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Forum Discussion
itGeeks
Sep 26, 2016Apprentice
Feature Request: Orbi Satellite Ethernet Backhaul
As good as Orbi looks on paper I don't understand Y you would cut yourself so short and not support Eithernet backhaul for the satellites, I have 5 locations needing a system like this but without su...
- Apr 26, 2017
Let me acknowledge that our customer base has been clamoring for this feature for a while, and we are trying to be responsive to their needs. To provide context on why it's taking a while to get it out, during the first quarter, the Orbi Engineering team was focused on bringing out the two new products (RBK30 & RBK40) to market. Now that it's accomplished, we're actively working on bringing this feature and a couple of other interesting, market-requested features to you.
Orbi Product Team
lovingbenji
Jul 17, 2017Star
What the hell are you doing Netgear ? at least please give us insights ?!!
peteytesting
Jul 18, 2017Hero
i believe they are trying to sort out connectivity and stability issues atm and tbh until they get that sorted it would be crazy to add another factor into the mix , they have to get the current platform working well before anything else , after that they may get onto other features like ethernet backhaul and maybe some form of mesh instead of star topology , this is all new ground that netgear find themselves in and its learning by mistakes
- adambeanJul 18, 2017Luminary
New to the Orbi (just set mine up today) in hopes that I could use ethernet as a backhaul. Sad to find that it lacks this option. I am debating a return and looking at a traditional AP setup (no clue how yet), but was curious if there are any updates on this at all? Based on the last few posts, seems like everyone is still just hoping and waiting ... Shame.
- Melliott716Jul 18, 2017Guide
adambean wrote:New to the Orbi (just set mine up today) in hopes that I could use ethernet as a backhaul. Sad to find that it lacks this option. I am debating a return and looking at a traditional AP setup (no clue how yet), but was curious if there are any updates on this at all? Based on the last few posts, seems like everyone is still just hoping and waiting ... Shame.
See my previous post - if you need Ethernet backhaul now, then another vendor may be your best choice (if you're looking for a single vendor/single product solution). As has been discussed here, setting up an AP is another choice, though with somewhat more complexity and management headaches (though not that much IMHO, depending on your use case). Although Netgear has accepted this feature into their product roadmap, they HAVE NOT committed to a date when they might deliver it. And per peteytesting, they have an existing backlog of stability issues to address before they are likely to deliver significant new functionality such as Ethernet backhaul.
- jeffreywestJul 18, 2017Guide
Eero has ethernet backhaul and Gen2 now has a faster wireless backhaul. Return Orbi and get an Eero.
- captain_phaserJul 18, 2017Apprentice
jeffreywest wrote:Eero has ethernet backhaul and Gen2 now has a faster wireless backhaul. Return Orbi and get an Eero.
In comparison to the Orbi, the Eero is severely limited when it comes to any kind of advanced settings. There's also no desktop interface, so you have to use their mobile app. Just something to keep in mind as the Orbi is much more configurable. I think the only other consumer product that comes close to the Orbi that supports ethernet backhaul is the Linksys Velop.
- myrisonJul 19, 2017Guide
Based on earlier recommendations in this thread, I ended up deploying the Ubiquiti Unifi solution in my house. It ended up being cheaper and has far better coverage than the Orbi. If you're comfortable with the administration of it and are interested in an advanced feature-set, I'd recommend you check it out.
- JackeJul 19, 2017Initiate
With Netgear still not offering an update, I will likley return my $600 RBK53 and go with UniFi as well.
- adambeanJul 19, 2017Luminary
FWIW, I returned the Orbi for more reasons than just the Ethernet backhaul and snagged the eero. It's very limiting overall, but it does get the job done. Unsure yet If I'll keep. I'm really thinking I should just suck it up and put some Unifi AP's in place.
My rant on the matter, asking how eero owners are fairing: https://community.eero.com/t/18zvhb/to-current-eero-owners-how-did-you-get-here-what-competing-products-did-you-test-will-you-stay-with-eero
Lack of configurations and features on the eero isn't ideal, but ... hard to say if it's 'truly' needed vs. just a simplistic solution.