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Forum Discussion
Preparing for Orbi RBK50 - Some due diligence questions
Hello everyone, I just ordered the Orbi Triband RBK50. I have a few questions: 1 I currently have xfinity 1Gb service. Will this router broadcast greater than 500 bbps wifi speeds? My cur...
LarryJoe wrote:Hello everyone,
I just ordered the Orbi Triband RBK50. I have a few questions:
1
I currently have xfinity 1Gb service. Will this router broadcast greater than 500 bbps wifi speeds? My current set-up does hit 700-800 mbps over 5ghz when close by. The specs are confusing for the Orbi as it says best for 500mbps service but also references 3gig broadcasting? I just want to make sure I bought the right product.
Depends on wifi device support and design. Most 5Ghz AC wifi devices max out at around 400-500Mpbs.
2
During install and set up, will the Orbi put my Xfinity router in bridge mode or do I have to do this manually? I have heard the Orbi will but not sure.
Manually.
This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
https://kb.netgear.com/26765/Disabled-Features-on-the-Router-when-set-to-AP-Mode
3
My goal is to disable the xifnity wifi service and name the Orbi network the same thing with the same password. I assume it broadcasts 2.4 and 5ghz under the same name like the Xifnity router? I have ALOT of devices, the majorty of them smart home and it would be a pain to reconfigure all to a new network name.
Yes.
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite
Thank you both. When I said my current xfinity router hits 700-800, this was through speedtest, so since 5ghz devices can't really achieve downloads greater than 500mbps (I think this is what you are saying), I won't worry about it.
I think the first thing I will do before I open the Orbi box is to put my xfinity router in bridge mode using my ethernet connected iMac. This is easy enough to do. Then connect the Orbi and let it do it's thing in terms of set-up. Make sense?
The distance between the router and the satelite with be just about 30 feet I think. Going to put the satelite upstairs and the router will be on the first level in the office. I have a Peloton in the basement that can be probelmatic. I may buy another satelite just for this if need be.
Yes, just make sure that after you connect the RBR to the isp modem in bridge mode, power off the modem for 30 seconds then back ON. Then walk thru the setup wizard on the RBR with your wired PC.
After putting the ISP modem in bridge mode, power cycling and plugging the Orbi into it, can I just use the Orbi app on the phone vs. the wired iMac?
FURRYe38 wrote:Yes, just make sure that after you connect the RBR to the isp modem in bridge mode, power off the modem for 30 seconds then back ON. Then walk thru the setup wizard on the RBR with your wired PC.