Comments on: Netgear RBKE960 Series (RBKE963) Review: The Best Orbi Yet, with Big Caveats

By: Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 05:10:36 +0000

In reply to Amital. I haven't tested the Deco 4 (never heard of it) Amital. But this post will help with your situation. Give it a good read!

By: Amital

Amital — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:57:31 +0000

Hello Dong great article ! I have a question . I have been using a TP-Link deco 4 for a couple of years . I configured my ISP router in bridge mode, connected the main mesh with a cable and used it as a router . recently I upgraded my network to FTTH (GPON) and the new router does not work in bridge mode so I switched the mesh to extender mode , still connected via cable to the router. The only other option I have to go back to router mode is to purchase a GPON to Ethernet convertor and I am considering if it’s worth the investment. I realize that using the main mesh node as an extender and not a router causes me to lose certain features but I am unclear if there is also a hit on performance of roaming connectivity . On one hand I understand that connectivity is mostly the clients problem (and indeed it seems lack of 802.11r is quite common ) so it shouldnt really make a difference but it seems like I am not getting the same performance in extender mode. what would you say about that ?

By: Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:24:06 +0000

In reply to Zac. It's "Global", Zac. You can't really manage anything per SSID (or band) with Orbi.

By: Zac

Zac — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:23:26 +0000

Hi Dong, Thanks for the article as I’ve had my eye on the Orbi 960. I’m a novice to routers, so please bear with me. Is the Access Controls and Scheduler configured/managed per SSID or is it global ? I’m trying to do some parental controls using MAC address whitelist as the darn kids know how to spoof addresses. I was also planning to use the IoT for the ring system, digital pics, etc and the guest SSID for well guests.

By: Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 23:57:10 +0000

In reply to John. Read the DNS post I linked in the previous reply, John. And follow its instructions. Paying attention is the key. I know I sound like a broken record. Please make sure you read before asking questions.

By: John

John — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 22:17:16 +0000

In reply to Dong Ngo. Thanks, Dong. I’m a bit of a novice at this. If I am able to change the DNS Server on my Verizon Fios gateway, what would you suggest I change it to? Would this be hard inputting a number? I thought my gateway router automatically picks the DNS.

By: Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 20:28:28 +0000

In reply to John. That's because of the gateway's DNS server, John -- see if you can change it. If not, all the more reason you don't want to use it (though it seesm you have no choice.)

By: John

John — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 14:04:03 +0000

In reply to Dong Ngo.

Hi Dong,

Thanks for your reply. And apologies for getting your name wrong, my bad!

Two quick last questions. I did get into my Verizon FIOS CR100a gateway but apparently there’s no way to set it in bridge mode (I also studied their manual and dis some other web research). So I have a double NAT set up right now and everything seems to be working fine. WiFi is off on the Verizon gateway router and I’m using just the Orbi for wireless. I also feed my Ethernet throughout the house from the Orbi, not the Verizon router. So my few wired devices also seem to be working okay. Hopefully I’ve done this right.

I did try to set up the Orbi in AP mode. That seemed to work fine too except I had a strange occurrence on a few wireless devices (e.g., iPad, iPhone) whereby when I tired to open up a web link from an email, it would get stuck on https://nam12safelinks.protection.outlook.com and eventually time out. This doesn’t happen when I have the Orbi in router mode. Have you ever run into this?

Thanks again for your help, Dong.

By: John

John — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 12:52:18 +0000

In reply to Dong Ngo. Thanks so much, Dong. And apologies for getting your name wrong!

By: Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 07:44:58 +0000

In reply to John. Paying attention is the key, John. Check out this post (and related ones) for more. Also, you should NEVER get an Orbi if you have gotten your home wired. Make sure you read. Paying attention is the key. By the way, the name is Dong.