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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...
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.
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.
I ordered both the RB970 satellite, and this ‘mesh extender’.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0762QT7S6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Fingers crossed that they less expensive item does the job in the back bedrooms.