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Can RBS50y satellites mesh with each other?
I have a couple of RBS50yv2 outdoor satellites and am trying to use them to provide network coverage from my house down to the bottom of my driveway (around 400 feet). I've configured each to connect to my network in standard Orbi mode. My router (RBR50) and indoor satellites (RBS50) use their respective firmware versions 2.7.5.4, while the outdoor satellites use firmware 2.7.4.12. If I set the outdoor satellites up at intervals along the driveway, will they mesh with each other, or do only mesh with indoor satellites / routers? So far, the Attached Devices page on the router's control page (192.168.1.1) suggests that each outdoor satellite connects to an indoor satellite and not a closer outdoor satellite. If it is the case that they cannot directly mesh with each other, that greatly decreases the range the network can achieve -- and in such a case, can anyone suggest how to get the signal all the way down the driveway? Thanks all.
The RBS50y outdoor satellites cannot mesh directly with each other; they only connect back to the router (RBR50) or indoor satellites (RBS50) in your Orbi system. This limits their effectiveness if placed at intervals along the driveway, as they rely on connecting to the closest device in the network rather than forming a chain. To extend coverage to the bottom of your driveway, try placing one RBS50y where it can receive a strong signal from the router or an indoor satellite, and position the second within the first's range to maintain connectivity. If possible, use Ethernet backhaul to connect the satellites directly to the router or other satellites for better range and stability. Alternatively, consider using directional antennas, third-party extenders, or a dedicated outdoor Wi-Fi system like a point-to-point bridge (e.g., Ubiquiti NanoStations) to cover the 400-foot distance more effectively.
7 Replies
If I had two RBS50Y's, I'd be outside entertaining the neighbors "as we speak". What fun! If you do experiment, please report "what happened".
It would be useful to understand the desired result.
- What devices need to be supported 400 ft. from the house?
(Do they connect with Ethernet or WiFi?) - Is network needed "at the end" or along the entire path?
Ordinarily, the favorite solution is to run an Ethernet cable. Although Ethernet cables are rated at 328 ft., more recent cables such at Cat6A and Cat7 would probably provide good service to 400 ft. A more significant consideration is the cost and effort of the actual installation. PVC pipe to run cable through would cost several times more than the actual cable. Hiring someone to trench 400 ft.... OMG!
A solution that has been reported many times is to install a "point to point wireless bridge". Because they are rated in terms of kilometers, a distance of 400 ft. should be "no problem". The unit located at the house could possible be located inside and just "blast through" the exterior wall. These units are typically rated for outdoor installation. Most models offer an Ethernet port so that they appear (at both ends) to be simply an Ethernet cable. There are units on Amazon starting at under $100 (for a pair). I'd start with internet research looking for someone who has solved a very similar problem. Mainstream brands such as Ubiquiti, TP-Link, Engenius sell at higher price points than some (obvious knock off) brands. I certainly would want a substantial number of reviews and purchase with a liberal return policy.
Thanks for the reply. I want to put a security camera at the bottom of the driveway, and I was hoping to be able to tie its feed into my home network.Orbi makes it all so easy within the house; I was hoping it could be similarly easy outside. And yes, I considered a run of ethernet cable, but you're right about the work and cost of installing it in a way that reasonably protects it. Plus, given the way my driveway is situation by the house, I'd have to get someone to tunnel under it to feed the line into the house. Talk about expensive!
Thank you for the reply, even though you come bearing bad news. I'm still committed to seeing if I can get a good internet signal at the bottom of the driveway, and I've got the infrastructure in place that was planned for the RBS50y satellites (i.e., an electrical line that I can plug into). Perhaps I can use one or more regular RBS50 units in weatherproof boxes?
- What devices need to be supported 400 ft. from the house?
The RBS50y outdoor satellites cannot mesh directly with each other; they only connect back to the router (RBR50) or indoor satellites (RBS50) in your Orbi system. This limits their effectiveness if placed at intervals along the driveway, as they rely on connecting to the closest device in the network rather than forming a chain. To extend coverage to the bottom of your driveway, try placing one RBS50y where it can receive a strong signal from the router or an indoor satellite, and position the second within the first's range to maintain connectivity. If possible, use Ethernet backhaul to connect the satellites directly to the router or other satellites for better range and stability. Alternatively, consider using directional antennas, third-party extenders, or a dedicated outdoor Wi-Fi system like a point-to-point bridge (e.g., Ubiquiti NanoStations) to cover the 400-foot distance more effectively.
It occurred to me that I never did post the solution I found that worked for me. I'll describe it here, in case someone in future has a similar issue. Again my driveway is around 400 feet long, straight with relatively few trees, at a slight downward angle from house to road. What did NOT work was trying to set up a couple of RBS50y outdoor units, because (as mentioned above), they can't mesh with each other. What DID work was to set up a RBS50 on top of a china cabinet immediately inside the house (right up against the wall), set up a second RBS50 about halfway down the driveway in a weatherproof box, and set up a RBS50y at the bottom of the driveway. They link to each other nicely -- surprising, given the distances involved -- and now I have a good internet signal at the bottom of the driveway that my Ring security camera can use without issue.
If you're curious about a weatherproof box that can adequately protect an indoor-designed RBS50, I have described in another forum message (see "Recommendations for a weatherproof box for RBS50?") what I found that has so far worked for me. It's been up for a little over a month now, in rain and snow and temperatures down into the teens, and the satellite unit inside has continued to work well.
Thanks all for the suggestions!
