Orbi network -- IP address conflicts (AC2200/RBK33)

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JVK1 wrote:

Is there something in the settings, possibly under 'Advanced', to force the router to expand the IP address range or else automatically apply a new IP address in case of a conflict? I have 16 devices in the house and only 6-7 are wireless -- there should be plenty of room in the IP allocation to handle everything, so how can I preemptively avoid these conflicts?

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Yes, indeed.  On the Orbi web interface, Advanced Tab, Setup, LAN Setup there are two features that might help:

• The Orbi's DHCP server can be configured to assign IP addresses from only a portion of the IP subnet.
  For example, the Orbi could be set up to assign addresses from 2-99.  Then you can use "static IP's" on devices from 100-250 (or the reverse).
• Device "assignment" is what I use instead of static IP's. I put each device MAC address into the table along with the IP address I want it to have.  That way, when I  want to "move them around" I just change the table rather than logging into each device.

Orbi's IP assignment appears to have definite flaws.  It seems to react to DHCP requests in a strange sequence.  Devices contact the DHCP server and say, "can I have IP address 192.168.1.x?" and the Orbi says, "Sure, you had it before, go ahead."  When what it SHOULD be doing is saying, "sorry, but no.  the Boss says you have to use a different IP address from now on."  My technique for forcing a device to change IP addresses when Orbi doesn't force it to is to (a) turn off the device, (b) haul out my old smartphone, (c) set it to a static address that I want the device to quit using, and then power on the device.  It will ask for its old IP and the Orbi will say, "Sorry, that IP is in use right now.  Here, take the IP that I find in this table."

Sorry to rave on.