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Orbi mesh network question
It appears Netgear and Linksys and maybe others can't seem to explain the mesh network that well. And it seems Netgear has no pre-sales tech support, so here I am. I guess most people don't have wir...
GTGeek88 wrote:So what I'm looking for is a system where each node of the wireless system plugs into the wired network and gives you a seamless and fast wireless network. Is this possible with the Orbi system or any other mesh system?
All models of Orbi which include ethernet ports can be connected over ethernet. (This leave out the least expensive, newest model RBR10 series, becauses the satellites have no ethernet port.
The KEY to this is that the satellites need to be connected to the Orbi router LAN ports. There have been some active discussions about pitfalls when "smart" or "green" ethernet switches are used between the router and satellite.
But, yes. This is exactly how people lucky enough to have ethernet wiring typically run their Orbi systems.
Well, yeah, but backhaul is used by other manufacturers, too. Not sure if they operate with the same definition. Anyway, I guess my question now is about this issue you mentioned about connecting them through a switch. That's really the only feasible way to connect them when we're talking about the wired option. The link that Furrye38 provided shows them connected via a switch. But you mention "discussions about pitfalls when 'smart' or 'green' ethernet switches are used between the router and satellite." My Netgear GS116 switch is unmanaged, so maybe that won't cause these pitfalls. But, seriously, if you have some links or some suggestion about search terms to turn up those discussions, please let me know. Thanks again for your responses.
GTGeek88, I have a GS116v1 switch between my RBR50 and RBS50 and it works. Newer versions of the GS116v2 have green power-saving features (802.3az spec). Check the version of your GS116 switch. If it is v1, then you are good, but if it is v2 then it supports 802.3az and will not work between the router and satellite. Netgear currently does not appear to sell any switches that do not have 802.3az on them.
Well, hell. That switch is pretty old and I thought for sure it'd be v1, but when I got it off the wall and looked at the underside (now I have a picture of it), it's v2. :smileysad:
Maybe I'll have to find a switch that doesn't do that, but now this is getting quite expensive.
GTGeek88, if your RBR50 is close to your GS116v2, then you could use an RJ45 female-female coupler to patch the backhaul from LAN1 of the RBR50 to your GS116 for your other wired network devices, and LAN2 of your RBR50 to the coupler that connects to the patch cord that goes to the room your satellite is in. If you have 2 satellites, then use LAN3 to another coupler to the second satellite. This way each satellite has a dedicated LAN connection for the backhaul without using the network switch. RJ45 couplers are inexpensive if this solves your issue.
Thanks, but not possible.
tomschmidt wrote:GTGeek88, if your RBR50 is close to your GS116v2, then you could use an RJ45 female-female coupler to patch the backhaul from LAN1 of the RBR50 to your GS116 for your other wired network devices, and LAN2 of your RBR50 to the coupler that connects to the patch cord that goes to the room your satellite is in. If you have 2 satellites, then use LAN3 to another coupler to the second satellite. This way each satellite has a dedicated LAN connection for the backhaul without using the network switch. RJ45 couplers are inexpensive if this solves your issue.