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Forum Discussion
Connecting RBR20 to Airport Extreme in "Bridge Mode"
Want to connect my Airport Extreme to my new Orbi RBR20.
We are experiencing dropped signals and want to use the Extreme to help with signal strength.
I know the Extreme needs to be set to "bridge mode".
Do I need to do a full reset on the Extreme to get rid of the old SSID for the wi-fi previously used?
Or, do I leave the Extreme SSID as they were?
In other words, do the Extreme and the Orbi have to be named the same, or can they have their own names for identification when using wi-fi?
7 Replies
Is the Extreme being used as a router or do you want it to be a media wireless bridge from the Orbi to a wired device connected to the back of the Extreme. Wireless bridge on Apples Airport Extreme routers causes the router to turn in to a client thats only wirelessly connected to the Orbi wifi. This is only a connection between the two. Then you can connect wired LAN cable devices to the back of the Extreme in wirelss bridge mode.
There is no wireless extender signal that comes from the Extreme to other wireless devices to connect too when it's in bridge mode.
I'm trying to prevent the dropped wi-fi signals we are experiencing from the Orbi.
Do not want to attach any devices directly to the back of the Extreme.
I believe what I want to do is to use the Extreme to assist with the strength of the wi-fi to prevent weak and/or dropped signals.
Bridge mode on the Extreme will not support what your trying to do. I don't know if AIrport Extreme supports Extender or any Repeater modes. Something to ask Apple about.
I would focus on the Orbi, if your having problems with wifi, lets see if we can narrow down whats happening there first, then later on, see if you need an extender.
What Firmware is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
