Orbi RBR20 Vs RBS20: Hue Bridge Connection Issues

Facing issues with Netgear Orbi system is not a biggie. Many users report problems with their Orbi devices regularly. One such Orbi user has reported a problem wherein he is having trouble connecting Hue bridge to Orbi RBR20 router and RBS20 satellites. This blog post will help you understand the issue and also help you get the best possible solutions.

Orbi RBR20 Vs RBS20 Connection: Let’s Dig Deeper!

Allow us to elaborate more on the issue that our user in discussion is experiencing. He has an Orbi RBR20 router and 2 RBS satellites. He previously connected Hue bridge to Orbi router. But due to some reasons he had to shift Hue bridge to another location. He also shifted Orbi satellite and made a LAN connection between the satellite and Hue bridge.

Now that the satellite is shifted to a new location, it is closer to the main router and the second satellite. Hue bridge and HomeKit have begin behaving oddly now. When the lights are on, it says Off and the vice versa. Now the user is confused as the things have gone bad. When he tried moving things back, everything works well. Keep reading ahead what can be done.

Let’s Fix Hue Bridge and Orbi Satellite Connection

There is a possibility that there are plenty other users who are experiencing similar issues. Let us help you eliminate the connectivity issue now. FYI, you can use the same steps if you have an Orbi RBR50 setup or any other model setup done, Here is what could have happened that you can’t get your Hue Bridge connected to Orbi RBS20 satellite properly.

1. Inappropriate Distance Between Orbi Devices

Since you have shifted the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi RBR20 router and the second satellite, there is a possibility that the signals are getting interfered and clashed. There ought to be an appropriate distance between the networking devices for their optimum performance.

If the distance is reduced to more than necessary, then the signals of both devices will clash. In case the distance is more than necessary then the devices will have difficulty communicating with each other.

Now that you have reduced the distance separating the Orbi devices, then the chances of having the former case as culprit increase.

What You Should Do?

Make sure that the Orbi devices are not placed very close to each other. There ought to be an appropriate distance between them. Neither too less nor much. Relocate the devices now. You can connect Hue bridge to Orbi satellite without any trouble now.

2. Outdated Firmware on Orbi Satellite

Another possible cause of having connectivity issue between RBS20 and Hue bridge is an outdated firmware on the satellite. Either you did not update your Orbi devices or you’ve updated Orbi router but forgot updating the satellite.

What You Should Do?

All you can do now is check for firmware updates for Orbi satellite. If there’s an update pending then get your satellite updated immediately. Update router and both Orbi satellites to the latest firmware version. You need to use Orbi admin login details to get this task accomplished. Right after you have updated Orbi devices, you will no longer be facing issues connecting Hue bridge to Orbi satellite.

Bonus Tip: Make certain that you are using a good quality LAN cable to connect Orbi RBS20 to Hue bridge. Faulty LAN cable can also be responsible for such issues.

Summing Things Up

This blog post covers fixes for connectivity issue between Hue bridge and RBS20 satellite that worked pretty well when connected to Orbi RBR20 router previously. We suggested maintaining an optimum distance between the Orbi devices and also suggested updating the firmware on the Orbi devices.

If you face any further connectivity issues, then perform a power cycle of the whole network and then try making connection. With the hope of helping you out here we put a full stop to our helpful and troubleshooting guide on how to fix connection issues between Hue bridge and RBS20 satellite.