Can’t connect Chime 2 to Orbi Mesh Network

[JosephCraig]

I have an Orbi RBR50 mesh router system. After some difficulties, and setting up port forwarding for ports 80 and 443, and connecting a base station to the main router using a network cable and another base station farther away wired to an Irbi satellite, I have managed to connect a series of cameras and a door bell to the base stations. All is working well. But I can not get the Chime 2 to connect. I’ve been on the phone with tech support, but that has been generic and unhelpful. It is quite frustrating that I’m so close to completing the setup, except for one item. I just don’t understand why the doorbell would not join the base station network just like all the other Arlo Devices. 

Has anyone figured out the needed steps to add the chime 2 to an Orbi mesh network? 

thanks, 

Joseph

[JosephCraig]

I’ve seen a lot of posts with connecting the chime 2 to ordinary networks, but with the added challenge of the Orbi mesh network and the inability to turn off the 5GHz radio, I just don’t know where to turn next. 

I’d appreciate any advice or help on this. 

Joseph

[StephenB]

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@JosephCraig wrote:

I have an Orbi RBR50 mesh router system. After some difficulties, and setting up port forwarding for ports 80 and 443,

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FYI, I also have an Orbi system (though mine is a different model).

There was no need to forward ports 80 and 443, and I suggest that you delete those forwarding rules in the router.  

(Support will sometimes suggest forwarding those ports - I think they offer that idea as a last resort.  But it is really isn't needed on home networks).

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@JosephCraig wrote:

I just don’t understand why the doorbell would not join the base station network just like all the other Arlo Devices. 

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What device are you using to install the chime?  There are issues reported with some iPhone models.

Although I don't have a chime 2 myself, I haven't had any issues installing cameras, base stations, etc on my home network - I just ignore the warnings about needing to connect to 2.4 ghz.  That said, one thing you can do is reduce the power level of the 5 ghz band during the install.  That can result in the phone connecting to the 2.4 ghz band.

[jguerdat]

In addition to the above, where do you run into problems during the install? All details are needed. Is your phone set to not connect to insecure networks since you must connect to the chime's temporary network to complete the setup?

[JosephCraig]

Dear StephenB,

Thank you for your quick reply and your suggestions, which SOLVED my problem, at least this far.

As you recommended, I reduced the power of the 5 GHz radio on the Orbi to 25%, turned off all satellites, then for extra measure went out beyond the garage, turned off my iPhone 13 WiFi then reconnected. I went back inside our home and verified using the Orbi router settings to note that my phone was far enough away to connect to the 2.4GHz band instead of the 5GHz, then took an extension cord out to the same place my phone was to power up the Chime 2 (some posts say the Chime 2 device must be near the iPhone when doing this - not sure why, but I did it anyway). At that point, I used the Arlo app to connect the Chime 2 to my Orbi WiFi network, using my Orbi router password, and it connected without any problem. 

My only concern is whether the Orbi will switch it over to the 5GHz radio at some point and if it then will lose its connection with the Arlo doorbell. Time will tell. 

Thanks also for suggesting turning off the Port Forwarding for ports 80 and 443. Setting that up was the only way I could connect the Base Station to the Orbi mesh network - even when using a wired connection. I spent hours with tech support getting the two base stations set up (one wired to the main Orbi router and another wired to a satellite). Once they were connected, I connected all my cameras and doorbells to the base stations. However, the Chime 2 is not connected to a base station. It is connected directly to the network now, but the Chine 2 found and allowed a connection with the Doorbell (which is connected to the base station). I will try to delete the Port Forwarding rule and see what happens. 

Thank you for your help and insights! I hope my experience and explanation may help others as they try to connect Arlo devices to an Orbi mesh system! 

With best regards,

Joseph

[JosephCraig]

Dear Jguerdat,

Thank you kindly for your offer to help. I’m using an iPhone 13 and, following StephenB’s advice (see above) was able to join the Chime 2 to the network by reducing the power of the Orbi’s 5GHz radio and getting far enough away from the router to force my phone to join the 2.4GHz network. I went into more detail in my response to StephenB, but I most certainly appreciate your willingness to help an Arlo ‘Newbie’ in distress. Much appreciated! 
Joseph

[StephenB]

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@JosephCraig wrote:

My only concern is whether the Orbi will switch it over to the 5GHz radio at some point and if it then will lose its connection with the Arlo doorbell. Time will tell. 

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The problem with 5 ghz is only when installing the doorbell.  You can safely raise the power level back to 100%.

[JosephCraig]

Thank you, StephenB.

I returned the 5GHz radio back to 100% and deleted the port forwarding routine. All devices are within range of both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz radios, and all seem to be in working order now. 

It appears that those special procedures are needed just to set up the system, but once it is installed, everything works well with the Orbi system. 

Thanks for your help! 
Joseph