What do I need for better wifi?

[dbriankessler]

Ok, so I have an Orbi system (Orbi micro RBR20). It has the base unit and two satellites. I have great wifi in the house. My garage is connected to my home, but not in the usual "tight under one continuous roof" scenario. I want better wifi in the garage. I spend time there doing things, and I have two wifi garage door openers. I bought the RBW30 to add on because the garage doors kept going offline. I have the unit in the garage as close to the main house as possible but the light on top stays orange. The garage doors stay online, but I'm really wondering if I chose the right solution. Would I be better off to put a different wifi extender out there? I have a left-over Nighthawk. I don't want to do that unless it's absolutely necessary. I love Orbi because it's one wifi all around the house with one single name. 

Just so its clear, I have the base unit in the middle of the house. Then about 30-40 feet away I have  a satellite. Then about 20-25 feet past that, I have the new Orbi satellite. 

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Log in to the routers web page to make changes. 

[CrimpOn]

Is the "Daisy Chain" option turned on?

The Orbi RBW30 is designed to be plugged into a wall electrical outlet, which may not have a good radio pathway to the satellite in the house.  (down low, behind things like refrigerators, etc.)  Have you tried connecting the RBW30 to an extension cord and placing it as close to the house as possible?

[FURRYe38]

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 them to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected.

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?
What WPA security modes are you using?

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

[dbriankessler]

I will have to go into the settings and look for that. I didn't know you had to turn daisy chain on. I assumed it was automatic. Thank you. I may not have time until this weekend, but I will report back with the results/findings.

[dbriankessler]

I will check out the additonal settings and suggestions you have mentioned also FURRYe38. Home size is 3400 sq ft. Distances were posted but the max is about 30 feet from the base unit. Well, it's 30 feet to the first satellite and about 20 feet to the second on one side of the house. But if daisy chain isn't turned on (I didn't know you had to turn that on) that could explain why it doesnt seem to be better.

[FURRYe38]

Ya, it's been a contentious feature for some and depends on placement configuration for users. So NG left it up to users to figure out if they need it. Overall, it should be disabled for users with just one satellite or if multiple satellies are placed in start formation with the RBR. Linear placement with multiple satellites then Daisy Chain could be enabled. 

Make sure the distances are around 30 feet. Any closer and could have too much over lap on wifi coverage which can cause problems. 

[dbriankessler]

I forgot to ask, do I make these changes via the Orbi app or do I have to login to the router itself?

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

Log in to the routers web page to make changes.