Constant Speed Issues

[Rneal1973]

First, thank you, Netgear, for the confusing branding. Logged into my system's UI, the main unit is an MR80, the satellites MS80 -- Searching by either of those results in no hits. But sure enough, the spec sheet is MK83, anyway...

I have Verizon FIOS 1GB internet service. Performing a speed test on Wi-Fi connected devices, I'm typically north of 250Mbps. Everything is fine, a few days go by, downloads go to pot, websites aren't snappy and I already know what's happening, speed test will show sub 5Mbps speeds, that's not a typo.

I thought maybe firmware; all devices are on the latest. The 2.4Ghz band is on channel 11, 5Ghz band on 48. On the device I use most frequently I'm on Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and the 5Ghz band. To rule out the device, I can turn off mobile data on my phone, a Pixel 8, and get the same behavior.

Rebooting the MR80 invariably resolves the problem. Does anyone have thoughts around what is most likely causing this behavior?

[michaelkenward]

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@Rneal1973 wrote:

I have Verizon FIOS 1GB internet service.

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What modem/ONT/gateway sits between the MR80 and the Internet?

[Rneal1973]

I'm really not sure how we've gotten so off topic. 😁

I was being a smarta$$ in that a likely way the average consumer will get the model of the equipment is through the web UI. By linking sites to the specific models (not the kit) and linking a post to another user where it shows the MR60 (not, for example MK6x), you're reinforcing my point. See screenshot where the individual device is not found via search.

Let me say it differently -- Netgear should make the individual devices searchable and not just the kit. Most users are likely unaware they need to search for the kit if they want to associate the underlying individual device(s) to their post.

I'd almost think you're trolling me, but I know you're a well-informed responder to countless other posts on these forums. I think we've just gotten our wires crossed. 🤣

[plemans]

So rebooting fixes the issues? 

How frequently does it happen? 

What gateway do you have from Verizon (they're notorious for combo gateways with built-in router)

[Rneal1973]

Yes, rebooting fixes the issue.

Happens maybe every 5 - 7 days.

Not using Verizon's gear. 

ONT in the garage, ethernet run to my pfSense firewall (no Wi-Fi included). Units are configured in Wireless Access mode on their own VLAN.

[plemans]

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@Rneal1973 wrote:

Yes, rebooting fixes the issue.

Happens maybe every 5 - 7 days.

Not using Verizon's gear. 

ONT in the garage, ethernet run to my pfSense firewall (no Wi-Fi included). Units are configured in Wireless Access mode on their own VLAN.

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That just made it more complicated. So you have a verizon ONT that is ran to your PFSense firewall. the firewall has its own routing configured. Then from the firewall, you have vlans thatsplit out to separate units that one of the units is running the MK83 system on. And just the MK system is having issues? Are the other units having issues?

[Rneal1973]

Specifically searching for the individual units in the forum posts, not on the support page. I sent a screenshot, try it for yourself, reply to this/create a new post, search for MR80, you won't find it -- that's all I'm saying.

Not using Verizon's gear.

[Rneal1973]

All the units are on the same VLAN. FWIW, the VLANs and routing were in place well before this issue started occurring. Specifically, Wi-Fi connected devices are having issues. If I turn off mobile data on my phone & run a speed test, the same results. Because at first, I thought maybe the issue was with my wireless NIC on my desktop, but all Wi-Fi devices behave the same. Wired devices remain blazing fast.

I think the next time this occurs, I'll change to the 2.4Ghz band on my desktop and see if the issue persists.

[plemans]

Is the MK system in AP mode? Otherwise, you're in a double nat. I've not used PFSense in years so not sure if it has a DMZ you can set for the MK system so its not in the double nat. 

It gets a little tougher to troubleshoot when there's more things between the router and the gateway as pfsense could be doing its own thing that's causing issues. It wouldn't be the first time an update caused issues. Not saying that is the case, but I always follow the KISS (keep it simple stupid) when troubleshooting networking gear as strange things can cause issues. 

If anything 2.4ghz slower. Its a slow network that can broadcast further than 5ghz. And its sensitive to interference.