Re: Orbi AC3000 Satellite Unable to Connect via Ethernet Backhaul

Stoic-pillar · ‎2024-12-02

Orbi AC300 v2.7.4.24
RBR50 - base
RBS50 - satellite

Hello! I’m confused as to how to setup my base and satellite for Ethernet backhaul. Both are connected to an AT&T modem with WiFi switched off and IP Passthrough enabled. Both Orbis have assigned IPs.

According to Netgear docs, this should work with a switch. (3rd diagram)

https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-Sy...

While the base is successfully online I have tried just plugging in my satellite. Then I’ve tried rebooting both the modem, base, and satellite. I’ve tried re-syncing the satellite.

If I plug my Ethernet from my modem to RBR50’s LAN port the whole system goes offline.

On my modem I’ve

CrimpOn · ‎2024-12-02

@Stoic-pillar wrote:
I was hoping to link both the RBR and RBS directly to the modem, in a similar fashion to the documentation.

Alas, you are not the first person to reach the wrong conclusion from this diagram. What the drawing does not show is the link between the Orbi system and the Internet. Installation instructions describe connecting the WAN port to the Internet Service Provider. Where should it be?

If only the person creating these drawings had shown the router WAN port connection, people would not attempt a connection that simply does not work.

One suggestion is to try this:

Move the RBR50 router to the modem location and connect the WAN port to it.
Place the satellite in one of the other locations and connect it to one of the router LAN ports.
Place the switch in the other location and connect it to a different router LAN port.

There are still two WiFi devices. There are still Ethernet ports in three rooms.

View solution in original post

FURRYe38 · ‎2024-12-02

Did you plug in the RBS to the back of the RBR and see if they connect. Need to give about 3-5 minutes and the top ring should turn blue.

First make sure the RBS wirelessly connect to the RBR. Once thats done, then ethernet connect them behind the RBR.

Brand and model# of the switch?

Be sure the switch is connected BEHIND the RBR, then the RBS to the switch.

CrimpOn · ‎2024-12-02

@Stoic-pillar wrote:
Both are connected to an AT&T modem with WiFi switched off and IP Passthrough enabled

AS @FURRYe38 pointed out, this is the problem. Connect the RBR50 ('router') WAN port to the AT&T device and the RBS50 ('satellite') to one of the router LAN ports. Yes, a non-managed switch can be between the router and satellite. The key is that satellites must appear on a LAN port.

Stoic-pillar · ‎2024-12-02

Thanks for the quick reply!

The modem is AT&T/nokia BGW320-505.

The modem is in the “Library.” The RBR in the family room and the RBS in the “office.”

The modem feeds into three Ethernet drops, the two relevant CAT6 runs lead to the library and office

Stoic-pillar · ‎2024-12-02

I was hoping to link both the RBR and RBS directly to the modem, in a similar fashion to the documentation. Will this not work? Do I need to acquire an unmanaged switch to do this?

I don’t have a good way of running Ethernet from my RBS/satellite to my RBR/base.

CrimpOn · ‎2024-12-02

@Stoic-pillar wrote:
I was hoping to link both the RBR and RBS directly to the modem, in a similar fashion to the documentation.

Alas, you are not the first person to reach the wrong conclusion from this diagram. What the drawing does not show is the link between the Orbi system and the Internet. Installation instructions describe connecting the WAN port to the Internet Service Provider. Where should it be?

If only the person creating these drawings had shown the router WAN port connection, people would not attempt a connection that simply does not work.

One suggestion is to try this:

Move the RBR50 router to the modem location and connect the WAN port to it.
Place the satellite in one of the other locations and connect it to one of the router LAN ports.
Place the switch in the other location and connect it to a different router LAN port.

There are still two WiFi devices. There are still Ethernet ports in three rooms.

FURRYe38 · ‎2024-12-03

No.
Any ethernet connected RBS needs to be connected behind the RBR so directly behind the RBR or with a switch directly connected to the back of the RBR on one of the LAN ports and then the RBS connected to this switch. Non managed switch is recommended here. NG GS-105/108v4 and GS308v3 work best.
WAN port of the RBR needs to be connected to the ISP modem.

@Stoic-pillar wrote:
I was hoping to link both the RBR and RBS directly to the modem, in a similar fashion to the documentation. Will this not work? Do I need to acquire an unmanaged switch to do this?

I don’t have a good way of running Ethernet from my RBS/satellite to my RBR/base.

Stoic-pillar · ‎2024-12-03

Thank you all! @FURRYe38 | @CrimpOn

I have given up on my dream of deploying my modem, base station, and satellite in three rooms linked by ethernet, but what I've got is good enough - my satellite is showing ethernet/wired backhaul in the Orbi settings.