Newbee Questions

[PixelMadness]

I just received my Orbi rbk23 wifi router with 2 satellites and installed it but I am not sure I did it correctly. When I try to connect to it with my phone it tells me "it can't provide internet" and proceeds to bump me back to my home system. Is this correct? On my phone under the WiFi It shows it as saved/ won't connect automatically. Also under the settings it show as a wifi type 5 when it was advertised as a type 6 wifi. Not sure why it is showing type 5. Also, how much signal degradation should I expect when going through walls, windows, floors? The last question I have is what is the best way to boost the signal into my backyard without  signal degradation.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond

PixelMadness

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

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@PixelMadness wrote:

I have the system connected to the router supplied by my internet provider, sparklight.

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So, you are adding an Orbi router to your existing router.

Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.

This explains some of the other drawbacks.

What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.

It may be possible to put the modem/router into modem only (bridge) mode and then to use the second device as the router. Sometimes it is easier to put the second router into AP mode. But that has its own drawbacks:

Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support

A lot of people use an Orbi system in AP mode, especially if they have a decent router in front of it. Only you know which of your two routers provides the best features for your needs.

[CrimpOn]

The RBK23 system is one of the original 802.11ac products (i.e. 2/4 G and 5G).  It does not support 802.11ax (which is often called WiFi6)

Please describe what this system is connected to.

It is a user controlled option to have a WiFi device, such as an iPhone, "Connect Automatically" or not.

[PixelMadness]

I have the system connected to the router supplied by my internet provider, sparklight.

[PixelMadness]

What system should I have that will extend my Wi-Fi to my small backyard?

[michaelkenward · Accepted solution]

---

@PixelMadness wrote:

I have the system connected to the router supplied by my internet provider, sparklight.

---

So, you are adding an Orbi router to your existing router.

Two routers on your network can cause headaches. For example, you can end up with local address problems. Among other things, the other router can misdirect addresses that the Netgear router usually handles, such as routerlogin.net or the usual IP address for a router, 192.168.1.1.

This explains some of the other drawbacks.

What is Double NAT? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Unless you have specific reasons for using two routers – to create two separate networks for example – it is often easier to use just one router and then to set up the second router as a wifi access point. Netgear advises this, as does just about every site you will visit.

It may be possible to put the modem/router into modem only (bridge) mode and then to use the second device as the router. Sometimes it is easier to put the second router into AP mode. But that has its own drawbacks:

Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support

A lot of people use an Orbi system in AP mode, especially if they have a decent router in front of it. Only you know which of your two routers provides the best features for your needs.

[michaelkenward]

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@PixelMadness wrote:

What system should I have that will extend my Wi-Fi to my small backyard?

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Hard to know without a lot more detail For example, how "small" is this backyard?

Try plugging your needs into the filters on the product pages:

Wireless Routers for Home | NETGEAR

WiFi Range Extenders: Boost Your WiFi Range | NETGEAR

and

Orbi: Whole Home WiFi System for Better WiFi Everywhere | NETGEAR

Then check back here for reports on the things you are considering, but remember that people turn up in this community with problems, not compliments. So look at reviews on Amazon, for example.

[PixelMadness]

Thanks everyone!

I put the provider’s modem in bridge mode and that fixed the issue. I now have 292 mpps in the backyard where I need it for plate solving.

Thanks

PixelMadness

[michaelkenward]

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@PixelMadness wrote:

I put the provider’s modem in bridge mode and that fixed the issue.

Good move.

You did well to track down the details of getting the modem into bridge mode. That beats a lot of people, not helped by some ISPs providing stuff that is impossible to configure like that.