Orbi 960 - How to wire backhaul in AP Mode

Question

Just picked up the Orbi 960 (RBKE963), 3 devices. I already have a good wired network so I only want these for Wifi, so I'll be putting them in Access Point (bridge) mode. Other posts are a bit confusing on how to wire these. I want to use wired backhaul on 2 of them; the third has no LAN drop so it will have to be wireless backhaul.

Here is my current setup:

Netgear cable modem -- SonicWall firewall/router -- multi-gig switch (unmanaged). Everything plugs into the switch. But which ports do I use on the Orbi?

- On the main Orbi, do I plug into the 10G WAN port (yellow) or 2.5G LAN port?

-- Does this connection function as both LAN and backhaul or do I need to connect a cable to both ports? (weird, as both would go to the same switch)

- On Satellite 1, I'm assuming I connect to the 2.5G port as backhaul?

- On Satellite 2, I do nothing as this will be wireless backhaul...

FURRYe38 · Answer

https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System 📡 ‌‌🛰️

LarryRS · Answer

I’ve seen that link/setup. However, it assumes the Orbi is the router and then all three connect via 2.5G port to switch for back haul.

In my case Orbi is in AP mode. That is where I can’t find a diagram on how it get connected.

CrimpOn · Answer

Orbi is designed for all satellites to connect to the LAN ports of the router.&nbsp; With two satellites, that means two LAN ports.
The 10G WAN port must be connected to the internet source, which in this case would be the SonicWall router.
Because the router and every satellite have a 2.5G Ethernet port, many users choose to purchase a switch that supports greater than 1G speed. They connect the router 2.5G port and each of the satellite 2.5G ports to this switch.
They can also connect whatever else they want to this switch.
&nbsp;
Putting the switch between the SonicWall and Orbi router is not recommended.
Nor is it recommended to connect the router WAN port and the satellite ports to the switch.
Orbi's know the satellites are "out the LAN ports".
&nbsp;
'mode' does not matter. (router vs. access point).

FURRYe38 · Answer

That link applies to Router or AP mode.
LarryRS&nbsp;wrote:I’ve seen that link/setup. However, it assumes the Orbi is the router and then all three connect via 2.5G port to switch for back haul.In my case Orbi is in AP mode. That is where I can’t find a diagram on how it get connected.
&nbsp;

LarryRS · Answer

So you are saying:&nbsp;Cable modem -- Sonicwall Firewall/Router -- Orbi (10G port in, 2.5G port out) -- switch&nbsp;Then the other Orbi would connect to the switch via it's 2.5G portAnd my 20 other wired devices remain on that switch&nbsp;I'm trying to wrap my head around this, just doesn't look right.&nbsp; If Orbi was acting as a router, ok, but its not, Sonicwall is my router.&nbsp; My desktop computer (wired) would have its traffic going through the Orbi to get to the internet.&nbsp; Orbi in this case is just a pass-through device which begs the question on why traffic is going through it in the first place; Orbi is there for wireless only.&nbsp;If this is how it works in AP mode, I'll give it a try.

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Orbi 960 - How to wire backhaul in AP Mode

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