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Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Devil000
Aspirant

Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Hey,

 

I have had the RBK50 around a year now and it has been amazing since day one. However in the last week or so the Wifi has been terrible. Its been slow, patchy and all round frustrating.

 

I have the RBK50 package (router + satellite) and have since (2 months ago) bought an additional satellite to increase the coverage to an outbuilding. I haven't had any issues since adding the additional satellite.

 

Today I did a complete factory reset on the router + 2 satellites and changed the channels of both 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks but nothing has changed in terms of performance. I have used an ethernet port today whilst working and everything was fine so this is strictly a wifi issue.

 

All 3 are on the latest firmware version of V2.5.0.38.

 

Has anyone experienced anything similar recently or can advise on how I can go about resolving this issue as it feels like we are back on a bog standard wifi router again.

 

Thanks

Model: RBK53|Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi System
Message 1 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router

 

Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

 

Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

 

Are the RBS Daisy Chained or in a STAR formation out from the RBR?

Message 2 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

The distance is about 8 - 10 meters to both satellites from the main router.

 

There are a few other neighbours, about 10 other networks can be seen from my laptop.

 

The setup is more of a star formation. Main router is upstairs one side of the hour, satellite one is downstairs otherside of the house and satellite two is downstairs in outbuilding which is opposite side to satellite one.

 

I have updated the settings - I could only see the option to disable "Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistence" rather than to set it to 40 MHz only?

 

The issue even persists when a device is directly next to a satellite. I have a satellite next to a Sky Q box and the downloading of a show is very very slow.

 

Will see what performance is like, thanks for the tips.

Message 3 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Make sure Daisy Chain is disabled then and see.

 

Just remove the check mark from the 20/40Mhz box and this enables 40Mhz only. 

 

Does this Sky Q box have it's own wifi? This a streaming device or a ISP modem? 

Message 4 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Made sure daisy chain is off.

 

Basically I have Sky Q with Sky Fibre Broadband. I turned off Wifi from the Sky router and connected the Orbi router directly to the Sky router. Then Orbi provides all Wifi in the house. When running setup wizard Orbi said to use Router mode rather than AP mode which I have left alone.

Message 5 of 28
Surg
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Yes!  Up until recently, my mesh network had worked flawlessly for about a year.  Now the WiFi signal repeatedly drops or fails to connect, even though I haven't changed anything with my setup.

Message 6 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

If you have another router infront of the Orbi router, you might try AP mode:

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


@Devil000 wrote:

Made sure daisy chain is off.

 

Basically I have Sky Q with Sky Fibre Broadband. I turned off Wifi from the Sky router and connected the Orbi router directly to the Sky router. Then Orbi provides all Wifi in the house. When running setup wizard Orbi said to use Router mode rather than AP mode which I have left alone.


 

Message 7 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Hey,

 

I have tried all of the above apart from the AP Mode settings in your last message as my setup used to work really well so not sure why it would stop now.

 

Still have issues, hoping there will be a firmware release soon to resolve these issues. Is there any way to chat to Netgear?

 

Thanks

Message 8 of 28
Retired_Member
Not applicable

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@Devil000 wrote:

Hey,

 

I have had the RBK50 around a year now and it has been amazing since day one. However in the last week or so the Wifi has been terrible. Its been slow, patchy and all round frustrating.

 

I have the RBK50 package (router + satellite) and have since (2 months ago) bought an additional satellite to increase the coverage to an outbuilding. I haven't had any issues since adding the additional satellite.

 

 

 

...and here's you rproblem,......V2.5.0.38.

 

 

 

 

 

Today I did a complete factory reset on the router + 2 satellites and changed the channels of both 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks but nothing has changed in terms of performance. I have used an ethernet port today whilst working and everything was fine so this is strictly a wifi issue.

 

All 3 are on the latest firmware version of V2.5.0.38.

 

Has anyone experienced anything similar recently or can advise on how I can go about resolving this issue as it feels like we are back on a bog standard wifi router again.

 

Thanks


 

Message 9 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

I can roll back, anyone no which version is good in terms of stability?

 

Thanks

Message 10 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

What is not working exactly if you were able to either bridge or use the DMZ/IP Pass-thru method on your modem? 

Either of these methods will work with Orbi to keep orbi in router mode. 

Did you power OFF the modem and Orbi RBR after making changes? 

 

Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update? 
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZSc7vnRlQ

 

Please give AP mode a try. 


@Devil000 wrote:

Hey,

 

I have tried all of the above apart from the AP Mode settings in your last message as my setup used to work really well so not sure why it would stop now.

 

Still have issues, hoping there will be a firmware release soon to resolve these issues. Is there any way to chat to Netgear?

