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Extending an Orbi 970 system
I just upgraded to the Orbi 970 system. In the past I was able to use older satellites to extend my wifi to a pair of distant bedrooms with a wired backhaul, when going from 750->860->960. Now my 860 Satellites don’t work in that spot. I tried synching, and that didn’t work. The 860 satellite stays magenta, and gives flaky, slow service. Sometimes it gives ~400gb/s, sometimes 30gb/s.
For my purposes, this does not need to be a seamless mesh. It’s just for kids doing homework. I upgraded to get wired 10g service to my office.
What’s the least expensive way to get reliable service to the kids rooms? I’d love a solution that doesn’t cost $900. Is there a way I can use an older Orbi router or satellite to extend? Do the ‘mesh extenders’ work with the 970? Keeping the network name and worth a few extra dollars, but not $900.
I think Netgear would maintain better brand loyalty if they would support easier upgrade paths between their products.
Thanks!
Sam
So it's official, you can't extend an Orbi 970 network with anything but a 970 satellite. I tried the 'mesh range extender' it was a no-go. I tried my old 960 router as a AP, and that didn't work either.
The 970 Satellite was up and working in 20 minutes.
Feels like Netgear makes it difficult on purpose. Notice you can't just buy the 970 router, by itself. They want you to go all in with the latest, most expensive.
I considered jumping off the Orbi train this time around, and probably will next time. I'm still within the return window, but once it's in and working, it's hard to start over.
But I'm not an entirely happy customer. Next firmware version should really bring better compatibility, if they want to retain customers.
13 Replies
https://kb.netgear.com/000065169/Which-Orbi-routers-and-satellites-are-compatible
The 970 seires is all new tech and hardware that makes using older model Orbi devices not compatible. Not everything can be made to work all together sometimes.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
Our place is only about 2000sq ft, but it’s poured concrete construction on 3 floors. Wired backhaul is the only thing that works.
Do the ‘mesh extenders’ work with the Orbi 970? Maybe the AC1900?
Even with the RBS ethernet connected, and placement out at 30-40 feet, the one RBS and RBR should get you good coverage, though ya, concrete will be problematic.
Can try the extender to see if it will connect however it may not being it's of older tech and the Orbi is of new tech. May need to add another RBS970 series satellite to this area via ethernet.
You could use the old router part of your system and just put it in access point mode. And even attach the old satellites to that router.
It wouldn't "mesh" as well but with poured concrete walls, it should be fine.
Using the old router could be great? How do you configure it? Start with a reset? App or in a browser?
I'd set it up through the browser.
Put the 2nd one in access point mode.
You'll need to make sure the satellites are connecting to the proper routers.
So have the main system setup. (with its own satellites)
Then setup the 2nd router and put it in access point mode (separate ssid). Then setup the satellites to the 2nd one
