There are quite a few Orbi kits for sale on the used market but I have read that not all models have a dedicated backhaul like the RBS50. Is there a list of models that I could look up before buying (to make sure I get a model with the dedicated backhaul)?I realize that I would not be able to use a router as a satellite but if the price of the used kit is good, that would not matter. :smileyhappy:

The following models will work and have a backhaul. RBS20 RBW30 RBS40 RBS40V RBS50 RBS50Y Keep in mind, only the 50 series devices having the wider 1733mbps backhaul. The others use the 866mbps backhaul.

Buying a used satellite for my RBR50?

22 Replies

plemans
Guru
Jan 30, 2022
The following models will work and have a backhaul.

RBS20

RBW30

RBS40

RBS40V

RBS50

RBS50Y

Keep in mind, only the 50 series devices having the wider 1733mbps backhaul. The others use the 866mbps backhaul.
- SdeGat
  Apprentice
  Jan 30, 2022
  Thanks for the quick answer plemans :smileyhappy:
  I don't see many 50s out there but the slower backhaul should be fine for most devices.
  Are there any (other) performance considerations that I should keep in mind if I can choose between the models above? Higher the model number, the better?
  - plemans
    Guru
    Jan 30, 2022
    Its more about ethernet port availability on some models. The RBS40V has a built in speaker for alexa. The RBS50Y is an outdoor rated satellite.
- SdeGat
  Apprentice
  Jan 30, 2022
  plemans I just saw a used RBR50v2 kit. Would that force me to use the v2 as my router and connect my v1 satellite to it or can I just use the RBSv2 satellite with my current v1 RBR50?
  - plemans
    Guru
    Jan 30, 2022
    They're interchangable. You can go eitherway. I'd just add the satellite to your current setup.
SdeGat
Apprentice
Feb 09, 2022
If only as courtesy to those who have advised me, I was able to snatch a set of two used RBS50 (with a router) on eBay and easily connected them to my network. :smileyhappy: Obviously, I am not using the router although I think I have read somewhere that someone was able to turn a router into a satellite through some kind of firmware update.

Thanks to all. :smileyhappy:
- plemans
  Guru
  Feb 09, 2022
  Glad its up and working. There is a way to convert and rbr to and rbs but you won't find it on the official forums. And it can easily brick the router. Might be better tto hold onto as a backup router. With having a decent investment in satellites, if the router goes bad, at least you can still get everything up and running
  - SdeGat
    Apprentice
    Feb 09, 2022
    plemans wrote:
    Glad its up and working. There is a way to convert and rbr to and rbs but you won't find it on the official forums. And it can easily brick the router. Might be better tto hold onto as a backup router. With having a decent investment in satellites, if the router goes bad, at least you can still get everything up and running
    Yes, agreed. I don't need any more satellites anyway. 🙂

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Buying a used satellite for my RBR50?