Looking to upgrade Xfinity modem WiFi Router and NightHawk R7000 Router. Will a newer Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Router work within an Orbi WiFi Mesh System? Or will the WiFi signals interfere with one or the other? If I decide on the Orbi 850 or 960 series WiFi Mesh, would it be best to just buy a good modem to maximize the performance of the Orbi? Or buy an equally as good modem WiFi Router to increase coverage and meet the specs of the of the Orbi Mesh System? Blue

Blueforester wrote: Will a newer Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Router work within an Orbi WiFi Mesh System? Or will the WiFi signals interfere with one or the other? Think of it the other way round, will the Orbi system work with the new modem/router? Should work. If you mean can you connect the Orbi to another modem. Why do you want to buy another modem/router? Experienced users would encourage you to go for a modem only device that you can put in front of your Orbi system. Then you have a much bigger choice of routers. Putting a router in front of a router is asking for trouble. Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.This explains some of the other drawbacks.What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR SupportUnless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.But that has its drawbacks:Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Geezz, Just finished a detailed reply and after clicking on "Post" it came up something like could not authenicate? Anyway, will try the Cliff Notes version. My apologies in advance. I may have not asked the question I was seeking an answer for correctly. "Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Routers with the Orbi Mesh System" Looking to upgrade from Xfinity modem/WiFi unit and Nighthawk R7000. Will skip details. Looking hard at Orbi 850 or 860 WiFi Mesh systems. Need a new modem that will insure I get the maximum performace from the Orbi Mesh system. So question I meant to ask is since I'm replacing Xfinity modem/WiFi unit, is it possible or even available, a newer modem/Wifi unit that will work with the Orbi system? Thinking is, is this an opportunity to extend/improve coverage of the Orbi system with a modem/WiFi unit. I ask this as the Xfinity WiFi and R7000 WiFi do not get long. But if there is a modem/WiFi unit avaiable that will work with the Orbi system, and improve WiFI service, I would like that option. If not, I just need a good perfomance modem upgrade. Open to recomendations. Thanks. Blue

Blueforester wrote: Geezz, Just finished a detailed reply and after clicking on "Post" it came up something like could not authenicate? Did this also mean that you could not read the reply to your first message? That answers many of the questions in your latest message. So question I meant to ask is since I'm replacing Xfinity modem/WiFi unit, is it possible or even available, a newer modem/Wifi unit that will work with the Orbi system? Why do you want to modem/wifi unit? See previous answer.

As michaelkenward mentioned, the recommended practice is to install two components: A DOCSIS 3.1 modem that is compatible with Xfinity. This would be a good place to start:https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems A major consideration is whether Xfinity also provides home telephone service.Only DOCSIS 3.1 modems are capable of greater than gigabit connection speed, so it will "future proof" your system to install such a modem at this time.This should not be a combination modem/router/WiFi system. A WiFi router with the required capabilities. Every vendor has a bewildering array of products, with capabilities which vary across "price points". There are gaming routers which feaure extremely low latency and ability to enhance speed for gaming activities. There are systems which support WiFi6 devices and even WiFi6E devices. Netgear's 850 and 860 are residential class systems which feature "mesh" WiFi to cover larger spaces than a single unit can. Netgear also offers Orbi Pro systems with features targeted toward small businesses. (Asus, TP-Link, eero, Ubiquiti, etc. all have similar lines of products.) So, a combination of Netgear products might include one of these modems: https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/modems/listing-filter/xfinity-1/ , such as the "top of the line" CM2000, plus an 850 or 860 package consisting of one base unit (router) plus enough satellites to create the desired coverage. (Packages have a "K" in the part number, such as RBK852, RBK863 or RBK864, etc.)

