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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...
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!