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Forum Discussion
Orbi WiFi System
Just installed Orbi RBK50. Seems to work great! However, I did not disable my cable modem/router wifi connection. I just setup my Orbi wifi as Orbi20 and I still have my original wifi, Agent88.
I have seen suggestions that I should disable Agent88 to eliminate any interference. But if all my devices are now pointing to Orbi20, what interference could there be? Isn't Agent88 just sitting idle? Everything seem to running better!
I'm not sure I want to disrupt things at this point, but if I were to set up Orbi in AP mode, could I/should I create Orbi20 on my cable modem/router to replace Agent88?
3 Replies
If all your devices are attached to Orbi20 and Agent88 is just sitting idle, it is still broadcasting and using whatever channel it is. There is the potential for interference and no compelling benefit. Why not just turn off the Wifi on your modem/router combo?
It sounds like you are using it in AP mode now? If not, Orbi is running in regular router mode and you have a double NAT situation, which for most setups doesn't cause very many problems, but your devices wired/wireless to the modem/router are on one subnet and everything connected to the Orbi system is on another subnet.
I would not rename the modem/router's Wifi in anycase to be the same as the Orbi's Wifi. I would just turn Agent88 off, especially if the modem/router and the Orbi router unit are anywhere near each other. You bought the Orbi to do the Wifi for your house, let it do that job without distraction.
Great comments. Thanks.
I am running in router mode (not AP), so I do have a double NAT situation. I've read elsewhere to shut of the modem/router wifi (Agent88) but nobody has explained how. Is there a specific procedure for doing this without disrupting my VOIP phone service?
It will depend on the model of your modem/router, but there should be a way to log in to the setup screens of the modem/router via a computer-like device plugged into an ethernet port on the modem/router and disabling the Wifi broadcast via an option. You might be able to do it via a device connecting to the Agent88 Wifi SSID, just recognize that once you select to turn off the Wifi, and select "Apply" or similar, that device will need to be reconnected to the Orbi20 SSID because the one you just used is now disabled. Your modem/router is probably reachable at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but could be different.
I am not familiar with VOIP phone service provided by cable companies, but I assume it is a wired connection from the modem/router to your VOIP phone device? If so, disabling the Wifi SSID on your modem/router (Agent88) will not affect your VOIP service.
