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Feature Request: Orbi Satellite Ethernet Backhaul
As good as Orbi looks on paper I don't understand Y you would cut yourself so short and not support Eithernet backhaul for the satellites, I have 5 locations needing a system like this but without support for Eithernet backhaul I will have no choice but to use either Eero or Luma. Is adding Eithernet backhaul even possible with the curent hardware only having to add it threw firmware or would a new hardware design be needed? There are many of us asking for this, Please update me on this and please push this reqwest to the top.
Everyone please vote this much needed feature up.
Let me acknowledge that our customer base has been clamoring for this feature for a while, and we are trying to be responsive to their needs. To provide context on why it's taking a while to get it out, during the first quarter, the Orbi Engineering team was focused on bringing out the two new products (RBK30 & RBK40) to market. Now that it's accomplished, we're actively working on bringing this feature and a couple of other interesting, market-requested features to you.
Orbi Product Team
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- I contacted Netgear on twitter asking for comment. They said no comment but "stay tuned". Crossing my fingers!
It is not only a question of distance. In northern Europe it is more usual to use reinforced concrete and and floor heating. It is more or less impossible to get 5 Ghz connection just between the floors. If you like to use a WiFi backhaul you need to try place it close to a door to the staircase and in the next floor as well close to the staircase. I was going for the Orbi as well, but primarily for the mesh feature. but when read this thread I stopped. WiFi backhaul would be difficult for me, but having a full ethernet cabling - but enought devices only allowing wireless connection.
Everybody complaining about missing ethernet backhaul (as me) may think about if he really needs Orbi.
The main feature of Orbi is the segregated wireless backhaul channel. MY main reason looking for the Orbi were single SSID and instant roaming, as I have the ability (as the others complaining) of a wired backhaul.
I meanwhile bought Ubiquity stuff and it works quite well providing me those features. Finally as an additional advantage it is cheaper, components are smaller. There is only one little dsadvantage as the stuff didn't offer additional Ethernet ports. But I decided to use a small PoE switch at the place where I need it. Still cheaper and smaller then using an Orbi.
- I just bought the Orbi and then found out that it CD can't do Ethernet backhaul! That's terrible. I assumed it could because many other mesh products allow this. I too also want a mesh setup for single SSID and more stable Wifi connection from switching between Wifi networks.
Please implement this feature ASAP!!
Thanks,
Disappointed customerIf you just bought it - give it back and buy Ubiquity stuff.
I have the base unit in my home and the satellite in my metal building/shop. The mesh WiFi works great for WiFi calling until I close my shop doors. Having a wired back haul would solve the issue. We travel back and forth many times a day and having to switch between APs doesn't play well with WiFi calling.
Okay enough is enough, Please give an ETA for this feature . I have installed ORBI systems in 7 homes and 2 offices and I have another 13 homes and 1 office that I would like to purchase it for but I need to know when this feature will be realeased or I will unfortunately be forced to use a competitor as my clients are getting impatient.
it will be here once its ready and not b4 , if thats not quick enough for you i suspect thats your issue :)
I got more and more to the point that Netgear is right not give too much priority on this feature.
People mixing up features of the term mesh. Following features are often wanted, but not a primary feature of mesh wireless networks:
- unique SSID
- instant roaming
The primary feature of mesh is the INDEPENDENT WIRELESS backhaul not grabbing ressoureces of the client networks.
So if you have wired/ethernet backhaul you usually not really need Orbi or similar products.
Orbi is a great product when you really need a wireless backhaul. If not there are other options.
Unfortunately brands focussed by history on wired stuff are a bit poor on implementing fast(instant roaming and single SSID in their classic wireless products. Netgear and other brands just implementng that with the new hyped Mesh product lines.
But their are other brands like Ubiquiti focussing on wireless and implementing such features for a bigger product line with a lot of choices for everybodies needs. I am only mentioning Ubiquiti because for me there is a good price-performance ratio. There are other brands.
Just try to give some better understanding and people may realize other stuff is better option.
- Great post ...
> The primary feature of mesh is the INDEPENDENT WIRELESS backhaul not grabbing ressoureces of the client networks.
but I disagree here. You described mesh in your post well, however (Instant roaming). Resources off the client network is nothing in a world of GB routers for $10. The physics between copper and wireless is mind boggling. This is the primary feature of ORBI, not MESH.
The mesh network devices job is to provide instant roaming to clients. 👍 How it provides that service differs between Orbi, and every single other comparible product that does support wired backhaul. Having a dedicated radio is awesome... but it lacks a feature that would make it the same as the competitors, plus the 20% better. That would make me buy it again.
Also keep in mind you are on a thread with dozens of people wanting this feature. So I don’t think anyone wants to hear that not having this capability is a “feature”. 😁The arguments against wired backhaul are amazing. If the ONLY reason to buy Orbi is the wireless backhaul, the design/engineering team has failed spectacularly.
Backhaul is backhaul. It's not a feature, it's a neccessity. Without it, the remote AP is a table decoration. When available, wired bachkaul should always be preferred for reliability. When it is not available, use wireless to overcome environmental limitation.
As for Netgear not publishing a roadmap, that's very short sighted to the point of working directly against their marketing efforts instead of complementing them.
- I have had to buy both a rbk44 and rbk50 to try to get coverage in a 2500 square foot house and two detached garages (old plaster walls don't help).
The extra router is now a paper weight. Aside from all the other problems with these systems, it would at least help to be able to set up my extra router as a satellite (Not an access point).
Netgear should push out a firmware update that allows routers to be set in satellite mode so two systems can be integrated by Ethernet connection. Auto detect would be even better (like velop), but at very least, the option to choose would be nice.
