Ethernet backhaul for RBR50 using GS116NA switch

[dbruggen]

Hi,

I spend some fun hours trying to get the ethernet backhaul going on a RBR50 (+2 satellites) using a Netgear GS116NA.

Running RBR50 on wireless backhaul works, having the RBS units directly plugged into the RBR50 with ethernet works, but it stops working if put the GS116NA switch between the router and satellites. Even after multiple restarts, factory resets, satellites on static IP etc. It needs to be on Ethernet as wireless backhaul is failing due to new construction in the house. 

This discussion helped a lot - https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-in-AP-mode-with-wired-backhaul-showing-weird-behavior/td-... - as I now understand it needs to be a non-green/non-smart switch while the GS116NA (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00023DRLO) contains green (802.3az) features while previous versions did not.

Does anyone have recommendations for switches, preferably 1U rackmount, that work with ethernet backhaul? Not married to using Netgear but it appears TP-Link, Linksys, and even Cisco only provide smart/green ones nowadays. I'd hate to order and return again just to trial and error this setup.

Thanks!

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

I think NGs GS10# series are ok. 

I have HP 1400 Series ProCure and D-Link DGS105/108 series and all work well. No Green Ethernet tech. Also DGS-1016 or 1024 

IF you have a managed switch, this can cause problems, however if one disabled ALL IGMP protocols on this switch, then Orbi will work. 

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@dbruggen wrote:

Hi,

I spend some fun hours trying to get the ethernet backhaul going on a RBR50 (+2 satellites) using a Netgear GS116NA.

Running RBR50 on wireless backhaul works, having the RBS units directly plugged into the RBR50 with ethernet works, but it stops working if put the GS116NA switch between the router and satellites. Even after multiple restarts, factory resets, satellites on static IP etc. It needs to be on Ethernet as wireless backhaul is failing due to new construction in the house. 

This discussion helped a lot - https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-in-AP-mode-with-wired-backhaul-showing-weird-behavior/td-... - as I now understand it needs to be a non-green/non-smart switch while the GS116NA (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00023DRLO) contains green (802.3az) features while previous versions did not.

Does anyone have recommendations for switches, preferably 1U rackmount, that work with ethernet backhaul? Not married to using Netgear but it appears TP-Link, Linksys, and even Cisco only provide smart/green ones nowadays. I'd hate to order and return again just to trial and error this setup.

Thanks!

---

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

I think NGs GS10# series are ok. 

I have HP 1400 Series ProCure and D-Link DGS105/108 series and all work well. No Green Ethernet tech. Also DGS-1016 or 1024 

IF you have a managed switch, this can cause problems, however if one disabled ALL IGMP protocols on this switch, then Orbi will work. 

---

@dbruggen wrote:

Hi,

I spend some fun hours trying to get the ethernet backhaul going on a RBR50 (+2 satellites) using a Netgear GS116NA.

Running RBR50 on wireless backhaul works, having the RBS units directly plugged into the RBR50 with ethernet works, but it stops working if put the GS116NA switch between the router and satellites. Even after multiple restarts, factory resets, satellites on static IP etc. It needs to be on Ethernet as wireless backhaul is failing due to new construction in the house. 

This discussion helped a lot - https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-in-AP-mode-with-wired-backhaul-showing-weird-behavior/td-... - as I now understand it needs to be a non-green/non-smart switch while the GS116NA (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00023DRLO) contains green (802.3az) features while previous versions did not.

Does anyone have recommendations for switches, preferably 1U rackmount, that work with ethernet backhaul? Not married to using Netgear but it appears TP-Link, Linksys, and even Cisco only provide smart/green ones nowadays. I'd hate to order and return again just to trial and error this setup.

Thanks!

---

[dbruggen]

Thanks Furrye38!

I was able to make the GS116 work in my network - the solution was to link my modem (Arris, AT&T Fiber) to the Orbi's WAN port and for the RBR50 to connect to the GS116.

Originally the modem was connected to the GS116 and used by Arlo's and other external devices. Now everything sits on the Orbi 'behind' the modem and the GS116 is the true internal star of the network.

I am marking your solution though as its the only other option I had !

[FURRYe38]

Glad you got it working. Enjoy.