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My Ethernet Backhaul Setup
Sorry in advance for the long post.
I have been following this forum as an observer for quite a while now, and have noticed that many people are having issues with their Orbi setup, either when...
UPDATE from OP:
I have modified my setup from the original post to include my ASUS RT-AC88U as the main router. The 88U has wifi disabled (I even disconnected all four antennae to be safe) and the Orbi is now functioning in AP mode with the satellites connected via wired backhaul.
I am finding that this setup is even better than before. Devices are running smoothly, and wireless signal is strong all around the house and outside. One snag I ran into when I was first connecting everything together was that the satellites would not porperly sync after switching to AP mode. I tried rebooting everything several times, but still could not get the satellites properly synced with the RBR50.
After about an hour of this plug-unplug-reset dance, I finally had success. When I logged into the Orbi through the web browser (forget about using the app; it is dumb and does not do anything useful), then went to ADVANCED -> ADMINISTRATION -> ATTACHED DEVICES, the satellites showed as disconnected, so I thought "what the hell, why not just push that 'REMOVE DEVICE' button next to each satellite." "What's the worst that could happen?" In fact, that was the best thing to do. I then hit the SYNC button on the back of the router, followed by the SYNC button on the back of the Satellite (setup each fully, one at a time), and the Satellite connected perfectly with wireless backhaul. Once I got the blue light of success, I plugged in the ethernet cable, and boom, it converted to wired backhaul without a problem and without a delay. Repeated with the second satellite, and result was same.
I have now been up and running with the ASUS RT-AC88U -> RBR50 (AP mode) -> RBS50 (x2; wired backhaul) for 6 days now without any issues. [NOTE: The Orbi router (AP Mode) and the Satellites have static IPs 192.168.1.2-4]. Thankfully, there have been no power outages, so everything is stable and still connected. All my devices are being routed correctly, no device has shown signs of random disconnects, and I have more control of my network with the 88U as the routing workhorse.
So far so good.