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Orbi Satellite

How to Connect Orbi Satellite?

An Orbi satellite is a part of the Orbi mesh WiFi system. It connects to the Orbi WiFi router either via WiFi or with the help of an Ethernet cable (Ethernet Backhaul). As lot of users prefers using a wireless connection, they need to sync Orbi satellite with the router. In general terms, the process of connecting the Orbi router and satellite is the same. Scroll down to find out how to connect Orbi satellite to the router.

How to Sync Orbi Satellite to Router Manually?

Generally, when the Orbi mesh WiFi system setup is in progress, the Orbi satellite connects to the router automatically. But, if that does not happen, the satellite will not appear on the Orbi app, and you need to follow these steps to sync your satellite to the router:

  • Place the Orbi satellite in an area where your Orbi router’s signals are strong.
  • Power on the Orbi router if you haven’t done it yet.
  • Connect the satellite to a power source now.
  • The Power LED will light up on the satellite.
  • If the light does not turn on, press the Power On/Off button on the satellite.
  • The light will first of all pulse white which means the booting state of Orbi satellite.
  • When the light becomes solid white, it means you can connect it to the router.
  • Find the Sync button on the satellite.
  • This button is generally located on the back of the Orbi satellite unit.
  • Now, in two minutes, press the Sync button that lies on the back of the Orbi router.
  • Wait until your satellite syncs with the router.
  • The syncing process will take at least 6 minutes.
  • The success or failure of the connection between the router and satellite can be determined by the bottom light LED on the satellite.
  • The light will show one of the following colors for 3 minutes and turn off after that:

Solid blue

It means the Orbi satellite is successfully synced with the router. Thus, the solid blue color on the Orbi satellite is a sign that there is the best connection between the Orbi satellite and router.

Solid amber

If you see the solid amber color on the Orbi satellite, it also indicates that you have successfully synced it with the router. But, the connection quality is a little lower than that when you see the blue light on the satellite. You can move the satellite a little closer to the router for better connection.

Solid Magenta

The Orbi satellite magenta color means the satellite failed to sync with the router. Therefore, it represents the poor connection. To connect your devices, you need to place them closer.

  • After syncing Orbi satellite to the router, you can move satellite to its final location and connect it to a power source.
  • Make sure that you are not placing satellite in unfavorable temperature conditions. An Orbi satellite is able to withstand temperatures from 4 degree Fahrenheit to 122 degree Fahrenheit.

This is how to sync Orbi satellite manually. Be sure that when you move the satellite to its final location, its bottom LED should light blue indicating a good connection with the router. The process will remain the same for all Orbi satellites.

Some satellites that can be connected to the router using these steps are CBK40, CBK43, CBR40, RBK44, RBK50, RBK22, RBK23, RBK20W, RBK53, RBK53V, RBR20, RBR50v2, RBS50Y, etc. Also, before following the steps, you should check the compatibility between your Orbi router and satellite. Not all routers are satellites work properly with each other.

Orbi Satellite Not Connecting to Router?

Sometimes, it just seems impossible to connect Orbi satellite to router; not even manually! In that case, taking some precautions along with the following troubleshooting tips will help you sync Orbi satellite successfully:

  • Ensure that you are using compatible router and satellites. For example, An Orbi RBR10 router is compatible with RBS40 satellite, but it doesn’t work with RBS760 satellite.
  • There needs to be a proper distance between your Orbi router and satellite. Here’s what you need to remember when you have added satellites to your Orbi network:

In star network setup: The distance of your Orbi router from every satellite must be 10ft.

In daisy chain configuration: The distance between your first satellite and the router must be 10ft and that between the first and second satellite should also be 10ft. In this setup, satellites communicate to router via each other.

  • Restart the Orbi router and satellite by unplugging them from their power outlets and keeping them without power for a while. This will resolve technical glitches. After that, power up the satellite and router.
  • Your satellite and router will be placed in an area that is free of WiFi interference. You should also take care that your Orbi devices are placed in ventilated rooms for proper propagation of signals.
  • There should be space on the WiFi network of the Orbi router for satellite to connect to. If you already connect too many devices to the Orbi WiFi, there will be no-room left for the satellite.
  • The power supply to the Orbi router and satellite should be stable. You can ensure that by plugging both devices into working power outlets. Damaged sockets can cause harm to the hardware of your Orbi devices.

These were some tips to follow if your Orbi satellite is not connecting to router. But, there are chances that the tips will not work. In that case, it is recommended that you reset Orbi satellite to fix the issue.

How to Reset Orbi Satellite?

Resetting the Orbi satellite will erase all the customized settings and it will start working on the factory default settings. Follow the below given steps to reset your Orbi satellite:

  • Disconnect the satellite from the router (if there is an Ethernet connection).
  • Do not disconnect the satellite from power.
  • Find the recessed Reset button on the Orbi satellite.
  • It is located on the back panel of the satellite.
  • Using a paper clip or a straightened sharp object, press the button.
  • Hold the Orbi satellite reset button for 7-15 seconds and release it.
  • The satellite will reboot.
  • Let the Power LED at the back turn solid white.
  • Your Orbi satellite is reset.

This is how to reset Orbi satellite. Remember that while the reset process is in progress, the Power light on the satellite will pulse amber which will eventually turn white as soon as the satellite resets. Once the satellite is ready to connect to the router again, press its Sync button and then the router’s Sync button for the connection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can connect a total number of 6 satellites with an Orbi router supporting WiFi 5 technology. With WiFi 6, 6E, and WiFi 7 technology mesh systems, you can add 4 satellites. However, in a daisy chain network, 2 satellites can be used only. If you want to use more than 4 satellites for WiFi 6, 6E, and 7 routers, use Ethernet backhaul past the 4th satellite.

The satellite automatically connects and sync with the router in a wireless connection. But, you can also use an Ethernet cable to connect your devices. However, ensure that all Orbi devices are working on the latest firmware version.

A daisy chain network describes a one way in which other devices connect to the main gateway through mid ones. In an Orbi daisy chain, satellites can connect to the router via other satellites. However, in a star network, satellites connect to the router directly.

It completely depends on the WiFi capability of the mesh system. The Orbi 860 series can handle 100+ devices. However, the entire mesh WiFi system is capable of handling 500+ clients.

Disclaimer: We hereby disclaim ownership of any product and any association, affiliation or representation in any form, of any brand, product or service. All the information provided here has been drafted after a thorough research and regularly undergo reviews and updates.