My home is wired for Ethernet, and I'm currently using the Linksys Velop mesh wifi system, that I'm looking to replace with the Orbi 970. I have an existing router/firewall that connects to my cable modem, and would like to continue to use this router as my main router and use the Orbi system in AP mode. I'm unable to get my satellites to connect to the main Orbi unit. How can I get this to work? Thanks!

Be sure the Orbi RBS are connected behind the main RBR unit while in AP mode: https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System 📡 🛰️

Ok, I am able to get this working if I directly wire an AP to the main Orbi router, but it won't work if they are connected through my home network, which is what I want to do. It appears that the Orbi devices won't play well together when connected over the same network that my other devices are on. Why is this? I have no such problem with the Linksys mesh network devices that I am trying to replace with the Orbi. Will this work if I isolate the satellites from the rest of the network with Vlan tagging?

No, RBS and RBR in AP mode with ethernet BH only work as in the information linked.

Thank you, but can you please explain why this is? This should work, and it's frustrating if it doesn't. With other wifi systems I've used in the past, it hasn't been a problem to connect the access points on my network. It's not reasonable for me to have to run seperate cabling through the house in order to use the Orbi system. Nor is it reasonable that I use the wireless backhaul, that would require me to get twice as many Orbis for them to all see each other. Also please explain why vlan tagging won't work. It seems like that, at least, would be a way to address this limitation. Thanks again.

Orbi MESHs systems are not like other AP systems. Orbi requires specific ethernet BH configuration to work properly and are unique to Orbi systems. The main unit has to be able to connect and communicate with the RBS when ethernet connected. Various external switches, routers, VLANs or ethernet configurations don't allow for such data flow and can inhibit this communication that is needed between the RBR and RBS. Thus only the configurations in the linked information are supported. It's the way Orbi systems work. If this doesn't work for your needs, I recommend you return Orbi and find something else that does. Good Luck.

ORBI 970 with wired backhaul in AP mode

13 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru
Mar 25, 2024
Be sure the Orbi RBS are connected behind the main RBR unit while in AP mode:

https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System 📡 ‌‌🛰️
DaveT123
Aspirant
Mar 26, 2024
Ok, I am able to get this working if I directly wire an AP to the main Orbi router, but it won't work if they are connected through my home network, which is what I want to do. It appears that the Orbi devices won't play well together when connected over the same network that my other devices are on. Why is this? I have no such problem with the Linksys mesh network devices that I am trying to replace with the Orbi.

Will this work if I isolate the satellites from the rest of the network with Vlan tagging?
- FURRYe38
  Guru
  Mar 26, 2024
  No, RBS and RBR in AP mode with ethernet BH only work as in the information linked.
  - DaveT123
    Aspirant
    Mar 26, 2024
    Thank you, but can you please explain why this is? This should work, and it's frustrating if it doesn't. With other wifi systems I've used in the past, it hasn't been a problem to connect the access points on my network. It's not reasonable for me to have to run seperate cabling through the house in order to use the Orbi system. Nor is it reasonable that I use the wireless backhaul, that would require me to get twice as many Orbis for them to all see each other.
    
    Also please explain why vlan tagging won't work. It seems like that, at least, would be a way to address this limitation.
    
    Thanks again.
FURRYe38
Guru
Jun 27, 2024
Any progress on this?

I tested the VLAN configuration out on two different NG managed switches and both work and resolve the Guest Network issue that wasn't working if RBS are ethernet connected to a managed switch.

DaveT123 wrote:

My home is wired for Ethernet, and I'm currently using the Linksys Velop mesh wifi system, that I'm looking to replace with the Orbi 970. I have an existing router/firewall that connects to my cable modem, and would like to continue to use this router as my main router and use the Orbi system in AP mode.

I'm unable to get my satellites to connect to the main Orbi unit. How can I get this to work?

Thanks!

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ORBI 970 with wired backhaul in AP mode