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Forum Discussion
Ramroka
Feb 13, 2019Aspirant
RBK53 — Orbi AC3000 Tri-band WiFi System - how to connect the router to AT&T mobile hotspot
Hi - i have purchsed an Orbi RBR53|AC3000 tri-band wifi system (1 RBR50 router + 2 satellites) to extend the wifi range outside my house. I have an AT&T mobile hotspot through which i connect to the ...
- Feb 13, 2019
Yes, the Orbi must connect to the Internet through an Ethernet cable. There are cellular modems which provide an Ethernet connection for just this purpose. For example, this one from Netgear: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-LTE-Modem-Broadband-Connection/dp/B01N5ASNTE/ref=asc_df_B01N5ASNTE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309779531175&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18322818802271376542&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031602&hvtargid=pla-526263681525&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62412137260&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309779531175&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18322818802271376542&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031602&hvtargid=pla-526263681525
It claims to work with AT&T. My guess is you would move the SIM card from your AT&T hotspot to a device like this. (I have no personal experience with such modems.)
A mobile "hot spot" which is intended to provide WiFi to nearby devices, is a different product which is not intended to connect to a WiFi system like the Orbi. Not a chance.
Whether Orbi is the right WiFi product depends on how much of a "footprint" you want to create and what expectations you have about performance.
CrimpOn
Feb 13, 2019Guru - Experienced User
Yes, the Orbi must connect to the Internet through an Ethernet cable. There are cellular modems which provide an Ethernet connection for just this purpose. For example, this one from Netgear: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-LTE-Modem-Broadband-Connection/dp/B01N5ASNTE/ref=asc_df_B01N5ASNTE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309779531175&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18322818802271376542&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031602&hvtargid=pla-526263681525&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62412137260&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309779531175&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18322818802271376542&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031602&hvtargid=pla-526263681525
It claims to work with AT&T. My guess is you would move the SIM card from your AT&T hotspot to a device like this. (I have no personal experience with such modems.)
A mobile "hot spot" which is intended to provide WiFi to nearby devices, is a different product which is not intended to connect to a WiFi system like the Orbi. Not a chance.
Whether Orbi is the right WiFi product depends on how much of a "footprint" you want to create and what expectations you have about performance.
- Chuck_MFeb 13, 2019Mentor
I am thinking that you could use a Windows 10 PC as a hub of sorts and share the internet connection although I have never tried it.
PC connects wirelessly to access point
Orbi connects to PC via LAN with PC as gateway
I am not sure it would work, but would be a fun experiment to try.
- RamrokaFeb 13, 2019Aspirant
Thanx for your response and suggestion. I have tried your suggestion, but could not get it to work.
i get the message the router is not connected to the internet, as i guess, i do not have an active ethernet connection to the router.
- Chuck_MFeb 13, 2019Mentor
Did you connect to the network via the wireless and then connect the Orbi and then "Share" the internet connection on the windows machine?
- RamrokaFeb 13, 2019Aspirant
Thanx for your response and suggestion. I am ordering the Netgear Cellular modem and will try your suggestion.