Is there a way to tell an Orbi RBK50 router to completely forget (un-associate/remov) its satellite?

[SteveD_DC]

I have an RBK50 setup (one router, one satellite).  The satellite frequently gets into a state where it broadcasts an SSID and admits clients, but they don't get a path to other devices on the network or the Internet.  I've restored the RBK50 rig from a known/good backup, and done (repeatedly) a factory reset on the satellite.  After each factory reset, the satellite inherits the configuration (including satellite name) from the router.

My thinking is that if the router "forgets" the satellite (as if it was never associated with it) and then I do a factory refresh, I can create the association as if it is a new satellite.

There is documentation on how to add a satellite, but nothing on how to remove it.  Does anyone have an idea here?

Thank you,

Steve

[CrimpOn]

Power the satellite off and in a few minutes the Orbi web browser management interface, Attached Devices, will show the satellite as Disconnected and show an option to delete it.

[SteveD_DC]

That’s great — and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it (and it isn’t in the User Manual).  

Unfortunately, the Orbi is too smart for my own good.  Even after I remove it as you described and do a factory reset, every time it comes back up, the Orbi router recognizes it and I’m back to where I was before.  I usually have it connected via a wired LAN (lucky enough to have a recently-renovated house), so I repeated the process after pulling the Ethernet plug (and let it sync wirelessly) — no difference.  

I can’t seem to make the Orbi and it’s router strangers, so I can’t start it from scratch.

Any suggestions are welcome.

[CrimpOn]

Do a factory reset on the satellite. Router and satellite are paired at the factory. Factory Reser should erase that setting. 

[SteveD_DC]

@CrimpOn, if only that worked. I’ve seen others post the same frustration:  What should do a factory reset fails to do so.  See https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-Satellite-Will-Not-Factory-Reset/td-p/1487086

Just in case I was doing it wrong:  Using a SIM removal tool (better than a paper clip), I pressed the recessed “Reset” button for a good 10-15 seconds — to the point where the green LED has long-since changed to pulsing amber.  

That is supposed to do a factory reset (according to what I’ve read), but that isn’t what happens.  The outcome (even after I tell the router to forget the satellite) is indistinguishable from when the satellite is simply powered off and back on again.  The satellite comes back exactly as before; no factory reset.

I’m 99.9% I was following the correct procedure, but just in case, if I am not, I hope someone will inform me of the fact.

Thank you, Netgear Community, for compensating for poor/non-exiistent Netgear technical support.

[CrimpOn]

Thanks for humoring me.  This is a tremendous disappointment.

1. Turn off the satellite.
2. When Attached Devices says the satellite is Disconnected, Delete it.
3. With paperclip inserted in the Reset hole, power on the satellite and wait until the power LED blinks amber.

And the satellite still connects to the router?  Damn.

If that doesn't work, how about changing the Backhaul password:

Just to put the last "nail in the coffin", do this while the Satellite is powered off.

[SteveD_DC]

Brilliant!  Makes perfect sense!

I wasn’t aware that it was possible to manually reset that.  I am going to try that later today and let you know how it goes.

Wow.

[SteveD_DC]

@CrimpOn, it was a great suggestion.  But even after changing the backhaul password -- and doing a factory reset -- the satellite comes back as before (and the misbehavior continues).  I think I may have to replace it, get a different/newer Orbi, or get a different manufacturer's mesh system.

Thank you for all your help.