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Solved
Urgent – Intermittent Audio Drops on Orbi RBE973S WiFi 7 (Firmware v9.13.2.1)
I am currently experiencing intermittent audio drop issues during Microsoft Teams calls on my Orbi RBE973S when connected to the WiFi 7 network, running the latest firmware (v9.13.2.1).
This is extremely disappointing, especially for a flagship Orbi WiFi 7 system positioned at a premium price point. I expect stable and reliable performance for basic business communication use cases such as Teams calls. While the network connection itself remains active and does not disconnect, the audio drops intermittently during calls, making it disruptive and unreliable for work.
When firmware v9.13.2.1 was first released, the issue appeared to be resolved. However, after a few weeks, the same symptoms returned.
Importantly:
- The issue only occurs when connected to the WiFi 7 network.
- When I switch to the IoT network (2.4GHz / 5GHz, presumably WiFi 6), the problem disappears completely.
- When using my 5G mobile network, Teams calls are perfectly stable with no audio interruptions.
This strongly suggests a problem related specifically to the WiFi 7 implementation rather than my ISP or devices.
For comparison, I have installed a TP-Link WiFi 7 (BE19000) router at my parents’ home, and it has not experienced any audio drop issues since day one — despite being significantly more affordable. This makes the situation even more frustrating given the premium pricing of the Orbi RBE973S.
I respectfully request that Netgear investigate this issue urgently and provide a permanent fix. A flagship WiFi 7 product should deliver stable, enterprise-grade reliability — especially for real-time communication applications.
I sincerely hope this issue is acknowledged and addressed as soon as possible.
Issue resolved, follow the steps as listed below in order to change the Domain Name Server (DNS) settings of your NETGEAR router device.
Steps:- Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your Orbi router network.
- Search www.orbilogin.com in the address bar of your web browser.
- Enter the username and password.
- The BASIC page displays.
- Select Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays. - Under the Domain Name Server (DNS) Address section, select the radio button for Use these DNS Servers.
- Enter your primary DNS address as 1.1.1.1 and secondary DNS address as 8.8.8.8.
- Click Apply.
11 Replies
I encountered the issue on a Dell Pro 13 Plus equipped with an Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE201 (320MHz) adapter, running the latest driver version (24.20.0.3). My internet connection is 10Gbps, and the RBE973S is operating in Router mode with default settings.
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?
Using ISP detected DNS or custom DNS?
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?
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Protection Engine, Traffic Meter.
For the Intel WiFI adapter, how is it's Preferred Band set for in the adapters advanced settings? Try setting for BOTH or just 6Ghz.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
- ONT from Singtel, XGSPON Optical Network Unit, 10 Gbps
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR?
- IPv6 disabled
Using ISP detected DNS or custom DNS?
- ISP detected DNS (Default Setting)
How many RBS are deployed?
- 3 RBS deployed
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
- 1238 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.
- All my end devices are connected wirelessly. When I first set up the router, everything worked perfectly with no issues. The audio dropouts only started after a few months, which makes me suspect it could be related to the router firmware or the WiFi 7 drivers on the end devices, since I never experienced any problems when using WiFi 6.
- The latest firmware (9.13.2.1) initially fixed the issue, but unfortunately the symptoms have returned. I don’t think it’s related to satellite placement since I haven’t moved it from its original position since day one.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
- YES
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
- I never tested wired and didn’t plan to, otherwise, I wouldn’t have spent money on an expensive wireless router just to get WiFi 7. Makes sense?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
- Default (2.4 GHz Channel: Auto; 5 GHz Channel: 48)
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
- There are 3 neighbors on my level (Level 3), and 4 neighbors each on Level 2 and Level 4.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Protection Engine, Traffic Meter.
- My office laptop only has Zscaler and CrowdStrike installed, and I’m unable to disable them.
For the Intel WiFI adapter, how is it's Preferred Band set for in the adapters advanced settings? Try setting for BOTH or just 6Ghz.
- Both
Ya for the size of apt, just the RBR is ONLY needed. The size is too small to have the RBS deployed. Too much wifi over saturation and too much wifi over lap.
Once you get into the bigger home, then try ONE RBS first. Should only need the RBR and ONE RBS for 3k sq ft home.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
- Singtel, ONT - XGSPON Optical Network Unit
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR?
- Disabled
Using ISP detected DNS or custom DNS?
- ISP Default
How many RBS are deployed?
- 3
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
- 1238
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 🛰
- All my end devices are connected wirelessly. When I first set up the router, everything worked perfectly with no issues. The audio dropouts only started after a few months, which makes me suspect it could be related to the router firmware or the WiFi 7 drivers on the end devices, since I never experienced any problems when using WiFi 6.
- The latest firmware (9.13.2.1) initially fixed the issue, but unfortunately the symptoms have returned. I don’t think it’s related to satellite placement since I haven’t moved it from its original position since day one.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
- Yes
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
- I never tested wired and didn’t plan to, otherwise, I wouldn’t have spent money on an expensive wireless router just to get WiFi 7. Makes sense?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
- Default (2.4 GHz Channel: Auto; 5 GHz Channel: 48)
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
- There are 3 neighbors on my level (Level 3), and 4 neighbors each on Level 2 and Level 4.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Protection Engine, Traffic Meter.
- My office laptop only has Zscaler and CrowdStrike installed, and I’m unable to disable them.
For the Intel WiFI adapter, how is it's Preferred Band set for in the adapters advanced settings? Try setting for BOTH or just 6Ghz.
- Both
Wow! A 3 mesh system for a 1238 sq.ft space! I am using one RS500 router for covering 2800 sq ft! Your issue is over coverage and hence the wifi interference.
This location is temporary, and I’ll be moving to a 3,000 sq ft home soon. Even here, at just 1,238 sq ft, I’ve never noticed any interference (at least none that I’m aware of). The latest firmware update did fixed the audio drop issue, because the issue came back, I’m currently using the 5 GHz IoT network and I didn't experience any audio drops.
Do you have any suggestions on how to resolve this with WIFI 7?
You can temporarily use only the Orbi router and disconnect the satellites. Restart your router after disconnecting the satellites.
Issue resolved, follow the steps as listed below in order to change the Domain Name Server (DNS) settings of your NETGEAR router device.
Steps:- Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your Orbi router network.
- Search www.orbilogin.com in the address bar of your web browser.
- Enter the username and password.
- The BASIC page displays.
- Select Internet.
The Internet Setup page displays. - Under the Domain Name Server (DNS) Address section, select the radio button for Use these DNS Servers.
- Enter your primary DNS address as 1.1.1.1 and secondary DNS address as 8.8.8.8.
- Click Apply.
Seems to maybe have been an ISP DNS issues then.
Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡
