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Forum Discussion
lisakc
Sep 28, 2022Tutor
Orbi 960 Wifi Extender
Just learned we need a Wifi Extender for our new Orbi 960, AXE 11000, wifi 6E system to connect to an outside solar battery. Is there any alternative to a $600 extra satellite? Many thanks to all in ...
CrimpOn
Sep 28, 2022Guru - Experienced User
lisakc wrote:
Just learned we need a Wifi Extender for our new Orbi 960, AXE 11000, wifi 6E system to connect to an outside solar battery. Is there any alternative to a $600 extra satellite? Many thanks to all in advance.
Absolutely. Since the solar battery is not mobile (remains fixed in one place), then any brand of WiFi extender from any company will do what you want. Set it up to create a different WiFi SSID than the primary network so that the solar panel will attempt to connect only to this unit.
I have a preference for the Netgear EX3700, which is available on Amazon for under $40.
The big concern is where/how the extender will be mounted. Extenders require electricity. (The EX3700 is designed to plug into a standard electrical outlet.) It could, for example, be placed indoors in a room close to the solar battery.
Outdoor mounting is more of a challenge. (search for "Outdoor WiFi Extender"). The TODAAIR unit $70 on Amazon is designed to mount outdoor and has a 12v power supply. (Low voltage can be run "through" walls, whereas line current wires cannot.)
The benefit of an actual satellite is that mobile devices can roam seamlessly between the various units.