Question 1

Will my T-Mobile wifi calling drop when going between router and satellite like it does with extenders?

Accepted Answer

According to the SmallNetBuilder review "Since Orbi is a multi-device system, inquiring minds want to know how smoothly devices move between Router and Satellite. I had no problem during my open air testing; the NETGEAR A6200 client moved from Router to Satellite without requiring a forced reconnection. But, as is typically the case, that movement was due to the client and nothing in Orbi's bag of tricks. NETGEAR says Orbi currently supports only band-steering and 802.11k and 802.11v. 802.11r AP to AP roaming is coming in a "future" firmware release.". Alternatively, if you are on Android, you can enable the Developor Option "Cellular data always active" to manage the handoff between wifi and cellular network.

Question 2

Does Orbi have outdoor capability so I can mount the satellite outside to provide coverage for nearby outbuildings?

Accepted Answer

This is not weatherproofed and not suitable for outside mounting.  You could place it near an outer wall and possibly have the signal reach, depending on the distance.

Question 3

Are the SSIDs the "same" for both the base and the remote, thus allowing for seamless connection, or does each device have a separate SSID (as many devices like this have)?  I'd like to have a single SSID for full house cover otherwise this looks just like an WI-FI bridge or repeater.

Accepted Answer

If you set the "same" SSID to the one that you are wanting to extend than that should not be a problem.  Be sure to use the exact ssid that you are wanting to extend ( including capitalization of the ssid you would like to extend and password) and have it set in the correct mode to allow extension of the existing wireless network.  This device can act as a router or wireless extender.

Question 4

there is discussion of satelitte.  what does that mean - is a satilitte conncection involved?  why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are two units in the basic kit. A router unit and a satellite unit. The router unit is the router part, and that goes wherever the cable comes into the house for your internet. The satellite unit is the equivalent of an extender, and that goes in the middle of your house. For example, my router unit is one end of my house, in the family room. The satellite is in the middle of my house, in the dining room. This gives the full house wireless coverage. Without the satellite, the Orbi would be just another router, and would have no advantage. With the remote satellite, this allows the Orbi to blanket your whole house with wireless.

Question 5

I have a cable modem to a WRT 1900 ACE linksys router.  How does this connect to the internet?  wired to the cable modem? wired to the router?  other?

Accepted Answer

The main Orbi connects directly to the router via ethernet. It has also other ethernet ports for direct connect with your printer etc. and also a usb port on back. The satellite orbi plugs into a wall outlet anywhere. you push the sync button to connect to the main Orbi. The satellite Orbi has the same plugs as the Orbi in case you want to plug something in directly instead of using the wifi. You don't need the linksys router with this.

Question 6

I have two questions:
1) can or are there plans to allow a wired backhaul?
2) anyplans to update any older netgear routers to support this mesh software?

Accepted Answer

1)  I'm not sure why you would want to wire the backhaul.  Orbi outperforms other "mesh" systems because of the backhaul.  From Smallnetbuilder:  Orbi uses a dedicated 4x4 MU-MIMO radio to connect separate AC1200 class simultaneous dual-band radios in both Router and Satellite.  Other"Mesh" systems don't have dedicated backhaul radios. They use their AC1200 class radios for both backhaul and client device connection. This leads to Orbi 's backhaul supporting a 1733 Mbps maximum link rate while other systems have at best a maximum link rate of 867 Mbps to work (which must be split between backhaul and client).  So in essence, you are paying for this backhaul.  Orbi is not cheap and this backhaul is one reason why.  Why would you want to nullify it with an ethernet cable?  I would look into other solutions if you prefer wired access points.

Question 7

Does the router have the feature to create a guest WiFi?

Accepted Answer

Recently Netgear deployed a new firmware 1.4.0.16 with introduced a guest network. Now guest network is available on Orbi but guests can access your local network. There is a settings box to disallow that but it is greyed out and cannot be changed. So for now the purpose for the guest network just to hide your primary Wi-Fi password.

Question 8

will this work with a fios modem?

Accepted Answer

yes, please see these the two knowledgebase articles 31013 and 31032 on the Netgear Support site.

Question 9

Is it possible to hide the SSID?

Accepted Answer

This is not currently supported.

Question 10

Do you need a home router?

Accepted Answer

This system consists of router and satellite. You don't need additional router.

Brand	Orbi
Model	RBK50-100NAS
Color	White
Router & Satellite Counts	2-Pack (1 Router, 1 Satellite)
Covered Area	5,000 sq. ft.

WAN Ports	1 x 10/100/1000M (Orbi Router)
LAN Ports	3 x 10/100/1000M (Orbi Router) 4 x 10/100/1000M (Orbi Satellite)
Other Ports	1 x USB 2.0 port
Wi-Fi Standards	Wi-Fi 5
Wireless Data Rates	Up to 3.0Gbps
Antenna	6 x high-performance antennas with high-powered amplifiers

Dimension	6.70" x 3.11" x 8.89"
Weight	1.96 lbs.

NETGEAR Orbi Ultra-Performance Whole Home Mesh WiFi System - fastest WiFi router and single satellite extender with speeds up to 3 Gbps over 5,000 sq. feet, AC3000 (RBK50)

Learn more about the Netgear Inc. RBK50-100NAS

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Item#: N82E16833122908