If you’re struggling because the Orbi satellite Ethernet ports not working, you may want to remain invested throughout this guide.
Here we’ll review the Orbi satellite Ethernet connection and explain why it’s not working as well as the quickest and most effective solutions to attempt.
When the Orbi satellite Ethernet ports are not working, first check the Ethernet cable and the respective connectors and ports for any faults.
In case that’s not enough, then the Orbi setup has to be power cycled and the Orbi satellite reset to factory settings!
Let’s learn more!
Why is Orbi Ethernet Not Working?
There are quite a few different reasons why the Ethernet ports on the Orbi satellite stop working and this is why we need to explore the possibilities.
Let’s take a quick view:
- Faulty or damaged Ethernet cable
- No data coming from the Orbi router
- Orbi setup system but or glitch
- Outdated Orbi satellite firmware
- Enabled “Daisy-Chain Topology”.
Let’s jump into the solution guide!
How To Fix When Orbi Satellite Ethernet Ports Not Working?
1. Check Satellite Ports for *Blinking*
The first and easiest step to undertake is to ensure that your Orbi satellite is connected to the Orbi router via Ethernet cable and check whether the connectors blink.
When an Ethernet cable works properly, the transparent (plastic) connector blinks inside in an orange light.
In case the Ethernet cable connected to the Orbi satellite is dull (not blinking), perhaps there is no data coming from the router.
In that set of thoughts also check whether the same Ethernet cable is blinking on the other side (where connected to the router), to draw a conclusion.
One More Thing!
The yellow port on your Orbi router is where the internet comes in, which should be blinking as well, and if not, then the issue comes from the modem/router before your Orbi setup.
In case the Ethernet connector is blinking, but Orbi satellite Ethernet ports are not working, keep reading!
2. Inspect & Test the Ethernet Cable!
The next and most important aspect of your Orbi setup is the Ethernet cables that are used and whether their condition is well.
The Ethernet cable connecting your Orbi satellite with the Orbi router or other Ethernet-enabled device might be loose on either end or simply… faulty.
The best possible way to test whether an Ethernet cable works is by disconnecting the cable from both ends and inspecting the connectors.
There are 8 wires in total and the Ethernet cable (8P8C) slot is an 8-pin connector.
- Check whether all pairs of wires in the Ethernet cable connector are there
- Look inside the Orbi satellite Ethernet ports whether all 8 pins are straight
- Optional: Perform an inspection on the Ethernet ports of the Orbi router.
Tip: If possible, plug an alternative Ethernet cable into the Orbi satellite to test with!
3. Try the Other Satellite Ethernet Port
The next step is to test whether the other Orbi satellite Ethernet port would work, and if the port is already connected to another device, disconnect everything.
Then only use the Ethernet cable from your Orbi router to connect to the satellite and check whether the port is working.
Note: The Orbi satellite has at least 2 x Ethernet ports!
4. Power Cycle Orbi Satellite & Router
In case the issue appears to be persistent, and the Ethernet ports on your Orbi satellite simply do not work, the setup needs to go through complete power circulation.
This process involves all Orbi devices that are involved as well as any other Ethernet-enabled devices in the setup.
Here’s how to perform a power cycle on the Orbi setup in easy steps:
- Turn off both your Orbi router and Orbi satellite.
- Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the Orbi router.
- Disconnect the power adapters from the wall outlet.
- Also, unplug ALL Ethernet cables that are involved.
- Leave your Orbi setup unplugged for 5 full minutes.
- Then reconnect your Orbi router and Orbi satellite.
- Test whether the Ethernet ports on the satellite work.
Tip: Avoid plugging the Orbi satellite into a power strip or devices, instead use a direct wall outlet connection to secure the power income and prevent fluctuations.
5. Disable Orbi “Daisy Chaining”
The Orbi setup supports the so-called “daisy chaining”, which basically allows more satellites to connect to the router through other satellites.
So far so good, but many users have reported that when this technology is enabled, the Ethernet ports on the second satellite stop working.
- To disable the “Daisy Chaining”, reach the Orbi router control panel!
In case you’ve never done something similar, follow the steps below:
- Connect a computer or phone to the Orbi router’s WiFi or Ethernet.
- Then open a web browser (Chrome, Safari) and insert “192.168.1.1”.
- Try logging in with the default – username: admin, password: password.
- Inside the control panel go to “Advanced” and select “Wireless Settings”.
- Then clear the check next to the box – “Enable Daisy-Chain Topology”.
- Don’t forget to click or tap on the “Apply” button before leaving to save.
When you’re ready, on your secondary Orbi satellite, check whether the Ethernet ports are now working.
In case this limitation doesn’t suit your need, you can only discuss it further with Netgear.
6. Update the Orbi Setup Firmware!
This is the one step that we can’t miss – updating the Orbi satellite firmware!
The entire problem with the Ethernet port could be due to a simple software bug, typically caused by an outdated software version.
Updating the Orbi satellite happens fast so let’s see:
- Connect a mobile smartphone to the Orbi router’s WiFi.
- Then download and install the Orbi app (Android & iOS).
- Open the app and insert the router’s admin credentials.
- Tap on the “Menu” button located at the top left corner.
- From there select “Settings” and then “Router Settings”.
- The next step is to select the “Check for Updates” tab.
Info: The Orbi satellite and router will now update, respectively, and will definitely restart when the process is over so way patiently until the firmware is updated.
7. Factory Reset the Orbi Satellite
In case nothing so far helped, and the Orbi satellite Ethernet ports are still not working, perhaps the solution would be to perform a factory restoration.
This is a process that reinstalls the OS, of any devices, clearing all data, settings and of course, disconnects the satellite from the router.
To perform a factory reset on the Orbi satellite use a paper clip, or a needle to reach into the reset pinhole and press the reset button for 15 seconds.
The wall-plug satellites will blink in amber as an indication of a factory reset and the device will restart when the reset is completed.
Note: Resetting the Orbi satellite will not interfere with your Orbi router or modem settings!
8. Use Wireless Connection
In case all else fails, remember that you can always use a wireless connection, and even when the Ethernet ports on the Orbi satellite are not working, you can stay connected.
This happens entirely wirelessly, using the “Sync” buttons on the Orbi satellite and router so let’s learn more!
Here’s how to wirelessly “sync” the Orbi router to the Orbi satellite in easy steps:
- First power on and ensure that the router and satellite are working.
- The next step is to locate the “Sync” button on both device backs.
- Then, press the “Sync” button on the Orbi satellite one single time.
- Next, press the “Sync” button on the Orbi router (within two minutes).
- The lower LED light on the satellite should shortly illuminate in white.
The result of the steps above is a wireless connection between the Orbi router and the Orbi satellite which completely eliminates the need for Ethernet.
No Ethernet cables are needed between the router and the satellites, as well as no physical ports would be involved.
Need More Help?
We can’t quite exclude the possibility that you’ve been sent a faulty Orbi satellite unit or simply the Ethernet ports are not working.
There are two things you can do next – contact Netgear Customer Service for help or reach out to the local supplier and attempt to claim the warranty.
Quick Recap:
We now learned that when Orbi satellite Ethernet ports not working, we need to check if the connectors are blinking since this is the main indication.
If not, then it’s probably the Ethernet cable that’s faulty or the data income from the Orbi router or other modem. Follow us for more!
Read Next: How To Reboot Orbi Router? – The Correct Method
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.