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rogbar's avatar
rogbar
Follower
Oct 01, 2025

Extending Orbi RBE 871 system

I have the RBE 871 router with three 870 satellites. It works fine, but the devices farthest away - outdoor cameras - have the weakest connections. I'd rather not pay for yet another satellite, and am wondering if the Netgear Range Extenders would work for me. 

 

I see several on Amazon: EXS25, EAX15, EAX12, EX6120 ... any advice on which one would work best with my existing mesh system?

 

Thanks in advance.

2 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    If the purpose is to provide a better signal for devices that are not mobile, then any brand of WiFi Extender will work.  There is a chance that locating an extender that is not rated for outdoor use in a suitable location (on an exterior wall or even in a window) will provide adequate signal.  If not, there are numerous WiFi extender designed for outdoor use.  Many of them provide both power and network connection through a PoE cable (Power over Ethernet), which is almost trivial to put through most exterior walls.

     

    One benefit of using an extender is that it can be configured with an SSID different from the primary network so that the cameras will be guaranteed to connect to the extender rather than to a weaker signal from one of the Orbi units.

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    They could work ok. Though not designed for outside use. 

    One could get a outdoor electronics case and put a EAX extender in one ane could work. 

    If the Cameras are not AX wireless supporting, then a EX series extender could work.

    Depends on distances as well.