Orbi RBR20 internet speed lower than expected

[HenryFitzgerald]

I have a gigabit internet plan with my ISP (Actual max speeds: 950 Mbs download, 500 Mbs upload). When I connect my PC to my ONT directly via a cat. 6 ethernet cable, I enjoy the previously mentioned speeds.

Unfortunately when I plug my Orbi RBR20 into my ONT, speeds do not exceed 500 Mbs, both download and upload, when connected to the Orbi router via cat. 6 ethernet. Needless to say, speeds are lower when connected via Wi-Fi.

I understood the Orbi supported at least gigabit speeds. Am I missing a beat here? If so would be keen to know, thank you.

[FURRYe38]

What Firmware is currently loaded?

What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Can you try AP mode on RBR? 

Seeing this as well on 50 series:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50-is-not-supporting-900Mb-on-the-WAN-to-LAN-test/m-p/...

[HenryFitzgerald]

Firmware is 2.3.5.26

I don't have an ISP modem. I plug my devices directly into my household's Optical Network Terminal (ONT). Other devices I plug into my ONT enjoy 950Mb download and 500Mb upload speeds. Unfortunately, my Orbi only reaches 400Mb speeds both ways (tested using the speed test in the Orbi app) when plugged in the ONT.

What is AP mode?

I'm in New Zealand, so my system may be peculiar. My set up:

An ONT provided by the telecoms company (Chorus). My ISP is MyRepublic. They communicate with Chorus to provide my internet through the ONT. I then plug my devices directly into the ONT (e.g. my Orbi router).

[FURRYe38]

There a router at the ONT by chance? If so, This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge 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 

Try option #3 and see what the speeds are...

[HenryFitzgerald]

The ONT has no wireless router.

Entering AP mode increased speeds to 600 download and 500 upload (as reported by the orbi app); an improvement, but still slower than I would expect.

[FURRYe38]

You maybe seeing what I'm seeing on the 50 series:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50-is-not-supporting-900Mb-on-the-WAN-to-LAN-test/m-p/...

@Blanca_O 

[crystallove]

I am also experiencing the same issue. 450 download speed, 980 upload. Very strange.

[Original_Shua]

Same issue here... 

I have fiber which is 950 down and up via CAT6.

on TP-Link Archer C7 I see 900+ on avg.

'Upgraded' to this Orbi and my DL is ~525 and my UL is 900+

What the deuce?!? 

[Liquidcore]

Hey Henry,

I am with 2degrees and have the same issue - refer to this thread: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/RBR50-unable-to-handle-gigabit-connection/td-p/1825126

However it seems like MyRepublic uses DHCP instead of PPPoE which should be less resource intensive. Regardless, it sounds like the Orbi doesn't seem to powerful enough to route at gigabit speeds. If you take a look at the comparison table SW posted on the second page of that thread, it looks like NG recommends the AX series for gigabit services.

When you put the Orbi into AP mode, what router are you using? When I use my Orbi in AP mode with the 2D supplied Fritzbox as a router, I can attain the advertised speeds. Is it possible that in AP mode, the router you are using is not giving you gigabit speed either?



Long story short, the Orbi doesn't seem powerful enough to accommodate

[Bleh5]

Just wanted to chime in that I've been seeing this for better part of a year now. 

With the RBR20 router, I'm seeing 400 Mbps down and 900 Mbps up. Speedtest at modem gets 900 down and 900 up. I was hoping that the RBR50 router may be able to handle the faster download speeds, but reading the other threads, it seems to not be the case. 

Also seems like the RBR850 may be able to handle the faster download speeds; just need to wait for the price to come down (a lot).

[FURRYe38]

What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

Be sure your testing wired speeds. 

RBS50 can do near 900mbps:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50-is-not-supporting-900Mb-on-the-WAN-to-LAN-test/m-p/...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/New-RBR50-Satellite-setup-some-thoughts-and-questions/m-p/1695...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Download-speed-cut-in-half-on-wired-connection/m-p/1695372/hig...

---

@Bleh5 wrote:

Just wanted to chime in that I've been seeing this for better part of a year now. 

With the RBR20 router, I'm seeing 400 Mbps down and 900 Mbps up. Speedtest at modem gets 900 down and 900 up. I was hoping that the RBR50 router may be able to handle the faster download speeds, but reading the other threads, it seems to not be the case. 

Also seems like the RBR850 may be able to handle the faster download speeds; just need to wait for the price to come down (a lot).

---

[Bleh5]

AT&T/Arris BGW210 

[FURRYe38]

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

I would suggest trying option #3 first...

---

@Bleh5 wrote:

AT&T/Arris BGW210 

---

[Bleh5]

It is NOT a double NAT situation. Modem is already configured for IP-Pass-Through with all radios turned off; Orbi is in router mode.

[FURRYe38]

Been posts about users with this model modem not getting good speeds with external routers connected. 

You might try the RBR in AP mode and then disable the IP Pass thru on the modem. Just run the RBR in AP mode behind the ISP modem. 

