Questions about setting up Orbi Mesh with Xfinity

[switters1974]

I've ordered an Orbi Mesh system and will be setting it up with an Xfinity XB6 gigabit connection. I understand that I'll need to put the XB6 in Bridge Mode. I came across this article in the forums explaining how to do that. 

I have two questions about this:

1. In the article, it says "In addition, if you have already activated xFi Pods, you will not be able to enable Bridge Mode." I have activated the xFi pods. How do I deactivate them so that I can enable Bridge Mode?
2. I understand that I'll lose access to xFi features if I enable Bridge Mode. Orbi has an app that seems to provide some similar controls. What features, if any, will I miss out on by using Orbi instead of xFi?

Thanks. 

[RobertWy]

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@switters1974 wrote:

I've ordered an Orbi Mesh system and will be setting it up with an Xfinity XB6 gigabit connection. I understand that I'll need to put the XB6 in Bridge Mode. I came across this article in the forums explaining how to do that. 

I have two questions about this:

1. In the article, it says "In addition, if you have already activated xFi Pods, you will not be able to enable Bridge Mode." I have activated the xFi pods. How do I deactivate them so that I can enable Bridge Mode?
2. I understand that I'll lose access to xFi features if I enable Bridge Mode. Orbi has an app that seems to provide some similar controls. What features, if any, will I miss out on by using Orbi instead of xFi?

Thanks. 

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I chose the Orbi and two satellites over the Pods; I'm not sure they can coexist.

xFi still works; it does not rely on having Pods.  I have my XB6 in Bridge Mode, which as you know, turns off the XB6 wifi.

The Orbi manages wifi the same way as the pods; it has a single SSID for both wifi bands and does device steering just like the Pods.

If possible, I would recommend getting enough satellites and return the Pods for a credit, if possible.

[switters1974]

Thanks for your reply. 

I'm confused because this official post in the Xfinity forums says "When Bridge Mode is enabled, you will not be able to use Xfinity xFi and xFi Pods (Learn the advantages of xFi)."

But you're saying that your XB6 is in Bridge Mode and you're still able to use xFi?

Also, how do I deactivate the xFi Pods so that I can put the XB6 in Bridge Mode? That article says I can't put it in Bridge Mode if the xFi Pods have already been activated. 

[RobertWy]

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@switters1974 wrote:

Thanks for your reply. 

I'm confused because this official post in the Xfinity forums says "When Bridge Mode is enabled, you will not be able to use Xfinity xFi and xFi Pods (Learn the advantages of xFi)."

But you're saying that your XB6 is in Bridge Mode and you're still able to use xFi?

Also, how do I deactivate the xFi Pods so that I can put the XB6 in Bridge Mode? That article says I can't put it in Bridge Mode if the xFi Pods have already been activated. 

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xFi depends on having an xFi Gateway.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/xfinity-xfi-overview

I have never had Pods, but if you unplug them, they will probably disappear from. your network.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/xfi-pods-faqs