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4 Messages
activate new Gateway but use existing routers/extenders
I have a new Gateway I’m supposed to set up to replace the current xfinity modem we’ve had for a few years. We have a large sprawling house so have several Orbi routers/extenders as a network. All has worked great for many years.
When I activate and plug in this new Gateway, I want it to use the current Orbi router network and its password etc. But I have a feeling that’s not going to work when I set up the new Gateway or the setup isn’t going to tell me how to do that. I’m hesitant to activate the Gateway because of this since we currently have no problems. Any suggestions or advice? (I’m pretty tech ignorant older guy.)
Andyross
Gold Problem Solver
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8K Messages
2 years ago
What modem/gateway do you currently have? I'm not entirely sure, but if it is another gateway model, it may be in Bridge mode, which means it acts just as a plain modem (a gateway is a modem and router combined.) Before doing anything with the new one, check the configuration of the current one.
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APScheil
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Thanks for the reply. The current modem is a Gateway TG1682G (if that helps). I don’t ever remember setting it to “bridge mode” and I have had to unplug it over the years many time to reboot it and haven’t had any trouble or had to set it to a specific mode. The current/old Gateway router is simply attached to the cable that comes into the house and then is attached to one of three linked Orbi router/extenders with an Ethernet cable. And that’s it. Still nervous to disconnect and hook up the new xFi Gateway!
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Andyross
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8K Messages
2 years ago
That is what they call the XB3 now. It is a gateway. Not sure how the Orbi stuff is set up. They may be acting just as a basic mesh/extender setup and not acting as it's own router. Otherwise, if they are, then you could have what is called double-NAT, which is not a big deal these days. What Orbi model is connected to the gateway? That might tell just what features it has.
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APScheil
Visitor
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Yes, I am almost 100% sure the three Orbi units we have are just acting as linked extenders rather that actual routers. Here’s the model:
Net-gear Orbi Satellite RBS50
One of these is directly linked to the current / old Gateway and the other two are in different places in the house and all just linked up wirelessly.
Any chance when I plug in the new Gateway to the cable and to the first Orbi unit it will all just link up?
Thanks again! Big help.
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Andyross
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8K Messages
2 years ago
Does sound like they are just acting like Ethernet switches, but for WiFi. The web page says it only is supposed to work with an Orbi router (RBR series), although it also says 'connect to existing modem or gateway'.
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APScheil
Visitor
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Which web page are you looking at? I suppose I will have to just try it, but was hoping to save myself a potential headache if I can just integrate the new Gateway with my current setup without straying from scratch, in a sense.
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Andyross
Gold Problem Solver
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8K Messages
2 years ago
It is the product page. The mention about connections is in the datasheet, which you can download if you scroll down a bit.
https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/mesh/rbs50/
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