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Forum Discussion
disabling LAN ports on on RBS50
I am trying to disable the LAN ports on an RBS50 and following instructions here https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/DISABLE-LAN-PORTS-ON-RBS50/m-p/1719465#M55199 That is: ----------------...
I am starting to realize even blocking the ports (physical or in the firmware) may not be enough.
The Sync button still allows push button WPS - anyone with physical access to the router can connect using WPS. As far as I can tell there is no way to disable the sync / WPS function on the RBS50.
For my situation it looks like the Orbi Outdoor Satellite (RBS50Y) would be best. Its in an separate (normally locked) building - but for security I would prefer that anyone who has physical access can't access my network.
The RBS50Y has no ethernet ports and the sync button is disabled after the intial sync with the router. It is more than I would like to pay - but seems best option.
Vandergraff wrote:The Sync button still allows push button WPS - anyone with physical access to the router can connect using WPS. As far as I can tell there is no way to disable the sync / WPS function on the RBS50.
I asked a person who is writing custom firmware about disabling the sync button. He confirmed there is no configuration setting to do so, mostly because it is a requirement that WiFi access points have a sync button. He did say that a person could hack some of the "button code" in the router, but made no guarantee (a) that it would work, or (b) that the hack would not be overwritten with any new firmware release.
I put this in my "things to try" file for some time when I won't mind having to do a factory reset and reconfig if I screw it up. Not any time soon.
Of course, if someone REALLY wanted to disable the sync button, he could open the case and snip a wire leading to the switch (if the switch isn't soldered directly to the circuit board). Or, glue something over the button that someone would have to break off to get at the switch. Or, put some Crazy Glue in the switch so it won't move any more.
CrimpOn wrote:I asked a person who is writing custom firmware about disabling the sync button. He confirmed there is no configuration setting to do so, mostly because it is a requirement that WiFi access points have a sync button. He did say that a person could hack some of the "button code" in the router, but made no guarantee (a) that it would work, or (b) that the hack would not be overwritten with any new firmware release.
Thanks for checking.
The very similar RBS50Y does have the sync button disabled after the satellite connects to the router. Obviously makes sense for a product that can be outdoors but make me wonder about the 'requirement that WiFi access points have a sync button'. I also know other brands where WPS / Sync can be disabled.
I ended up buying the RBS50Y which is working perfectly.