 

Thanks


 

Message 11 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Will check the bridge / DMZ setup tomorrow.

Everything was rebooted after changes and a full factory reset has been done since going to latest firmware.

Thanks

Message 12 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Let us know how the DMZ works...it should work fine if you want to keept the Orbi RBR in router mode. 

Message 13 of 28
Retired_Member
Not applicable

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@FURRYe38 wrote:

Let us know how the DMZ works...it should work fine if you want to keept the Orbi RBR in router mode. 


Why do you insist on taking these folks down rabbit holes knowing that nothing has changed but the firmware is now  V2.5.0.38.

 

Stop wasting peoples time.

Message 14 of 28
Devil000
Aspirant

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Not convinced this is going to change anything but I have now setup the DMZ.

If this doesn't work, can anyone recommend a stable firmware version I should try?

Thanks

Message 15 of 28
crankycder
Tutor

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

I've got an RBK50 setup as well - ran completely fine from April 2017 until the last week at which point wifi just started to misbehave horribly.

It seems worse on the 2.4Ghz bands - phones can't seem to connect reliably orat any sustained speed to wifi. The 5Ghz band is also unstable.

I loaded the latest firmware last week tottry to see if this resolved issues, but rolled back and did a full factory reset. No love.

I'm running an EdgerouterLite 3 firewall so the orbi is just running in AP mode. Connectivity to the public internet looks fine by ethernet, it just looks like wifi is toast.

I'm going to try swapping out the Orbi with a newer smaller RBK20 set today. I'm pretty sure at this point something just fried the wifi circuits.
Message 16 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router

 

What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

 

Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Throttling-Devices-RBK53/m-p/1858561/highlight/true#M81925

 


@crankycder wrote:
I've got an RBK50 setup as well - ran completely fine from April 2017 until the last week at which point wifi just started to misbehave horribly.

It seems worse on the 2.4Ghz bands - phones can't seem to connect reliably orat any sustained speed to wifi. The 5Ghz band is also unstable.

I loaded the latest firmware last week tottry to see if this resolved issues, but rolled back and did a full factory reset. No love.

I'm running an EdgerouterLite 3 firewall so the orbi is just running in AP mode. Connectivity to the public internet looks fine by ethernet, it just looks like wifi is toast.

I'm going to try swapping out the Orbi with a newer smaller RBK20 set today. I'm pretty sure at this point something just fried the wifi circuits.

 

Message 17 of 28
crankycder
Tutor

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

House isn't very large. ~1700sq ft townhome.

 

Distance between RBR to RBS is ~20 ft from main floor to basement.  Just drywall and wood between.

 

Is there a way to scan which channels are being used by neighbors or should I just try each channel?

 

Is there any particular reason I should use 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4Ghz?

 

Specific points:

- Armor, Circle

 

I don't use either of these.  I've got a dedicated Edgerouter firewall and just use the Orbi in AP mode. 

 

- Daisy Chain

There is just one satellite.  Daisy chain should have no effect.

 

- Fast Roaming,20/40 Coexistence

I've enabled Fast Roaming and disable the coexistence.

 

- IPv6

 

IPv6 isn't relevant as I'm using this in AP mode only.

 

I'll try setting explicit channels on the 2.4Ghz bands.  There are neighbors around, it's possible something new was introduced by a house near by.

 

I've also reduced the CTS/RTS down to 1500/2300 for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

 

 

 

 

Model: RBR50|Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi Router
Message 18 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@crankycder wrote:

House isn't very large. ~1700sq ft townhome.

For this size of home, having a RBR with two RBS maybe too much. Try turning OFF ALL RBS and run just the RBR alone. Then try just 1 RBS. 

Distance between RBR to RBS is ~20 ft from main floor to basement.  Just drywall and wood between.

Distance is too close, 30 feet is minimum distance between the RBR and RBS.

 

Is there a way to scan which channels are being used by neighbors or should I just try each channel?

For a android or apple pad, there are wifi analyzer apps free for download that you can use to see what signals are near by and what channels they are using. 

Others are:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/network-analyzer-lite-wifi/id562315041?mt=8
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html
https://www.acrylicwifi.com/en/wlan-software/wlan-scanner-acrylic-wifi-free/
https://lizardsystems.com/wi-fi-scanner/screenshots.php
http://nutsaboutnets.com
http://www.metageek.com/products/inssider/

 

Is there any particular reason I should use 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4Ghz?

These are primary channels that users should use. All other channels are sub channels used by the wifi system. 

 

Specific points:

- Armor, Circle

 

I don't use either of these.  I've got a dedicated Edgerouter firewall and just use the Orbi in AP mode. 

 

- Daisy Chain

There is just one satellite.  Daisy chain should have no effect.

