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Forum Discussion
bigmoe80
Oct 07, 2022Guide
orbi rbk50 help
just got the Orbi rbk50 to try it out to see how it performs so my issue that it doesn't connect to satellite unless it close by so not sure why it has to be close i thought this was a system to use...
CrimpOn
Oct 07, 2022Guru - Experienced User
bigmoe80 wrote:
just got the Orbi rbk50 to try it out to see how it performs so my issue that it doesn't connect to satellite unless it close by
By default, Orbi satellites connect to the router using a 5G WiFi signal. 5G has greater bandwidth than 2.4G and (typically) there are fewer 5G WiFi devices competing for the same bandwidth. However, 5G does not penetrate building materials as well as 2.4G.
As the Netgear guide points out, when the satellite displays a BLUE ring light for two minutes (and then turns off), the signal is "Good". Amber means "Not Good Enough" and Magenta (sort of red) means no communication at all.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite
As a general rule of thumb, most users attempt to place the satellite approximately 30 ft. from the router and observe the ring light. If it turns BLUE, then maybe a bit farther away will work. Not BLUE, it needs to be closer. It all depends on the building dimensions and construction. In my case, 30 ft. would be in the middle of the living room. Nothing to place the satellite on and no electrical outlet to power it with. I wound up at about 25 ft. and it works great.
Is 30 ft. close by?
bigmoe80
Oct 07, 2022Guide
and my house is a one level house