Pre-Configure ORBI 6 RBR850

[mbarlow00]

What is the best way to preconfigure an ORBI 6 with two Satellites? I’d like to configure at home and ship to another location in such a way that the recipient can plug the router into the back of an existing Xfinity WiFi Modem/Router.

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

If the ISP modem has a built in router, 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. 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 

You can kind of preconfigure the Orbi system. You can setup the system off line from a ISP modem. You can setup the RBR and RBS. I would use a wired PC and web browser. You can setup the SSID name and password. Sync RBS to the RBR. I would set IP address reservations for the RBS. 

If channels are known and want to use manual channels that dont interfer with other neighbors, this can be set as well on the RBR. Would have to see what channels neighbors are using. 

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

If the ISP modem has a built in router, 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. 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 

You can kind of preconfigure the Orbi system. You can setup the system off line from a ISP modem. You can setup the RBR and RBS. I would use a wired PC and web browser. You can setup the SSID name and password. Sync RBS to the RBR. I would set IP address reservations for the RBS. 

If channels are known and want to use manual channels that dont interfer with other neighbors, this can be set as well on the RBR. Would have to see what channels neighbors are using. 

[mbarlow00]

Your Option 3 is the solution I will use-with one modification that I believe will work. Instead of turning off the radio I will not probide any users of the system with the password for the Xfinity SSID(s). In this way all traffic would originate through the Netgear devices. Do you see a problem with this modification?

[FURRYe38]

It would be recommended to disable wifi radios on the modem at the remote location. Noise and interferences from the modem cause casuse problems after Orbi is installed.