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

Forum Discussion

ApexShadow's avatar
ApexShadow
Aspirant
Feb 20, 2026
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 e...
orbi 970 series
  • ApexShadow's avatar
    ApexShadow
    Mar 10, 2026

    Issue resolved, follow the steps as listed below in order to change the Domain Name Server (DNS) settings of your NETGEAR router device.

    Steps:

    1. Launch a web browser from a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your Orbi router network.
    2. Search www.orbilogin.com in the address bar of your web browser.
    3. Enter the username and password.
    4. The BASIC page displays.
    5. Select Internet.
      The Internet Setup page displays.
    6. Under the Domain Name Server (DNS) Address section, select the radio button for Use these DNS Servers.
    7. Enter your primary DNS address as 1.1.1.1 and secondary DNS address as 8.8.8.8.
    8. Click Apply.
ApexShadow's avatar
ApexShadow
Aspirant
Feb 22, 2026

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
FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Feb 22, 2026

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.