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Forum Discussion

Crossofiron's avatar
Crossofiron
Aspirant
Nov 01, 2019

Satellite

Can I purchase just one addional satellite for my ORBI RBK50 increase range and improve speed?

5 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    Yes you can.  Any model of Orbi satellite will function with the RBR50 router.  Several are available on Amazon.  Of course, the RBS50 satellite will match the existing system, but any Orbi satelliite will function.  Please note that since Netgear has introduced an "improved" model of Orbi, there will be dramatic price drops on existing Orbi models.  Some places may sell a "package" for less than one satellite can be purchased on Amazon.  Crazy, but true.

  • Retired_Member's avatar
    Retired_Member

    Crossofiron wrote:

    Can I purchase just one addional satellite for my ORBI RBK50 increase range and improve speed?


    Keep in mind how you use the word 'range'.  IF you're talking about on the 'other' side of the router where there is NO Sat, then perhaps, yes.  But putting another Sat inline (as in further away on the same side where you already have a Sat) from the router may not do anything to increase anything.you're hoping for.

    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru - Experienced User

      Retired_Memberis correct.  Where the new satellite is placed affects how much "more coverage" is achieved.  One may be tempted to do some basic math:  A circle of radius 30 ft has an area of 2,827 sq. ft.  Wow!  Of course, part of that coverage may be toward the neighbor's house which means basically "wasted".  Add a satellite and get 2,827  MORE sq. ft.  NO.  A lot of the satellite "coverage" will overlap with the original router coverage, i.e. not "more".  Adding a second satellite directly in line with the existing router-satellite will potentiall add as much as the first satellite did.  However, put the new satellite off to the side, and it will overlap both the existing router and satellite.  Thus adding much less coverage than the first satellite did.  Here's a brief diagram:

      If you have an area with poor signal, adding another satellite is a good idea.  I have done so, and it helped.