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lbelardinelli's avatar
lbelardinelli
Aspirant
Dec 19, 2020

replacing my old router with new Orbi RBK853

I am looking for recommendations on replacing my old netgear router and 24 port netgear switch with new Orbi RBK853 but using the same switch. My system is complicated (to me). I have 15 devices (computers, TVs, stereo amp, etc) with fixed IP address that are hard wired thru my switch. I have another 4 devices that have fixed IP addresses and are wireless. I also have 35 smart home devices with DHCP assigned (non fixed addresses). I do keep a record on all my attachemnts to my router andswitdh.

I have just pruchased the new Orbi RBK853 system but before I start replacing my old router, I wanted to get some suggustions on how to start. 1) Should I hard wire the 3 Orbi units together? (I can do that because the entire home/office is wired) or do I just let them go wireless? 2) SHould I use my old router IP address of 172.16..... or use a different one. 3) Will my wireless devices find the new router DHCP server and then I would just start fixing the other devices?

Any help would be appreciated? I cant seem to find any recommendation anywhere about hard wiring the Orbis together vs not doing it!!!

6 Replies

  • ekhalil's avatar
    ekhalil
    Master
    Dec 22, 2020
    lbelardinelli wrote:

    ......

    1) Should I hard wire the 3 Orbi units together? (I can do that because the entire home/office is wired) or do I just let them go wireless?

    If you have the possibility to use wired backhaul then I would go for that. Wired is always more reliable than wireless, I think! :)

     

    lbelardinelli wrote:

    ......

    2) SHould I use my old router IP address of 172.16..... or use a different one. A

    Up to you, you can still use the old IP range if you would like to keep the same old records.

     

    lbelardinelli wrote:

    .....

    3) Will my wireless devices find the new router DHCP server and then I would just start fixing the other devices?

    .....

    If you use the same SSID and password then the old devices will automatically find the new router and use the DHCP for IP access.

     

    Good luck!

    • lbelardinelli's avatar
      lbelardinelli
      Aspirant
      Dec 22, 2020

      I havent impliminated the change yet. The Orbi JUST arrived and now I decided that I would also replace my old switch. I have a 8 year old fs726TP and I decided to get a new GS324TP. Once it arrives, probably next week, I will start my changeover. I dont look forward to it with around 18 fixed IP devices and 55 or so Smart home devices (They run my whole life - Hot water tank temp, house temp, pool temp jacuzzi temp, My solar panels, 6 computers, 3 TVs and I can go on).

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User
        Dec 22, 2020

        What is your currennt DHCP configuration and pool size that you use? 

         

        Be sure that you disable any and all IGMP protocols on the new switch if you connect the RBS via ethernet to this switch. I don't see any green ethernet features on this new switch so you should ok there. 

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 22, 2020

    Any progess on this? 

    lbelardinelli wrote:

    I am looking for recommendations on replacing my old netgear router and 24 port netgear switch with new Orbi RBK853 but using the same switch. My system is complicated (to me). I have 15 devices (computers, TVs, stereo amp, etc) with fixed IP address that are hard wired thru my switch. I have another 4 devices that have fixed IP addresses and are wireless. I also have 35 smart home devices with DHCP assigned (non fixed addresses). I do keep a record on all my attachemnts to my router andswitdh.

    I have just pruchased the new Orbi RBK853 system but before I start replacing my old router, I wanted to get some suggustions on how to start. 1) Should I hard wire the 3 Orbi units together? (I can do that because the entire home/office is wired) or do I just let them go wireless? 2) SHould I use my old router IP address of 172.16..... or use a different one. 3) Will my wireless devices find the new router DHCP server and then I would just start fixing the other devices?

    Any help would be appreciated? I cant seem to find any recommendation anywhere about hard wiring the Orbis together vs not doing it!!!