NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

Corradizo's avatar
Corradizo
Aspirant
Jan 03, 2019

Can two RBR50 routers function as Router and Satellite?

Hi All,

 

I just picked up an Orbi RBR50 to see how i like it.  It's great!  I have it in AP mode with my Xfinity modem as the router and its working fine.  I'd like to take the next step and create a mesh network for my home and relegate my Xfinity modem to just being a modem.  While looking at the RBS50 AP's, they are much more expensive than the RBR50 router - more than twice the price!  If I bought another RBR50 could I use it along with my existing RBR50 as Router + Access Point? ie have one RBR50 in Router Mode and the other RBR50 in AP mode?  I have ethernet runs in my home so I can do wired or wireless backhaul, but ultimately would like to keep to one SSID across the house.  

 

Thanks,

 

Pete

5 Replies

  • Yes, I think you can use the second RBR50 as an AP wired (has to be wired) to the first RBR50 (Router) but you are not getting a mesh system here. The two RBR50's will work independently as a router and AP.

    In the Router-Satellite setup the RBR50 Router is working as a controller for the Satellites to provide you with a mesh network.

    Please note the following:

    - You can use the same SSID on both but you have to select different radio channels on the two base stations.

    - Roaming between the two base stations is much dependent on your devices, Don't expect to get seamless roamings with all devices.

  • RBR units do not support working as a statellite. Only as a main independent wifi router or in AP mode. 


    Corradizo wrote:

    Hi All,

     

    I just picked up an Orbi RBR50 to see how i like it.  It's great!  I have it in AP mode with my Xfinity modem as the router and its working fine.  I'd like to take the next step and create a mesh network for my home and relegate my Xfinity modem to just being a modem.  While looking at the RBS50 AP's, they are much more expensive than the RBR50 router - more than twice the price!  If I bought another RBR50 could I use it along with my existing RBR50 as Router + Access Point? ie have one RBR50 in Router Mode and the other RBR50 in AP mode?  I have ethernet runs in my home so I can do wired or wireless backhaul, but ultimately would like to keep to one SSID across the house.  

     

    Thanks,

     

    Pete


     

  • I definitely want the advantages of the mesh configuration so I'm going to go ahead and pick up the RBS50 to go with my RBR50 router.

     

    thanks!

     

    Pete

     

     

    • FURRYe38's avatar
      FURRYe38
      Guru

      Remember 30 feet is recommended in between Router and satellite to begin with depending upon building materials.

       

      Enjoy. 


      Corradizo wrote:

      I definitely want the advantages of the mesh configuration so I'm going to go ahead and pick up the RBS50 to go with my RBR50 router.

       

      thanks!

       

      Pete

       

       


       

    • ekhalil's avatar
      ekhalil
      Master

      Corradizo wrote:

      I definitely want the advantages of the mesh configuration so I'm going to go ahead and pick up the RBS50 to go with my RBR50 router.

       

      thanks!

       

      Pete

       

       


      Good choice! :) Good luck..