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Forum Discussion
saccpa
Feb 08, 2019Initiate
Router can act as satelite?
Can RBR50 be used as a satellite when added to an existing RBK50 satellite system?
Can two separate RBK50 systems be used in a very large house exceeding 5,000 square feet?
ekhalil
Feb 08, 2019Master
RBR50 is a router and can't be used as a satellite.
Specifications for Orbi says that RBK50 (1 router + 1 satellite) should be enough for 5,000 sq ft coverage, and RBK53 (1 router + 2 satellites) is enogh for 7,500 sq ft.
So I guess that you should be fine with 1 RBK50 with an additional satellite from the other RBK50.
TChristopher
Feb 08, 2019Aspirant
Are we talking about setting an RBK50 as an access point? If so, then yes it can be done. You need to connect (via cable) your RBK50 to the RBK50 that's being used as the modem. Once connected you can go to orbilogin.com to finish the set-up. Advanced - Advanced Setup - Router/AP Mode
- ekhalilFeb 08, 2019Master
TChristopher wrote:
Are we talking about setting an RBK50 as an access point? If so, then yes it can be done. You need to connect (via cable) your RBK50 to the RBK50 that's being used as the modem. Once connected you can go to orbilogin.com to finish the set-up. Advanced - Advanced Setup - Router/AP Mode
Setting the second Orbi package in AP mode together with the 1st Orbi will work, but you will not any longer be using a mesh wifi network when moving between the two systems. You will have normal roaming between the two systems,
- CrimpOnFeb 09, 2019Guru - Experienced User
i.e. the Orbi that is in AP mode should have a different SSID than the primary Orbi? I am trying to understand the implications of installing that second Orbi in AP mode. One thing that seems pretty certain: those two Orbi's will not coordinate anything. It will be up to the device that is moving around to decide, "Hey the signal from "ABC" seems to be getting weak, maybe I should disconnect from it and reconnect to "ABC"?????
Perhaps my lack of experience with WiFi "extenders" is the problem. I went directly from a single WiFi to the Orbi mesh.
- saccpaFeb 09, 2019Initiate
Thanks everyone for the quick response!!! Your swift feedback was quicker than I had expected, or would have even hoped for. I know that what I really need is a couple of satellite units since my house is more than 5,000 square feet. However, I was able to to purchase a used RBK50 unit that included both another router and a satellite, and I was hoping that I could turn the extra (second router) into a second satellite since I already have that unit (rather than have to buy another satellite to get full coverage). It sounds like I need to do some research on AP mode. Thanks for pointing me in that direction!!! And, thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond and lend a helping hand. You definitely did not have to spend time trying to help a stranger on the Internet, but I am grateful that you did. You are are the best!!! THANK YOU!!!