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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.
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
I’ll give it a try tonight. Thanks!