NETGEAR Orbi RBRE950 User manual

User Manual
Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System
Models
Orbi WiFi 6E Router Model RBRE960
Orbi WiFi 6E Satellite Model RBSE960
Orbi WiFi 6E Router Model RBRE950
Orbi WiFi 6E Satellite Model RBSE950
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveApril 2022
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12608-01

Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest
downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at
community.netgear.com.
Regulatory and Legal
Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français
canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.
(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at
https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.
By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at
https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the
device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Do not use this device outdoors.
Applicable to 6 GHz devices only: Only use the device indoors. The operation of 6 GHz
devices is prohibited on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft, except that
operation of this device is permitted in large aircraft while flying above 10,000 feet.
Operation of transmitters in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band is prohibited for control of or
communications with unmanned aircraft systems.
Trademarks
Trademarks© NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of
NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
2
Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System

Contents
Chapter 1 Overview
What is WiFi 6E?....................................................................................9
Orbi router overview............................................................................9
Orbi router hardware features.....................................................10
Orbi router LED behavior.............................................................11
Orbi satellite overview.......................................................................12
Orbi satellite hardware features...................................................12
Orbi satellite LED behavior...........................................................13
Router and satellite labels.................................................................14
Connect your router...........................................................................15
Place your Orbi satellite.....................................................................16
Sync your Orbi satellite with your Orbi router................................16
Set up your satellite with a wired connection to your router........17
Set up and sync an Orbi satellite over a wired connection......17
Ethernet backhaul connections for multiple satellites..............18
Chapter 2 Connect to the Network and Access the Router
Connect to the network.....................................................................21
Wired connection..........................................................................21
WiFi connection.............................................................................21
WiFi connection using WPS..........................................................22
Types of logins....................................................................................22
Set up and manage with the NETGEAR Orbi app..........................23
Use a web browser to access the router..........................................23
Use the automatic Internet setup option....................................24
Log in to the Orbi router web interface......................................25
Change the language........................................................................26
Chapter 3 Specify Your Internet Settings
Manually set up the Internet connection.........................................28
Specify an Internet connection without a login..........................28
Specify an Internet connection that uses a login.......................29
Manage an IPv6 Internet connection...............................................31
Requirements for entering IPv6 addresses.................................31
Specify IPv6 Internet connections................................................31
Use auto detection for an IPv6 Internet connection..................32
3

Use auto configuration for an IPv6 Internet connection...........34
Set up an IPv6 6to4 tunnel Internet connection.........................35
Set up an IPv6 pass-through Internet connection......................37
Set up an IPv6 fixed Internet connection....................................37
Set up an IPv6 DHCP Internet connection..................................39
Set up an IPv6 PPPoE Internet connection..................................40
Set up an IPv6 6rd tunnel Internet connection...........................42
Change the MTU size.........................................................................44
Chapter 4 Control Access to the Internet
Manage NETGEAR Armor.................................................................47
Allow or block access to your network............................................47
Manage network access control lists...............................................48
Use keywords to block Internet sites...............................................49
Delete keywords that are used to block Internet sites...................50
Avoid blocking on a trusted computer............................................51
Block services from the Internet.......................................................51
Schedule when to block Internet sites and services......................53
Set up security event email notifications.........................................53
Chapter 5 Specify Network Settings
About the WiFi networks...................................................................57
Manage the settings for the main WiFi network.............................58
Enable or disable the AX feature for the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio
band.................................................................................................58
Change the name of the main WiFi network..............................59
Change the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz WiFi channel.................60
Change the WiFi password or security option for the main WiFi
network............................................................................................61
Manage WiFi settings for the 6 GHz-only WiFi network................62
Enable or disable the 6 GHz-only network.................................62
Change the WiFi network name for the 6 GHz-only network....63
Change the WiFi password for the 6 GHz-only network...........63
Manage IoT WiFi settings..................................................................64
Enable or disable the IoT network...............................................64
Change the WiFi radio band for the IoT network......................65
Change the WiFi network name for the IoT network................65
Change the WiFi password or security option for the IoT
network............................................................................................66
Set up a guest WiFi network.............................................................67
Change your region...........................................................................68
View or change WAN settings..........................................................68
Manage the WAN preference...........................................................70
Set up WAN aggregation..............................................................70
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Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System

