Forum Discussion

Aspirant

Aug 11, 2019

Solved

Can I use Orbi RB20 satellites with a new RBK50 router?

Hi, I’ve seen a few posts on here with people asking whether they can use their 2B20 router as a satellite for an 2BK50 router, but my question is a little different. I had been using an ORBI RB20 mes...

CrimpOn
Aug 11, 2019
Yes, the RBK20 satellites work with the RBR50 router. The only "issue" is that they do not support the blazing AC3000 speed that the RBS50 satellites do. I do not know if the this will affect the performance of the RBS50 satellites. 802.11 for 2.4G has several versions, b, g, and n. If even a single device on the network supports only "b", that forces the entire WiFi to operate at b. Surely the 5G standards are more advanced?

These RBK20 satellites will operate as well as they did before. Go for it.

ConnorMcC

Aspirant

Aug 11, 2019

Wow, really appreciate the fast response. So just to check, what you’re saying is it will work—but only to the max capabilities of the RB20 satellites. Do you think spending the extra money for the RB50 router was worth it then, since I’ll end up getting the same connection quality that I could be getting with a much cheaper 2B20 replacement router? I suppose it might be if I plan to phase out the RB20 satellites and replace them with RB50s—if I ever need an upgrade, but it’s a shame the new router won’t do much.

CrimpOn

Guru - Experienced User

Aug 11, 2019

I may have confused things. (I am quite literal, which my family finds annoying). RBK50 refers to a package of one RBR50 router and one RBS50 satellite. So, I assumed that is what you have. The '50' series have larger antennas and a more powerful radio, so there might be an improvement over just replacing the original router with the same model. Maybe not much. Maybe not worth the extra cost.

I am not technically qualified to offer an opinion on how much 'better' this mixed environment will be, only that it WILL work.