Re: Orbi mesh wifi vs Centurylink Fiber Optic = Orbi win

tummie93 · ‎2020-02-24

How to install Orbi mesh wifi with Centurylink Fiber Optic

Call Centurylink for your pppoe username and password and vlan number which is (201)
Have laptop and ethernet wire
Log on to orbilogin.net
On Basic tab
Make sure you have to the most updated firmware on your router and satellite
Once you determine your software is up to date
Enter your internet service provider pppoe and password
Go into your Advanced tab
Advance setting change to vlan to 201
Follow orbi instruction on set up
Your internet should connect

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-02-24

Great write up. Thanks for posing. Hope this helps those with CL Fiber services.

Retired_Member · ‎2020-02-25

@tummie93 wrote:
How to install Orbi mesh wifi with Centurylink Fiber Optic

Call Centurylink for your pppoe username and password and vlan number which is (201)
Have laptop and ethernet wire
Log on to orbilogin.net
On Basic tab
Make sure you have to the most updated firmware on your router and satellite
Once you determine your software is up to date
Enter your internet service provider pppoe and password
Go into your Advanced tab
Advance setting change to vlan to 201
Follow orbi instruction on set up
Your internet should connect
I wouldn't worry about step#5

Once 'connected' to the Internet, the Orbi/Sat should check whether a update is required and the push will be automatically. But even if someone where to follow this sequence and get to #5 and discover the FW is outdated (which may be the case coming out of the box), how do they update it if the Internet connection is at step#11??

tummie93 · ‎2020-02-25

That's not the case for me. There was no prompt to update the firmware. I couldn't connect onto the orbi wifi and kept running into issue. I had to restart the whole process. Had to do step 1 and all the way to step 11 before the Orbi router connected. To update the firmware I was still connected to my old CL router. Once the firmware was updated, Vlan showed up in the Orbilogin.net therefore i was able to log on and change the Vlan to 201 or else nothing will work.

tummie93 · ‎2020-02-25

I prob missed a step...

If firmware is not up to date. Need to connect back to CL router for wifi access to update firmware.

Retired_Member · ‎2020-02-25

@tummie93 wrote:
I prob missed a step...

If firmware is not up to date. Need to connect back to CL router for wifi access to update firmware.

Seems like a lot of work using the ISP. My case with Cox, just swapped out old router and took off.

Thanks for the explanation.

cboglio · ‎2020-03-23

I followed the instructions above how it wont connect to the internet. I have the PPPoE credentials from Centurylink and inputed the information. I also did the VLAN 201 tagging.

Any thoughts?

cboglio · ‎2020-03-23

I added a second screenshot

tummie93 · ‎2020-03-23

U sure the router and both satellite software is updated?

cboglio · ‎2020-03-23

@tummie93 wrote:
U sure the router and both satellite software is updated?

Yes. I checked in both the Orbi app and online router config page.

V 2.5.1.8

Im at a loss.

cboglio · ‎2020-03-23

does IPv6 vs IPv4 make a difference? The current CL CZ3000 router shows an IPv4 address, but nothing for IPv6. However IPv6 is the only option on the Orbi advanced settings page.

Could that the issue?

Retired_Member · ‎2020-03-24

@cboglio wrote:
@tummie93 wrote:
U sure the router and both satellite software is updated?
Yes. I checked in both the Orbi app and online router config page.

V 2.5.1.8

Im at a loss.

This is your problem: V 2.5.1.8

Get rid of it

cboglio · ‎2020-03-24

What do you mean get rid of it? What’s wrong with the version? Is there a newer? Do I need to downgrade? Is that possible?

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-03-24

Be sure the ISP modem is fully bridged.

Modem Combo Units:
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

@cboglio wrote:
does IPv6 vs IPv4 make a difference? The current CL CZ3000 router shows an IPv4 address, but nothing for IPv6. However IPv6 is the only option on the Orbi advanced settings page.

Could that the issue?

cboglio · ‎2020-03-24

I don’t want to bridge. I rather replace CL C3000z modem and run the ONT directly into the Orbi RBK50

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-03-24

Try the bridge first to see if this helps with the configuration. Or try option #2.

When you try the ONT direct with the RBR, be sure to power OFF the ONT for 1 minute along with the RBR. Power back ON the ONT then after it's ready, power ON the RBR. You might even factory reset the RBR and walk the setup wizard here as well.

Also try the Orbi in AP mode with the ISP Modem...

@cboglio wrote:
I don’t want to bridge. I rather replace CL C3000z modem and run the ONT directly into the Orbi RBK50

Retired_Member · ‎2020-03-24

@FURRYe38 wrote:
Try the bridge first to see if this helps with the configuration. Or try option #2.