Change the WAN preference back to the Internet port...........71
Manage Dynamic DNS.......................................................................72
Set up a new Dynamic DNS account...........................................72
Specify a Dynamic DNS account that you already created......73
Change the Dynamic DNS settings.............................................74
Set up a default DMZ server..............................................................74
Change the router’s device name....................................................75
Change the LAN TCP/IP settings......................................................76
Use the router as a DHCP server......................................................77
Disable the DHCP server feature in the router...............................79
Manage reserved LAN IP addresses................................................79
Reserve an IP address....................................................................80
Edit a reserved IP address............................................................80
Delete a reserved IP address entry..............................................81
Manage custom static routes............................................................82
Set up a static route.......................................................................82
Edit a static route...........................................................................83
Delete a static route.......................................................................84
Enable or disable 20/40 MHz coexistence for the 2.4 GHz radio.84
Enable or disable Wi-Fi Multimedia Quality of Service.................85
Change the CTS/RTS threshold and preamble mode for a radio.86
Change the Transmission Power Control........................................88
Use the router as a WiFi access point only......................................88
Set up router mode............................................................................90
Generate a new backhaul password................................................90
Improve network connections with Universal Plug and Play........91
Set up a bridge for a port group or VLAN tag group....................92
Set up a bridge for a port group..................................................92
Set up a bridge for a VLAN tag group........................................93
Chapter 6 Manage Your Network
Update the router and satellite firmware........................................97
Check for firmware updates.........................................................97
Manually update firmware............................................................98
Manually update satellite firmware..............................................98
Manually update router firmware................................................99
Change the admin password..........................................................100
Enable admin password reset........................................................100
Reset the admin password..............................................................101
Always use HTTPS to access the router.........................................102
View router status and usage information....................................103
Display Internet port statistics.........................................................103
Check the Internet connection status............................................104
View and manage logs of router activity.......................................105
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Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System

View devices connected to the network or edit device
information........................................................................................106
View devices connected to the network...................................106
Edit device information on the Attached Devices page.........107
View satellites connected to the network or edit satellite
information........................................................................................108
View satellites connected to the network.................................108
Edit satellite information that displays on the Attached Devices
page..............................................................................................109
View the satellite status....................................................................110
Check your Internet bandwidth......................................................110
Monitor Internet traffic.....................................................................111
Change the NTP server....................................................................112
Set the time zone..............................................................................113
Manage the router configuration file.............................................113
Back up settings...........................................................................114
Restore configuration settings...................................................114
Erase the current configuration settings...................................115
Chapter 7 Customize Internet Traffic Rules for Ports
Manage port forwarding to a local server.....................................117
Set up port forwarding to a local server...................................117
Add a custom port forwarding service.....................................118
Edit a port forwarding service....................................................119
Delete a port forwarding entry..................................................120
How the router implements the port forwarding rule.............120
Application example: Make a local web server public...........121
Manage port triggering...................................................................121
Add a port triggering service.....................................................122
Disable port triggering or change the time-out period.........123
Application example: Port triggering for Internet Relay Chat.123
Chapter 8 Use OpenVPN to Access Your Network
About VPN connections..................................................................126
LAN IP addressing in VPN networks..............................................126
Enable OpenVPN service in the router..........................................127
Install OpenVPN software on a VPN client....................................128
Install OpenVPN software on a Windows-based computer....129
Install OpenVPN software on a Mac computer........................130
Install OpenVPN software on an iOS device............................131
Install OpenVPN software on an Android device....................132
Use VPN to access your Internet service at home........................133
Allow VPN client Internet access in the router.........................133
Block VPN client Internet access in the router.........................134
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Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System

Chapter 9 Troubleshooting
Quick tips...........................................................................................137
Sequence to restart your network.............................................137
WiFi settings.................................................................................137
Network settings..........................................................................137
The router and satellite do not sync..............................................137
You cannot log in to the router.......................................................138
You cannot access the Internet.......................................................139
Troubleshoot Internet browsing.....................................................140
Troubleshoot PPPoE........................................................................141
Troubleshoot WiFi connectivity......................................................141
Troubleshoot your network using the ping utility........................142
Test the LAN path to your router...............................................142
Test the path from your computer to a remote device...........143
Appendix A Factory Settings and Technical Specifications
Factory settings for Orbi routers....................................................146
Factory settings for Orbi router model RBRE960....................146
Factory settings for Orbi router model RBRE950....................148
Factory settings for Orbi satellites..................................................150
Factory settings for Orbi satellite model RBSE960.................150
Factory settings for Orbi satellite model RBSE950.................152
Technical specifications for Orbi routers......................................154
Technical specifications for Orbi router model RBRE960......154
Technical specifications for Orbi router model RBRE950......155
Technical specifications for Orbi satellites....................................157
Technical specifications for Orbi satellite model RBSE960....157
Technical specifications for Orbi satellite model RBSE950....159
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Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System

