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MarcB376's avatar
MarcB376
Aspirant
Aug 29, 2023

Add On Satellite

I currently have an Orbital RBR350 Router with two RBS350 Satellites.

 

Im now looking for something to go out into the rear garden and extend the signal that little bit better.

I have looked and seen a RBS50Y (AC3000) which is an outdoor add-on satellite and it would be perfect with it being an IP66 but being in the UK I can't find this for sale anywhere.

 

I have then thought about adding another RBS350 add-on satellite and keep it indoors but I can't find anyone in the UK that is selling these either ?

 

Has the RBR350 (AX1800) been discontinued along with the RBS50Y (AC3000)

 

Can anyone suggest what I could use with my current set up ?

 

Thanks

 

p.s Im running Firmware Version V4.4.1.29_3.10.80 

7 Replies

  • Netgear products can be difficult to find.  Amazon UK shows only one RBS350:

     

    I found one on eBay UK, but is was an entire set and was in the 'bid' process, with no "Buy Now" price quoted.

     

    If placed against an outside wall, 50% of the radio signal will broadcast outside. (In a window might be better considering how much brick is used in UK construction.)

     

    Extending WiFi coverage involves one major consideration: Is seamless roaming a "deal breaker"?  The significant difference between Orbi "satellites" and ordinary "WiFi Extenders" (from any brand, including Netgear) is that satellites fully implement the 802.11 standards that allow devices to switch from one WiFi access point to another by themselves.  WiFi Extenders create a separate WiFi network.  Even if this network has WiFi credentials identical to the Orbi network (SSID/password), it is a separate network.  A device connected to the Orbi will gradually lose signal strength and quality as it gets farther from the Orbi, but will "hold onto" the Orbi until it finally just gives up and then begins to look around for a WiFi system that it recognizes.  "Aha.  Here's one!"  If simply walking out into the garden caused the Orbi signal to drop to the point that devices gave up on the Orbi almost instantly, then the user would probably notice nothing.  Otherwise, the user would complain, "why is the WiFi so SLOW???" The solution is to turn WiFi off and back on again (5 seconds).

     

    Mobile devices are is why mesh systems are so popular.

     

    On the other hand, if the goal is to provide WiFi to speakers, security cameras, etc. in the garden (devices that never move), then any old WiFi extender is a good solution.  There are even WiFi extenders designed to mount outdoors (weather resistant).

    • MarcB376's avatar
      MarcB376
      Aspirant

      So as I'm still looking to add extra coverage to my network would this product be any good ? (image attached below)

      As i say i am running a Wi-Fi 6 Mesh system RBK353 AX1800.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      • CrimpOn's avatar
        CrimpOn
        Guru

        My answer is, "probably".

        • This product is clearly intended to connect to the Nighthawk line of WiFi routers.
          using both the Orbi and Nightawk apps could be annoying.
        • That talk of "smart roaming" is not likely to apply to non-Nighthawk products.
        • It is an indoor product designed to plug into a wall outlet, so window mounting would be awkward.

        I would definitely purchase from a vendor with a generous return policy.