discussion
Unable to Use Guest Wifi in AP Mode and a Switched Wired Backhaul
Hi, Summary: Need a solution to run a Guest Network on a Orbi 970 Wifi 7 system in AP mode with a switched and wired backhaul I have a Firewalla Gold Pro router feeding internet into a Netgea...
First off, thanks for your responses.
Currently, the configuration that works for guest network, but has an unwanted 2.5Gbps link at e):
a) Firewalla Gold Pro router LAN port connected to a Mikrotik CRS312, a 10Gbps switch
b) CRS312 port connected to WAN port of RBE971 in AP mode. This minimizes latency to wired gaming devices and network, critical for online gaming.
c) WAN port of RBE971 in AP mode connected to CRS312 switch, where it can't harm latency to wired network.
d) 10 Gbps LAN port of RBE971 connected to 10 Gbps of an RBE970 satellite
e) 2.5 Gbps LAN port of RBE970 connected to 10 Gpbs of the other RBE970 satellite.
Prior to that I had a TP-Link TL-SX105 10Gbps switch in between c) to d), and c) to e). But the guest network did not work for the satellites. Everything else worked as a true 10Gbps network, including the main Wifi. The only issue was the guest network, because of the 192.168.2.X.
And even before that I had a) and b) and all 10Gbps LAN ports of RBE971 and RBE970 connected to the CRS 312 switch. That did not work for main Wifi, you can't have the RBE971 WAN and LAN port on the same switch as per Netgear support.
Thanks.
If you put a non managed switch, as a temporary test, Get a NG GS 105 or GS305 non managed switch in c) to d), and c) to e). Just connect the GS series switch to one of the other non 10Gb ports behind the RBR for now.
This is only a 1Gb temporary to test to see if you can get both RBS ethernet connected BEHIND the RBR with a non managed switch in between and Guest Network working. Thinking there is something going on with the Tp-Link switch, may not a fully non managed as they say. I have tested the above NG model switches with my 970 series and all works when ethernet connected in between the RBR and RBS when not using my XS505M and GS110MX.
WAN and LAN ports from the RBR can not be ever connected to the same switch. Causes a network loop and arp storm. All must be daisy chained connection wise.
Thanks, I ordered a Netgear switch and I'll post the result when I get it.
One support technician did suggest a Netgear switch at some point due to their "proprietary backhaul solution", but when we searched at length for a 10Gbps consumer one they could not find one. Still want to know though. If the slower speed works then I'll buy their small 10Gbps consumer switch if they have one coming out.
My Orbi system is past the return date, I regret not fully testing the Guest network earlier but I was happy with everything else working.
NG XS505M or XS508M and GS110MX are 10Gb support. I have the 505M and 110MX. Both work with my BE systems.
Trust me, GN will work. Just need right Switch in between.
There are long standing known issues with managed switches in between the RBR and RBS. Why there not recommended in these configurations in between the RBR and RBS. And honestly, not really needed, where non managed switches work just fine here.
Also experienced with keeping brands with in brands and not use cross brands in the mix. Seen odd issues and though brands should be using same specs and tech, there are some odd differences that can introduce odd issues and problems. So learned a while ago, with Orbi systems, keep with NG for networking connections and switches. Will help limit the problems.Unfortunately, using a Netgear GS105 in between the RBE971 and the RBE970 did not work. However, the problem was clearly different than before.
At first everything worked for at least 4 hours with a device connected to the Guest WiFi from one of the satellites. Full internet, zero problems, as fast I can expect with that switch in there. I even ordered a Netgear SX508M thinking my problem was solved.
But four hours into it the Guest Network lost internet and the RBE971 was suddenly logged as to having abnormally high network activity (reported to my attention by the Firewalla router). And the guest network stopped working. And the main WiFi experienced a slow down as well with difficulty reaching the net.What happened at that time? Another device started using the Guest Network on the other satellite at the other end of the house. And things came crumbling down.
When I removed the switch everything started working again, with the satellites directly connected into the Orbi, one on 10Gbps port, the other on a 2.5Gpbs port as before. Put back the switch in and the problem can be made to reoccur. Remove it and it goes away. Simple.
I'll repeat the experiment with the Netgear SX508M since it is on its way, but I'm not holding high hopes in light of the above. I'll post the outcome when I try it out.
Thanks for the advice, this definitely got further than before, and I appreciate any other insight.[But why can't they offer a proper option for a standard VLAN tag instead remains a mystery to me. A standard and tailormade L2 solution for all of AP mode, Guest Networks and Unmanaged Switches. The Qualcomm system they use shouldn't even blink on this VLAN stuff.]