Did this also mean that you could not read the reply to your first message? No, I entered a detailed reply to last reply and it blew away. So Entered a shorter version. Why do you want to modem/wifi unit? I entered the answer to this in the orginal reply that blew away.I've swappped Xfinty modems three time in the last year. I no longer want to pay for renting a 2018 refurb model XB6 that was suppose to be the fix. Limited to two ethernet ports. Two months records of speed test data that shows my service is extremely inconsistent. Of course, everything is good on Xfinity's side. Xfinity continues to reactivate their WiFi on their modem after repeated request to turn off and keep it off. The reason I have the Nighthawk R7000 is because the Xfinity Wifi only covers around 50% of my house. I get great service with the R7000 inside and outside of my house with the Xfinity WiFi disabled. Everything we have is connected to the R7000. We do not use the Xfinity WiFi.I finallly got a tech to come out several years ago so I could show him that when their Xfinity WiFi was turned on it was interferring with the WIFi signal from my R7000 . Which I had to install because their WiFi so poor. Over last several years I could tell when Xfinity turned their WiFi back on by the service on my devices. So I have been having to login into the Xfinity modem and turn it back off. And not to mention there is a "Hidden" WiFi signal I cannot access and turn off. I've got a five bar "Hidden" Wifi network in my house. It turns on and off when I power on and off the Xfinity XB6. I do not want or need WiFi frequencies I do not use beaming next to my router that I rely on for everything we use it for. So for the cost of upgrading my WiFi system to the level of an Orbi Mesh System I want to include upgrading the modem to 2023 technolgy that will meet or exceed the performance abilities of the Orbi System. As The Orbi system is only going to be as good as the modem it's connected to. Just realized I didn't answer your question. Initally thought you asked why I wanted to replace my current Xfinity modem/WiFi unit. Well, see above. Afraid going to loose this if I go back to my previous post. But, I thought I mentioned that if there is a modem/WiFi unit, that would work with the Orbi system, I would be interested in one if it would would add to and/or increase WiFi coverage. Versus just just purchasing a modem. Thanks trying to keep me straight and on point with this Blue

Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Routers with the Orbi Mesh System

16 Replies

michaelkenward
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 23, 2023
Blueforester wrote:

Will a newer Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Router work within an Orbi WiFi Mesh System? Or will the WiFi signals interfere with one or the other?

Think of it the other way round, will the Orbi system work with the new modem/router?

Should work. If you mean can you connect the Orbi to another modem.

Why do you want to buy another modem/router? Experienced users would encourage you to go for a modem only device that you can put in front of your Orbi system. Then you have a much bigger choice of routers.

Putting a router in front of a router is asking for trouble.

Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.

This explains some of the other drawbacks.

What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.

But that has its drawbacks:

Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support
- Blueforester
  Aspirant
  Apr 23, 2023
  Geezz, Just finished a detailed reply and after clicking on "Post" it came up something like could not authenicate?
  
  Anyway, will try the Cliff Notes version. My apologies in advance. I may have not asked the question I was seeking an answer for correctly.
  
  "Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi ~~Routers~~ with the Orbi Mesh System"
  
  Looking to upgrade from Xfinity modem/WiFi unit and Nighthawk R7000. Will skip details. Looking hard at Orbi 850 or 860 WiFi Mesh systems. Need a new modem that will insure I get the maximum performace from the Orbi Mesh system.
  
  So question I meant to ask is since I'm replacing Xfinity modem/WiFi unit, is it possible or even available, a newer modem/Wifi unit that will work with the Orbi system? Thinking is, is this an opportunity to extend/improve coverage of the Orbi system with a modem/WiFi unit.
  
  I ask this as the Xfinity WiFi and R7000 WiFi do not get long. But if there is a modem/WiFi unit avaiable that will work with the Orbi system, and improve WiFI service, I would like that option. If not, I just need a good perfomance modem upgrade. Open to recomendations.
  
  Thanks.
  
  Blue
  - michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Apr 23, 2023
    Blueforester wrote:
    
    Geezz, Just finished a detailed reply and after clicking on "Post" it came up something like could not authenicate?
    
    Did this also mean that you could not read the reply to your first message?
    
    That answers many of the questions in your latest message.
    
    So question I meant to ask is since I'm replacing Xfinity modem/WiFi unit, is it possible or even available, a newer modem/Wifi unit that will work with the Orbi system?
    
    Why do you want to modem/wifi unit?
    
    See previous answer.
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Apr 25, 2023
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. CAT6 is recommended.
- Blueforester
  Aspirant
  Apr 25, 2023
  My Xfinity modem is an Arris XB6. Digging into mine it is a 2018 model refurb. Gave it to me taped to a piece of cardboard. Most reviews I found after I got it were not great . Such as:
  
  Cons
  Features Intel Puma 7 (bad chipset)
  Single heat dissipation vent
  Limited coverage area
  Expensive
  Yeah, CAT6 is better cable. But it was not around when I built my house. And when I added a media room sometime later in the unfunished upstairs space. So I ran ran CAT5 through out. And still have plenty left. In fact I have about a 50' piece laying in the floor by my feet with my crimping tool bag. I have been running it directly to the modem in what is now my wife's offce to the great so I could get better service and run test off the modem. Dang modem only has two ethnet ports. I have been getting some intermittent errors with internet connection. Last several days I had planned to test the cable to see if that was the errors. And probaly go ahead and replce the connectors just to be sure.
  
  I have not given our internet upgrade project to the boss yet. But I plan to include the cost to replace all the CAT5 to CAT6 or CAT6e. She is all about the upgrade because it is interferring with her job. So going make sure she gets the best!
  
  Blue

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Motorola or Netgear Modem WiFi Routers with the Orbi Mesh System