My home is wired for Ethernet, and I'm currently using the Linksys Velop mesh wifi system, that I'm looking to replace with the Orbi 970. I have an existing router/firewall that connects to my cable modem, and would like to continue to use this router as my main router and use the Orbi system in AP mode.
I'm unable to get my satellites to connect to the main Orbi unit. How can I get this to work?
Ok, I am able to get this working if I directly wire an AP to the main Orbi router, but it won't work if they are connected through my home network, which is what I want to do. It appears that the Orbi devices won't play well together when connected over the same network that my other devices are on. Why is this? I have no such problem with the Linksys mesh network devices that I am trying to replace with the Orbi.
Will this work if I isolate the satellites from the rest of the network with Vlan tagging?
Thank you, but can you please explain why this is? This should work, and it's frustrating if it doesn't. With other wifi systems I've used in the past, it hasn't been a problem to connect the access points on my network. It's not reasonable for me to have to run seperate cabling through the house in order to use the Orbi system. Nor is it reasonable that I use the wireless backhaul, that would require me to get twice as many Orbis for them to all see each other.
Also please explain why vlan tagging won't work. It seems like that, at least, would be a way to address this limitation.
Orbi MESHs systems are not like other AP systems. Orbi requires specific ethernet BH configuration to work properly and are unique to Orbi systems. The main unit has to be able to connect and communicate with the RBS when ethernet connected. Various external switches, routers, VLANs or ethernet configurations don't allow for such data flow and can inhibit this communication that is needed between the RBR and RBS. Thus only the configurations in the linked information are supported. It's the way Orbi systems work. If this doesn't work for your needs, I recommend you return Orbi and find something else that does.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I've already disposed of the packaging my Orbi units came in, so am unable to return them.
Would you mind explaining why vlanning won't solve this problem? I'd like to understand this. In theory, with proper vlanning I could make the Orbi units only see what they need to see, thus making it no different than if I connected them directly. What am I missing?
Something you can certainly try and see. Orbi has always had problems with managed switches. Thus only non manages switches are recommended for use between the RBR and RBS. Also there is a known issue currently with 970 series and managed switches. Seems to cause Guest Network to not work right when RBS are ethernet connected behind a managed switch. NG is aware of this.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I've already disposed of the packaging my Orbi units came in, so am unable to return them.
Would you mind explaining why vlanning won't solve this problem? I'd like to understand this. In theory, with proper vlanning I could make the Orbi units only see what they need to see, thus making it no different than if I connected them directly. What am I missing?
Setup a VLAN name for something intuitive. Name it OrbiRBSEthernet for example.
Input 4091 for VLAN ID.
Set all Port Members for this VLAN configuration to TAG ALL.
Apply the configuration.
Have the RBS already wirelessly connected to the RBR. Managed switch needs to be connected behind the RBR, not in parallel. After you make the configuration on the managed switch and it's applied, Connect the RBS to the switch one at a time. Give it about 1 minute or two for the RBS to settle in.
Test.
I did this yesterday with mine and it resolves the Guest Network not working at the RBS when they are ethernet connected to a managed switch that's behind the RBR. iPhone and Android pad finally connected at each RBS on Guest Network and got full internet access.
I tested the VLAN configuration out on two different NG managed switches and both work and resolve the Guest Network issue that wasn't working if RBS are ethernet connected to a managed switch.
My home is wired for Ethernet, and I'm currently using the Linksys Velop mesh wifi system, that I'm looking to replace with the Orbi 970. I have an existing router/firewall that connects to my cable modem, and would like to continue to use this router as my main router and use the Orbi system in AP mode.
I'm unable to get my satellites to connect to the main Orbi unit. How can I get this to work?
