Experience unmatched WiFi coverage and uninterrupted connectivity with add-on Orbi Satellites by NETGEAR.
Our cutting-edge Orbi Add-on Satellites devices work in tandem with your existing Orbi Router or Orbi System to boost and extend your Orbi WiFi coverage and eliminate dead zones and ensure seamless coverage throughout your space. Explore our range of Orbi Satellite models and discover which one suits your needs best.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Extend your WiFi Range with Add-On Orbi Satellites
- Orbi Satellite Compatibility
- Popular Orbi Add-On Satellites
- Orbi Satellite Placement and Orbi LED Lights
- How Many Orbi Satellites Do I Need?
- Orbi WiFi Backhaul & Ethernet Backhaul
- Orbi Satellite Setup with the Orbi App
- Satellite Compatibility Chart
- Get the Most Out Of Your Orbi Mesh System with Orbi Satellites
- Additional Resources for Orbi Satellites
Extend your WiFi Range with Add-On Orbi Satellites
Orbi Satellites redefine connectivity norms. Placed strategically, our add-on WiFi satellites let you connect effortlessly and roam seamlessly. Experience true high-speed connectivity and defy WiFi coverage standards with our range of Orbi Satellites.
Orbi Satellite Compatibility
Orbi Mesh System come preconfigured with 1 – 3 or more Orbi Satellites specifically tuned to the WiFi performance of the included Orbi Router. Additional Satellites can be added to extend the range of an Orbi Mesh System. For optimal system performance, it is important to choose Add-on Satellites that are compatible with your Orbi Router.
Choose an Add-on Orbi Satellite of the same Series as your Orbi Router. The first two digits of the model number on Orbi routers or Orbi kits indicates the series number. For example the Orbi system RBKE963 is from the Orbi 960 Series and is designed to work with 960 Series Orbi add-on Satellites. You can also check your routers series number from the model number on the bottom of the unit. Or match the model number of any existing satellite.
NOTE: Orbi Satellites may only be used with a compatible Orbi Router or Orbi System, and will not function as a standalone WiFi extender. If you do not own a compatible Router or System, or are considering upgrading to get the latest Mesh System Features, try our Orbi Buyer’s Guide.
Popular Orbi Add-On Satellites
Below are several version of Orbi Satellites that work with the highest-performance & most popular Orbi systems.
Orbi 970 Series Quad-Band WiFi 7 Satellite Add up to 3,300 Sq. Ft.
Compatible with Orbi 970 series
Discover the pinnacle of ultimate wireless technology WiFi 7 Orbi Satellite, providing lag-free, lightning-fast internet for all connected devices.
Features:
- Blazing fast Quad-Band WiFi 7 up to 27Gbps
- Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul with 5Ghz & 6Ghz
- Extend Orbi Coverage up to 3,300 Sq. Ft.
- 10-Gig LAN ports (10/100/1000Mbps) providing high-speed wired connections or Optional 10Gig wired Ethernet backhaul
- 2x 2.5Gb Ethernet Ports for high-speed wired connections
- Available in white and black to fit any décor
- Requires Orbi Router (RBE971S or RBE971SB) sold separately
Orbi 960 Series Quad-Band WiFi 6E Satellite Add up to 3,000 Sq. Ft.
Compatible with Orbi 960 series
Experience the first quad-band WiFi 6E add-on Orbi Satellite, providing lag-free, ultra-fast internet for all connected devices.
Features:
- Blazing fast speed of up to 10.8Gbps
- Dedicated 5Ghz WiFi backhaul connection
- 2.5Gb Ethernet LAN port for wired devices or optional wired Ethernet backhaul
- 3x 1Gb Ethernet LAN ports (10/100/1000Mbps) for streaming devices, game consoles, computers, and more
- Available in white and black to fit any décor.
- Requires Orbi Router (RBRE960 or RBRE960B) Sold Separately
Orbi 860 Series Tri-Band WiFi 6 Satellite Add up to 2,700 Sq. Ft.
Compatible with Orbi 860 series
Get powerful connectivity and uninterrupted streaming anywhere in the house with the Orbi 860 series WiFi 6 add-on satellite.
Features:
- WiFi speed up to 6Gbps
- Tri-band design and dedicated 5Ghz backhaul
- Four 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- Available in white and black colors to fit any décor
- Requires Orbi Router (RBR860 or RBR860B) Sold Separately
Other Common Orbi Satellite Models Add more Orbi Coverage
If you’re Orbi System is not above, consider some of these Orbi Satellites below, or see out our support page with a full list of compatible Orbi satellites Here.
- Orbi 850 Series Routers & Systems: Orbi 850 Compatible Satellite RBS850
- Orbi 760 Series Routers & Systems: Orbi 760 Series Satellite RBS750
- Orbi 750 Series Routers & Systems: Orbi 750 Series Satellite RBS750
- Orbi 50 Series Routers & Systems: Orbi 50 Compatible Satellite RBS50
Orbi Satellite Placement and Orbi LED Lights
The distance you should place your Orbi Satellite from your Orbi router varies depending on your environment. Often, one Orbi unit per floor or per 4-5 rooms is sufficient depending on placement. Later we will discuss estimating how many Orbi Satellites your area needs. A Blue LED status light indicates that your satellite is within range of the Orbi router. You can optimize Orbi Satellite placement by checking the LED status.