@cboglio wrote:
I don’t want to bridge. I rather replace CL C3000z modem and run the ONT directly into the Orbi RBK50

I don’t want to bridge....I get it....don't you?

cboglio · ‎2020-03-24

@FURRYe38 wrote:
Try the bridge first to see if this helps with the configuration. Or try option #2.

When you try the ONT direct with the RBR, be sure to power OFF the ONT for 1 minute along with the RBR. Power back ON the ONT then after it's ready, power ON the RBR. You might even factory reset the RBR and walk the setup wizard here as well.

Also try the Orbi in AP mode with the ISP Modem...

Thanks the tip about the power cycling the ONT. I hadn't done that mainly becuase it screwed on the outlet (wierd, I know - i guess they didnt want it accidentally unplug it...lol).

I currently running options 3 (as stated above) - CL C3000Z all radios off and Orbi AP mode. Curious is there any speed difference between Orbi router vs AP mode? I doubt there is but I thought I might ask. How is bridge mode different?

Another thing I saw in the forums is that Centurylink is different areas might have different VLAN tags? Is that the case? Im using 201 but its not working.

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-03-24

Speeds should be same if not faster. Since running in AP mode, performances are less impacted than in router mode.

Bridge mode is a modes seen on modem combo units or on routers with wireless bridging features. You can change a router into a wireless client in wireless bridge mode. Something that Orbi systems don't support. Bridge mode should be confused or used in place of AP mode.

@cboglio wrote:

Thanks the tip about the power cycling the ONT. I hadn't done that mainly becuase it screwed on the outlet (wierd, I know - i guess they didnt want it accidentally unplug it...lol).

I currently running options 3 (as stated above) - CL C3000Z all radios off and Orbi AP mode. Curious is there any speed difference between Orbi router vs AP mode? I doubt there is but I thought I might ask. How is bridge mode different?

Another thing I saw in the forums is that Centurylink is different areas might have different VLAN tags? Is that the case? Im using 201 but its not working.

cboglio · ‎2020-03-24

So i guess I have keep the setup that I'm currently using - option 3 (CL modem/router wireless radios disabled + Orbi RBK50 in AP mode)

OR

CL C3000Z modem in bridge mode + Orbi RBK50 in router mode.

Any benefits of either one?

Retired_Member · ‎2020-03-24

@cboglio wrote:
So i guess I have keep the setup that I'm currently using - option 3 (CL modem/router wireless radios disabled + Orbi RBK50 in AP mode)

OR

CL C3000Z modem in bridge mode + Orbi RBK50 in router mode.

Any benefits of either one?

do you need this...CL C3000Z modem?

If not.....get a modem that acts like a modem

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-03-24

If the modem can be bridged, you can take advantage of the Orbi router features which are usually better and have more features for you to use. If your not to concerned about the features of the Orbi and if AP mode works for you, then use the Orbi in AP mode.

https://kb.netgear.com/26765/Disabled-Features-on-the-Router-when-set-to-AP-Mode

You might ask your ISP if they have a modem only option that down't include any built in router or wifi features. Some ISP service may need the modem/router combo though. Worth asking about.

@cboglio wrote:
So i guess I have keep the setup that I'm currently using - option 3 (CL modem/router wireless radios disabled + Orbi RBK50 in AP mode)

OR

CL C3000Z modem in bridge mode + Orbi RBK50 in router mode.

Any benefits of either one?

cboglio · ‎2020-03-24

I just spent a hour calling tech support multiple times and no luck. The modem/routers they provide are the only "approved" options. I really want to get the ONT direct into Orbi. Everything is up and running fine, I just want to get rid of the extra hardware.

Im doubting this wil be ever possible. T

One more question...

1) Should I be editing the existing "default" VLAN tag

OR

2) create a new VLAN 201 tag (see attached screenshot)

Could there be "overlap" they way I was doing it?

FURRYe38 · ‎2020-03-24

I would try both methods to see what works for you.

Might review these to see if anything helps:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/VLAN-tag-group-VLAN-ID-edit/m-p/1459351

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/VLAN-tagging-for-TPG-NBN/m-p/1658452#M44391

jhoff909 · ‎2020-04-17

I got this working - Orbi connected directly to the ONT. I edited the default vlan tag group. It pretty much just worked. I'm running some beta firmware (2.5.2.1) which as some issues with the list of connected devices and I don't get the full 1g in both directions even for wired devices but it works. I've been promised a firmware update soon. I have ipv6 disabled. I plan to try getting it (ipv6) going but it's hard to find time to "break the internet" for the rest of the household and also get some sleep...

One of the posters suggested that 2.5.1.8 firmware is an issue but stopped responding to questions about it - I'm curious too as what I have is a beta built off of 2.5.1.8 I believe. Is it possible to downgrade? What's the "recommended" older version?

I've got an RBK50 which is an RBR50 and and RBS50 - wasn't one of the choices.