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Forum Discussion
madobe
Jun 07, 2021Aspirant
Help - Orbi outdoor satellite issue
I have an Orbi mesh system connected to a TP Link Archer VR600v modem router (has VoIP phone connected) with wifi disabled. I have Orbi RBR20 with 2 x RBS20 satellites indoors. I have 2 outdoor satel...
madobe
Jun 09, 2021Aspirant
I have managed to login to orbilogin.com Orbi web interface now, and the 2 x RBS50Y show as attached devices but "disconnected". I selected the option to remove and have tried multiple times to connect to them. I have been trying one at a time and they both perform the same. Power on then wait for solid white light which doesnt happen. They continue to blink slowly then briefly turn blue then revert to slow blinking white. If left in this state, they turn magenta. I have been pressing the sync button on the satellite just after it returns white from blue and then pressing the sync button on the screen (or router). Message says will take up to 6 minutes. The result is always solid magenta. Both these units have been functioning ok since I first purchased and connected them. One was bought new March 2020. The other was bought new September 2020. They are both registered on the netgear portal as "my products" and are under warranty. The internet went down and when I rebooted the modem and router, I could not reconnect these RBS50Y's. My 2 x RBS20 indoor satellites are working fine and show that the firmware is up to date. I would love to check the firmware on the RBS50Y's but dont know how I can do this without connecting them. As you would be aware they do not have ethernet ports so cannot hardwire connect.
CrimpOn
Jun 09, 2021Guru - Experienced User
I realize this is a chore, but have you considered temporarily relocating a satellite to the same room as the Orbi router (where you can observe both at the same time) and doing the web interface "Add Orbi Satellite" process?
It is essential that the RBS50Y firmware be in "Orbi Mode", rather than in "Extender Mode".
I believe that the two models of RBS50Y may have different firmware options. The first model, does not mention anything about Extender Mode:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBS50/RBS50_QSG_EN.pdf
whereas the 2nd model clearly shows two modes:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBS50Y/RBS50Y_QSG_EN.pdf
- madobeJun 09, 2021AspirantYes, I have the satellite in the same room about 1.5 metres from the router and using the web interface. How can I check what mode they are in without actually connecting to them?