Orbi Outdoor Satellite Setup

Netgear manufactures Orbi indoor as well as outdoor satellites. The outdoor satellite can be used as a WiFi extender too. But, the satellite works as an extender if the main router is not Orbi. For your information, there are two operation modes on an Orbi outdoor satellite. The first one is – Orbi mode (works with Orbi routers) and the second is – Extender mode (works with non-Orbi routers). This page will take about Orbi outdoor satellite setup as a satellite and as a WiFi extender.

Note: An Orbi RBS50Y is the only satellite that can be used in the Orbi as well as the Extender mode. It is compatible with every Orbi router except RBE971/B. You can use it as a WiFi extender with RBR350, RBR750, RBR750P, RBR760, RBR840, RBR850, RBR860/B, RBRE950, RBRE960/B, CBR750, and NBR750 routers.

How to Set Up an Orbi Outdoor Satellite?

1. In Orbi Mode

The Orbi outdoor satellite, by default, runs in the Orbi mode. Thus, no extra efforts are required to set it up in this mode. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

• After placing the outdoor satellite near the Orbi router, switch it on.
• Press the Power On/Off button in case the power light does not turn on.
• Wait for the light to glow solid white. It means that the satellite is ready for setup.
• Press the Sync button of the outdoor satellite as well as the Orbi router.
• This needs be done within two minutes.
• Let the bottom light on your Orbi outdoor satellite turn solid blue or amber.
• In case, you notice the magenta color, sync your devices again to complete the setup.

This is how you can set up the Orbi satellite in the Orbi mode. Know that the satellite will have the same SSID and WiFi network key as the Orbi router. The entire process will take at least 6 minutes.

2. In Extender Mode

You need to change the satellite’s operating mode to the Extender mode in case you want to use it with a non-Orbi router. Follow the steps mentioned below for that:

• Start by placing your non-Orbi router and outdoor satellite closer.
• Connect the Orbi satellite to power. However, do not turn it on.
• On the off-chance, the satellite turns on; press its Power button to turn it off.
• Now, press and hold its Sync button.
• Keep the Sync button held and press the Power button of the satellite to switch it on.
• The satellite’s Power LED will turn solid white after a moment.
• When the bottom light of the satellite goes white and blue, release the Sync button.
• Let this light become solid blue.
• It is a sign that you can now sync the non-Orbi router and outdoor satellite.
• Switch on your PC and connect it to the WiFi network named – Netgear_EXT.
• Load a web browser such as Chrome or Edge and go to http://mywifiext.net.
• This is will redirect you to the Netgear Installation Assistant.
• Give a shot at the on-screen prompts to complete the Orbi outdoor satellite setup.

This completes the installation process of the satellite as a WiFi range extender. But, no matter whether you configure the satellite in Orbi or in Extender mode, you have to place it outdoors. Read the next section to place the satellite after installation.

Where to Place Satellite After Orbi Outdoor Satellite Setup?

• The satellite must be placed at a location where the temperature range is 4 degree Fahrenheit to 122 degree Fahrenheit i.e. -20 degree Centigrade to 50 degree Centigrade. This is the recommended operating temperature for outdoor satellite.
• The bottom light of your Orbi outdoor satellite must be solid blue which means that it is sharing a good connection with the router (Orbi or non-Orbi).
• You should ensure that your Orbi satellite does not lie outside the range of the router. If the satellite’s bottom light is magenta or amber, you should reduce the distance between your devices.

Orbi Outdoor Satellite Setup – Frequently Asked Questions