- Orbi LED Status Lights:
- • Blue LED: Your Orbi Satellite connection strength is optimal.
- • Amber LED: Weak signal – Move the Satellite closer.
- • Magenta LED: No connection to the Orbi Network found – Move your satellite closer.
- • Flashing White: Standby – Firmware or configuration update in progress.
If you’ve explored various Orbi Satellite placements and need additional coverage, consider additional compatible add-on Orbi Satellites.
How Many Orbi Satellites Do I Need?
WiFi satellites serve as range extenders for your Orbi Mesh system. Thus, the right number of Orbi Satellites connected to your router is essential to maximizing your mesh system’s capabilities. In most cases, consider an Orbi System with the included satellites to aid in the easiest initial setup.
For WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 Orbi systems you can add as many satellites as needed for your space. Here are some key points to consider when deciding how many satellites you might need:
Space Size:
Assess the square footage of your home or office. Larger spaces generally require more satellites to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Coverage Goals:
Decide if you want seamless coverage throughout the entire space or if you’re targeting specific areas with weak signals.
Signal Strength:
Identify rooms or zones where the signal is weak or inconsistent. These are the areas where you’ll need additional satellite coverage.
Building Layout:
Consider architectural elements like walls, floors, and obstacles that can impact signal propagation. Thick walls or multiple floors might necessitate extra satellites.
Device Density:
Estimate the number of devices that will be connecting to the network within different areas. More devices require stronger coverage.
Bandwidth Requirements:
Determine the intensity of data usage in different areas. Activities like streaming and gaming demand higher bandwidth, requiring closer satellite placement.
Tri-Band and Quad-Band Satellites:
Tri-band and quad-band satellites have a dedicated backhaul channel, enhancing communication between satellites. Consider how many devices will benefit from this added bandwidth.
Future Expansion:
Think about potential changes in your network needs. If you plan to add more devices or expand your space, having extra satellites can accommodate growth.
Specific Orbi Satellite Model:
Each Orbi satellite model has specific coverage capacities. Check the specifications of your chosen model to gauge its range.
Mesh Topology:
Plan the positioning of satellites to create an effective mesh network. Proper placement enhances coverage and minimizes signal interference.
Performance Expectations:
Define the level of WiFi signals you expect in each area. High-performance zones like living rooms might require closer satellite placement.
Considering these factors will help you accurately determine the number of Orbi satellites you need to achieve optimal coverage and performance in your network.
Orbi WiFi Backhaul & Ethernet Backhaul
Orbi Satellites and Orbi Router seamlessly connect though a dedicated connection called a “WiFi backhaul”. This exclusive 5Ghz channel offers powerful speed, and range. In almost every case, a WiFi backhaul is the fastest and most convenient way to connect Orbi devices together.
Optional Orbi Ethernet Backhaul
In certain situations it might be desirable to instead use wired Ethernet cabling using the a wired Ethernet backhaul connection between routers and satellites, especially in the case of distant rooms, detached areas or basements. If existing Ethernet wiring infrastructure is available Wired Ethernet Backhaul can be easily enabled in the Orbi App.
Orbi Satellite Setup with the Orbi App
Orbi Satellites that ship in a 2-pack or 3-pack kit are pre-configured to connect to the included Orbi router. If additional add-on satellites are being added to your Orbi system click “Add Satellite” in the Orbi App and follow the on-screen instructions.
The Orbi App is used for Orbi System setup, running speed tests, and many other convenient functions such as parental controls and Armor Security.
Satellite Compatibility Chart
Orbi Systems is compatible with all ISPs and modems. But not all Orbi Satellites are compatible with all Orbi Routers. See the full compatibility chart below or visit our compatibility Knowledgebase article.
Orbi Compatibility Table
| Compatibility | RBS50 | RBS50Y | RBS750 | RBS850 | RBS860/B | RBSE960/B | RBE970/B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBR50 | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBR750 | ❌ | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBR760 | ❌ | ✔* | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBR840 | ❌ | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBR850 | ❌ | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBR860/B | ❌ | ✔* | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
| RBRE950 | ❌ | ✔* | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ |
| RBRE960/B | ❌ | ✔* | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ |
| RBE971/B | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
| CBR40 | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| CBR750 | ❌ | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| LBR1020 | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| LBR20 | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| NBR750 | ❌ | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Get the Most Out Of Your Orbi Mesh System with Orbi Satellites
In the dynamic world of connectivity, choosing the right Orbi Satellite can make all the difference.
From expanding coverage to eliminating dead zones, each Orbi Satellite is meticulously designed to transform your network experience. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking seamless streaming or a business owner demanding reliable connections, Orbi offers a solution tailored to your needs.
Take the next step and explore our array of Orbi Satellites, each poised to redefine the way you connect, communicate, and create. Choose the Orbi Satellite model that aligns with your space and requirements, and elevate your WiFi experience today.
Need help deciding on an Orbi system? Try our Find My Orbi tool for a mesh WiFi recommendation based on your Internet usage.
Additional Resources for Orbi Satellites
More Orbi Satellite Resources in the NETGEAR Knowledgebase.