 

- Fast Roaming,20/40 Coexistence

I've enabled Fast Roaming and disable the coexistence.

 

- IPv6

 

IPv6 isn't relevant as I'm using this in AP mode only.

 

I'll try setting explicit channels on the 2.4Ghz bands.  There are neighbors around, it's possible something new was introduced by a house near by.

 

I've also reduced the CTS/RTS down to 1500/2300 for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

You might change this back to default after trying the suggestions from above. 

 

 

 

 


 

Message 19 of 28
crankycder
Tutor

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@FURRYe38 wrote:

@crankycder wrote:

House isn't very large. ~1700sq ft townhome.

For this size of home, having a RBR with two RBS maybe too much. Try turning OFF ALL RBS and run just the RBR alone. Then try just 1 RBS. 

Distance between RBR to RBS is ~20 ft from main floor to basement.  Just drywall and wood between.

Distance is too close, 30 feet is minimum distance between the RBR and RBS.

 

I'm pretty sure the distance between RBR to RBS is.  It's been fine for almost 3 years.

 

 

Is there a way to scan which channels are being used by neighbors or should I just try each channel?

For a android or apple pad, there are wifi analyzer apps free for download that you can use to see what signals are near by and what channels they are using. 

Others are:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/network-analyzer-lite-wifi/id562315041?mt=8
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wifi_information_view.html
https://www.acrylicwifi.com/en/wlan-software/wlan-scanner-acrylic-wifi-free/
https://lizardsystems.com/wi-fi-scanner/screenshots.php
http://nutsaboutnets.com
http://www.metageek.com/products/inssider/

 

Thanks - I've pushed the signal to channel 6 which seems less occupied and things appear to be better.  I'll post back here in a day or two for follow up.

 

 

Is there any particular reason I should use 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4Ghz?

These are primary channels that users should use. All other channels are sub channels used by the wifi system. 

 

Specific points:

- Armor, Circle

 

I don't use either of these.  I've got a dedicated Edgerouter firewall and just use the Orbi in AP mode. 

 

- Daisy Chain

There is just one satellite.  Daisy chain should have no effect.

 

- Fast Roaming,20/40 Coexistence

I've enabled Fast Roaming and disable the coexistence.

 

- IPv6

 

IPv6 isn't relevant as I'm using this in AP mode only.

 

I'll try setting explicit channels on the 2.4Ghz bands.  There are neighbors around, it's possible something new was introduced by a house near by.

 

I've also reduced the CTS/RTS down to 1500/2300 for 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

You might change this back to default after trying the suggestions from above. 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Message 20 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Still too close. 

Message 21 of 28
crankycder
Tutor

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@FURRYe38 wrote:

Still too close. 


Based on what?  I haven't had an issue and the RBR and RBS haven't been moved in almost 3 years.

 

I've disconnected the RBS entirely and am still having connectivity issues. 

 

I'm swapping out the RBR50 and RBS50 tonight for a RBR20 and RBS20 to see if this mitigates the problem.

Message 22 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Having that close may cause problems over time. Signal over lap and feedback into each other may cause damage to the HW over time. 

Should not be closer than 30 feet at all unless there is concrete or metal matierials in the building structure.  

 

 

Message 23 of 28
crankycder
Tutor

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance


@FURRYe38 wrote:

Having that close may cause problems over time. Signal over lap and feedback into each other may cause damage to the HW over time. 

Should not be closer than 30 feet at all unless there is concrete or metal matierials in the building structure.  

 

 


That doesn't make any sense.  You're going to get signal overlap in any number of conditions including neighboring wifi APs.  Feedback? What kind of feedback?   We're talking about 802.11 wireless here - the backhaul is just using spectrum in the 5Ghz range in the high channel numbers. 

 

If you can point me to a specification that indicates such a problem - great.  But this sounds like idle speculation with no basis in fact.

 

As I've said before - things were working fine for 2 years - with a third year where I had intermittent Nest camera issues related to beam forming, but other than that - the Orbi has been rock solid. 

 

The most likely thing at this point is that wireless circuits in the Orbi have just failed for one reason or another.  Maybe it's a failure in the NVRAM and the routing tables are just busted.

 

 

 

Message 24 of 28
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Netgear Orbi RBK50 with 2 Satellites - Patchy / Slow Wifi performance

Just be cause it worked for two years doesn't mean it was configured right. 


Based on long time radio frequency single and amplifcation experience. 

 

Let us know how to 20 series for you. 

 

FYI, you might check out Voxel 3rd party FW and see if this changes anything with the 50 series since your is out of warranty:

https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-orbi-rbk50-rbk53-rbr50-rbs50-v-9-2-5-1-1...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Message 25 of 28
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