Orbi Satellite channels - still can't change???

[tln741]

Back in 2018, the Orbi could not have the router and satellite on different channels.

Now at least the manual of the Orbi 75x series (and others) acknowledges this basic wireless design:

"When you use multiple access points, it is better if adjacent access points use different channels to reduce interference. The recommended channel spacing between adjacent access points is four channels (for example, use Channels 1 and 5, or 6 and 10)."

Although for 2.4 GHz, it is 5 channels of separation that is best, not 4.

So why can't we change the channel on satellites to prevent co-channel interference? Especially since all routing traffic is on the backhaul, not the 2.4/5 device wifi channels?

If the router and the satellite are in backhaul range (required), they will ALWAYS have co-channel interference if they are on the same channel.

Only single-channel mesh networks require every AP to be on the same channel. That is not what Orbi is supposed to be.

[CrimpOn]

This is a valid question, for which I fear there is no satisfactory answer.

That statement on page 68 of the user manual appears to be a generic recommendation applying to ordinary WiFi access points, rather than specifically to the Orbi mesh system.

You observation about the way Orbis work is entirely correct:

• All of the 2.4G units are on the same frequency (channel)
• All of the user facing 5G units are on the same frequency (channel).
• All of the units use the same frequency (channel) for backhaul communication.

And there is no mechanism to change this.

[FURRYe38]

Lets us not forget the WiFi MESH systems operate a bit differently than WIFI APs. The work more like repeaters/extenders. These repeaters/extenders connect to the main wifi signal on the same channels so they can repeat and or extend the wifi signal coming from the main sourse wifi signal. This goes for WiFi MESH systems. 

Distances between the RBR and RBS is very important. 

30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS📡 to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. Having them too close can cause collisions and wifi overlap problems. Same would go for a actual WiFi Repeater or Extender. 

Also having too much wifi in the home can be problematic as well. Too small of a home and you have too many RBS, your makinging it hard for the system to work as theres too much wifi signals going around and causing problems.

30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS📡 to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected.

There is a reason why only channels are changed on the RBR and not the RBS. RBS follow what the RBR is set for. Always. 

[tln741]

The backhaul effectively acts as a network connection between the two APs, so there is no reason for the satellite WiFi to need to be on the same channels as the router. None.

The two APs HAVE to be in range of each other, ideally close enough to connect on 5GHz, which has more problems penetrating walls.

So that means everything in between the two APs will suffer from co-channel interference. If you move the two APs further apart, they can't connect on 5GHz.

If you have more than one satellite, you have even more co-channel interference - RF saturation - and will end up with connection problems.

[FURRYe38]

You would be incorrect. 

You forget that the RBS work as a repeater/extender and NOT as stand alone APs. This is BY DESIGN and how ANY WIFI MESH system works. Even other branded MESH system. Each STA works on same channels and the host/source STA.