[Merilious]

Have had this same issue since I bought my RBR20 for over a year now

• ATT Modem/Router with Gigabit speed package
  • ManufacturerModel Number: ARRIS BGW210-700
• RBR20 Router Firmware Version: V2.3.5.26
• Passthrough on ATT Modem/Router enabled and working
• RBR20 in Router mode using passthroughed IP
• LAN on ATT ONT port is full gigabit speeds confirmed on multiple laptops
• Speedtest on RBR20 admin portal gets around 500-600 download | 900+ upload
• Speedtest connected to LAN of RBR20 averages around 400mbps download
• Speedtest connected to Wifi of RBR20 averages around 400mbps download
• Returned ATT Modem/Router to defaults and confirmed full Gigabit speeds on any port on that device.

[FURRYe38]

What happens if you configure the RBR system for AP mode, disable IP Pass thru on the modem for the RBR?

---

@Merilious wrote:

Have had this same issue since I bought my RBR20 for over a year now

• ATT Modem/Router with Gigabit speed package
  • ManufacturerModel Number: ARRIS BGW210-700
• RBR20 Router Firmware Version: V2.3.5.26
• Passthrough on ATT Modem/Router enabled and working
• RBR20 in Router mode using passthroughed IP
• LAN on ATT ONT port is full gigabit speeds confirmed on multiple laptops
• Speedtest on RBR20 admin portal gets around 500-600 download | 900+ upload
• Speedtest connected to LAN of RBR20 averages around 400mbps download
• Speedtest connected to Wifi of RBR20 averages around 400mbps download
• Returned ATT Modem/Router to defaults and confirmed full Gigabit speeds on any port on that device.

---

[doublepeak]

Any update on the issue? I also have the same issue. Any solutions?

---

@HenryFitzgerald wrote:
I have a gigabit internet plan with my ISP (Actual max speeds: 950 Mbs download, 500 Mbs upload). When I connect my PC to my ONT directly via a cat. 6 ethernet cable, I enjoy the previously mentioned speeds.

Unfortunately when I plug my Orbi RBR20 into my ONT, speeds do not exceed 500 Mbs, both download and upload, when connected to the Orbi router via cat. 6 ethernet. Needless to say, speeds are lower when connected via Wi-Fi.

I understood the Orbi supported at least gigabit speeds. Am I missing a beat here? If so would be keen to know, thank you.

---

[FURRYe38]

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?

---

@doublepeak wrote:

Any update on the issue? I also have the same issue. Any solutions?

---

---

[doublepeak]

I am using att fiber 1gb service. And modem is bgw210-700. I tried both ap and router mode and got pretty much same download speed of around 430mbps.

[FURRYe38]

Thats over a wired connection? 

Seem others post with this partciular modem. 

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/How-do-I-setup-bridge-mode-in-the-ARRIS-BGW210-700/m-p/1875994...

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/ATT-fiber-BGW210-and-costco-RBR50-RBS50/m-p/1868313#M83488

https://www.f0il.com/how-to-arris-bgw210-700-modem-router-with-netgear-xr500-router/

ATT Dumb Swiith Method:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/Orbi-AX-6000-and-AT-amp-T-fiber-gateway-issue/m-p/1890125/h...

Modem FW may have broke good speeds between the modem and Orbi in router mode:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/RBK50-Speed-Throttling-Wired-and-Wireless/td-p/1673291/jump-to...

[doublepeak]

The Router provided by ATT has a test mode showing it can reach around 950mbps both up/down link from router itself, while the Orbi shows only ~430mbps down but ~900mbps for wired connection. 

Another issue is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ can only get ~100mbps with WIFI. That might be due to the phone itself. 

[FURRYe38]

Don't use the Orbi app or built in Speed test app on the RBR. Always use a wired PC and Ooklas installable app or your ISPs speed test site for testing speeds wired. If you have used these on the RBR. I would factory reset the RBR and setup from scratch. Besure to not enable Armor, Circle, Speed test, access controls or Traffic meter. 

Check other wifi devices for speeds afterwards. Most newer phones and pads should see or max out at around 400-500Mbps depending on there design and having a 5Ghz connection to the Orbi wifi. 

[doublepeak]

I have followed the steps to disable the firewall/packet filtering, and also have enabled the passthrough mode for the ATT's Modem/Router and the RBR20 works as a router mode. 

Unfortunately the speed does not improve.  I will try with wired PC. But other than that, what can I do?

I think I saw another thread about RBR50 or other model that has the similar issue. People have reported speed is back to expected after upgrading to a new firmware. Do we expect any new firmware? I doubt this is a firmware issue. 

[FURRYe38]

Ya it's not a FW issue. I and others see near 900Mpbs with ours:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50-is-not-supporting-900Mb-on-the-WAN-to-LAN-test/m-p/...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/New-RBR50-Satellite-setup-some-thoughts-and-questions/m-p/1695...
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Download-speed-cut-in-half-on-wired-connection/m-p/1695372/hig...

Seems to be more of a problem with these modem gateways with Orbi in router mode. 

You can try AP mode on the RBR with the ATT router with out any IP passthru configured.