Orbi WiFi 7 RBE973
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Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

pshah3334
Tutor

Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

Submitting this topic again in correct forum (instead of general forum).

 

Router - Orbi RBR753 (AX4200)

Firmware version - V4.6.5.14

Main OS for my devices - Windows

 

2 issues after upgrading to this new router from this month -

 

1. I have several devices which support WPA3 protocol but some support only WPA2 or below. I would like to have separate SSID by using particular security protocal. So I can utilize WPA3 for the devices which support this protocol. Devices which do not support it I will use different SSID. I research forum and it looks like it is not supported at all and I have to use guest network to separate it out. Is this correct? If it is then not sure why Orbi has this type of design and why it does not support this simple user's need and why should I use guest network? If multiple SSIDs are not supported by design then wireless settings configuration should have an option to use either WPA2 + WP3 as one of the security option.

 

2. Computer which uses guest network (as it supports only WPA2 or below); I am keep getting disconnected from internet. All other devices are working fine at the same time and no issues at all. I called Netgear support team and they asked me to use Google DNS (instead of ISP's DNS) but no luck yet. Do not know this is happening because I am using guest network OR WPA2 protocal? No idea.

 

FYI - I also tried using USB wifi adapter as initially I thought my built in laptop's wifi card is dying but that did not help. 

 

Any help will be appreciated here.

Message 1 of 8
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi


@pshah3334 wrote:

Submitting this topic again in correct forum (instead of general forum).

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

 

Router - Orbi RBR753 (AX4200)

Firmware version - V4.6.5.14

Main OS for my devices - Windows

You may need to factory reset the system and power the system OFF as well. 
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WiFi-6-AX-and-WiFi-6E-AXE/New-RBR850-RBS850-Firmware-Version-4...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WiFi-6-AX-and-WiFi-6E-AXE/New-RBR850-RBS850-Firmware-Version-4...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WiFi-6-AX-and-WiFi-6E-AXE/New-RBR850-RBS850-Firmware-Version-4...

2 issues after upgrading to this new router from this month -

 

1. I have several devices which support WPA3 protocol but some support only WPA2 or below. I would like to have separate SSID by using particular security protocal. Separation of SSIDs is not support on Orbi systems. So I can utilize WPA3 for the devices which support this protocol. Devices which do not support it I will use different SSID. I research forum and it looks like it is not supported at all and I have to use guest network to separate it out. Is this correct? Yes. If it is then not sure why Orbi has this type of design and why it does not support this simple user's need and why should I use guest network? If multiple SSIDs are not supported by design then wireless settings configuration should have an option to use either WPA2 + WP3 as one of the security option.

There was problems with WPA2 and WPA3 working together and the WPA level. NG removed the mixed mode option. Not sure if or when NG will fix that.

 

2. Computer which uses guest network (as it supports only WPA2 or below); I am keep getting disconnected from internet. All other devices are working fine at the same time and no issues at all. I called Netgear support team and they asked me to use Google DNS (instead of ISP's DNS) but no luck yet. Do not know this is happening because I am using guest network OR WPA2 protocal? No idea.

If other devices are working ok on Guest Netowrk and this on Computer does not, I would review the computer for issues. Ensure it's wifi adapter drivers are up to date. Contact the mfr of this adapter for additional Help and support. 

 

FYI - I also tried using USB wifi adapter as initially I thought my built in laptop's wifi card is dying but that did not help. 

 

 


 

Message 2 of 8
pshah3334
Tutor

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

Thank you for your quick response on my questions.

Additional information you asked for - ATT Uverse Modem - 5268AC FXN

 

For #1 - Not sure when I spent $400 for router why can't have this simple feature (to support devices both based on WPA2 and WPA3 protocols). I hope NetGear team works on this as priority basis as many people raised this concern.

 

For #2 - I already used USB adapter (and not what comes with my laptop) and same behavior. When I ran ipconfig command it is not using same gateway as I am seeing on other devices. According Netgear support team for some reason it uses modem's gateway for some reason. But they do not know why? Also, this issue started after changing my router to use WiFi6 capabilities. 

Message 3 of 8
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop

 

I would post about asking NG getting Mixed WPA modes on Orbi AX systems here:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Idea-Exchange-For-Home/idb-p/idea-exchange-for-home

 

Or open a support ticket and let NG know about this:

https://www.netgear.com/support/#

Message 4 of 8
pshah3334
Tutor

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

Thank you for your quick and detailed explaination to help me out here.

 

1. I already turned OFF WiFi to my ISP modem/router earlier.

2. I did not know about AP mode until I saw your response. I made this change also. Let's see how it goes?

 

 

Message 5 of 8
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

👍

Message 6 of 8
pshah3334
Tutor

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

 

@FURRYe38 

 

After using AP mode, it looks like my laptop (which uses guest network with WPA2) is having similar gateway IP address what I have on regular device (with WPA3). So I did not come across any issue related to loosing internet after that.

 

Because I used AP mode I came across one major hiccup. My active armor subscription does not work any more which is unfortunate.

Going through one after another hurdle. I hope Netgear Orbi designers are reading these posts and understand practical issues their consumers are facing.

 

The following post explains the same thing. 

 

https://kb.netgear.com/000061880/Does-Armor-work-when-my-Orbi-or-Nighthawk-router-is-in-AP-mode

 

Message 7 of 8
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Not able to have multiple SSID on Orbi

Netgear has set up a community forum specifically for the Armor product. Most of the people who watch that forum are more likely to have experience with Armor and know how to work it better than those of us who follow this Orbi AX forum. Might be more likely to find someone who has a solution if the question is posted there:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/NETGEAR-Armor/bd-p/en-home-armor
https://www.netgear.com/landings/armor
Good Luck.

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