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Forum Discussion
Noroddveien
Jul 05, 2020Apprentice
Orbi RBR40 router set up as AP to RBR50 router
Hi, I have an Orbi AC3000 wifi sytem which includes the RBR50 router, RBS50 satelite, RBS50Y satelite and RBW30 satelite (see photo). I´m trying to set up a supplemental RBR40 router as a simple ...
FURRYe38
Jul 05, 2020Guru - Experienced User
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s) and RBR40? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
What channel are you using on the RBR50 system? I would set the 2.4Ghz radio for channel 11, then the RBR40 to channel 1. Same with 5Ghz, set one for channel 36 and the other for 48. There maybe some interferences with the wireless back haul so you might turn down the wifi power on the RBR40s radios from 100% to 50 or 25%. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
- NoroddveienJul 05, 2020Apprentice
Hi, The distances are within 30 feet but the problem is that I don´t want RBR40 to communicate with the satelites at all. RBR40 is connected directly to my RBR50 via ethernet cable and I just want it to act as a simple AP with wifi connection to my devices only. I thought that setting RBR40 to AP automatically turned off satelite functions etc.
- FURRYe38Jul 05, 2020Guru - Experienced User
You can't prevent that. If the RBR is in AP mode, they may show up as connected clients since the subnet is all on the same network. So the 40 will just detect them as being satellites. If you set the same SSID name this might cause the RBS to connect to the RBR40 as well, so make sure the SSID is different on the RBR40. Make sure the distances are 30ft or more. Too close can cause problems.
- CrimpOnJul 05, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Noroddveien wrote:Hi, The distances are within 30 feet but the problem is that I don´t want RBR40 to communicate with the satelites at all. RBR40 is connected directly to my RBR50 via ethernet cable and I just want it to act as a simple AP with wifi connection to my devices only. I thought that setting RBR40 to AP automatically turned off satelite functions etc.
This is not correct, although it may not be causing the issue you report. "Router" vs. "Access Point" pertains to the mode of the base unit (RBR40).
Imagine a person who has an ISP combination modem/router and is unable to put it into bridge or passthrough mode.
He wants to connect an Orbi system (router plus satellites) to gain WiFi coverage, but to avoid having a "Double NAT" situation, the Orbi base unit is put into AP mode. It still connects to and coordinates with the satellites. It simply no longer performs "routing" functions, such as port forwarding, DMZ, (usually) DHCP, Armor, Disney Circle, etc. etc. (There is a list somewhere. I need to get a copy of it.)
So, even though there are no satellites connected to the RBR40, there could be. The RBR40 will no doubt activate its 5G WiFi backhaul signal in preparation for a satellite to appear.
This, however, does not "explain what happened." Two (or more) Orbi systems can be activated in the same area. They may compete for the same bandwidth and interfere with each other, but they should all remain separate networks.
Perhaps it would help to understand how the RBR40 was configured as an access point. Does it have the identical WiFi name (SSID) and password as the primary Orbi system?
- NoroddveienJul 06, 2020Apprentice
My RBR50 router has SSID=ORBI3000 while my RBR40 (AP mode) is configured with SSID=RBR40. So, from what I understand, RBR50 and RBR40 will compete for satelite connections depending on location of satelites. BTW, RBS50 satelite is connected to my router via ethernet backhaul. My RBR40 is ethernet-connected to RBR50 via 2 switches and is located in an annex adjacent to our house.