Intel AC 3168 WiFi Adapter Intermittent connection to Orbi Network
Team,
TL'DR:
Two identical gaming Cyberpower gaming PCs (purchased this year) both of which are having intermittent connections issues to the Orbi network. They were rock-solid UNTIL Orbo was introduced about a month ago. Eversince Orbi showed up, they won't hold a connection, bounce between 2.4ghz & 5ghz and often won't connect to either. When they do connect a speed test will show a gradual slowdown of network speed. Additonaly, None of the 20+ other devices on the network have issues. (these include 4 macbooks, my brandnew gaming PC 1MM Alexas, a Smart Things hub and acompaning devices and like 45 Apple iPads, phone etc)
Orbi Set Up:
NETGEAR - Orbi AX4200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System
Model:RBK752-100NAS
Router Mode
Broadcast power reduced to 50%
Router is ~ 30-40 ft from Sat and have tried various positions
Most recent drivers installed
ISP / Internet Config:
Comcast Xfinity Modem in bridge mode
(wifi & hotspot disabled)
PC Set Up:
Both wifi adaptors (Intel AC 3168s) have drivers updated to most recent.
Both are set to prioritize 5Ghz bands.
All windows updates are current.
Things I've tried:
Reading for hours on these forums
Rebuilding the Orbi Network (several times) from factory (including starting with Xfinity Modem in Bridge)
Varying the distance of satalite and router
Tinkering with driver settings on the AC 3168
Using USB wifi adaptors in the gaming PCs (this works but is a non-solution)
What's most frusterating (if you've read this long) is that these PCs work JUST FINE on the Xfinity WiFi Network and will connect to the neighbors as well. ONLY when connected to the orbi network do they have these issues.
I'm surprised the Windows advanced driver option doesn't let you select only 5Ghz (as opposed to "prioritize 5Ghz"). I have no idea for "Roaming Aggressiveness" sounds like something you can experiment with too, i.e., try Lowest and then also try Highest.
Re: Intel AC 3168 WiFi Adapter Intermittent connection to Orbi Network
Good question @Mikey94025 . Some reading at one point indicated the router and sattelite were too close together so reducing the power could help. I just never moved it back up after moving them 30' apart.
Good question @Mikey94025 . Some reading at one point indicated the router and sattelite were too close together so reducing the power could help. I just never moved it back up after moving them 30' apart.
I would leave power at 100% unless you have strong reasons to adjust it. Certainly try at 100% and see if it helps with your particular wifi adapter issues.
What happens if you disable AX Mode. Then turn AX mode back on?
Try changing CTS to 2347 under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings.
What were the results of changing CTS/RTS to 2347 and/or toggling the AX mode for the 2.4Ghz band (and then also try 5Ghz band)? These two configuration options seem to be the best way to improve compatibility with older wireless devices. Yes, your gaming PC is not that old but these options may still affect (i.e., improve) your problemmatic Intel wireless adapter behavior.
