Adding an extgension to my Orbi Pro WiFi 6 network

[Arthur2Sheds]

I have an Orbi Pro WiFi 6 network with an SXR80 router and a SXS80 satellite, and want to add another satellite to cover another area of the house.

I see that my Orbi Pro 6 model is discontinued (end of life) according to Netgear. However, I need to add another satellite to cover just 3 devices, as the "link status" to my workshop is identified as barely "fair". 

SXS80s are also quite expensive and I haven't seen any 2nd hand models out there. As a comms amatuer / home user I don't know what other (inexpensive) models might work.

Can you experts out there please advise what's are my best options?

Many thanks, much appreciated.

[plemans]

If you're only covering 3x devices, you can use a standard extender. It won't "mesh" with the network but it would work. I'd just set it with a different ssid otherwise it'll impact some devices roaming efficiency. 

or you could snag one of the SXK80 kits and just use the satellite. Then you have the router for backup incase the primary fails. Stinks if the primary fails and you have a ton into satellites you can't use. 

Stinks that they made them EOL and aren't making them anymore. Solid devices. 

[Arthur2Sheds]

Thanks for your reply @plemans Clearly you are a network / comms wizard!

 Difficult to find a used or new SXS80.

However, I see an SXR8O for sale for circa £185 (postage included) . Is it possible to reconfigure this to act as an SXS80 satellite. I could hardwire it or WiFI to my current SXR router.

If not I might be able to sell and replace my current SXR80 & SXS80 mesh system with something a little less professional but with 2 satellites to cover my needs. Any recommednations - at reasonable cost - thatcome to mind?

Kind regards

[plemans]

No, you can't make a SXR act like a satellite. 

You might be able to locate an SXS30 satellite. 

https://kb.netgear.com/000065558/Which-Orbi-Pro-routers-and-satellites-are-compatible

I'd keep watching for used sxs80's, sxs30's, or even just watch for whole kits and just use the satellite. here in the states, the SXK30 kit is super cheap.  I have a feeling we'll see people off-loading them since Netgear made the Orbi Pro series EOL. its a bit sad because the orbi pro line is awesome in performance and features. 

[Arthur2Sheds]

Thanks again for the swift response @plemans, much appreciated. Saved me wasting money.

I'm located in the UK so I'll be watching for the models you suggest.  In the interim I've relocated both the SXR (a couple of meters) & SXS (only slightly) devices and will monitor to see if that resolves at least some of my "fair" link status devices.

Many thanks

Bob

[schumaku]

@Arthur2Sheds wrote:

Thanks for your reply @plemans Clearly you are a network / comms wizard!

 Difficult to find a used or new SXS80.

However, I see an SXR8O for sale for circa £185 (postage included) . Is it possible to reconfigure this to act as an SXS80 satellite. I could hardwire it or WiFI to my current SXR router.

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@Arthur2Sheds wrote:

I'm located in the UK so I'll be watching for the models you suggest. 

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Ben,

There is more complexity involved. To operate another Orbi Pro SXR80 (leaving alone it can't be operated as a satellite), a spare SXS80 must be an European version  - as FCC models can't be "relocated" to Europe. Its prohibited by the FCC regulations to offer a (user accessible) control to change an FCC model to be operated on different wireless band plans.  And alone the shipping cost tell me these would be  a device from abroad.

Regards

-Kurt

[plemans]

@schumaku Wasn't thinking the OP would order from the States, just that the 30 series is much cheaper. Thanks for pointing that out so the OP doesn't take that option 🙂