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Jordyroy's avatar
Jordyroy
Follower
Apr 27, 2020

How to connect Orbi RBR50V2 to Modem

Hi there :)   So this may be a silly question: I understand that the Ethernet cable goes into the yellow "Internet" on the Orbi Router-   But what output does it go into on my existing Modem?   ...
CrimpOn's avatar
CrimpOn
Guru
Apr 27, 2020

The question is not silly. But, the answer is not simple.

  • With multiple ethernet jacks on the back, the ISP device is clearly a "router", and possibly even a WiFi/router.
  • You have to either (a) keep this device or (b) swap it for a "modem only" device.
    There MUST be a "modem".  (The Orbi does not contain a modem.)
  • The easiest path forward is to simply connect the Orbi to any of the ethernet jacks and set it up.
    This results in what is called a "Double NAT" situation:
    https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT 
    I ran my Orbi this way for over a year, until I wanted to do specific things which a Double NAT makes impossible.
    I then swapped the modem/router out for a "plain modem."
  • If the Double NAT interferes with things you want to do, you have two basic choices:
    (a) Put the Orbi into Access Point (AP) mode, or
    (b) Put the ISP device into "bridge" or "passthrough" mode.
    The choice depends a lot on how difficult it is to put the ISP device into bridge mode and how much you are interested in Orbi functions such as Disney Circle or Bitdefender Armor (I have not activated either.  Have no earthly idea what they do and don't care.)

Clear as mud?  Sorry