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Forum Discussion
BrianG_Simi
Apr 05, 2021Star
What does "Connected via Orbi" mean in my wi-fi connection & is it a problem "via Orbi" is now gone?
I was struggling with the Samsung "Couldn't Authenticate Connection" error and went through a number of different ways to remove and recreate my current wi-fi connection. At some point in the "re...
schumaku
Apr 06, 2021Guru - Experienced User
Probably is shows the network with this "via Orbi" somewhere in the Orbi App - on plain Android (or Apple iOS) only the network name (SSID) will be shown.
BrianG_Simi
Apr 06, 2021Star
Just to be clear, the "Connected via Orbi" was showing in the Android (Samsung One UI 3.1) wifi screen, not within the Orbi app.
I was hoping it has some significance and provides a clue to the authentication errors I was seeing. I can't seem to duplicate it. Perhaps, it's related to creating the network directly from the main router vs a satellite?
I was hoping it has some significance and provides a clue to the authentication errors I was seeing. I can't seem to duplicate it. Perhaps, it's related to creating the network directly from the main router vs a satellite?
- CrimpOnApr 06, 2021Guru - Experienced User
An internet search for "Samsung One UI 3.1 WiFi" turned up numerous issues with connecting to WiFi after the Samsung update.
I did not locate a post that specifically mentions the term "via", but I gave up pretty quickly.
My guess is that since this appeared on the phone, the answer lies with Samsung, not Netgear.
- BrianG_SimiApr 06, 2021Star
I'm sure the "authentication" issue is with Samsung, but that's really not my question - I think I've got the authentication issue "solved".
What I'm wondering is what the mechanism would be for my Samsung connection to be "aware" that I was connected "via Orbi". Is the router advertising itself in a way that Samsung / Android can pick up? Is this something that's just standard in the WiFi spec or something special between Samsung \ Android and Orbi? Was it somehow related to having the Orbi app installed? Most importantly, is there any downside to no longer seeing "via Orbi"?
- CrimpOnApr 06, 2021Guru - Experienced User
BrianG_Simi wrote:What I'm wondering is what the mechanism would be for my Samsung connection to be "aware" that I was connected "via Orbi". Is the router advertising itself in a way that Samsung / Android can pick up? Is this something that's just standard in the WiFi spec or something special between Samsung \ Android and Orbi? Was it somehow related to having the Orbi app installed? Most importantly, is there any downside to no longer seeing "via Orbi"?
The WiFi SSID was not "Orbi", correct?
During the WiFi connection process, devices share their hardware MAC address. A lot of products use the MAC address to guess what is being connected, often with puzzling results. Devices also share their capabilities. It could be that Netgear Orbi has a combination of MAC address and capabilities that makes it unique. I have put a WiFi adapter into "monitor mode" and captured the dialog between device and access point, and a lot of information is shared before the device does the actual connection.
"Any downside?" Having never seen a comment like this on any device, my guess is "not at all."