Only some devices with DNS problems

[CR-sound]

This may be a little different than the current DNS issues discussed...or maybe not. Most of my devices are connecting with no problem (3 Windows 10 computers, a Windows 2012 Server , 4 android phones, lots of smart home devices, couple tablets). Yesterday, I turned on  4 Windows machines that had been  on the network before, but were off. They would not connect,  DNS server not responding. This was the case whether connected via Wifi or Ethernet.  I could connect with the Wifi from the Comcast /Xfinity cable box/router. I prefer, of course to connect to my Orbi mesh network. Seems odd that some machines connect, some don't.

Orbi firmware v2.7.2.104...and btw, I have checked several times this AM and  the Orbi app (android) was unable to tell me whether new firmware was available, "There was a problem checking the firmware."

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

What mode is your modem working in? Router or Bridge?

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

You can manully update FW to the RBW if it needs to be udpated. 

[CR-sound]

BTW: I did reboot the router.

[FURRYe38]

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

Has both RBR and ISP modem/ONT been powered OFF for 30 seconds then back ON with the ISP modem first, then RBR? 

Does checing FW updates on the RBRs web page show anything? 

[CR-sound]

Checked from the desktop access. I have  2 RBS 50s and an RBS50Y (outdoor satellite) with no firmware updates required. The RBR50 shows no firmware update available. The RBW30 satellite  has current firmware of   v.2.5.0.4 and shows update failed. The units I was unable to get DNS on were connecting via an RBS50 trying both wifi and  ethernet.

BTW: the units with the DNS issues connect to the local network and server  domain with no problem.

I have not recyled the Comcast router;  they list it as Technicolor CGM4140COM.

RBR50 settings include allowing new devices to connect.

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

What mode is your modem working in? Router or Bridge?

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

You can manully update FW to the RBW if it needs to be udpated. 

[CrimpOn]

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@CR-sound wrote:

Yesterday, I turned on  4 Windows machines that had been  on the network before, but were off. They would not connect,  DNS server not responding.

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You've probably already checked, but:

• These 4 Windows computers were on the Orbi network previously?
• Their IPv4 properties say to get IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server using DHCP?
• What does the command ipconfig /all report for the ethernet and the WiFi interfaces?
  (obviously one at a time, depending on how they are connected.)

[CR-sound]

I ended up  setting the Orbi in Access Point Mode...The Comcast/Xfinity modem is designed, it seems , to be really hard to tweak.

Seems OK now.  Thanks!

[FURRYe38]

Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy.