Waisted Orbi RBR50 Router

[dumit]

I think my current setup is wasting my RBR50.

I have fiber that comes into my basement into a box that then outputs a single Ethernet that goes to my office on the main floor. On the main floor, the ethernet cable connects to a Calix Gigaspire modem/router that is required by my provider. I have 1GB upload/download service, but on the opposite side of my house (same floor), I was getting 2mbps. So I connected the RBR50 router to the Calix router via ethernet and had the RBS50 satellite on the side of the house that had the weak signal. I now get closer to 300mb in that area. My problem is my basement gets almost no signal from either the router or the satellite. I just bought an OLED TV for the man cave in the basement and need good wireless speeds for streaming.

Since my two routers sit next to each other in my office, it seems like I am wasting the RBR50. Is there a way to have the RBR50 placed somewhere else, not connected to the main Calix router via ethernet?

[FURRYe38]

If your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. 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=desktop
Try option #2 first...
https://kb.netgear.com/000061277/Which-features-are-disabled-on-my-Orbi-router-when-it-is-set-to-AP-...

[CrimpOn]

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@dumit wrote:

Since my two routers sit next to each other in my office, it seems like I am wasting the RBR50. Is there a way to have the RBR50 placed somewhere else, not connected to the main Calix router via ethernet?

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The RBR50 internet connection (WAN) port must be connected to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) device with an Ethernet cable.

The issue is how to provide internet access to a device in the basement.  Streaming HD video requires about 25Mbps, so the connection does not require enormous bandwidth, but certainly more than is possible now.

As you have discovered, WiFi and basements are not a good combination.

• There is often substantial building material and structure in the way, especially concrete walls/floors.
• Running an Ethernet cable is not trivial (although it appears that the ISP installer was able to do so).

The Calix device may be the solution. 

• Why does the ISP require you to have this device?  Is it to provide phone service? (that you subscribe to?)
• Do you have devices in the house connected to the Calix in addition to the Orbi?

My suggestions are:

• Run an Ethernet cable to the basement for the TV.  Material cost will be under $20.
• Relocate the Calix to the basement. Use the existing Ethernet cable to connect the Calix to the Orbi on the main floor.  Move any devices in the office that were connected to the Calix to the Orbi.  Move any devices that were using Calix WiFi to the Orbi WiFi. Connect the TV in the basement to the Calix with either Ethernet (my preference) or WiFi.

As @FURRYe38 pointed out, having "two routers" has the potential to interfere with specific internet activities.  Whether it will affect you depends on how you are using the internet.  Search for "Double NAT" for more specifics.  Many customers are not interested in the Internet gaming that is affected by Double NAT (not all is).  Many customers do not want to share their media servers or web servers on the internet. Nor do they want to connect directly to the LAN when away.  If having two routers turns out to be an issue, there are solutions.