1
Overview
The Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System creates dedicated high-speed WiFi
connections to your Internet service. The Orbi router (model RBRE960 or model
RBRE950) connects to your modem or gateway. The Orbi satellite (model RBSE960 or
model RBSE950) extends the WiFi signal throughout your home.
This manual describes how to manage your Orbi Quad-Band Mesh WiFi 6E System from
your Orbi router web interface. You can manage your Orbi satellite from the Orbi router
web interface.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• What is WiFi 6E?
• Orbi router overview
• Orbi satellite overview
• Router and satellite labels
• Connect your router
• Place your Orbi satellite
• Sync your Orbi satellite with your Orbi router
• Set up your satellite with a wired connection to your router
For more information about the topics covered in this manual, visit the support website
at https://www.netgear.com/support/.
Note: This manual might refer to the Orbi router (model RBRE960 or model RBRE950)
as the router and refer to the Orbi satellite (model RBSE960 or model RBSE950) as the
satellite.
8

What is WiFi 6E?
WiFi 6E builds on the existing WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard. WiFi 6E offers all of the
cutting-edge features of WiFi 6 and allows access to a new 6 GHz wireless band. This
combination of WiFi 6 technology and access to a brand new, empty WiFi band exclusive
to WiFi 6E devices makes WiFi 6E one of the most important developments in wireless
technology.
•More high-bandwidth channels: WiFi 6E expands on the spectrum and bandwidth
improvements of WiFi 6 with the addition of a 6 GHz band. This wireless band is
much wider than the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and can support up to fourteen
80 MHz channels or seven 160 MHz channels. This means more capacity for
high-bandwidth activities like 4k and 8k gaming, virtual reality applications, and
video conferencing.
•Less interference and network congestion: The 6 GHz wireless band is newly
certified and is exclusive to devices that support WiFi 6E. This means that on 6 GHz,
the WiFi network does not need to slow down to accommodate legacy devices.
Fewer devices, more spectrum, and more bandwidth means less interference and
network congestion. WiFi 6E devices can support the most bandwidth-heavy,
low-latency applications without competing for bandwidth.
•Improved security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) 3 is mandatory for all Wi-Fi 6
Certified devices operating in 6 GHz. WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi Alliance security
certification. WPA3 provides the latest in security and authentication protocols. As
a result, 6 GHz WiFi traffic is more secure than ever and 6 GHz networks are more
difficult to hack.
To make use of the 6 GHz band, the router and its WiFi clients must support 802.11ax.
Note: The router can let devices that support 802.11ax connect to its 6 GHz radio.
Devices that do not support 802.11ax cannot connect to the 6 GHz radio but can connect
to the 2.4 GHz radio or 5 GHz radio.
Orbi router overview
The following sections are an overview of the Orbi router hardware features and LED
behavior. These sections apply to both model RBR960 and model RBR950.
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Orbi router hardware features
The following figures shows the Orbi router hardware features.
Figure 1. Orbi router front and back views
1. Router LED: Use the LED on the front of the router to determine its status. For more
information about the LED behavior, see Orbi router LED behavior on page 11.
2. Sync button: Use the Sync button to connect a satellite to the router. For more
information, see Sync your Orbi satellite with your Orbi router on page 16.
3. 10G Internet port: Connect your modem to this port and get up to 10 Gbps Internet
speeds.
4. 2.5G Ethernet port: This Ethernet port provides a wired connection speed of up to
2.5 Gbps. You can connect this port to the 2.5G Ethernet port on the satellite to
create a wired backhaul connection. For more information, see Set up and sync an
Orbi satellite over a wired connection on page 17.
5. Gigabit Ethernet ports 1–3: You can connect a LAN device to each of the three
Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports.
6. Power connector: Connect the power adapter that came with your router to this
port.
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7. Power LED: For more information about the Power LED behavior, see Orbi router
LED behavior on page 11.
8. Reset button: Use the Reset button to restart (reboot) the router or reset the router
to its factory default settings:
•Restart the router: Press the Reset button for less than five seconds. The Power
LED lights solid amber and the router restarts.
•Reset the router to its factory default settings: Press and hold the Reset button
until the Power LED starts blinking amber. The router resets and returns to its
factory settings. For information about the factory settings, see Factory settings
for Orbi routers on page 146.
Orbi router LED behavior
The Orbi router has an LED on the front and a Power LED on the back.
The following table describes the LED behavior for the router's Power LED.
Table 1. Power LED behavior
DescriptionLED color
Power is on.Solid green
The router is restarting.Solid amber
The router's firmware is resetting to its factory
default settings.
Blinking amber
The router's firmware is corrupted.Blinking red
Power is not supplied to the routerOff
