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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBK842 - Can I add Orbi to my AT&T network?
I have AT&T fiber. AT&T provides a combo modem and router box for wired (4 ports) and wireless (Wi-Fi). The network is already set up. Let's call the wireless network "MyATTHome".
What I want to do is purchase the Orbi RBK842 (AX5700) and add it to my AT&T network, so the Wi-Fi network throughout the house is one seamless, MyATTHome network. Can I do this? Is it possible to add the Orbi router and satellite devices to my existing AT&T network so there is only one Wi-Fi SSID in the house?
Or, does Orbi require you to set up a separate Wi-Fi network (SSID), managed by Orbi? If this is true, then I would have two networks in the house; MyATTHome and MyOrbiHome networks. I do not want two networks, if possible.
Thank you,
Mark
3 Replies
Please post about this over in the Orbi AX forum:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/bd-p/en-home-orbi-ax
This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Good Luck.
MarkSL wrote:What I want to do is purchase the Orbi RBK842 (AX5700) and add it to my AT&T network, so the Wi-Fi network throughout the house is one seamless, MyATTHome network. Can I do this? Is it possible to add the Orbi router and satellite devices to my existing AT&T network so there is only one Wi-Fi SSID in the house?
Not possible, sorry. If the AT&T WiFi does not provide enough coverage, then you can install an Orbi system and disable the WiFi on the AT&T system. (Turn it off.) You can certainly give the Orbi the same (exactly) WiFi name (SSID) and password that the AT&T WiFi system currently has. That way, devices will automatically connect to the Orbi WiFi without having to be reconfigured. And, should you in the future decide to turn off the Orbi, you can re-enable the AT&T WiFi and devies will switch back without having to be reconfigured.
You will continue to have only one WiFi network.
Since the AT&T is a router, most people would place the Orbi WiFi system in Access Point (AP) mode and let the AT&T router continue to handle device IP assignment, VPN, port forwarding, etc.
Thank you for this reply! I very much appreciate you taking the time to explain this so well.
Best, Mark
