The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you want a second Orbi router on the same local network as your existing router, connect the existing router’s LAN port to the second Orbi’s Internet port, then set the second Orbi to access point (AP) mode. If you want to extend an Orbi mesh, check whether your exact Orbi model supports the satellite you plan to use: a second router is not automatically a compatible mesh satellite.
First, choose what “connect two Orbi routers” means
There are two different setups people may mean. For a second device on your existing local network, use the wired AP setup below. For more coverage from an Orbi mesh, add a compatible Orbi satellite and follow the model-specific setup instructions. NETGEAR’s setup guide describes syncing satellites with the Orbi router; it does not establish that routers from different Orbi generations can all be added as satellites. NETGEAR Orbi setup and support and NETGEAR satellite compatibility guidance can help you check model details.
Set up the second Orbi as a wired access point
In this arrangement, the existing router or gateway continues to route traffic on the local network. The second Orbi provides WiFi access rather than creating a separate routed LAN. NETGEAR documents this connection: a LAN port on the existing router or gateway goes to the Internet port on the Orbi being configured as an AP.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Connect the cable. Plug an Ethernet cable into a LAN port on the existing router or gateway, then connect its other end to the second Orbi’s Internet port.
- Open the Orbi web interface. Connect to the Orbi network, open
orbilogin.comororbilogin.netin a browser, and sign in using the administrator credentials created during setup. - Switch to AP mode. Go to Advanced > Advanced > Router / AP Mode, select AP Mode, and apply the change. Menu wording can differ by model; consult that model’s support page if the option or path is different.
- Use dynamic IP assignment unless you have a reason to set a fixed address. With dynamic assignment, the upstream router assigns an IP address to the Orbi AP. NETGEAR describes a fixed IP as an advanced choice.
- Reconnect after applying the setting. The browser connection may drop as the Orbi changes IP addresses. Reconnect to its interface if needed. NETGEAR says its Orbi app cannot manage the system while it is in AP mode. NETGEAR AP-mode instructions
Choose the right arrangement with an ISP gateway
If the ISP gateway supports bridge mode, NETGEAR recommends putting the gateway in bridge mode and running Orbi in router mode. If bridge mode is unavailable, NETGEAR describes using Orbi in AP mode and disabling the gateway’s WiFi. Its guidance also recommends turning off gateway WiFi when the gateway provides routing and Orbi will provide WiFi access. NETGEAR ISP gateway installation guidance
#1 Best Overall
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE WITH NO DEAD ZONES: The router plus satellites create a seamless mesh system that blanket up to 6,000 sq ft in fast, reliable WiFi from the front door to the backyard and basement to rooftop, link up to 70 devices on one network
- EVERYONE ONLINE AT ONCE, NO SLOWDOWNS: Dual-Band technology with Enhanced Backhaul helps deliver faster WiFi across your home so WiFi stays fast on every device simultaneously
- NEXT-GEN WIFI 7 SPEEDS: Up to 5 Gbps, 2.4X faster than WiFi 6, for 8K streaming, gaming, VR & video calls. Your phones, laptops and TVs all connect, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. Real-world speeds vary depending on connected devices and internet plan
- EASY SET UP WITH THE ORBI APP: Guided step-by-step setup gets your mesh network running fast, then manage devices and guest WiFi from anywhere
- WORKS WITH ANY INTERNET PROVIDER: Compatible with cable or fiber Internet Service Provider equipment and ready for plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Simply connect Orbi to your existing modem for whole-home WiFi
Use AP mode when you want the Orbi on the gateway’s existing local network. If you need Orbi to provide routing features, check the gateway’s bridge-mode options and the support guidance for your specific Orbi model before choosing a topology.
