Hi, We are evaluating how to design a mesh network for our apartment community using the Orbi RBK53 router along with 2-RBS50Y outdoor extenders. The main idea is to support security cameras (& nothing else!). Based on indoor trial runs, the camera is able to upload videos to the cloud using a 4Mbps wireless connection. The next step is to run a pilot effort and set the camera outdoors and hence the need for a mesh WiFi. In the linked proposal below, Router is placed at the square box labeled R, and the Extender is labeled E.wireless security cameras (on 2.4G network) will be placed at the boxes labeled C, and the blue boxes in the figure.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVttGAjXdqNgSjbM-Li5ONjV-7Z2EWeo/view?usp=sharing(also attached if the link doesn't work) Any feedback on the following questions would be greatly helpful. Thanks in advance! For the pilot effort (page 1of link below), straight-line distance from the router (labeled R) to the extender (labeled E) is 40meters or ~120 feet, and has no obstructions. Based on online reviews (Reference link 1) the Router-Extender Combo should be able to handle this distance comfortably. Any comments?For the final layout (on page 2), the router is going to be moved to the Clubhouse in the community. The distance between the router and extender now exceeds well over 100 meters not to mention there are building in-between the two. Hence, the plan is to have an extender in the middle at ~50 meters.Are Orbi RBK53 router & 2-RBS50Y outdoor extenders the right products to be used? If other products are more suitable, can you please suggest those?Since this is the first time I am setting up a mesh network, any basic pointers to keep in mind? Thanks,fanofai References:1. Reviewer claims to get nearly 100% signal strength at extender which is placed at a straight line distance of 28 meters from the routerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16z3GuFcrrs&t=387s

All this to monitor 1 out of 4 dumpsters?(and from pretty far away)I would be tempted to look at an LTE solution, such as this one:https://reolink.com/us/product/reolink-go/ Those distances will be a struggle for WiFi. You might look at Ubiquiti, rather than a mesh system intended to support a single house. I believe they have products specifically designed for things like mounting security cameras.

Thanks CrimpOn. "All this to monitor 1 out of 4 dumpsters?"Nope! The plan is to have 1-camera per dumpster (see attached) to monitor illegal dumping & dumpster abuse, as well as 1-camera for each of the 2 entrances. In total 6-cameras, and possibly a few more if the need arises. The LTE solution wouldn't work for us due to the high traffic. The existing camera uploads ~2GB of data every day! "You might look at Ubiquiti, rather than a mesh system intended to support a single house. "Thanks..I shall check that too. -Sharath

Orbi 50 series is for home class configurations. You might try Orbi pro. There meant for low end business. However distance will still be a problem along with other noise and conditions. For cameras, you should look into wired camera solutions instead. Good Luck.

Thanks Furrye38 "For cameras, you should look into wired camera solutions instead. "We've debated these internally. It seems the work needed to install a wired system is a lot esp for a big property that spans 250,000 sq. ft, though i admit we aren't necessarily targeting installing cameras at periphery of community, and that in the long run, a wired system may be cheaper. BTW, It seems the RBS50Y Outood Extender is not compatible with the Orbi Pro! Amazon page states:"Not compatible with Orbi WiFi 6 Systems" I looked instead at an Orbi Pro Wifi 6 system (both router & satellite. While the Orbi Pro page says the wifi-6 satellite is good for Indoor & Outdoor usage, the datasheet says nothing about outdoor compability. Has anyone used these units outdoors? Thanks,Sharath

"Grows with Your BusinessConnect additional satellites with or without wires to extend your coverage indoors and outdoors by 3,000 sq. ft."Means that some wifi coverage can be seen out side from the inside. Doesn't mean there are out site RBS units. I would post abou this in the Orbi Pro forum though:https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Pro-WiFi-for-Small-Business/bd-p/en-business-orbi-pro Good Luck.

fanofai

Guide

Apr 19, 2021

Seeking feedback on Mesh network design

Hi,

We are evaluating how to design a mesh network for our apartment community using the Orbi RBK53 router along with 2-RBS50Y outdoor extenders. The main idea is to support security cameras (& nothing else!). Based on indoor trial runs, the camera is able to upload videos to the cloud using a 4Mbps wireless connection. The next step is to run a pilot effort and set the camera outdoors and hence the need for a mesh WiFi.

In the linked proposal below,

Router is placed at the square box labeled R, and the Extender is labeled E.
wireless security cameras (on 2.4G network) will be placed at the boxes labeled C, and the blue boxes in the figure.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZVttGAjXdqNgSjbM-Li5ONjV-7Z2EWeo/view?usp=sharing

(also attached if the link doesn't work)

Any feedback on the following questions would be greatly helpful. Thanks in advance!

For the pilot effort (page 1of link below), straight-line distance from the router (labeled R) to the extender (labeled E) is 40meters or ~120 feet, and has no obstructions. Based on online reviews (Reference link 1) the Router-Extender Combo should be able to handle this distance comfortably. Any comments?
For the final layout (on page 2), the router is going to be moved to the Clubhouse in the community. The distance between the router and extender now exceeds well over 100 meters not to mention there are building in-between the two. Hence, the plan is to have an extender in the middle at ~50 meters.
Are Orbi RBK53 router & 2-RBS50Y outdoor extenders the right products to be used? If other products are more suitable, can you please suggest those?
Since this is the first time I am setting up a mesh network, any basic pointers to keep in mind?

Thanks,

fanofai

References:

1. Reviewer claims to get nearly 100% signal strength at extender which is placed at a straight line distance of 28 meters from the router

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16z3GuFcrrs&t=387s

MeshFeedback.pdf129 KB

Before You Buy

18 Replies

CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 19, 2021
All this to monitor 1 out of 4 dumpsters?
(and from pretty far away)
I would be tempted to look at an LTE solution, such as this one:https://reolink.com/us/product/reolink-go/
Those distances will be a struggle for WiFi.

You might look at Ubiquiti, rather than a mesh system intended to support a single house. I believe they have products specifically designed for things like mounting security cameras.
- fanofai
  Guide
  Apr 19, 2021
  Thanks CrimpOn.
  
  "All this to monitor 1 out of 4 dumpsters?"
  Nope! The plan is to have 1-camera per dumpster (see attached) to monitor illegal dumping & dumpster abuse, as well as 1-camera for each of the 2 entrances. In total 6-cameras, and possibly a few more if the need arises.
  
  The LTE solution wouldn't work for us due to the high traffic. The existing camera uploads ~2GB of data every day!
  
  "You might look at Ubiquiti, rather than a mesh system intended to support a single house. "
  Thanks..I shall check that too.
  
  -Sharath
  SampleCamera.pdf1.9 MB
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 19, 2021
    Orbi 50 series is for home class configurations. You might try Orbi pro. There meant for low end business. However distance will still be a problem along with other noise and conditions.
    
    For cameras, you should look into wired camera solutions instead.
    
    Good Luck.

Forum Discussion

Seeking feedback on Mesh network design