RBS50v2: the blue ring is lit but the app says the router can’t find the satellite

[jody_lentz]

I am adding a satellite to my RBR50 network but it will not sync. I’ve walked through the setup on the Orbi app - The blue ring is lit but the app says the router can’t find the satellite. The blue ring has remained lit for 10 minutes now. Any ideas??

[plemans]

hardwire the satellite into the router. 

Log into the router through the browser (not app) and check the firmware versions on the router and the satellite to see what each is on. 

See if you can update the satellite to be on the same version as the router. 

Or even just check in the GUI if its showing as connected. it couldn't be the first time the app didn't display properly

[jody_lentz]

Thanks for your ideas @plemans - but no luck.

Hardwired the satellite - the router found it but still won't sync.

Blue lights are lit on the tops of my two satellites but neither one will sync to the router.

Firmware versions match.

Extremely frustrated -- I'm about ready to eBay the whole setup and let Xfinity put their satellites in.

[plemans]

what firmware is on the router? 

And on that specific satellite? 

Can you hardwire a PC/laptop into the satellite and access it at 192.168.1.150? 

did you try factory resetting the satellite (push and hold reset while powered on for up to 30 seconds) and then try hardwiring it in? Leave it hardware for about 10 minutes after the reset then attempt the sync

[jody_lentz]

Both are on V2.7.4.24 -the notices on the app say the FW is up to date but it appears there is an update 2.7.5.4.

Force a FW update?

I don't have any devices that have an RJ-45 port and really don't want to buy yet another dongle.

I'll try the factory reset on the satellite next.

thanks for your help, @plemans 

[FURRYe38]

Yes you can manually update. If you do, update the RBS first then RBR lastly using a web browser on a PC or laptop.

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/New-RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-7-...

[jody_lentz]

hard-Reset and hardwired the satellite -- it still won't sync.

Attached screen grabs from the browser (which shows it connected) and the app (which shows it not).

[plemans]

Are you able to follow @FURRYe38 guide and log into the satellite? 
If so, you can manually update it and then update the router.

[CrimpOn]

---

@jody_lentz wrote:

hard-Reset and hardwired the satellite -- it still won't sync.

Attached screen grabs from the browser (which shows it connected) and the app (which shows it not).

---

It might be worth taking a minute to decide what the problem is:

• The satellite connection to the router, vs.
• How the Orbi 'app' reports the connection to the router.

Page 10 of the Orbi manual shows this:

So, the Orbi web interface says the satellite has a "Good" connection.  The satellite displays a Blue ring light. These would tend to indicate that the satellite is in fact connected and the 'app' is mistaken.

Sad that you have no device with an Ethernet port.  If a device is connected to the satellite with a cable, and appears on the Attached Devices display as connected to the satellite (and "works") then that would be even more evidence that the satellite is connected and the 'app' is mistaken.  (There's nothing in the house with an Ethernet port?  AppleTV? DVD player? TV Set?)

[jody_lentz]

@CrimpOn - The issue is the satellite connection - the wifi is sketchy near the satellite.

I do have devices hardwired to the router - I was referring specifically to a computer, per previous comments.

The FW upgrade worked for one satellite and I'm on the 7th time trying the second one in hopes I can update its FW also.

The browser status indicates "waiting for connection" :

...even though the lights on the top have gone from solid green to solid blue during the sync process.

btw, I bought this used off eBay and I wonder if its a lemon.

[CrimpOn]

Sorry I am a bit slow.....  There are two RBS50 satellites.  One of them appears to be working fine, but WiFi is sketchy when near to the other satellite.

One easy test is to physically swap the satellites. After powering them up, both show the Blue ring light for 3 minutes.  Does the issue

• Follow the satellite. i.e. the same satellite now has sketchy WiFi in the other location, but the satellite that was swapped in has good WiFi at the location that was previously sketchy?
• Stay with the location.  i.e. after the satellites are swapped, the location still has poor WiFi?

Another test for the suspect satellite is a wired connection.  Locate it near to the router and connect it to the router with an Ethernet cable.  It should appear on the router Attached Devices display as "Wired". (although this may take a few minutes)

Now, remove the Ethernet cable that connects some device to the router and plug it into the satellite.  If the satellite is working, then the device should function correctly.

[jody_lentz]

After spending 6 hours trying to fix this, it's going back to its eBay seller.

My other satellite worked within minutes, and I simply don't have time to futz with this thing any longer.

@plemans @CrimpOn @FURRYe38 -- thanks so much for your generous Orbi insights.

that end of the house is just gonna have to be slow...

[FURRYe38]

Good Luck.