Handle WiFi settings and coverage expectations
NETGEAR’s Orbi manual recommends using different WiFi settings on Orbi and other routers or gateways to help avoid interference. If Orbi will provide WiFi to clients, the manual also says you can turn off the other router or gateway’s WiFi radio. NETGEAR Orbi manuals
Rank #2
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE WITH NO DEAD ZONES: The router plus satellites create a seamless mesh system that blankets up to 8,000 sq ft in fast, reliable WiFi from the front door to the backyard and basement to rooftop, link up to 100 devices on one network
- EVERYONE ONLINE AT ONCE, NO SLOWDOWNS: Tri-Band technology with Enhanced Backhaul helps deliver faster WiFi across your home so WiFi stays fast on every device simultaneously
- NEXT-GEN WIFI 7 SPEEDS: Up to 11 Gbps, 2.4X faster than WiFi 6, for 8K streaming, gaming, VR & video calls. Your phones, laptops and TVs all connect, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. Real-world speeds vary depending on connected devices and internet plan
- EASY SET UP WITH THE ORBI APP: Guided step-by-step setup gets your mesh network running fast, then manage devices and guest WiFi from anywhere
- WORKS WITH ANY INTERNET PROVIDER: Compatible with cable or fiber Internet Service Provider equipment and ready for plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Simply connect Orbi to your existing modem for whole-home WiFi
Using the same WiFi name and password on two separately configured routers does not, by itself, make them one Orbi mesh or guarantee seamless roaming. The official guidance cited here does not promise coordinated roaming for this setup. For mesh expansion, verify that the specific satellite is compatible with the main Orbi model.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘-𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗭𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 -The router plus 2 satellites create a seamless mesh system that blanket up to 10,000 sq ft in fast, reliable WiFi from the front door to the backyard and basement to rooftop, link up to 200 devices on one network.
- 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘, 𝗡𝗢 𝗦𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦 - Exclusive patented Quad-Band technology with Enhanced Dedicated Backhaul reserves a dedicated lane for satellite traffic, so WiFi stays fast on every device simultaneously.
- 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧-𝗚𝗘𝗡 𝗪𝗜𝗙𝗜 𝟳 – Up to 27 Gbps, 2.4X faster than WiFi 6, for lag-free 8K streaming, gaming, VR and video calls. Your phones, laptops and TVs all connect, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. Real-world speeds vary depending on connected devices and internet plan.
- 𝗪𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 - A 10 Gig internet port plus 10 Gig and 2.5 Gig LAN ports across the router and satellites deliver ultra-fast wired connections for gaming PCs, NAS drives, and home offices for increased reliability.
- 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗣 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗥𝗕𝗜 𝗔𝗣𝗣 - Guided step-by-step setup gets your mesh network running fast, then manage devices and guest WiFi from anywhere.
Rank #4
- WHOLE-HOME COVERAGE WITH NO DEAD ZONES: The router plus satellite create a seamless mesh system that blanket up to 5,500 sq ft in fast, reliable WiFi from the front door to the backyard and basement to rooftop, link up to 100 devices on one network
- EVERYONE ONLINE AT ONCE, NO SLOWDOWNS: Tri-Band technology with Enhanced Backhaul helps deliver faster WiFi across your home so WiFi stays fast on every device simultaneously
- NEXT-GEN WIFI 7 SPEEDS: Up to 11 Gbps, 2.4X faster than WiFi 6, for 8K streaming, gaming, VR & video calls. Your phones, laptops and TVs all connect, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 5. Real-world speeds vary depending on connected devices and internet plan
- EASY SET UP WITH THE ORBI APP: Guided step-by-step setup gets your mesh network running fast, then manage devices and guest WiFi from anywhere
- WORKS WITH ANY INTERNET PROVIDER: Compatible with cable or fiber Internet Service Provider equipment and ready for plans up to 2.5 Gbps. Simply connect Orbi to your existing modem for whole-home WiFi
Rank #3
- Standalone Orbi Router. Add Orbi Satellites for additional WiFi coverage
- FAST WHOLE HOME WIFI SYSTEM - 2,500 square foot of coverage. Setup Orbi WiFi System in minutes with the same network name & seamless roaming.
- TRI-BAND TECHNOLOGY - Unlike other WiFi sets that lose speed as you add devices, Orbi routers maintain data flow for your connected devices using a dedicated backhaul connection.
- QUICK & EASY SETUP - No need to create new accounts; just download the Orbi app, plug in your system, and follow the instructions on your PC, Mac or mobile device to get your house online.
- COMPATIBLE WITH AMAZON ECHO/ALEXA - Control your home network using voice commands. Now includes Circle with Disney Smart Parental Controls - Manage your family access to the internet by device, app, or website.
If setup does not match your Orbi
- The AP-mode menu is missing or named differently: check the support page and manual for the exact Orbi model. NETGEAR’s AP instructions apply to listed model families, not necessarily every Orbi device.
- You want the second device to join the Orbi mesh wirelessly: confirm that it is a supported satellite for the main router. A router and a satellite have different setup roles.
- You lose access to the Orbi page after switching modes: reconnect to the network and try the browser interface again; the Orbi’s IP address may have changed after the upstream router assigned it.
- WiFi performance is poor with both devices broadcasting: use distinct WiFi settings as NETGEAR recommends, or turn off the other router’s WiFi if Orbi is serving clients.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
