About to convert to orbi 6 mesh. Currently have several devices operating on 2.4 ghz band. Have i understood correctly it is best to rename orbi network same as old network and same password and "hopefully" 2.4 and 5 devices will be "fooled" into thinking it's same network and after booting router will come up and be online? I'm also assuming since currently i have a dual band router that I should rename using the 2.4 band network? Thank you for any assistance. Hate to have to go thru every device and try to get online with orbi.

Yes, it's recommended to use same SSID name and PW as whats used on your current router. Espeically for 2.4Ghz devices. You can do this, first set up the new system with out it being connected to the ISP modem. You can do this with 1 wired PC. When you get it setup with same SSID name and PW, place the RBR in same location as current router. Reboot the ISP Modem or power cycle it OFF and back ON. Disconnect the old router from the ISP modem, leaving the old router still ON. Connect the new router to the ISP modem and turn it ON. Wait for the front LED to stop blinking WHITE. May see BLUE. When you see this, turn OFF the old router. Your devices should auto connect to the new router. I've done this a few times when using a new router. Works well if you use same SSID name and PW.

Ok there are two log ins, one is the RBR/RBS web page log in that gets you into the managment web pages(admin and password). There is there is the SSID name and password fir the wifi signal. Be sure to use the SSID name and PW if you want to migrate that same name and password to the new router system for it's Wfifi login (SSID name and password). You can use same SSID name and PW used on prior router system. Do not use the web page managment page log in info (admin and pw) for the SSID log in info.

Thanks for reply. Quick follow up ques if i may. Should i get my new modem online with spectrum as a first step?

Yes you could. I would ask them first what they support. Spectrum does not have historical good support for user owned modems.

Do you have a second option re initial setup? I use an ipad and don't even own a pc. Thanks

Orbi setup | NETGEAR Communities

19 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru
Jul 22, 2021
Yes, it's recommended to use same SSID name and PW as whats used on your current router. Espeically for 2.4Ghz devices.

You can do this, first set up the new system with out it being connected to the ISP modem. You can do this with 1 wired PC. When you get it setup with same SSID name and PW, place the RBR in same location as current router. Reboot the ISP Modem or power cycle it OFF and back ON. Disconnect the old router from the ISP modem, leaving the old router still ON. Connect the new router to the ISP modem and turn it ON. Wait for the front LED to stop blinking WHITE. May see BLUE. When you see this, turn OFF the old router. Your devices should auto connect to the new router. I've done this a few times when using a new router. Works well if you use same SSID name and PW.
- Silvconv
  Aspirant
  Jul 22, 2021
  Thanks for reply. Quick follow up ques if i may. Should i get my new modem online with spectrum as a first step?
  - FURRYe38
    Guru
    Jul 23, 2021
    Yes you could. I would ask them first what they support. Spectrum does not have historical good support for user owned modems.

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Orbi setup