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Forum Discussion
Ethernet backhaul for two satellites with Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh RBK62/63
Is it possible to use two Nighthawk satellites (MS60) wired (using ethernet backhaul) to one router (MR60) via an ethernet switch?
Ethernet backhaul is supported by Nighhawk RBK62/63
(according to this: https://kb.netgear.com/000061710/What-is-an-Ethernet-backhaul-connection-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Nighthawk-Mesh-WiFi-6-System)
However the article linked above states:
Note: The MK63 comes with two satellites. Only one of the two satellites can be connected to your router with a wired Ethernet backhaul connection.
I'm unclear if this is because the router only has one ethernet port or for some other reason.
If I wire the single ethernet port of the router (MR60) to a gigabit ethernet switch (NETGEAR GS116 ProSafe 16-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch) then run two ethernet cables from the switch to each of the two satellites (MS60 x 2) will this work correctly?
If so, is any additional configuration needed? The Netgear support link above doesn't suggest it is.
Thank you!
PS: Netgear, your dropdown model list for this form is out of date and does not include MK62 or MK63 as far as I could see.
23 Replies
Hi James_C,
We have not received reports of the MR60/MS60 not being compatible with a switch. You should be able to accomplish this.Christian
I am also looking to connect my MR60 and MS60 using Ethernet Backhaul but (since I have no cabling in my home) by using Powerline Adapters and Netgear GS105NA 5-port GigE LAN switches between the devices. I have seen no instructions on how to connect them other than the picture of the two devices connected with a 2-foot cable between them ... I have MK62-100NAS running 1.0.4.92 firmware level.
On initial install, the MR60 was setup on channel 11 (2.4) and 153 (5.0), but the MS60 was using Channel 7 (2.4) and 153 on the 5.0) ... after several reboots and syncs they now match -- channel 11 and 153. Not sure why any 2.4 Ghz device would use channels other than 1-6-11, but these sure did and there is no way to set the channels on the MS60 ...
So, just a follow-up on this topic, that I have my MR60 and MS60 connected via Ethernet Backhaul now ... It was pretty simple (and yet complicated). My MR60 is connected to a GS105 Unmanaged 5-port GigE switch and that is connected to a Powerline adapter. The MS60 is connected to a 3rd Powerline Adapter directly and because the MR60 and MS60 were connected via 5GHz already, they just converted to the Ethernet connection without any issue(s).
- I have not seen your question being answered. I have the MR60 with two satellites. I connected both with Ethernet cables. Only one is showing wired connection. The other, I have rebooted, changed cable, etc... still shows 5G wireless. Frustrating.
- What I have determined is that on a managed switch, the Ethernet port connected will cause spanning tree to go into blocking mode because its learning address on both the MS or MR Ethernet as well as any uplink trunk port for that managed switch. When the switch detects this, you get MAC address flapping if you have spamming tree disabled, when rtsp protection is enabled, it works as designed and blocks the MS60s Ethernet backhaul port, it results in falling back to wireless for the backhaul. The only successful wired connection I have found to work consistently is a direct ethernet connection between the MR and MS backhaul switches. This is in AP mode only.
- This is very frustrating. I have been fighting with this system since yesterday. Constant disconnects, speed drops... I need it as a managed, not AP. I’m already of a half mind to return it. Quite disappointed.
I have been running an MR60 with 2 MS60 satellites through gigabit switches for about 9 months. works great.
MR60 - TL-SG108E - TL-SG108E - 2 MS60 satellitesDownstairs - Upstairs
