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Re: Orbi RBR50

88keez
Aspirant

Orbi RBR50

Purchased this Router with 2 satellites because of the area it needs to cover.  However, the router and 1 satellite shows "green" where the 2nd satellite is "orange" - I can't get it to register "green".  The 2nd satellite is the farthest and is iffy as far as being to connect the computer to the internet. Very frustrating.  I've also noticed that it's using a 5 ghz band rather than the 2.4 ghz.  Is there a way to change it to the 2.4 ghz for distance?  I've tried to reset this a couple of times but don't know what I'm doing wrong.

Message 1 of 14
tomschmidt
Virtuoso

Re: Orbi RBR50

The "amber" color indicates that the signal is fair.  If possible, more that satellite closer to the router, or closer to the first satellite if you have daisy chaining enabled.  The backhaul will prefer to use the dedicated 5GHz frequency, but could fall to using the 2.4GHz frequency if the signal is weak. Building materials (i.e. concrete walls, chimneys, plaster, etc) can block WiFi signals.

 

See https://kb.netgear.com/31030/What-do-the-LEDs-on-my-Orbi-router-and-satellite-mean for what the colors on the Orbis mean.

Model: RBK53|Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi System
Message 2 of 14
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi RBR50

What Firmware is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?

 

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router

Message 3 of 14
88keez
Aspirant

Re: Orbi RBR50

The modem is an Arris TG852 (Sparklight).  The router and satellites are being used on the main level of a 4600 sq. ft. house.  Router and one satellite are about 42' straight down a hall from each other and the second satellite is approx. 40 ft. from first satellite in an outside room.  The  1st statellite to 2nd one goes through basically 2-3 walls (just wood & siding) to outside room.  These are rated up to 7000 sq. ft. for shouldn't be having a problem.

Message 4 of 14
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi RBR50

What mode is the Arris modem/router working in? Bridged or Router mode. If in router mode, This would be a double NAT 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 too have SparkLight, though not the same modem. 

 

What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

 

Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

 


@88keez wrote:

The modem is an Arris TG852 (Sparklight).  The router and satellites are being used on the main level of a 4600 sq. ft. house.  Router and one satellite are about 42' straight down a hall from each other and the second satellite is approx. 40 ft. from first satellite in an outside room.  The  1st statellite to 2nd one goes through basically 2-3 walls (just wood & siding) to outside room.  These are rated up to 7000 sq. ft. for shouldn't be having a problem.


 

Message 5 of 14
88keez
Aspirant

Re: Orbi RBR50

Unfortunately, you are speaking a language that I don't understand.  Makes me think I need some kind of tech specialist, which isn't going to happen.  It would be nice, if when you purchase a system, there are instructions to show the procedure.  Very much appreciate your knowledge and attempt to help.

Message 6 of 14
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi RBR50

Contact Sparklight and have them help you with the modem. They can ensure the modem is in the right mode for having a router connected to it. Bridge mode is preferred if you have Orbi in router mode. If anything for ease of getting it working, try the AP mode on the Orbi RBR. Videos linked should be helpful. 

 

Might ask a friend or neighbor with some experineces to help you out as well if needed. 

 

 

Message 7 of 14
tomschmidt
Virtuoso

Re: Orbi RBR50

@88keez, verify that you have Daisy Chaining enabled.  Login to the web interface of the router and click on the "Advanced" tab and navigate to "Advanced Setup" -> "Wireless Settings".  Toward the bottom of the screen, verify that "Enable Daisy-Chain Topology" is selected (check mark in the box).  If it is not enabled, then your second satellite is trying to get its backhaul WiFi signal from the router rather than the first satellite, thus your signal would be weak going that much distance.

 

If you do have Daisy Chaining enabled, then try to move Satellite 2 closer to Satellite 1, possibly by moving each of them a few feet closer to each other.  Do not move Satellite 1 too far from the router though for its signal to be become weak.

Model: RBK53|Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi System
Message 8 of 14
88keez
Aspirant

Re: Orbi RBR50

Thanks.  Was able to get on there and saw that Daisy Chaining is enabled.  Would Beamforming help or cause problems with other devices?

Message 9 of 14
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi RBR50

Beamforming mostly helps, however as a troubleshooting test, you can disable it if needed. 

MIMO and FAST Roaming can be disabled as well. Usually MIMO is enabled if you have MIMO supporting devices, newer phones and pads. 

Message 10 of 14
tomschmidt
Virtuoso

Re: Orbi RBR50

Would beamforming, fast roaming and MU-MIMO options have any affect on the backhaul 5GHz signal? I would think that they would affect WiFi clients.

 

If you have the Orbi app installed on your smart phone, check the Network Map display on it to verify that it shows Satellite 2 connected to Satellite 1 rather than to the router.  From the main screen, touch the Router image at the top and it will show the Network Map. The web interface unfortunately lacks the Network Map feature.

 

If the Network Map shows a "star configuration" (both satellites bound to the router), then you may need to reset the second satellite to try to get it to bind to Satellite 1 to be a "daisy chain" configuration as desired.

Model: RBK53|Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi System
Message 11 of 14
88keez
Aspirant

Re: Orbi RBR50

Yes - it is coming from Satellite 1.  I turned on Beamforming and will see if this helps as I'm not able to move the Satellites any closer to each other.  So appreciate this education from everyone.

Message 12 of 14
tomschmidt
Virtuoso

Re: Orbi RBR50

Good, that verifies Daisy Chaining is working.  Make sure that your 5GHz power is at 100% in the Advanced Wifi Settings page so that the backhaul power is at the maximum.  If it is falling back to using the 2.4GHz frequency, then make sure it is also set to 100%.

 

Since you cannot move the satellites any closer to each other, hopefully beamforming may improve the signal strength to your second satellite.

 


@88keez wrote:

Yes - it is coming from Satellite 1.  I turned on Beamforming and will see if this helps as I'm not able to move the Satellites any closer to each other.  So appreciate this education from everyone.


 

Message 13 of 14
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi RBR50

Be sure that 30 feet is your starting point distance between the RBR and RBS. Farther is recommended if buiding materials are of wood and such. Concrete and metal, ya you'll need to move them closer. 


@88keez wrote:

Yes - it is coming from Satellite 1.  I turned on Beamforming and will see if this helps as I'm not able to move the Satellites any closer to each other.  So appreciate this education from everyone.


 

Message 14 of 14
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