Hi How can I setup an RBS50 satellite so that it uses the wireless backhaul but without extending Wifi.I want to put an RBS50 relatively close to the RBR50 so that I can connect some devices with ethernet cable to the RBS50. Moving the RBR50 to the location or connecting the ethernet cable directly to the RBR50 is not possible for other reasons.Can I setup the system in this way, and if so, how do I do it?Thanks!

RBS are designed to use wireless backhaul as default and how they are connected to the RBR as well. Wireless radios on the RBR and RBS are always enabled as default. I think on the 50 series one can disable the front front haul radios or hide the SSID name, however the backhaul radio is always running. Check on the RBRs web page Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

Magixians wrote: How can I setup an RBS50 satellite so that it uses the wireless backhaul but without extending Wifi. Please explain "without extending WiFi". As FURRYe38 explained, the default setting for Orbi systems is for the router and satellites to connect over a dedicated 5G WiFi link that is separate from the 5G WiFi used for user devices. Thus: The satellite should connect with a good signal. Devices can be connected to the Ethernet ports on the satellite. (or a switch can be connected to the satellite to provide additional Ethernet connections). The primary issue with locating a satellite "close" to another Orbi unit (router or satellite) is that some WiFi devices may struggle with having WiFi access points with similar signal strength. Sometimes they "ping-pong" between the access points. A minor issue is that locating a satellite near to another unit does not expand the area of coverage very much. If you discover that some WiFi devices exhibit unexpected behavior, the usual advice is to reduce the Transmit Power of the Orbi system, which reduces the signal strength of all user facing radios on that frequency. This can lead to inadequate WiFi coverage as the signal strength of every access point shrinks.

Hi I have three RBS50 satellites connected to my RBR50 router.Two of them connect with a 5G backhaul and one with 2.4G.Funny enough the 2.4G is closest to the router, in an adjacent room one wall in between, approx, 5m distance.How can I make/force that one to also connect with 5G on the backhaul?All units are running the latest FW version.

Backhaul selection is automatic. 5M is too close, try 10M.

Too close for 5G? Should be the other way around in that case, shoudn't it.I can try to rotate the units in the least favourable way, to see if it makes any difference. Moving them further apart isn't possible, unfortunately. If there's a change i distance, direction, or whatever, how soon can I expect to see a changeover from 2.4 to 5G? Or do I need to restart?

RBS50 using backhaul and ethernet but not WiFi

12 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Sep 04, 2024
RBS are designed to use wireless backhaul as default and how they are connected to the RBR as well. Wireless radios on the RBR and RBS are always enabled as default. I think on the 50 series one can disable the front front haul radios or hide the SSID name, however the backhaul radio is always running. Check on the RBRs web page Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
- Magixians
  Tutor
  Sep 09, 2024
  I can't find any way to turn off the WiFi on a specific satellite anywhere in the GUI.
  All settings relates to the entire system. Logging on locally to a satellite there are also no settings to modify how the WiFi on that satellite works.
  - CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Sep 09, 2024
    This is correct. There is no option to manage WiFi on individual units.
    
    If the goal is to provide Ethernet access to devices at a specific location but not WiFi, then an Orbi satellite is not the appropriate solution. Many inexpensive WiFi Repeater devices include an Ethernet jack and can be set to not broadcast a WiFi signal. Mesh WiFi systems were invented to facilitate mobile WiFi devices as the "roam" around the property (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) The previous solution of installing additional WiFi access points (extenders) did not result in seamless roaming. True "satellites" do.
CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Sep 04, 2024
Magixians wrote:

How can I setup an RBS50 satellite so that it uses the wireless backhaul but without extending Wifi.

Please explain "without extending WiFi". As FURRYe38 explained, the default setting for Orbi systems is for the router and satellites to connect over a dedicated 5G WiFi link that is separate from the 5G WiFi used for user devices. Thus:

The satellite should connect with a good signal.

Devices can be connected to the Ethernet ports on the satellite. (or a switch can be connected to the satellite to provide additional Ethernet connections).

The primary issue with locating a satellite "close" to another Orbi unit (router or satellite) is that some WiFi devices may struggle with having WiFi access points with similar signal strength. Sometimes they "ping-pong" between the access points. A minor issue is that locating a satellite near to another unit does not expand the area of coverage very much.

If you discover that some WiFi devices exhibit unexpected behavior, the usual advice is to reduce the Transmit Power of the Orbi system, which reduces the signal strength of all user facing radios on that frequency. This can lead to inadequate WiFi coverage as the signal strength of every access point shrinks.

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RBS50 using backhaul and ethernet but not WiFi