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PixelMadness's avatar
PixelMadness
Aspirant
Jul 16, 2022
Solved

Newbee Questions

I just received my Orbi rbk23 wifi router with 2 satellites and installed it but I am not sure I did it correctly. When I try to connect to it with my phone it tells me "it can't provide internet" an...
  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Jul 16, 2022

    PixelMadness wrote:

    I have the system connected to the router supplied by my internet provider, sparklight.


    So, you are adding an Orbi router to your existing router.

     

    Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.

    This explains some of the other drawbacks.

    What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

    Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.

    It may be possible to put the modem/router into modem only (bridge) mode and then to use the second device as the router. Sometimes it is easier to put the second router into AP mode. But that has its own drawbacks:

    Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support

    A lot of people use an Orbi system in AP mode, especially if they have a decent router in front of it. Only you know which of your two routers provides the best features for your needs.