I have one satellite that has no devices showing on it. The orbi app shows it is connected and if sync button is pressed the light turns blue as suggested. The satellite is very close to a couple of devices but all devices are located on the other satellite which is farther away from the devices near the first satellite. How do I get the unused satellite to connect to the nearby devices?
Its up to devices to pick and choose where they connect too.
What Firmware version is currently loaded? What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
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 connected. https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite📡
What channels are you using? Auto? Try Auto and 48 on 5Ghz. Or try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz. Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
How do I get the unused satellite to connect to the nearby devices?
WiFi devices connect to WiFi access points. When the device powers up, it scans for access points broadcasting WiFi SSIDs, finds some SSIDs that it may have connected to in the past (often devices have a setting, "connect automatically"), chooses the "best fit" and connects. Here's a description of the process: https://netbeez.net/blog/how-wifi-connection-works/
Devices that are expected to be mobile are usually programmed to scan frequently for a better connection. There are even 802.11 standards for how they should do this. Devices that are expected to remain in one place often cease looking once they have connected. (not all of them. Echo Dot speakers will switch. It's whatever the developer included in the device software.)
The only method that seems to work is to power off the WiFi device that is connecting to the 'wrong' satellite or to 'forget' the WiFi system and search again.
For that size of home, you really only need 1 RBS.
If you have two, try turning down the power on the RBR from 100% to 50% and see if this helps steer some devices to other RBS: Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
