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Forum Discussion
Slow wireless download speed in AP mode
I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot this issue.
I currently have gig service via Centurylink and also through Xfinity. I'm comparing the 2 services for awhile and deciding which is better for my use case.
When connected to Xfinity, I keep the Orbi in router mode. In router mode I get ~500mbps down via wireless. When I switch it to AP mode, I get ~120mbps down. Upload speeds remain the same in both router mode and AP mode (~40mbps). The Xfinity service is a 1000/40 link.
On the CenturyLink service using the CenturyLink router, I get ~550mbps down and ~600mbps up via wireless (it is a 1000/1000 link). When I connect the Orbi in AP mode to the CL router I get ~120mbps down and ~500mbps up.
Every time I put the Orbi in AP mode the download speeds suffer dramatically. This does not happen in router mode.
I have 1 RBK50 and 2 satellites all connected via cat5.
Anyone else have issues with slow download speeds in AP mode?
I understand I can put the CL router into transparent bridge mode and use the Orbi as the router via VLAN tagging, but there are 2 reasons I do not want to do this. The first is that I want it to work in AP mode - there shouldn't be such a speed hit in AP mode so I think something is wrong with the Orbi and I want to try to fix it. The second reason is that the Orbi VLAN tagging applies the VLAN to all wired connections, so anything connected to the Orbi gets the VLAN tag and it screws everything up. I can't find a way to apply the VLAN tag to just the WAN/Internet port.
Any insight or helpful comments appreciated!
6 Replies
What Firmware is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?Are you testing via wired PC or wireless device? WIred Speed testing is preferred.
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.I would factory reset the RBR, leaving the RBS off line while checking the speeds vis wired with the RBR only. Re-configure the RBR for AP mode.
Swap LAN cables between the ISP modem and RBR. CAT 6 cabling is recommended.
Orbi firmware is v2.3.5.30.
Since the Orbi is in AP mode, wireless speed tests are being done. There are zero issues with the Orbi via wired.
Satellites are 40 feet apart and are connected via cat5.
Have done the factory reset. Issue persists.
Orbi connected directly to the modem. No switch inbetween.
The issue is AP mode. Everything works in router mode. Whenever the Orbi is in AP mode the download speeds suffer. The behavior is reproduceable using both the Xfinity router and the CL router. Same with an EdgeRouter 4. Whenever the Orbi is in AP mode is when issues arise.
I've messed with all of the wireless settings (channels, beamforming, 20/40, etc). Nothing has worked. I'm tempted to buy a new Orbi just to see if it is a hardware issue or something because it makes no sense that simply being in AP mode would cause this issue.
After a reset, and configure for AP mode, try testing just with the RBR only while the RBS are turned OFF.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
Possible issue with the Orbi you got from Amazon...
I have the same Orbi hardware and get 475/460 on Fios 500/500 in AP mode on my iPhone X. The one thing I have seen is sometimes devices get stuck and don't switch to a closer router or satellite which in turns hurts the wifi speeds.
I am running with these changes to the defaults:
Enable 20/40 MHz Coexistence OFF
Enable Daisy-Chain Topology OFF
Enable Implicit BEAMFORMING - Boosts WiFi speed, reliability, & range for all mobile devices ON
Enable MU-MIMO ON
