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Orbi mesh extending existing network (same SSID)
We're looking to keep the same SSID for a Wifi network, but extend it via an Orbi mesh setup. Is this possible - where we would setup the base unit into a "bridge" mode and all the satellites become...
Exactly. If Orbi will be the only WiFi and the Cisco will continue to assign IP addresses, all should be good provided you can connect satellites to the router. Any time someone mentions words like "concrete", "stone", "brick walls", etc. WiFi begins to have issues.
The ideal thing is to run ethernet cables to connect the satellites.
mkallen wrote:We're looking to keep the same SSID for a Wifi network, but extend it via an Orbi mesh setup. Is this possible - where we would setup the base unit into a "bridge" mode and all the satellites become extenders? We're trying to prevent DHCP from handing out new IPs when travelling around a facility >5000 sq ft. with cinder block walls, studios, hallways, etc., but still keep same Cisco RVS router.
The Orbi certainly can be placed in Access Point (AP) mode, and it will not provide DHCP. Extending the existing WiFi network is a bit more complicated. There is an existing WiFi network, possibly provided by the Cisco router? Using the same SSID on the Orbi is fine for the most part. However, Orbi supports "handing off" connections from router to satellite, satellite to another satellite, etc. It is not going to interoperate with the Cisco in that way. What will happen when someone "travels around" is the question.
Cinder block walls bring up the question of how the Orbi satellites will be connected to the router. Concrete is not a "friend" of WiFi (as you already know.)