Compatibility RBS50Yv2 with RBS750 Router

Question

I'm being told that the RBS50Yv2 Outdoor Satellite isn't compatible with my existing RBS750 Router and Satellites.

It says right on Netgear website that it works with existing Wi-Fi and on the box word for word

"Outdoor WiFi Mesh Extender works with your existing WiFi to easily extend your WiFi outdoors.

Any help?

CrimpOn · Answer

RMarble57&nbsp;wrote:
"Outdoor WiFi Mesh Extender works with your existing WiFi to easily extend your WiFi outdoors.

This is correct.&nbsp; The RBS50Y has two firmware loads:

Satellite mode, which is compatible only with the original WiFi5 Orbi products, and which is not compatible with the newer WiFi6 and WiFi6E Orbi nor with any other WiFi router from anybody.
Extender mode, which is compatible with every brand of WiFi router, but which is not a true satellite.&nbsp; It acts just like a WiFi extender from any other company (although designed to be mounted outdoors).&nbsp; This means that WiFi devices do not roam seamlessly between the RBS50Y and the rest of the Orbi network as they would if the unit were a true satellite.

Only you can decide if this matters.&nbsp; For example, if the purpose of the unit is to connect some WiFi security cameras which cannot move, then they are unlikely to be bothered by not being able to roam seamlessly.&nbsp; If the units to be connected are so far from the main network that they will almost certainly drop WiFi completely before coming into range of the main network, roaming is no issue.
&nbsp;
If you expect smartphone, tablets, and laptops to switch over as soon as the signal from the satellite becomes better (or worse), then you may be disappointed.

FURRYe38 · Answer

If you can load the Extender mode FW on the RBSY, then you should be able to connect the RBSY to the 7 series Orbi.&nbsp;
RMarble57&nbsp;wrote:
I'm being told that the RBS50Yv2 Outdoor Satellite isn't compatible with my existing RBS750 Router and Satellites.
It says right on Netgear website that it works with existing Wi-Fi and on the box word for word
"Outdoor WiFi Mesh Extender works with your existing WiFi to easily extend your WiFi outdoors.
&nbsp;
Any help?

&nbsp;

RMarble57 · Answer

I do not wish to have a separate wifi name for the outdoor area.

As I understand that putting it into extender mode would require that I have 2 different wifi names on the property and that is not acceptable

FURRYe38 · Answer

I believe when in extender mode you can set it to use same SSID name as the host SSID. I get same options on my EX extenders so I presume this would be the same on the RBSY.&nbsp;

CrimpOn · Answer

RMarble57&nbsp;wrote:
I do not wish to have a separate wifi name for the outdoor area.
As I understand that putting it into extender mode would require that I have 2 different wifi names on the property and that is not acceptable

Not correct.&nbsp; Extenders (of any brand) can be given whatever SSID/password you want.&nbsp; When a device searches for access points, it will compare the capability and signal strength of the access points that it detects and select the best "fit".&nbsp; Devices already "see" a number of Orbi access points broadcasting the same SSID/password.&nbsp; The extender simply appears and another one.
&nbsp;
The only issue with extenders (vs. satellites) is that there is no coordination between the extender and the primary system to manage switching devices from one access point to another as the devices "roam".&nbsp; For devices that are not mobile, this is not an issue.&nbsp; Mobile devices can "stick" to an access point as they roam rather than transition seamlessly.
&nbsp;
I should point out that there is a specific situation where using a different SSID/password is actually the goal.&nbsp; People frequently complain that a specific device connects to "the wrong" access point, bypassing one with a strong signal in favor of one with a weaker signal.&nbsp; This can happen when part of the Orbi system begins broadcasting the SSID earlier than others. The device detects this access point and connects before the closer access point begins to broadcast and quits looking.&nbsp; Giving an extender a different SSID means that the device will not connect until the extender comes on-line.

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Compatibility RBS50Yv2 with RBS750 Router

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