Re: RBR50, RBS50

S_hui · ‎2023-09-06

Hi , I have been using RBR50 router and couple of RBS50 satellites with ethernet backhaul for a while now. Recently I am noticing that the satellites will loose connection to router (it shows both satellites being offline / red in color in orbi app) when I connect one particular MacBook Pro M1 laptop to the Wi-Fi. Occasionally the connection between the router and gateway/modem will also appear red. This does not happen when the MacBook Pro is connected using LAN connection (wired) to one of the satellites. I have tried factory reset of the router and satellites, but the problem persists. and oddly it is only when one particular hardware that is the Apple MacBook Pro M1 is connected to Wi-Fi. There are multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi and LAN throughout the house (total count 36 on average) and the situation does not repeat with any other laptop / desktop or any other devices connecting to the Wi-Fi.

My set-up is orbi router connected to an ATT fiber modem. IP pass thru on modem and Wi-Fi turned off . the router is in 1st floor with two satellites in basement and second floor hardwired to the router through multiple LAN switches. The firmware version has been manually updated to latest V2.7.5.4 - this was done recently to try and fix the connection drop issue, but the problem is persisting.

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-09-07

How are the RBS ethernet connected to the RBR? Directly to the back of the RBR or is there a LAN switch or patch panel in the middle?

What CAT# LAN cable are you using? CAT6 is recommended.

How many RBS are deployed?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and 📡 satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR📡 and RBS🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly or ethernet connected.

S_hui · ‎2023-09-07

The two RBS satellites are in basement and upstair loft. The ethernet (cat 7 cable) from router connects to a TP link switch, from which the basement satellite is connected. The upstair loft satellite has another TP link switch that in between. I think it is reasonable to assume that the wired backhaul is done correctly as it works most of the time. The problem that I am encountering is very odd - I have only noticed the connection drop when I connect one particular MacBook Pro to wifi network. We have multiple devices, laptops, iPads, internet TV, Apple TV , fire stick that is constantly running many using ethernet connection rather than wifi. I am curious if there is any known issue with MacBook Pro and Orbi computability or could this be trigerred by some kind of malware / virus on the MacBook Pro.

S_hui · ‎2023-09-07

CrimpOn · ‎2023-09-07

@S_hui wrote:

I am noticing that the satellites will loose connection to router (it shows both satellites being offline / red in color in orbi app) when I connect one particular MacBook Pro M1 laptop to the Wi-Fi.

Would it be convenient to validate the Orbi 'app' network description with the Orbi web interface Attached Devices display?

i.e.

Before connecting the MacBook, bring up the Attached Devices display and record
- which devices are connected to the router and each satellite.
- the status of both satellites (should be Good, 'wired')
After connecting the MacBook, how does the Attached Devices display change.
(Hint: the display does not update quickly. It may take over 5 minutes. I often click "Update" several times.)
If the satellites actually go "offline", then Attached Devices should reflect that, and there should be no devices connected to either satellite.

Does it matter which Orbi unit the MacBook connects to? (router, basement satellite, loft satellite)?

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-09-09

How many RBS are deployed?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly or ethernet connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-Sy... 📡

What model# are the switches?

@S_hui wrote:

My Setup | ISP ATT Fiber | Internet Fiber 1000↓/Motorola BGW210 | Wifi Router Disabled on Motorola modem-router | Switches TP-Link 5 port Gigabit | Orbi: RBR50, RBS50 |

S_hui · ‎2023-09-25

Two satellites showing they are connected and network connection is good

S_hui · ‎2023-09-25

Satelites disconnected after taking the Macbook from wired connection and connecting to wifi

S_hui · ‎2023-09-25

This problem is very erratic. Did not encounter the problem for a couple of weeks and it has returned this weekend 😞

CrimpOn · ‎2023-09-25

Thanks for taking the time to verify that the Orbi web interface Attached Devices matches the Orbi app in that when the MacBook Pro is connected to Orbi WiFi, both satellites lose their connection to the router.

Questions:

Where is the MacBook Pro connected when wired?
Router? one of the satellites? one of the switches?
Does the satellite disconnection happen no matter where the MacBook Pro is connected?
When connecting the MacBook Pro to Orbi WiFi, is the Ethernet cable unplugged before making the WiFi connection?