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ammy53's avatar
ammy53
Follower
May 21, 2023

How to extend Orbi Mesh System?

Question: What is the best way to extend an Orbi Mesh Network?

The Details:

I have installed a NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK853) and it is working GREAT!.

However, I need to make the signal to the backyard stronger. Specifically, I have a series of WiFi (2.4Ghz Only) enabled lightbulbs that sit in a housing. The combination of distance and the housing degrades the signal sufficiently that they do not connect.

Now, my Googling and Amazoning, and a bit of NewEgging, shows the Orbi Outdoor WiFi Range Extender (RBS50Y). But 1) It is nearly impossible to find, 2) If you can find it, they want $200+ over MSRP, and 3) I am not sure if it will be compatible with the RBK853 backhaul.

I have also found NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300, which says it should work with any Mesh and extend it and it is available. But I am not quite sure if this solution will work.

I think all I need is something that can "attach" to the main router via the 5Ghz wireless backhaul (or similar) and send out a 2.4Ghz wireless signal that hopefully extends the existing network, not create a whole new one.

Any thoughts / ideas are appreciated.

2 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru
    May 21, 2023
    ammy53 wrote:

    I think all I need is something that can "attach" to the main router via the 5Ghz wireless backhaul (or similar) and send out a 2.4Ghz wireless signal that hopefully extends the existing network, not create a whole new one.

    Any thoughts / ideas are appreciated.

    Almost correct.  What is required is a device that can broadcast a 2.4G WiFi signal that covers the back yard and is strong enough for those light bulbs to make a good connection.

     

    If the requirement had been to create a seamless roaming environment that extends to the back yard, then another RBS850 satellite mounted in a weatherproof case would be the (expensive) solution.  Only a true satellite will enable mobile devices to roam seamlessly between Orbi units.  These bulbs are not mobile, and cannot "roam".

     

    Just personally, I would first try an inexpensive WiFi Extender such as a TP-Link RE220 ($20US on Amazon) and place it against the outside wall (or in a window).  Create a WiFi network with a different name (SSID) so that these bulbs seek to connect only to the extender.  There are extenders that are outdoor rated, or the RE220 could be placed inside a weatherproof enclosure.

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    May 22, 2023

    NGs EX or EAX series extenders will work.

    ammy53 wrote:

    Question: What is the best way to extend an Orbi Mesh Network?

    The Details:

    I have installed a NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK853) and it is working GREAT!.

    However, I need to make the signal to the backyard stronger. Specifically, I have a series of WiFi (2.4Ghz Only) enabled lightbulbs that sit in a housing. The combination of distance and the housing degrades the signal sufficiently that they do not connect.

    Now, my Googling and Amazoning, and a bit of NewEgging, shows the Orbi Outdoor WiFi Range Extender (RBS50Y). But 1) It is nearly impossible to find, 2) If you can find it, they want $200+ over MSRP, and 3) I am not sure if it will be compatible with the RBK853 backhaul.

    I have also found NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX7300, which says it should work with any Mesh and extend it and it is available. But I am not quite sure if this solution will work.

    I think all I need is something that can "attach" to the main router via the 5Ghz wireless backhaul (or similar) and send out a 2.4Ghz wireless signal that hopefully extends the existing network, not create a whole new one.

    Any thoughts / ideas are appreciated.