NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
askld
Oct 25, 2024Aspirant
Guidance on Home Network Setup with Orbi (RBR850 and 3x RBK850)
Hi, I’m looking for help from you experts! I recently bought a Netgear Orbi router (RBR850) along with 3 satellites (RBS850) because the Zyxel VMG router provided by my ISP doesn't deliver su...
FURRYe38
Oct 25, 2024Guru - Experienced User
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰
For ethernet connected RBS, please review this:
Since the RBR has limited LAN ports and if you choose to connect all 3 RBS to the RBR, then you'd only have one lan port left over. So adding a non managed 1Gb LAN switch would be recommended. NGs GS105 or 108 or GS305 or 308. Model numbers with out any characters after the model number (GS###E) are non managed switches.
Is the Zyxel router just a router or it it a ISP modem as well?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.
If you use the Orbi system as your host router and wifi system, the Zyxel won't be needed.
- askldOct 25, 2024Aspirant
Thank you for your response.
My house is approximately 3,000 sq ft, and the distance between the router and the satellites varies between 30 and 40 ft.The Zyxel router functions as the ISP modem. It's an older model, the 'VMG8825' (which only supports Wi-Fi 5). Does this matter as long as it's in AP mode?
I have the option to replace the Zyxel router with a newer model (EX5601) through my ISP.
Unfortunately, I don't think I can remove the Zyxel router since it provides both TV and internet signals.
Thank you for the advice regarding network switches. Does NG offer a similar switch but with more ports?
Thank you very much!
- FURRYe38Oct 25, 2024Guru - Experienced User
For that size of home, the RBR and just 1 RBS would be enough. Maybe two with the power turned down to 25%.
I have a 5k sq ft home and can get away with 1 RBS however run two RBS and keep the power to 25%. Plenty of coverage.
- askldOct 25, 2024AspirantThanks for your swift reply.
Have you connected your satellite(s) using ethernet backhault?
The Zyxel router ('VMG8825'), only supports Wi-Fi 5. Can I use Wifi 6 as long as it's in AP mode?
It was difficult to find shops here in Norway selling the network switches you recommended. I dont know if they are too old?
Can you recommend any other?
Thanks again for all help.
- askldOct 26, 2024AspirantIs this switch (D-Link DGS-1024D) compatible with my system?
- FURRYe38Oct 26, 2024Guru - Experienced User
I think that is a managed switch. Make sure the any IGMP and Green Ethernet protocols are disabled on that switch if seen if you are going to try and ethernet connect the RBS to the RBR using the switch.