Introduction
Adding a new Orbi router setup may appear pretty challenging at the beginning, however, understanding the proper walking through the process, it is very easy. This guide is designed to cover the entire Orbi setup process from step one through to the last step so that it is easy to follow. At the end of this course, you will have learned how to create a lightning-fast entirely unified WiFi setup for your home.
What is an Orbi WiFi System?
So, before going through the typical setup process, it will be pertinent to describe what an Orbi WiFi system in fact is.
Orbi is a whole-home WiFi system, which was developed by NETGEAR. It is made with a central and main Orbi router and one or more satellite units helping to deliver fast, reliable, and lag-free WiFi inside and outside your home or office.
The Orbi router links to your modem and then sends out the Wi-Fi signal into its owns network. The satellite units then communicate with the router to retransmit and reinforce that signal across your residence, so there will be no more black spots. This leads to the roaming and connection that one enjoys no matter the place.
Orbi systems are extremely simple to deploy and use and employ tri-band wifi technology to reduce interferences. They provide a high internet connection speed commercially available at up to 3Gbps. Other new features include the NETGEAR Armor which helps safeguard all the connected devices against threats on the internet.
Setting Up the Hardware
Let’s begin with the initial hardware Orbi router setup:
Choose a Location
Place the Orbi router in a central location on the first floor of your home for the best whole-home coverage. For larger homes, you may need additional satellite units placed strategically on different floors.
Connect the Orbi Router
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN port on the back of the Orbi router and the other end to your modem. Make sure the modem is powered on.
Connect the Satellites (if using)
Use the included Ethernet backhaul cable to connect one of the LAN ports on the Orbi router to the LAN port of each satellite unit. Place the satellites around your home strategically.
Connect to Power
Plug the power adapters of the Orbi router and any satellite units into electrical outlets and turn them on.
Set Up the Orbi App
Now it’s time to download the Orbi app and complete the setup process:
Download the App
Search for “Orbi” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the app to your mobile device.
Open the App and Register
Open the Orbi app and tap “Set Up a new Orbi System.” Enter your email, choose a password and follow the prompts to register.
Connect to Orbi Network
The app will display the pre-shared key (PSK) for the Orbi WiFi network. Connect your device to this network.
Follow On-Screen Instructions
Complete the on-boarding process by following the on-screen setup instructions. The app will automatically detect your Orbi devices.
Create Administrator Password
Create a custom admin password to access your Orbi system’s web interface for advanced settings.
Setup is Complete!
Once complete, your Orbi system will be up and running. A notification will confirm that your network is ready to use.
Advanced Orbi Router Setup
After the initial setup process of Orbi router setup, there are a few more tweaks you may want to make:
Change the Network Name & Password
You can rename your WiFi network and set a unique password for stronger security through the Orbi app.
Customize WiFi Settings
Tweak settings like wireless channel, transmit power and more for optimal performance. Disable broadcast of your WiFi network name for added privacy.
Enable Parental Controls
Use the content filtering and time scheduling features to set healthy screen time limits for devices on your network.
Update Router Firmware
Check for and install any new firmware updates from time to time for improved functionality and bug fixes.
Additional Satellite Placement
Consider adding more satellites if your home is very large to get full coverage everywhere, including the yard!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No setup process is without hiccups. Here are solutions to some potential Orbi problems:
- Weak WiFi Signal – Make sure the router and satellites are not too far away from each other. Also avoid placing them near other electronics or thick walls.
- Devices not Connecting – Power cycle everything and try re-adding the devices to the network. Update to the latest firmware as well.
- Slow Internet Speeds – Check for WiFi interference. Use an Ethernet backhaul for satellites if possible. Contact your ISP if hardwired speeds are also low.
- Can’t Access Web Interface – Make sure you are using the correct admin password and your network settings have not changed. Try different web browsers too.
- App not Detecting System – Power cycle both the Orbi devices and your phone. Make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone as well.
- Duplicate Network Name Issue – Rename your SSID and network name something unique to avoid clashes with neighboring WiFi networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use my existing modem with Orbi?
Yes, as long as your modem supports bridging mode, you can use your existing cable or DSL modem with Orbi. Just be sure to put your modem into bridging mode.
Q. How many devices can an Orbi system support?
Most Orbi systems can support up to 25, 50 or even more devices simultaneously depending on the specific model. Bandwidth is shared between connected devices.
Q. What is the maximum range of an Orbi satellite?
The maximum range varies by model but satellites typically provide strong, reliable connections within about 2000-3500 sq. ft. of range from the router or another satellite.
Q. Can I expand my Orbi system later?
Yes, absolutely. You can always add more Orbi satellites to your existing system down the road to boost coverage as your home network needs grow.
Q. Do I need an Ethernet backhaul?
While not completely necessary, using an Ethernet backhaul connection for Orbi satellites is highly recommended for best performance. It creates a dedicated, wired tunnel between nodes for faster speeds.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped simplify the entire Orbi setup process for you If you need to take a break for any reason or if something you read makes you confused, then you can go back and read any of the parts you need again. As time would tell and as a wizard at direction; that is if one pays keen attention to the easy steps laid down above, one will soon be on the next higher level of ultrafast, reliable WiFi coverage in his or her home. Enjoy your new Orbi network! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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