Can I add satellite of a different router/satellite set

[jatanr]

I have an RBR20 router/satellite system that works pefectly fine. My friend has another RBR20 router/satellite system. Since he does not need the satellite, he has lent it to me. I am trying to add that satellite to my network mesh. I tried syncing it, and the second satellite gets recognised, but is not usable (in the orbi app, in the network map section, it shows up with an amber coloured dot and no device connects to it). Is it possible to add a satellite of a different set or router/satellite to my current set, or is it not supported. Is there any way I can add it?

Thanks

[CrimpOn · Accepted solution]

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@jatanr wrote:

 Is it possible to add a satellite of a different set or router/satellite to my current set, or is it not supported. Is there any way I can add it?

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Yes. People do this all the time. The usual process is to do a Factory Reset on the new satellite and then perform the Add Orbi Satellite process with the new satellite in the same room as the router. After it sync's, move it to the desired location. Amber means that it is too far away from the router.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMw4ePACgc4 

https://kb.netgear.com/31030/What-do-the-LEDs-on-my-Orbi-mean 

[CrimpOn · Accepted solution]

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@jatanr wrote:

 Is it possible to add a satellite of a different set or router/satellite to my current set, or is it not supported. Is there any way I can add it?

---

Yes. People do this all the time. The usual process is to do a Factory Reset on the new satellite and then perform the Add Orbi Satellite process with the new satellite in the same room as the router. After it sync's, move it to the desired location. Amber means that it is too far away from the router.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMw4ePACgc4 

https://kb.netgear.com/31030/What-do-the-LEDs-on-my-Orbi-mean 

[jatanr]

Thanks @CrimpOn for the response. I did do a factory reset (I believe it is holding the pin in the reset for a few seconds, but I will check again), and the satellite and router were kept besides each other while I tried to set up. The satellite itself wasn't showing amber - the dot besides the Satellite 2 icon in the network map in the orbi app was amber.

I will check the videos you have provided and try again. Thanks!

[CrimpOn]

Factory Reset requires holding something in the tiny Reset hole until the Power LED turns amber and begins to flash.

Can be 10-15 seconds.

[FURRYe38]

Possible that the RBS FW is not the same as what you have loaded on your system. They need to be the same version or the new RBS may not sync right...

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@jatanr wrote:

Thanks @CrimpOn for the response. I did do a factory reset (I believe it is holding the pin in the reset for a few seconds, but I will check again), and the satellite and router were kept besides each other while I tried to set up. The satellite itself wasn't showing amber - the dot besides the Satellite 2 icon in the network map in the orbi app was amber.

I will check the videos you have provided and try again. Thanks!

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[jatanr]

Yes, looks like I wasn't waiting long enough for factory reset. I should have waited until the ambder light starts blinking. After seeing the video and resetting correctly, I was able to add the satellite to my network.

Thanks @CrimpOn and @FURRYe38 for your help.

[FURRYe38]

Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy.