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Forum Discussion
RBS50Y Compatibility
I have a R7900P that I am using as an AP. I would like to strengthen my WiFi signal outside and just wanted to confirm compatibility with RBS50Y. Thanks.
The RBS50Y is a triple-radio outdoor mesh satellite working within the ORBI 802.11ac eco-system (RBK20/ RBK40/ RBK50), it is not a generic wireless extender. While this provides better service than a classic extender, it only speaks the orbi mesh protocol over it its uplink (= needs to connect to a Netgear Orbi RBR20/ RBR40/ RBR50 router).
If you want to extend the existing network of your R7900P, you need to look for an extender (the EX6xxx/ EX7xxx/ EX8xxx line) instead (e.g. the Netgear Nighthawk X4S EX7500 could be a sensible non-outdoor choice) instead. If a wired uplink is possible, an additional access point could be another option as well (usually providing best performance). Depending on your budget and requirements (and foreseeable improvements of your ISPs offerings in the near future) it might make sense to look into the orbi mesh eco-system (RBK2x/RBK4x/RBK5x or maybe even the wifi-6/ AX variants, once that includes an outdoor option) as well, either connected in AP to your existing R7900P router or replacing it.
pkgadd Thanks for the info. I was looking at the manual and it said there were 2 modes available. Orbi mode which lines up with your reply and also extender mode which would be the mode when using a non-Orbi device. I guess I am wondering if anybody has ever used the RBS50Y with a Nighthawk router succesfully? Thanks.