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Forum Discussion
Can I use an RBR40 router to improve coverage upstairs?
I have an Orbi mesh system with 4 RBW30 satellites. My house has 3 levels with the RBR40 router on the middle level. The router is in the left corner of the house in the middle level and internet speeds on the top level, in middle of the house and on the far right are pretty terrible. There are 2 satellites on that floor. I have an extra RBR40 router and I'm wondering if it would improve coverage and speeds if I set it up as an Access Point and placed it on the top level of the house. If I did that, would the satellite on that floor then connect to the AP?
Any input you can offer would be much appreciated.
I've tried turning on daisy-chain but can't see that it improved performance at all.
These features are turned on:
Enable Implicit BEAMFORMING
Enable MU-MIMO
Fast roaming is turned off.
2 Replies
Orbi routers connect to their internet source only with Ethernet cable. If you run a cable from the existing router to that new location, then Yes. The RBR40 in Access Point mode will extend coverage. However, the two systems remain separate WiFi networks. This does not affect devices that never move (TV's, cameras, printers, etc.). But mobile devices will not roam seamlessly between the existing network and the new one (even if they have exactly the same SSID/password). Plus, the existing satellites will not automatically switch to the new router unless you deliberately disconnect them from the existing router and then "add" them to the new router.
The cable is often a huge problem.
Agree with what CrimpOn said, but you you can also connect the RBR40 in AP mode wired to any of the satellites as well. You can have it configured with the same SSID but with different radio channels and all will be working in harmony. 🙂
