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InMountains's avatar
Apr 28, 2020

Hardwiring/Adding Satellites to Orbi system, Assigning IP address to NanoBeam on Network

I have a couple of quick questions.  Just set up my Orbi AC3000 with one satellite. Was amazing seamless and easy using the Orbi app. Wallked me through it (didn't need to have watched those set up videos on YouTube, ha ha).

 

Quick questions:

The satellite is currently connected via the wifi. When an ethernet cable arrives I am going to connect via the cable. Any tricks to connecting/ set up, or will the app just re-connect seamlessly?  What of adding a second satellite also connected via ethernet?

 

I've noticed that standing next to the satellite using wifi on my laptop, my speed was ever so slightly slower than standing in this same spot using just my Apple Airport Extreme Base Station before setting up the Orbi (AE disconnected obviously once the Orbi was set up). Both routers (AE and Orbi) in the same spot, one floor just below the satellite where I tested. Is this normal? I expected a slight speed boost.  Speed was much superior with the Orbi at a more remote spot on the second floor where I had a weak signal before (so the Orbi is serving its purpose).

 

And last, I will be setting up a pair of Unifi NanoBeams to get to a nearby building. I will set it up to use DHCP. However, I've seen that it is a good idea to have the router (Orbi) assign a static IP address to each NanoBeam (that is, each NanoBeam has its own IP address which remains constant), simply so I can use the IP address to access the managemt of each NanoBeam antenna through my browser (the IP address is the url for management purposes).   Is this easy to do via the Orbi app?

7 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    The RBS should connect seamlessly via ethernet wire if the RBS are already wirelessly connected.

    https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System

     

    What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router

     

    I would turn OFF the apple router while you setup the Orbi and get it configured well. 

    • InMountains's avatar
      InMountains
      Guide

      Thank you. Great to know about the set up (wiring the current satellite) and adding a new wired satellite (assume it is equally seamless).

       

      Yes, the AE Base Station was disconnected and powered down before the connecting and set up of the Orbi system. The router and satellite are probably 10 feet away, through ceiling/floor. Old house (1820) so likely no interfering building material between the units. Assuming when I hardwire the satellite speeds will increase (the difference was  very modest, and all is so fast here, so not really an issue... was just curious). Speed connection to a more remote spot (reason for the Orbi system was outstanding, much improved).

       

      Will wait for response on assigning the IP address. 

       

      Thanks!

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        If the nano has an option to input a static IP address, then use this. 

        I would change the IP address pool on your RBR to 192.168.1.100 to .200. Then you can add static IP addressed devices to either side of this pool. Static IP addresses can't be with in the pool.