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orbiqueries's avatar
orbiqueries
Aspirant
Jan 17, 2025

RBRE960 / RBSE960 Satellites, Ethernet Backhaul, Mutliple Switches

I have a single RBRE960 with four RBSE960 satellites (hardwired). None show up in the Orbi app as being connected to each other. I expect that this is because there are multiple switches (but the same IP subnet) between them. The RBRE is in AP mode. (And yes - I realise this isn't a "directly daisy chain them or plug them in to each other or all into the same hub" as set out in the manuals.)

 

That is eg. [Router] - [RBRE960] - [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-1]. (And assume e.g. [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [RBSE960-2] etc.)

 

I was wondering if anyone had any success in getting Orbis to see each other in such a case (e.g. maybe by setting up VLANs, or some other method to help them to see each other)

 

The reason for this is that the property the network is set up in has some incredibly thick concrete walls, so trying to rely on the WiFi backhaul isn't really an option. Any suggestions warmly welcomed please!

7 Replies

  • Just to be clear, the Orbi WAN port is connected to the router (not to any switches)  It is the only device connected to the router.

    Switch A is connected to one of the Orbi LAN ports.

    Switches B, C, etc. are connected to Switch A.

    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru

      p.s. How has the in-wall cabling been certified?  Do these switches have LEDs showing the type of connection and traffic?

      (i.e. 100MB vs 1000MB connection type)

    • orbiqueries's avatar
      orbiqueries
      Aspirant
       

      Reply-Question: [Just to be clear, the Orbi WAN port is connected to the router (not to any switches)  It is the only device connected to the router]

       

      [Apologies - I was glossing this part and have been tweaking it a bit.

       

      It is [Router] - [Firewalla] - [Switch A1]-[RBRE960];

       

      [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-1]

      [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-2]

      [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [RBSE960-3]

      [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [Switch D1] - [RBSE960-4]

       

       

      The Firewalla provides DHCP and the like. The Orbis are set to AP. They are all broadcasting / appear to work as APs. They just can't see each other.

       

       

       

       

      Question: Switch A is connected to one of the Orbi LAN ports.

      Switches B, C, etc. are connected to Switch A.]

       

      Not quite - apologies- as above.

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        orbiqueries wrote:
         

        Reply-Question: [Just to be clear, the Orbi WAN port is connected to the router (not to any switches)  It is the only device connected to the router]

         

        [Apologies - I was glossing this part and have been tweaking it a bit.

         

        It is [Router] - [Firewalla] - [Switch A1]-[RBRE960];

         

        [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-1]

        [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-2]

        [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [RBSE960-3]

        [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [Switch D1] - [RBSE960-4]

         

         

        The Firewalla provides DHCP and the like. The Orbis are set to AP. They are all broadcasting / appear to work as APs. They just can't see each other.

         

         

         

         

        Question: Switch A is connected to one of the Orbi LAN ports.

        Switches B, C, etc. are connected to Switch A.]

         

        All B, C and D switches with RBS ethernet connected to them need to be connected to the RBR, not to switch A.

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

         


         

  • What FW is loaded on the RBR and RBS?

    What brand and mode# are these switches? 

    How are the RBS connected to these switches? using 1Gb ports or the 2.5Gb port?

    What CAT# lan cable are you using? 

    Which port on the RBR are you using? The 1Gb or 2.5Gb port? 


    orbiqueries wrote:

    I have a single RBRE960 with four RBSE960 satellites (hardwired). None show up in the Orbi app as being connected to each other. I expect that this is because there are multiple switches (but the same IP subnet) between them. The RBRE is in AP mode. (And yes - I realise this isn't a "directly daisy chain them or plug them in to each other or all into the same hub" as set out in the manuals.)

     

    That is eg. [Router] - [RBRE960] - [Switch A1] - [Switch B1] - [RBSE960-1]. (And assume e.g. [Switch A1] - [Switch C1] - [RBSE960-2] etc.)

     

    I was wondering if anyone had any success in getting Orbis to see each other in such a case (e.g. maybe by setting up VLANs, or some other method to help them to see each other)

     

    The reason for this is that the property the network is set up in has some incredibly thick concrete walls, so trying to rely on the WiFi backhaul isn't really an option. Any suggestions warmly welcomed please!


     

    • orbiqueries's avatar
      orbiqueries
      Aspirant

      Thank-you for asking - sorry - I missed the alerts that there had been replies.

       

      1.

      What FW is loaded on the RBR and RBS? - All of them are on 7.2.6.31

      What brand and mode# are these switches? - they're a mix of Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link.

      How are the RBS connected to these switches? using 1Gb ports or the 2.5Gb port? - 2.5gb.

      What CAT# lan cable are you using? - Cat-8 certified cables.

      Which port on the RBR are you using? The 1Gb or 2.5Gb port? I've been flicking between trying the 10, 2.5, and 1gb.

       

      All of the Orbis connect via switches.

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        orbiqueries wrote:

        Thank-you for asking - sorry - I missed the alerts that there had been replies.

         

        1.

        What FW is loaded on the RBR and RBS? - All of them are on 7.2.6.31

        Been posts about v.31 not working well for users. 
        What region are you located? 

         

        What brand and mode# are these switches? - they're a mix of Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link.

        What are the model #'s of these switches?

        Different branded switches may not work well for ethernet connected RBS. I've learned over the years to keep with one brand of switch for use in between the RBR and RBS. I've tested NG, HP and D-Link. Non managed switches with out green ethernet features are best. 

         

        How are the RBS connected to these switches? using 1Gb ports or the 2.5Gb port? - 2.5gb.

        What CAT# lan cable are you using? - Cat-8 certified cables.

        CAT# STP is recommended for use with RBS connected on there 2.5Gb ports. 

         

        Which port on the RBR are you using? The 1Gb or 2.5Gb port? I've been flicking between trying the 10, 2.5, and 1gb.

        If you don't have any multi gig supporting switches, then use the 1Gb ports on the RBR and RBS to connect them. No need to use the 2.5 or 10Gb ports when you can't fully and seamlessly support those speeds between the RBR and RBS. 

         

        All of the Orbis connect via switches.