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dumit's avatar
dumit
Aspirant
Dec 21, 2023

Waisted Orbi RBR50 Router

I think my current setup is wasting my RBR50. I have fiber that comes into my basement into a box that then outputs a single Ethernet that goes to my office on the main floor. On the main floor, the...
CrimpOn's avatar
CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Dec 21, 2023
dumit wrote:

Since my two routers sit next to each other in my office, it seems like I am wasting the RBR50. Is there a way to have the RBR50 placed somewhere else, not connected to the main Calix router via ethernet?

The RBR50 internet connection (WAN) port must be connected to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) device with an Ethernet cable.

 

The issue is how to provide internet access to a device in the basement.  Streaming HD video requires about 25Mbps, so the connection does not require enormous bandwidth, but certainly more than is possible now.

 

As you have discovered, WiFi and basements are not a good combination.

  • There is often substantial building material and structure in the way, especially concrete walls/floors.
  • Running an Ethernet cable is not trivial (although it appears that the ISP installer was able to do so).

The Calix device may be the solution. 

  • Why does the ISP require you to have this device?  Is it to provide phone service? (that you subscribe to?)
  • Do you have devices in the house connected to the Calix in addition to the Orbi?

My suggestions are:

  • Run an Ethernet cable to the basement for the TV.  Material cost will be under $20.
  • Relocate the Calix to the basement. Use the existing Ethernet cable to connect the Calix to the Orbi on the main floor.  Move any devices in the office that were connected to the Calix to the Orbi.  Move any devices that were using Calix WiFi to the Orbi WiFi. Connect the TV in the basement to the Calix with either Ethernet (my preference) or WiFi.

As FURRYe38 pointed out, having "two routers" has the potential to interfere with specific internet activities.  Whether it will affect you depends on how you are using the internet.  Search for "Double NAT" for more specifics.  Many customers are not interested in the Internet gaming that is affected by Double NAT (not all is).  Many customers do not want to share their media servers or web servers on the internet. Nor do they want to connect directly to the LAN when away.  If having two routers turns out to be an issue, there are solutions.