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Forum Discussion
Looking for buy Netear Orbi RBK50 - few questions
Hi. I am new to the community but have narrowed down my search for a 'mesh' WiFi system for my house. A bit of background on my configuration;
- I have a Sagecom modem/router that sits central in the house.
- Connected to it is a HP 24 port auto switch that controls most of my wired devices throughout.
- Three access points all with a different SSID. One of the SSID's is from the Sagecom, the other two are routers set as AP.
- I have three wired Android boxes, three wired Apple TV boxes (used primarily for Netflix and Music), three wired Dune boxes and about 8 wireless devices being used at different time. Wireless devices are Ipads, Iphones, laptop connected via VPN when I do work from home, etc.
- Some home automation devices as well like Nest thermostat, Harmony hub remotes, lighting, etc.
I would like to use the Orbi system as AP's with each one connected by Ethernet. I will start off with the two and if I need another satellite unit, purchase this down the road.
Based on the reviews I have read and the fact that we are fed up toggling between the three SSID names, these are my primary reasons I am considering the Orbi system.
Anyone with a similar setup that can give me some advice or recommendations before I pull the trigger?
Thanks
Shawn
32 Replies
recently installed my orbi system as an AP. Simply unboxed it, synched up the satellite, went into my existing router and turned off its wifi and changed the ssid and password on the orbi to my old one. Everything but my HP wireless printer connected no problem. Had to reset and then connect the printer. Been completely happy for several weeks now.
Thanks for the quick reply. Are you happy with the speed? Also, is there nothing you need to change in the setup to set the Orbi as an AP?
I have a similarly large and complex environment. Given the current instability of the wired backhaul I would not underestimate the speed and stability of the wireless backhaul between the Orbi sats and the Orbi router. I have my Orbi router in the middle of a large-ish house wired into a 24 port switch in the basement but the two sats are wireless in the far extremeties of the upper floor.
I only have 50mpbs service from Verizon but I can max out that connection from any location in the house over wifi using any 5Ghz device.
- Were you unable to turn off the wifi radio for from your Sagecom gateway?
For a little perspective, I have the RBK50 kit(1 router/1 satellite) for a ~3000 sq ft home. My misfortune is that my satellite is positioned in the complete opposite ends between downstairs and upstairs away from my modem and router. The system still does a great job blanketing the house with wifi coverage but depending on which room of the house I'm in, my wireless devices sometimes connects to the 2.4ghz signal instead of the 5ghz. It's a bit a of a nuisance for me. I would gripe more about this, but it'll just seem like rambling and not make a lot of sense and I plan on buying a 2nd satellite to fix this small issue. Also, be aware that the orbi decides "which is best for you" so you have no control on what frequency your device would be on.
Anyways, since you're good to go for your streaming devices since you're hard wired, depending on your setup and placement of the orbi system and don't mind which frequency your wireless devices are connecting to, you'll like the convenience of having one SSID without worrying about having to manually switch frequencies. I don't think I've notice any hiccups while streaming when my devices get switched frequencies. Personally I think the orbi systems could use some much needed features for a little more networking freedom, it's still a great overall product.
Also be aware others have reported frequent connection loss. I haven't personally experienced this yet(aside from my ISP usually craps out at 3am).
dangitzinwrote:
Were you unable to turn off the wifi radio for from your Sagecom gateway?
For a little perspective, I have the RBK50 kit(1 router/1 satellite) for a ~3000 sq ft home. My misfortune is that my satellite is positioned in the complete opposite ends between downstairs and upstairs away from my modem and router. The system still does a great job blanketing the house with wifi coverage but depending on which room of the house I'm in, my wireless devices sometimes connects to the 2.4ghz signal instead of the 5ghz. It's a bit a of a nuisance for me. I would gripe more about this, but it'll just seem like rambling and not make a lot of sense and I plan on buying a 2nd satellite to fix this small issue. Also, be aware that the orbi decides "which is best for you" so you have no control on what frequency your device would be on.
Anyways, since you're good to go for your streaming devices since you're hard wired, depending on your setup and placement of the orbi system and don't mind which frequency your wireless devices are connecting to, you'll like the convenience of having one SSID without worrying about having to manually switch frequencies. I don't think I've notice any hiccups while streaming when my devices get switched frequencies. Personally I think the orbi systems could use some much needed features for a little more networking freedom, it's still a great overall product.
Also be aware others have reported frequent connection loss. I haven't personally experienced this yet(aside from my ISP usually craps out at 3am).Hi. Thanks for the comments. I actually have a Sagecom 5250 which is DSL based. In the next few months, our neighbourhood is finalizing fibre optic into each and every home. I am ver much looking forward to this as my maximum download speed is 50 mbps. That being said, this does not seem to be an issue for the amounc of streaming etc my family does. There is the odd hiccup on my Android streaming boxes but nothing too bad.
Folks. So I received my Orbi system today and have been taking baby steps in its setup. I have the RBR50 and two satellites, RBS50 and RBS40. I do not have it setup in AP mode as of yet since I am playing around with it ensuring the system can see the satellites, testing WiFI speed, etc. I have the following firmware for each,
RBR50 - 2.0.1.4
RBS50 - 2.0.1.4
RBS40 - 2.0.0.56
Do I have the latest versions. When I check connecting to my laptop, it says I am up to date.
Also, I am waiting for a new 24 ports Netgear switch since the one I have (HP 1810) does not have all its ports at 1000mbps.
Regards,
Shawn
Ah I see you have a Sagecom 5250. This is a gateway router I believe. I recommend using it in bridge mode. If not, use the DMZ on the modem for the IP address that Orbi router gets from the modem. Helps with double NAT issues that can cause problems. I see you maybe getting Fiber as well. Keep this in mind.
FURRYe38wrote:Ah I see you have a Sagecom 5250. This is a gateway router I believe. I recommend using it in bridge mode. If not, use the DMZ on the modem for the IP address that Orbi router gets from the modem. Helps with double NAT issues that can cause problems. I see you maybe getting Fiber as well. Keep this in mind.
You are correct, it is a gateway router. That is a great tip on bridging. Thanks a lot. I will give this a try. Too many folks "stress" testing the system as we speak so will have to hold off for a bit. Thanks again.
Yes of course. One think I would do, use the DMZ on the modem for the Orbi router. Do this and will help mitiagate connection issues.
Enjoy. :smileyhappy:
FURRYe38wrote:Yes of course. One think I would do, use the DMZ on the modem for the Orbi router. Do this and will help mitiagate connection issues.
Enjoy. :smileyhappy:Fair enough. Curious, when using DMZ do you any sort of firewall? Am I not opening up a risk since I am not assigning a specific port?
DMZ is ok to use since you want the Firewall on the Orbi router handle issues. IN your case, you want DMZ on the modem and not using two firewalls. Just one is needed. The Orbi will handle all firewall problems.
