I would be forever grateful if someone would please give me explicit instructions for setting up my Orbi (RBR50) with my new AT&T fiber router (Arris BGW-210-700) I have been all over trying to find and understand instructions but either the screens don't match or I get conflicting instructions like turn in IP pass through or enable DMZ plus and then even if I wanted to follow those instructions, they don't match what I am seeing on my screens and I can't find the answers. It is my understanding that I need to turn off the WiFi on the AT&T router because there is a conflict between the Orbi and the AT&T. I have spent hours probably overthinking what the heck I am doing and I just would love it if someone would just please tell me what I need to do to make this work. A second thing I don't understand is naming the network. My AT&T Arris network has a name (SSID) and my Orbi has a name. Do I then tell people to log into the Orbi or the AT&T? Ugh! So confusing. I would be forever grateful for any help so I can understand what the heck I am doing.

ouple 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. <I don't believe this option is supported on your model modem. 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. https://www.att.com/support/smallbusiness/article/smb-internet/KM11887003. 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 Please give option #2 a try.

Laineybirdy wrote:I would be forever grateful if someone would please give me explicit instructions for setting up my Orbi (RBR50) with my new AT&T fiber router (Arris BGW-210-700)Yes, this situation is more confusing than one would hope it should be. Can you please answer a few questions:Is the AT&T service being used only for internet, or does it also provide telephone service?Is the Arris BGW-210-700 connected to a fiber ONT (the red ethernet jack on the back)?Do you already have any devices connected to the Arris BGW-210-700 (computers, TV's, etc.)?To start with, the Orbi can be used simply by connecting the Orbi yellow (WAN) jack to one of the yellow jacks on the back and turning on the power to the Orbi. It should wake up and "just work." There are a few things about doing this that are sometimes a problem:This will leave you with two WiFi networks in the house. If all you want is to access the internet, it doesn't matter which a device connects to. But, it is certainly confusing and most people would rather disable the Arris WiFi. As the Arris User Manual points out on page 12 (Arris BGW-210-700 ) you can use a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.254 and enter the code printed on the Arris label. This will bring up a configuration web site which will have an option on it to disable the WiFi.Having two WiFi access points physically close to each other may cause interference. Getting rid of the Arris WiFi will take care of that (see above).Having the two routers creates what is called a "Double-NAT" which in specific situations causes real problems. That is why people are prompted to change one of the two devices from a router to "something else." i.e. turn the Arris into "simply a modem" or turn the Orbi into "simply an Access Point."Connecting devices to both the Arris and the Orbi can also cause weird issues, like not being able to "find" a printer or a network storage device. (That's another reason people try to get rid of "Double-NAT")Now, if the answers to the questions at the top are:Only internet. No phone. No TV.Connected to the Fiber ONT.Nothing is already connected to the ArrisUnplug the cable from the Arris (red) ONT jack, plug it into the Orbi, and power on the Orbi. It may just come up and work great. If not, call AT&T service and say, "I have removed the Arris and plugged in my own router."

I recommend that you contact your ISP. They can help you configure there modem for use with the IP Pass-thru feature. https://www.att.com/Common/storefront/resources/pdf/att_bridged_mode_vs_ip_passthrough_nov2012_v3.pdfhttp://screenshots.portforward.com/routers/Arris/BGW210-700_-_ATT/IP_Passthrough.htmLaineybirdy wrote:Thank you for your response. I am still unable to get it to work. Option 2 didn't explain how to do the IP pass through DMZ thingy with the Arris AT&T modem. It only gave instructions for a Motorola or a Pace, so I couldn't do it. Also, option 3 - turning of WiFi radios then configuring AP mode didn't work. I was unable to get back to the orbilogin page after trying it and had to completely reset my Orbi and start all over. PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, can you direct me to exact instructions on how to do this. I have tried so very hard and have spent the ENTIRE day trying to figure this out and watching videos and it is 4:45 and I am back to square one. If I had any idea who to call, I would gladly pay someone to come out and fix this for me. I am very frustrated at Netgear for not having specific instructions on how to set this up. AT&T uses zillions of these Arris modems for their fiber connections so someone must be able to explain how to do this.

