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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.
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!
I tried using my 960 router in AP mode, but it stays magenta, and doesn’t actually provide an internet connection with the different network name.
Sometimes it can take a while for the magenta light to go away. I’ll check back in a while.
The ethernet is going though a Moca adapter, and the connection is decent up there when I plug it into a laptop directly. But a 960 AP as a 970 access point seems like a fail.
Having a different wifi name was at least useful to debug if it was working. Seems like Netgear really wants to force customers to use the expensive 970 satellites.
There is actually a signal from the downstairs router, but it’s weak, and flaky. One minute it’s 600Mb/sec, the next it’s below 50. Upload speeds can be as low as 3Mb/sec.
Tomorrow I’ll receive the ‘mesh extender’ and I’ll give that a shot. I also ordered a 970 satellite, so if nothing else works, I’ll spend the money and stop messing around.
Thanks for the great suggestions!
when you connected the router in AP mode, did you have it connected to its wan port or lan port?
It should be to its wan port.
I've had a couple different systems setup this route as I test things and its been fine for me.
You also need to make sure if you're connecting satellites to the AP, they either need to be wireless or connected after the AP and to its lan port.
Yes, connected through the WAN port as I had specified in the browser when setting it up. I tried the other ports to double check. Stays magenta.