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Forum Discussion
Is the RBS50Y worth it in extender mode with the RBR850? Alternatives
Hi, I want to extend my wifi outdoors. I currently have an RBK850 system that works very well. I read the RBS50Y is not compatible with the RBR850 in Orbi mode, but that it should work in extender mode. But it's not clear to me what that means exactly. If I set it up in extender mode, my understanding is that it won't really extend the mesh network, correct? It's like any other wifi extender: it will connect to my wifi and then create another FOO_EXT network. Is that correct? And if so, is it worth it or should I go with a non-Orbi extender since they'll essentially work the same way?
2 Replies
You understanding is correct. The main difference is that the RBS50Y is designed to be somewhat* weather resistant. Even the power supply is designed to be mounted outdoors.
There have been reports from users who address the problem by purchasing a actual "satellite" and then mount it in a weather resistant enclosure. Amazon sells a wide variety of such products.
* There have been a few complaints of customers finding their RBS50Y completely filled with water.
No. In extender mode, it acts as a mesh extender. It can be set to use the same ssid as the router does. The difference comes in that in extender mode, it doesn't connect to the "hidden" backhaul of the orbi system but to the 5ghz fronthaul. Plus since it doesn't integrate, you have to manage it separate from the orbi system.
