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Forum Discussion
RBR50v.2 Using with a Cox Panoramic WiFi cable modem
We just purchased an Orbi RBR50v2 system and I have a question regarding using this with our Cox Panoramic WiFi modem. Can the network name and password set in the Cox box but used in the Orbi system...
So here's what I have.....I have the Cox Panoramic WiFi cable modem in the basement now. I want to put the Orbi modem on the first floor living room above it connected with an ethernet cable. Then I want to place the satellite in a back bedroom where my wife has her office, and where the signal will then reach out to the back yard. So I don't want to lose the Cox signal in the basement area because we have Roku devices there as well as my office. I'm just trying to increase the coverage area to the upper floor and the backyard without creating a 2nd network. I hope this makes sense. Thanks !
The issue is that the Cox WiFi and the Orbi WiFi are separate networks. Even if they have the (exact same) WiFi SSID & password, the WiFi units do not coordinate with each other. If a device connects to one of them, it will remain connected to that system until the WiFi connection becomes so terrible that it gives up and disconnects. Then, it will begin looking around for a WiFi system that it recognizes. Within the Orbi system, devices can roam "seamlessly" from one WiFi access point to another, and the user never notices.
Roku, desktop computers, printers, cameras, speakers, etc. are not mobile. Once they connect, they will remain connected and be happy.
Mobile devices are an issue. Suppose you are in the basement and your phone connects to the Cox WiFi. All good. Lightning fast. Go up the stairs and start to walk outside. Signal will get slower and slower, but not quit until it just gives up completely. Turn WiFi off and back on again, and "all is good".
The other issue is that when the Orbi is in the default "router mode", devices connected to Cox and Orbi will work with the internet just fine, but may have problems communicating with each other. Say the only printer is downstairs. (oops) One cure for this is to put the Orbi into Access Point (AP) mode so that the Cox system manages all the IP addresses and keeps all devices in one LAN.