NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
ORBI 970 with wired backhaul in AP mode
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...
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.Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I've already disposed of the packaging my Orbi units came in, so am unable to return them.
Would you mind explaining why vlanning won't solve this problem? I'd like to understand this. In theory, with proper vlanning I could make the Orbi units only see what they need to see, thus making it no different than if I connected them directly. What am I missing?
Something you can certainly try and see. Orbi has always had problems with managed switches. Thus only non manages switches are recommended for use between the RBR and RBS. Also there is a known issue currently with 970 series and managed switches. Seems to cause Guest Network to not work right when RBS are ethernet connected behind a managed switch. NG is aware of this.