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Adding RBS40 to existing RB50 Network trouble
I currently have an AC3000 tri band RB50 wireless network at home. It consists of the following:
- (1) RBR50 Router
- (2) RBS50 Satellites
This system works great and has no issues. I am attempting to attach more satellites to this network to extend the coverage to my garage, totaling to (4) satellites. I read online LINK that I can connect an RBS40 satellite to the RBR50 router without issues. I procured a used RB40 setup (1 router + 2 satellites) with the intent to reuse the satellites for my network and ditch the router.
I have manually reset each satellite with the reset button upon initial powerup. I went thru the standard connecting procedure noted in the app as well as the .net interface. Each time the connection was unsuccessful. I am curious if this is a firmware issue? My current RB50 firmware is V2.7.5.6, and I have no way of telling what the used RB40 firmware is.
I do have means to hardwire via ethernet cable from my RBR50 out to where I intend to use the new RBS40. Not sure if that makes a difference.
Looking for some guidance to make this connection. Any help would be appreciated.
There are two potential issues.
- There were reports YEARS ago that the "Add Orbi Satellite" process in the RBR50 product had a programming flaw. When three satellites were connected, the process would not add a fourth satellite. The solution (at that time) was to
- temporarily power off one of the satellites. (this causes the status in Attached Devices to change to Disconnected and suggests removing it (ignore that)
- perform the Add Orbi Satellite process.
- after adding the 4th satellite, restore power to the one that had been temporarily powered off.
- to add a 5th satellite, temporarily power off two satellites. add the 5th. power back on.
- the person who posted this claimed to have a total of six satellites on the RBR50 router. - The newer (AX) Orbi systems appear to be unable to connect when the router and satellite are not on the same firmware release. (I do not recall this issue ever being raised prior to the AX products.) If the solution above does not work, it might be worth manually loading firmware v2.7.5.6 on the used RBS40 satellites. That is a tedious and complicated process:
- download the RBS40 firmware file and unpack the zip file
- connect the RBS40 satellite and a computer with an Ethernet cable
- change the computer to a Static IP address in 192.168.1.x with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (I pick 192.168.1.1 - for no reason)
- power up the satellite
- hold a paperclip in the 'Reset' hole for at least 15 seconds
- when the satellite boots up, open a web browser to 192.168.1.250
- this should open the satellite web management page.
- use the satellite menu Firmware Update to manually load the image file to the satellite
- after the satellite has the new firmware, it can be powered off.
- do any other satellites
- after satellites are completed, return computer to normal DHCP setting (no more Static IP)
- Now, go through the Add Orbi Satellite process
- There were reports YEARS ago that the "Add Orbi Satellite" process in the RBR50 product had a programming flaw. When three satellites were connected, the process would not add a fourth satellite. The solution (at that time) was to
4 Replies
There are two potential issues.
- There were reports YEARS ago that the "Add Orbi Satellite" process in the RBR50 product had a programming flaw. When three satellites were connected, the process would not add a fourth satellite. The solution (at that time) was to
- temporarily power off one of the satellites. (this causes the status in Attached Devices to change to Disconnected and suggests removing it (ignore that)
- perform the Add Orbi Satellite process.
- after adding the 4th satellite, restore power to the one that had been temporarily powered off.
- to add a 5th satellite, temporarily power off two satellites. add the 5th. power back on.
- the person who posted this claimed to have a total of six satellites on the RBR50 router. - The newer (AX) Orbi systems appear to be unable to connect when the router and satellite are not on the same firmware release. (I do not recall this issue ever being raised prior to the AX products.) If the solution above does not work, it might be worth manually loading firmware v2.7.5.6 on the used RBS40 satellites. That is a tedious and complicated process:
- download the RBS40 firmware file and unpack the zip file
- connect the RBS40 satellite and a computer with an Ethernet cable
- change the computer to a Static IP address in 192.168.1.x with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (I pick 192.168.1.1 - for no reason)
- power up the satellite
- hold a paperclip in the 'Reset' hole for at least 15 seconds
- when the satellite boots up, open a web browser to 192.168.1.250
- this should open the satellite web management page.
- use the satellite menu Firmware Update to manually load the image file to the satellite
- after the satellite has the new firmware, it can be powered off.
- do any other satellites
- after satellites are completed, return computer to normal DHCP setting (no more Static IP)
- Now, go through the Add Orbi Satellite process
- There were reports YEARS ago that the "Add Orbi Satellite" process in the RBR50 product had a programming flaw. When three satellites were connected, the process would not add a fourth satellite. The solution (at that time) was to
Since your RBR50 system is working well, the issue with adding the RBS40 satellite is likely due to a firmware mismatch or the satellite still being linked to its original router. To fix this, first do a proper factory reset on the RBS40 by holding the reset button for about 10 seconds until the LED turns amber. Then, connect it directly to your RBR50 router using an Ethernet cable. This often helps the router recognize and add the satellite more reliably, especially when mixing different Orbi models. Wait a few minutes—sometimes they’ll sync automatically, but you can also press the Sync button on both units to initiate pairing. If it still doesn’t connect, the RBS40 may need a firmware update to match your RBR50's version (V2.7.5.6). You can do this by accessing the RBS40 directly through a web browser while connected via Ethernet
Before setting up the new satellites to your old system, install the new RBR40 + satellites. That'll let you check firmware and manually update. You don't even need to be online. the satellites should auto connect to their original router if factory reset. I'd try that so you can easily log in and check their firmware versions .
Another option is just for setup/syncing, hardwire it into the RBR50 while its sitting right next to it. Once it sync's, you can always move it.
Wow, what a great community here! I was able to successfully connect the RBS40 to my existing RB50, bringing me to a total of 3 satellites. It was a mixture of all disconnecting an existing satellite, connecting the RBS40 (hardwire) directly to the RB50 router, letting it sit/reset for a while. I had to leave it alone for a bit, but once I returned it showed connected. It did cause an issue once I reconnected the existing satellite, mainly the Config Sync status within the backhaul status. Reading online, I took advice to disable daisy chain topology. Once rebooted, and left along for about an hour- all 3 satellites were connected! I reviewed my device connections and they have evenly distributed themselves across the mesh network. Thanks again everyone, great advice here!