The following table describes the LED behavior for the router LED located on the front
of the router.
Table 2. Router LED behavior
DescriptionLED color
The router is powering up or the Sync button
was pressed.
Pulsing white
The router is resetting to its factory default
settings.
Solid white
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Table 2. Router LED behavior (Continued)
DescriptionLED color
The router is not connected to the Internet.Solid magenta
The router connected to the Internet and is
working normally.
Off
Orbi satellite overview
The following sections are an overview of the Orbi satellite hardware features and LED
behavior. These sections apply to both model RBS960 and model RBS950.
Orbi satellite hardware features
The following figures shows the Orbi satellite hardware features.
Figure 2. Orbi satellite front and back views
1. Satellite LED: Use the LED on the front of the router to determine its status. For
more information about the LED behavior, see Orbi satellite LED behavior on page
13.
2. Sync button: Use the Sync button to connect the satellite to the router. For more
User Manual12Overview
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information, see Sync your Orbi satellite with your Orbi router on page 16.
3. 2.5G Ethernet port: This Ethernet port provides a wired connection speed of up to
2.5 Gbps. You can connect this port to the 2.5G Ethernet port on the router to create
a wired backhaul connection. For more information, see Set up and sync an Orbi
satellite over a wired connection on page 17.
4. Gigabit Ethernet ports 1–3: You can connect a LAN device to each of the three
Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 LAN ports.
5. Power connector: Connect the power adapter that came with your satellite to this
port.
6. Power LED: For more information about the Power LED behavior, see Orbi router
LED behavior on page 11.
7. Reset button: Use the Reset button to restart (reboot) the satellite or reset the
satellite to its factory default settings:
•Restart the satellite: Press the Reset button for less than five seconds. The Power
LED lights solid amber and the satellite restarts.
•Reset the satellite to its factory default settings: Press and hold the Reset
button until the Power LED starts blinking amber. The satellite resets and returns
to its factory settings. For information about the factory settings, see Factory
settings for Orbi routers on page 146.
Orbi satellite LED behavior
The Orbi satellite has an LED on the front and a Power LED on the back.
The following table describes the LED behavior for the satellite's Power LED.
Table 3. Power LED behavior
DescriptionLED color
Power is on.Solid green
The satellite is restarting.Solid amber
The satellite's firmware is resetting to its factory default settings.Blinking amber
The satellite's firmware is corrupted.Blinking red
Power is not supplied to the satelliteOff
The following table describes the LED behavior for the satellite LED located on the front
of the satellite.
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Table 4. Satellite LED behavior
DescriptionLED color
The satellite is powering up.Pulsing white
The satellite connected to the router and the connection is good.
The LED lights blue for three minutes and then turns off.
Solid blue
The satellite connected to the router and the connection is fair.
The LED lights amber for three minutes and then turns off.
Solid amber
The satellite failed to sync with the router.Solid magenta
The satellite synced with the router and is working normally.Off
Router and satellite labels
The Orbi router and satellite labels show the router’s or satellite's MAC address and
serial number. The label also includes a QR code you can scan during setup to connect
to the Orbi setup network. The labels are located on the bottom of the router and
satellite. Following is an example of what the router or satellite label might look like:
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Connect your router
Note: If both your Internet service provider (ISP) and modem support a speed of
10 Gbps, the router’s Internet connection also functions at 10 Gbps. Otherwise, the
Internet connection functions at the maximum speed that either your ISP or your modem
supports. (1 Gbps is a common speed.)
Power on your router and connect it to a modem.
To connect your router to a modem:
1. Unplug your modem’s power, leaving the modem connected to the wall jack for
your Internet service.
If your modem uses a battery backup, remove the battery.
2. Plug in and turn on your modem.
If your modem uses a battery backup, put the battery back in.
3. Connect your modem to the Internet port of your router with the Ethernet cable that
came with your router.
Note: If both your ISP and modem support a speed that is higher than 1 Gbps (for
example, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, or 10 Gbps), we recommend that you use the Category
(Cat) 6 Ethernet cable that came in the box. A Cat 6 Ethernet cable is better suited
to higher speeds. If your ISP or modem supports a speed of 1 Gbps, you can use a
Cat 5E Ethernet cable.
4. (Optional) If your package comes with plug adapters for the power adapter, connect
the plug adapter for your region to the power adapter.
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Note: For Singapore, use the 2-pin EU plug adapter or the 3-pin UK plug adapter
only. Do not use the snap pin on the power adapter.
5. Connect the power adapter to your router and plug the power adapter into an outlet.
