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Forum Discussion
RBK353 Increase bandwidth up to 50% by repositioning router and satellites.
RBR350, in AP mode + 2 satellites RBS350 Firmware version: V4.4.1.29_3.10.80 Hardware version RBR350 Hardware Type ORBI The problem: When I first connected up the Orbi router (RBR350) and s...
Distance between router and satellite about 5m (15ft) through stair case wood and a single skin brick wall.
Floor area approx 80m^2 (860 sq ft). But this is surely irrelevant because I am not using the WiFi to connect to mobile and IoT devices. The only thing I was interested in and tested was the backhaul bandwidth.
I'm puzzled as to why the recommendation is more than 10m (30ft) because surely the further away, the weaker the signal strength and presumably lower bandwidth.
Bockeman wrote:
I'm puzzled as to why the recommendation is more than 10m (30ft) because surely the further away, the weaker the signal strength and presumably lower bandwidth.
This recommendation is based on the premise that the point of purchasing a mesh WiFi system is to provide WiFi coverage. (Which does not appear to be relevant to your situation.)
Imagine if WiFi units were 1 ft. apart. That would increase the area provided with strong WiFi signals by so little that it might not be measurable. Also, devices might get into a pattern of switching back and forth when (temporarily) they sense that one unit is stronger than the other. If the units were 50 ft. apart, the areas of good coverage would probably not overlap at all, giving an increase of 100%, but the backhaul link would not function. At least 10 ft. of separation creates a significant increase. The "sweet spot" appears to be about 30 ft. (balancing increased coverage against strength of backhaul signal).