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Forum Discussion
RBRE960 wired backhaul via XS512EM switch
Hi,
I'm trying to figure out the compatibility of the Orbi 960 system(Router: RBRE960 and 2 Satellites: RBSE960) with Netgear's own XS512EM switch. I understand Orbi typically prefers a non-managed, non-green ethernet switch. However I'm curious if anyone has tried using Orbi with this switch.
I'm planning on upgrading my home networking setup to be centrally controlled by the XS512EM either with my ISP's fiber 5G line from the ONT going directly in to the switch and then connecting everything else to it including the RBRE960 as the main gateway for IP address assignments and such, or by connecting the ISP line first to the RBRE960 and then to the switch. In both cases I plan on connecting the satellites to the switch for a wired backhaul along with then using some of the other ports on the switch to run ethernet connections to a few walls around the house to accommodate wired extension points.
Anyone have any experience using this or a similar switch? Could I just disable all the IGMP stuff on the switch to ensure none of its "smartness" interferes with Orbi? Assuming it might also be a "green" switch.
3 Replies
I have not. I have the XS505M and GS110MX switches and both those work great with my 960.
Something to try, however if there is a management page on teh XS switch and you do find IGMP and Green Ethernet fetures that you can disable, try this, then connect the RBS via ethernet. CAT6A STP is recommended if you connect the RBS via 2.5Gb ports.
Thanks for your response FURRYe38 ! Yup I see options for both -> disabling power saving(which points to a green feature) and a page dedicated to IGMP options. Will make sure all those are turned off. I'll try it out and see everything works out. Will post an update here when I do.
Regarding your point about running CAT6A STP, just curious, is there a real benefit in doing so for a short distance run? I was planning on just using CAT 6 since none of my segment lengths(between ONT, switch, router, satellites, etc.) in any location around the house will be more than 40-50 feet at max. If I understand correctly CAT 6 should be able to preserve the integrity of up to 10G bandwidth over such short distances?Monitor the operation of the system if you use CAT6 UTP. We've seen some out side interferences that can be induced and not handled well by UTP cabling at higher speeds. This can cause odd problems and even random reboots. I happen to find that my CAX80 connected to both my 850 and 960 caused them to reboot mysteriously. I was talking with others about this and happened to mention type of cabling. After getting STP in place, the reboots stopped.
If you connect the RBS via the 1Gb ports, UTP would be fine to use. If you use the 2.5Gb ports, then I recommend STP cabling.