6. If the Power LED does not light, make sure that the power adapter is properly
connected to your router and power outlet.
Place your Orbi satellite
Your Orbi satellite must be within range of your Orbi router’s WiFi signal for it to sync
with your router. Use your satellite's LED to help you determine where to place your
satellite. For more information about the satellite LED colors and behaviors, see Orbi
satellite LED behavior on page 13.
Sync your Orbi satellite with your Orbi router
The Orbi satellite that comes with your Orbi router is preset to automatically find and
sync to your Orbi router's WiFi signal.
To sync your satellite:
1. Place your satellite.
For more information, see Place your Orbi satellite on page 16.
2. Connect the satellite to a power source.
The satellite LED pulses white. The satellite automatically finds the Orbi router’s WiFi
signal and attempts to sync to the Orbi router.
The satellite LED lights one of the following colors:
•Blue. The Orbi router and satellite successfully synced, and the connection
between the router and satellite is good.
•Amber. The connection with the router is fair. We recommend that you move
the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router and try again.
3. If the satellite LED lights magenta, do the following:
a. Unplug your Orbi satellite, move the satellite closer to the router.
b. Plug the satellite back in and wait two minutes for the LED to turn blue or amber.
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4. If the satellite LED still does not turn blue or amber, do the following:
a. Press the Sync button on the back of the router.
b. Within two minutes, press the Sync button on the back of the satellite.
c. Wait two minutes for the LED to turn blue or amber.
Set up your satellite with a wired connection
to your router
Instead of using a WiFi backhaul connection between the router and the satellite, you
can use a wired connection.
Set up and sync an Orbi satellite over a wired connection
Your Orbi satellite automatically connects wirelessly to your Orbi router to create a
wireless backhaul. Your satellite and router also support Ethernet backhaul, which means
that you can use an Ethernet cable to connect your satellite to your router.
If your home has built-in Ethernet outlets in the rooms and the cables lead into the same
physical network, you can also connect both your Orbi router and Orbi satellite to the
Ethernet outlets and let them sync.
To set up and sync your Orbi satellite over a wired connection:
1. Place your satellite in the room where you want WiFi service.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the 2.5G Ethernet port on the satellite.
You can also use a Gigabit Ethernet port on the satellite, but the 2.5G Ethernet port
is much faster.
Note: For a 2.5 Gbps connection, we recommend that you use a Category (Cat) 6
Ethernet cable. For a Gigabit Ethernet connection, you can use a Cat 5E Ethernet
cable.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the 2.5G Ethernet port on the router.
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You can also use a Gigabit Ethernet port on the router, but the 2.5G Ethernet port
is much faster.
4. Connect the satellite to a power source.
The Power LED on the back of the satellite lights green.
The satellite bar LED pulses white. The satellite automatically syncs to the Orbi router.
Note: The first time that you sync the satellite and the router, the sync process can
take between five and ten minutes because the router might automatically update
the satellite’s firmware.
After the sync process is complete, the satellite bar LED lights blue for about three
minutes and then turns off. Blue indicates that the router and satellite successfully
synced, and the wired connection between the router and satellite is good.
Ethernet backhaul connections for multiple satellites
Your Orbi satellite automatically connects over WiFi to your Orbi router or another Orbi
satellite to create a WiFi backhaul connection, or you can use an Ethernet cable to
connect your satellite to your router or another satellite to create a wired backhaul
connection.
Note: The products shown in the following diagrams do not represent any particular
Orbi models, but the topologies and setups in the diagrams do apply to your models.
User Manual18Overview
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The following figure shows how to connect your Orbi satellites to your Orbi router using
a star topology to create an Ethernet backhaul connection.
Internet
Router
Modem
Satellite 1 Satellite 2
Figure 3. Star topology: Satellites connected to the router’s Ethernet ports
The following figure shows another way to connect your Orbi satellites to your Orbi
router using a daisy chain topology to create an Ethernet backhaul connection.
Internet
Router
Modem
Satellite 1 Satellite 2
Figure 4. Daisy chain topology: Satellite 1 connected to router and satellite 2 connected to satellite 1
The following figure shows how to connect your Orbi satellites to your Orbi router
through an Ethernet switch.
Switch
Internet
Router
Modem
Satellite 1 Satellite 2
Figure 5. Ethernet backhaul connection using a switch
User Manual19Overview
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2
Connect to the Network and Access
the Router
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Connect to the network
• Types of logins
• Set up and manage with the NETGEAR Orbi app
• Use a web browser to access the router
• Change the language
20