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Forum Discussion
Netgear Orbi 370
Couple questions that hopefully are easy to answer (I'll give context first), I'm looking to revamp my home network system, i currently use my ISP router which while its good doesn't cover the whole house. I have tried the mesh wifi systems wirelessly but due to the age and size of the house they just don't work here.
Fortunately when we bought the house we had it rewired with cat6 cable to every room. We get just shy of 1GB up and 500 down and while i know its not necessary i would like to be able to get this speed or close too throughout the house.
1st question, if I was to buy 6 of the Netgear Orbi 370 series would i be able to hard wire them all back to the router so they work as a mesh system just wired?
2nd question which i may already know the answer to this, can these be powered over PoE or do you have to use the DC cable to power them.
3rd question I want to change the router would I be best to buy a Netgear router that goes to the switch in my house then back out to all the access points or could i just use one of the orbies then go to the switch then to the remaining access point?
4 Replies
How big is the home. Size of home, building materials will factor in how many RBS you should consider. Smaller sized homes, generally just need the main router unit and one maybe two RBS. Larger sized homes, two or more RBS maybe needed. I have a 5K multi level home and get away with two RBS. Wireless or ethernet connected.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite🛰
No, need to use the DC power brick that comes with them.
Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router.
Static IP Address Configuration for AP Mode | NETGEAR Communities
https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point
and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Brand and model# of LAN switch you'll be using with the system?
The RBE370 satellites will function only when connected to the RBE371 router. They will not connect to any other router. You cannot buy six satellites. It needs to be one router and five satellites.
One consideration is where the Ethernet cables come together (the ideal location for a switch) and where the ISP service is. (Hint: both in the same location is ideal. In different locations poses a significant obstacle.)
Orbi mesh systems rely on the satellites appearing to be connected to the LAN side of the router. Thus, the 2.5G LAN port on the router needs to be connected to a 2.5G Ethernet switch which has at least 5 more ports. (one for each satellite)
This is one of the only Orbi systems where the router and satellites have zero additional Ethernet ports. Thus, after the router and satellites are connected, it is not possible to connect any 'wired' devices to the system. If you own zero devices which need to be wired, then this is not an issue. If you do, then there must be more switch ports, and they have to be located where they are needed.
Congratulations for thinking ahead. The nice neanderthals who built my house in 1960 had not heard of Ethernet cables. Copper pipe - yes. Ethernet - no. (and, the copper pipe has already had to be replaced with PEX [sigh] )
Question 1: The satellites need to connect to the main orbi router. You can go ISP router----->orbi router----Satellites but the satellites can't connect through the ISP router.
Question 2: I have read of someone buying a power power supply adapter. I've looked it up but they aren't cheap. So thats up to you.
PoE is often used when the goal is to place WiFi access points in locations where there is no existing electrical outlet, or installing an outlet would be difficult (or expensive).
Sort of frustrating that the Netgear Technical Specifications (used to be called Product Data Sheet) and User Manual do not specify what the power requirements are for 370 satellites.
PoE comes in four strengths: 15.4W, 30W, 60W, and 100W (which actually deliver less due to cable loss).
Would be a fascinating engineering task to determine what to put at the far end that will product the correct voltage and amperage to power a 370 satellite.
There are plenty of WiFi access points that are designed to be powered over the Ethernet cable.