Laineybirdy wrote:1. The AT&T service is also providing telephone service.2. The Arris is connected to a fiber ONT3. The only thing I have physically connected to the Arris is the Orbi modem but there are other devices that are connecting to the AT&T network and not the Orbi network. I'm not sure if your question was do I have anything physically connected. I have seen a screen showing devices that are connected and most are connecting to the Arris. I think this is what you explained with the double NAT - there are two networks. Using the Arris for telephone means it has to stay.No devices physically wired to the Arris (everything on WiFi) means that "Double-NAT" issues are less likely. (However, if in the future you decide to implement VPN into the Orbi or have problems with internet gaming, it will be time to revisit the issue.)So, to start with, I would define the Orbi with the same WiFi credentials as the Arris and turn off WiFi on the Arris. Everything connects to the Orbi, which connects to the Arris. My Orbi worked this way for over a year, and I suspect thousands of other Orbi's around the world do today. One "benefit" of this arrangement is that should you have a problem with the Orbi, you can simply remove it, turn the WiFi back on the Arris, and everything will connect to it. As far as WiFi coverage, WiFi radio power is defined by the FCC. One single Orbi WiFi router will have about the same coverage as one Arris WiFi router. That's why Orbi has satellites: to extend the coverage.

Yes you can setup the Orbi for the same SSID name and PW. Just be sure you disable ALL wifi radios on the Arris modem.

RBR50 with AT&T Arris BGW210-700 - setup

20 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Feb 19, 2020
ouple 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. <I don't believe this option is supported on your model modem.
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. https://www.att.com/support/smallbusiness/article/smb-internet/KM1188700
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

Please give option #2 a try.
- Laineybirdy
  Aspirant
  Feb 27, 2020
  Thank you for your response. I am still unable to get it to work. Option 2 didn't explain how to do the IP pass through DMZ thingy with the Arris AT&T modem. It only gave instructions for a Motorola or a Pace, so I couldn't do it. Also, option 3 - turning of WiFi radios then configuring AP mode didn't work. I was unable to get back to the orbilogin page after trying it and had to completely reset my Orbi and start all over. PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, can you direct me to exact instructions on how to do this. I have tried so very hard and have spent the ENTIRE day trying to figure this out and watching videos and it is 4:45 and I am back to square one. If I had any idea who to call, I would gladly pay someone to come out and fix this for me. I am very frustrated at Netgear for not having specific instructions on how to set this up. AT&T uses zillions of these Arris modems for their fiber connections so someone must be able to explain how to do this.
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Feb 27, 2020
    I recommend that you contact your ISP. They can help you configure there modem for use with the IP Pass-thru feature.
    https://www.att.com/Common/storefront/resources/pdf/att_bridged_mode_vs_ip_passthrough_nov2012_v3.pdf
    http://screenshots.portforward.com/routers/Arris/BGW210-700_-_ATT/IP_Passthrough.htm
    Laineybirdy wrote:
    Thank you for your response. I am still unable to get it to work. Option 2 didn't explain how to do the IP pass through DMZ thingy with the Arris AT&T modem. It only gave instructions for a Motorola or a Pace, so I couldn't do it. Also, option 3 - turning of WiFi radios then configuring AP mode didn't work. I was unable to get back to the orbilogin page after trying it and had to completely reset my Orbi and start all over. PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, can you direct me to exact instructions on how to do this. I have tried so very hard and have spent the ENTIRE day trying to figure this out and watching videos and it is 4:45 and I am back to square one. If I had any idea who to call, I would gladly pay someone to come out and fix this for me. I am very frustrated at Netgear for not having specific instructions on how to set this up. AT&T uses zillions of these Arris modems for their fiber connections so someone must be able to explain how to do this.
CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Feb 27, 2020
Laineybirdy wrote:
I would be forever grateful if someone would please give me explicit instructions for setting up my Orbi (RBR50) with my new AT&T fiber router (Arris BGW-210-700)
Yes, this situation is more confusing than one would hope it should be. Can you please answer a few questions:
Is the AT&T service being used only for internet, or does it also provide telephone service?
Is the Arris BGW-210-700 connected to a fiber ONT (the red ethernet jack on the back)?
Do you already have any devices connected to the Arris BGW-210-700 (computers, TV's, etc.)?
To start with, the Orbi can be used simply by connecting the Orbi yellow (WAN) jack to one of the yellow jacks on the back and turning on the power to the Orbi. It should wake up and "just work." There are a few things about doing this that are sometimes a problem:
This will leave you with two WiFi networks in the house. If all you want is to access the internet, it doesn't matter which a device connects to. But, it is certainly confusing and most people would rather disable the Arris WiFi. As the Arris User Manual points out on page 12 (Arris BGW-210-700 ) you can use a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.254 and enter the code printed on the Arris label. This will bring up a configuration web site which will have an option on it to disable the WiFi.
Having two WiFi access points physically close to each other may cause interference. Getting rid of the Arris WiFi will take care of that (see above).
Having the two routers creates what is called a "Double-NAT" which in specific situations causes real problems. That is why people are prompted to change one of the two devices from a router to "something else." i.e. turn the Arris into "simply a modem" or turn the Orbi into "simply an Access Point."
Connecting devices to both the Arris and the Orbi can also cause weird issues, like not being able to "find" a printer or a network storage device. (That's another reason people try to get rid of "Double-NAT")
Now, if the answers to the questions at the top are:
Only internet. No phone. No TV.
Connected to the Fiber ONT.
Nothing is already connected to the Arris
Unplug the cable from the Arris (red) ONT jack, plug it into the Orbi, and power on the Orbi. It may just come up and work great. If not, call AT&T service and say, "I have removed the Arris and plugged in my own router."
- Laineybirdy
  Aspirant
  Feb 27, 2020
  Thank you so much for that explanation - now it makes perfect sense and I understand why I am having issues with the WiFi. To answer your questions:
  
