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Forum Discussion
Magixians
Sep 04, 2024Tutor
RBS50 using backhaul and ethernet but not WiFi
Hi How can I setup an RBS50 satellite so that it uses the wireless backhaul but without extending Wifi. I want to put an RBS50 relatively close to the RBR50 so that I can connect some devices ...
CrimpOn
Sep 04, 2024Guru - Experienced User
Magixians wrote:
How can I setup an RBS50 satellite so that it uses the wireless backhaul but without extending Wifi.
Please explain "without extending WiFi". As FURRYe38 explained, the default setting for Orbi systems is for the router and satellites to connect over a dedicated 5G WiFi link that is separate from the 5G WiFi used for user devices. Thus:
- The satellite should connect with a good signal.
- Devices can be connected to the Ethernet ports on the satellite. (or a switch can be connected to the satellite to provide additional Ethernet connections).
The primary issue with locating a satellite "close" to another Orbi unit (router or satellite) is that some WiFi devices may struggle with having WiFi access points with similar signal strength. Sometimes they "ping-pong" between the access points. A minor issue is that locating a satellite near to another unit does not expand the area of coverage very much.
If you discover that some WiFi devices exhibit unexpected behavior, the usual advice is to reduce the Transmit Power of the Orbi system, which reduces the signal strength of all user facing radios on that frequency. This can lead to inadequate WiFi coverage as the signal strength of every access point shrinks.