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Forum Discussion

JaneCKL's avatar
JaneCKL
Aspirant
Aug 15, 2018

RBK 50 what add on satellite to purchase and will it work?

Hello,

 

I would love some help as I have no idea what I am doing! Here is our situation:

 

4 level home comprising of:

 

Basement - wifi router and Orbi router located here

Ground - Orbi satellite located here

Level 1 - No satellite here and sporadic internet

Level 2 - No satellite and no internet

 

I would like to purchase an add on satellite but not sure what model would best fit with the RBK50 and if it will work in our home. We have concrete walls.

 

What do you guys suggest? 

3 Replies

  • StephenB's avatar
    StephenB
    Guru - Experienced User

    Concrete walls are challenging for WiFi if they contain rebar (reinforcing steel). 

     

    Is there any possibility of running ethernet from the basement to level 1?  Then you could move the Orbi base unit (the RBR50) to level 1, which would help a lot.  If you have existing coax cabling, it might be possible to use that to carry ethernet, though if you are using the coax for TV then you would might need to check with your cable TV provider on that.

     

    Your current satellite is an RBS50; I suggest getting the same model.  It's the highest performing Orbi satellite. 

    • JaneCKL's avatar
      JaneCKL
      Aspirant

      Hi Stephen,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my message. I really appreciate it. I will purchase the model you recommend and if it doesn't work will try and move the router to a higher floor.

       

      Thanks again,

       

      Jane 

      • mdgm-ntgr's avatar
        mdgm-ntgr
        NETGEAR Employee Retired

        There are Outdoor satellites as well if you need good coverage Outdoors.

         

        As StephenB mentioned placing the router in a more central location in the house and/or using ethernet backhaul would be advisable.

         

        Whilst you can daisy chain Satellites (though with concrete walls that would be challenging) if a star topology works for your environment that would probably be better. See What is daisy chain and how does it work with my Orbi WiFi System?