  1. The AT&T service is also providing telephone service.
  2. The Arris is connected to a fiber ONT
  3. The only thing I have physically connected to the Arris is the Orbi modem but there are other devices that are connecting to the AT&T network and not the Orbi network. I'm not sure if your question was do I have anything physically connected. I have seen a screen showing devices that are connected and most are connecting to the Arris. I think this is what you explained with the double NAT - there are two networks.
  
  Would it be true that if a device is connecting to the Arris, the signal wouldn't be as strong as if it is connecting to the Orbi - (which is why I have the Orbi)? I have two satellites yet since this new setup (AT&T fiber/Arris), I am getting slow internet in some parts of our house. So, turning off the WiFi on the Arris should help this and is easy but turning the Arris into simply a modem is the complicated part. I have been having issues with finding my printer.
  
  I have a question about "Connecting devices to both the Arris and the Orbi can also cause weird issues, like not being able to "find" a printer or a network storage device. (That's another reason people try to get rid of "Double-NAT")." I don't understand this. I guess I don't understand how devices connect to a network. Is it true that those devices connected physically to the Orbi satellites like my garage door opener, Phillips Hue, and Solar, are connected to the Orbi network. Those devices like the Ring Doorbell and cameras that are looking for a network wirelessly, I can choose the network they connect to. Are they actually connecting to both networks somehow? Can I tell those devices that are connecting to the Arris network to forget that network and reconnect them to the Orbi which is giving me better range, turn off the WiFi on the Arris, and this may solve the problem?
  
  Is all of this still secure?
  
  I'm not sure I'm brave enough to try to figure out how to turn the Arris into a simple modem on my own and calling AT&T is a pretty awful experience. So, I guess a good question is: Can I have the Arris network just exist and tell all my devices to connect to the Orbi network, turn off the Arris WiFi, and this will solve the problem?
  
  Thank you for your patience and help!
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Feb 27, 2020
    Modem Combo Units: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Cable-Modems-Routers/What-s-the-Difference-Between-a-Cable-Modem-and-Cable-Modem/m-p/1864698#M21950
    This would be a double NAT 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
    
    I think your best and easiest configuration would be to try Option#3
- LLZEL
  Tutor
  Mar 30, 2020
  CrimpOn
  If I may jump in, I have a similar installation as Laineybirdy EXCEPT I have no phone service and nothing connected to my ATT RG. To clarify, I I can connect my Orbi router directly to the Fiber ONT via ethernet and My Orbi will continue to connect to the internet without the ATT modem and just the fiber ONT?
  - LLZEL
    Tutor
    Apr 02, 2020
    Received my ATT Arris modem/router, placed it in IP pass through mode, deactivated 2.4 and 5Ghz wifi, plugged my Orbi WAN jack to LAN port on Arris and all works good. Didn't have to change anything on my connected or wifi attached devices. I did try to plug the Orbi directly to the Fiber box, bypassing the Arris modem and got nothing.

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RBR50 with AT&T Arris BGW210-700 - setup