Orbi RBK50 - are newer satellites compatible?

[RalphSparkle]

I have the Orbi RBK50 model and would like to buy another satellite (which I think are called RBS50).  They are hard to find at the moment.  Are later satellite models compatible?

[vajim]

perhaps this will help

https://kb.netgear.com/000038220/What-are-the-hardware-specifications-of-the-available-Orbi-WiFi-Sys...

[CrimpOn]

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@RalphSparkle wrote:

I have the Orbi RBK50 model and would like to buy another satellite (which I think are called RBS50).  They are hard to find at the moment.  Are later satellite models compatible?

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I agree that the RBS50 is getting hard to find (and expensive if you do).  My "Best Buy" right now is the RBS40V which Amazon has been selling for $100. It includes a speaker for music (and Alexa), but that feature can be ignored if you want.

Any of the original Orbi satellites will function with the RBR50 router: RBS50, RBS40, RBS20, RBW30, RBS40V, but NOT any of the "Pro" or "AX" satellites or the RBS10 model.

[RalphSparkle]

Perhaps a silly question - can the router act as a satellite too?

(it's cheaper to buy a router and a satellite than just a satellite!)

[CrimpOn]

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@RalphSparkle wrote:

Perhaps a silly question - can the router act as a satellite too?

(it's cheaper to buy a router and a satellite than just a satellite!)

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Alas, no. Other companies designed their mesh systems to be identical, where any of them could be used either as the router or as a satellite. Netgear Orbi was not designed that way.  I believe there is a "hack" on the internet that will convert a router into a satellite.  I have never tried it.  But, if the router is essentially "free", who cares if it gets bricked?

I have a second Orbi router that I bought off eBay to experiment with and to use as a spare.  Purchased in 2016, my original Orbi is LONG out of warranty.

[jpmoynihan]

I too am struggling to find RBS50 (in the UK)

I'm disappointed Netgear aren't giving me a simple upgrade patch on a product that's only 3 years old