Quick question about wired backhaul. My current internet service is 1GB ATT fiber, and I go from the ATT gateway (bridge mode) > Orbi (Router Mode) > Network Switch > Satellites. This setup works just fine, but I'm switching to ATT 5GB fiber. I'd like to be able to get the full 2.5 GB to each of the satellites should they ever need it, and the main router only has a 2.5GB port out. As a result, I'm thinking of trying the following ATT gateway (Router Mode) > Switch > Orbi (AP Mode) / Satellites. My question is would the wired backhaul still work in this set-up? Essentially, I would be going direct from the gateway to the Orbi router and Orbi satellites rather than daisy chaining them. Another question is can the 960 utilize both wired and wireless backhauls simultaneously, similar to the Eero 6E? This would eliminate the need to change my set-up in the first place as the wireless channels could offer the additional bandwidth. Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

I just upgraded my ATT Fiber from 2GB to 5GB. (Connected to 10GB Upload Port on Orbi)I was getting 2500 UP and DOWN all the way through to a 2021 Macbook Pro using an ASUS 2.5GB USB C to Ethernet Adapter.I ATT Fiber Modem -> Orbi RBK963E --> Macbook Pro, all wired. (CAT 8 Cable in between ATT and Orbi and one from Orbi to Macbook Pro)I do not see the full 5GB on the Orbi Speedtest, although the ATT Fiber Modem gets 5500 Down and 5100 Up. I am actually in the process of putting a 10G Managed switch in between the ATT Fiber Modem and the Orbi to get the entire 5GB wired, using an OWC Thunderbolt 3 USB C Adapter on the Macbook Pro. I wish I could get better with my Killer AX1690 Dual Wifi Card on my Windows Gaming rig, but its good with 1500MB Up and Down as of now. I hope they come out with a fix for the Orbi to see the entire 5GB coming from the ATT Fiber Modem.

Since the RBS need to be connected to the RBR for ethernet backhaul and to get 2.5Gb support to each RBS from the RBR, you'll need to connect a 2.5Gb supporting LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS. I'm currently using both GS110MX and XS505M in my configuration however I think you only need the GS110MX. https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System 📡 Back haul operation is limited to either wireless or wired connection, not both at the same time.

Thanks, but I'm trying to figure out a way to go direct from the gateway to the main orbi unit and 2 satellites as I believe that would allow me to get the most out of the 5GB fiber connection. If I go from the main orbi unit to the two satellites then I might as well just get the 2 GB fiber connection.

The RBS have to be connected to the RBR even if wired. They won't sync right if connected to the ISP modem. The limitation will be 2.5Gb on the one LAN port on the RBR. So if you feed the RBR 5GB on it's 10Gb WAN port. The max output you can do from the RBR to the RBS is 2.5Gb. Having the one 2.5Gb LAN port and two RBS, you can output this if you put in a 2.5Gb LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS, then both will connect at 2.5Gb max rate. You'll not see 5Gb ever between the RBS and RBR over LAN. Honestly you won't see 5Gb over wireless as well. Max rate is 4800Mbps I believe on 6Ghz. The wireless backhaul is limited to 2400Mpbs on 5Ghz. In all my experiences with NG devices I have, I've never seen 4800 once to date on any device. I've come close to 4000Mpbs however that's in close range between two 4x4 or higher supporting MIMO devices. Even with my RAXE500 on 6Ghz with my 9 series, at a normal fair distance, at most I see is 3200Mpbs. From what I'm told to get anything at 4800Mpbs needs near perfect conditions and in variable household conditions, not really viable at a normal daily user base. I wish router mfrs would stop marketing 4800Mpbs.

Sasquatch3 wrote: Thanks, but I'm trying to figure out a way to go direct from the gateway to the main orbi unit and 2 satellites as I believe that would allow me to get the most out of the 5GB fiber connection. If I go from the main orbi unit to the two satellites then I might as well just get the 2 GB fiber connection. I'd probably just go with the 2 gig connection. Most websites don't even get close to saturating gigabit, much less 2gig/5gig service.

Orbi 960 Wired Backhaul Question | NETGEAR Communities

13 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Oct 11, 2022
Since the RBS need to be connected to the RBR for ethernet backhaul and to get 2.5Gb support to each RBS from the RBR, you'll need to connect a 2.5Gb supporting LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS. I'm currently using both GS110MX and XS505M in my configuration however I think you only need the GS110MX.

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

Back haul operation is limited to either wireless or wired connection, not both at the same time.
- Sasquatch3
  Aspirant
  Oct 11, 2022
  Thanks, but I'm trying to figure out a way to go direct from the gateway to the main orbi unit and 2 satellites as I believe that would allow me to get the most out of the 5GB fiber connection. If I go from the main orbi unit to the two satellites then I might as well just get the 2 GB fiber connection.
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Oct 11, 2022
    The RBS have to be connected to the RBR even if wired. They won't sync right if connected to the ISP modem.
    
    The limitation will be 2.5Gb on the one LAN port on the RBR. So if you feed the RBR 5GB on it's 10Gb WAN port. The max output you can do from the RBR to the RBS is 2.5Gb. Having the one 2.5Gb LAN port and two RBS, you can output this if you put in a 2.5Gb LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS, then both will connect at 2.5Gb max rate. You'll not see 5Gb ever between the RBS and RBR over LAN.
    
    Honestly you won't see 5Gb over wireless as well. Max rate is 4800Mbps I believe on 6Ghz. The wireless backhaul is limited to 2400Mpbs on 5Ghz. In all my experiences with NG devices I have, I've never seen 4800 once to date on any device. I've come close to 4000Mpbs however that's in close range between two 4x4 or higher supporting MIMO devices. Even with my RAXE500 on 6Ghz with my 9 series, at a normal fair distance, at most I see is 3200Mpbs. From what I'm told to get anything at 4800Mpbs needs near perfect conditions and in variable household conditions, not really viable at a normal daily user base. I wish router mfrs would stop marketing 4800Mpbs.

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Orbi 960 Wired Backhaul Question