Gold with Netgear Orbi (RBR/RBS850)

I have used this setup since 2020 without any issues:

Setup:

I have a Metronet fiber optic modem that is connected to a Firewalla Gold (router mode). The Netgear Orbi router (RBR850) is in AP mode connected to the Firewalla. I use a master switch (Netgear GS316) connected to the RBR850. The hard wire then routes out to several smaller switches (Netgear GS205) around my house. Then, I have two satellites (RBS 850) hard wire connected to two of the switches on opposite sides of the house. This system has worked flawlessly for years. I do occasional reboots when there is a problem.

ISP modem > Firewalla Gold (router mode) > Netgear RBR850 (AP mode) > Netgear GS316 > 5x Netgear GS205 > 2x Netgear RBS850

Problem:

My satellites have dropped off the system. I get a solid magenta light (unable to obtain IP). I have tried to reboot just the satellites. And, I have rebooted the entire system and incrementally powered the appliances in order from the modem down to the satellites. I have completely removed the Orbi system from the network and reinstalled. They worked when I had the RBR850 in router mode. Then, I make the switch to AP mode and have the same problem again. The satellites continually cycle for 3 minutes (1 min connecting, 1 min connected, 1 min dropped). It's done this for 24 hours, now. There is nothing that has changed on my system. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

I like having the Firewalla Gold as my router. I intend to use it as a VPN for my summer travels to Europe.

Firmware Version
V4.6.14.3_2.3.12

Firewalla

May 24, 2023 21:15

How are you wiring the RBR850? are they all connected to a switch in parallel? or parent orbi to kid orbi? I think the orbi's prefer the parent->kid.

Kevan C

May 24, 2023 21:17

I'm connected parent to kid. Here is a network diagram.

May 24, 2023 21:33

Have you checked netgear forums? I remember seen from a previous case people having issues with certain firmware updates which caused AP modem Orbi to be not stable.

Have you tried temporarily using wifi backhaul?

May 24, 2023 21:35

I have been on the Netgear forum for the past 24 hours trying everything they recommended. So, I decided to try here. I had the wifi backhaul activated.

Right now, I'm just using the Orbi and no Firewalla. That's the only way I can get it to work. I don't understand how it worked for 3 years and just stopped working.

May 25, 2023 03:47

A wifi unit in AP mode is much different than in router mode. Meaning, the code path is different, how traffic moves may be different as well; so likely the manufacturer didn't test enough their AP mode.

We had the same issue with the orbi in AP mode with a roomba here a while back too, not sure if it is the same unit ...

Gold with Netgear Orbi (RBR/RBS850)

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