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Forum Discussion
IainMcFarlane
May 07, 2020Star
Setting up Orbi backhaul
Hi all
I have just bought the triple pack Orbi as my current Wi-fi is struggling to cope with demand. I am looking for advice on the configuration of backhaul I have planned.
I had hoped to connect one satellite via Ethernet to the Orbi router, simply because I can, but the second satellite will be in an area where wiring to is difficult, my assumption is that communication and backhaul to this satellite will be via the dedicated 5 ghz Wi-fi only. Is mixing the connection types likely to cause any negative effect on the performance overall ?
Another question I have is with respect to the inclusion of an 8 port Netgear switch (unmanaged), this will be part of the wired part of the network, my assumption up to now was that I would connect the wired satellite direct to the Orbi router via Ethernet and hang the switch off the second RJ45 off the satellite, rather than wire the 8 port switch to the Orbi router and hang the satellite off one off the ports of the 8 port switch, is my first thought the best way round ?
The obvious alternative for the system would be all dedicated Wi-fi backhaul and have the Ethernet dedicated purely to the 8 port switch and simply wired direct back to the internet modem.
any advice or pointers would be greatfuly accepted,
PS Also I assume that there are no known issues with the Wi-fi backhaul and potential interference with Sky Q backhaul channel ?
thanks again in advance for any advice and sorry if the above is long winded
Iain
36 Replies
Modem Combo Units: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Cable-Modems-Routers/What-s-the-Difference-Between-a-Cable-Modem-and-Cable-Modem/m-p/1864698#M21950
This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktopBe sure you connect any RBS wired to the back of the RBR directly or thru a switch. You can't connect the RBR and RBS in parallel to a switch infront of the RBR as the status reporting of the RBS will not work on the RBR. Any wired RBS needs to be serially connected behind the RBR.
Yes if you can directly connect the RBS to the back of the RBR, you can hang a switch of the back of the wired RBS.
I would disable Daisy Chain on the RBR as well.
30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
Hi again
reading first articles I think setting up the Orbi in AP mode may be the safest way forward, is there any real disadvantage over performance with this ?
hi
First off all, thanks for taking the time to give such a comprehensive reply, very much appreciated.I have been trying to avoid mucking with the modem too much, I have a couple off applications that took a while to get setup and stable , and bearing in mind I know just enough to be dangerous I am scared to blow current config .
i had a scratch about the current set up (ASUS DSL-AC 68U) and there is no issue turning off the radios, and I can disable NAT, so maybe there is scope to modify the existing profile to avoid clashes and save me starting a brand new one again from scratch. The applications that I don't want to upset are security and heating applications that rely on settings through the router.
I assume I can keep the current modem doing DHCP duties so that all current ip's that are fixed remain so, and I also assume that the modem not doing NAT won't affect the applications that are ported through the modem?
sorry more questions lol .
i will read all the papers from the links you supplied and from these I am sure I will manage , I was tempted to go the ASUS mesh route as it appeared so much easier but cost and poor reviews sent down what now appears as a more technically challenging route, and I like a challenge
thanks again
Iain
IMO, if you want to keep things easy and working and stable, use the Orbi in AP mode. I presume during this time frame, stable network and ISP services is crucial and disabling the radios on the host router and letting it due the router duties while Orbi in AP mode will be the best suggestion for your needs. Later on when this time frame passes, then you could make some changes in the system.