While Orbi mesh Wi-Fi systems are designed to operate as a cohesive network using dedicated Orbi satellites, you generally cannot directly connect another standard non-Orbi router into your existing Orbi mesh system to expand its coverage or capabilities. Orbi systems are proprietary and optimized to work seamlessly with their own satellites for optimal performance and unified network management.
However, if your intent is to use an Orbi device to extend the Wi-Fi coverage of a non-Orbi router you might already have, specific Orbi satellites are designed to function in an extender mode for this purpose. This allows certain Orbi satellites to act as Wi-Fi range extenders for a third-party router, broadening your network's reach.
Orbi Satellite Compatibility with Non-Orbi Routers
Not all Orbi satellites are compatible with non-Orbi routers. Currently, only a select few Orbi satellite models offer the functionality to operate in extender mode alongside a non-Orbi primary router. This feature is intended to help users expand their existing Wi-Fi network without requiring a full Orbi system.
The following Orbi satellites can be used in extender mode with non-Orbi routers:
| Orbi Satellite Model | Capability with Non-Orbi Routers (in Extender Mode) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Orbi Voice | Yes | Extending Wi-Fi with integrated smart speaker |
| Orbi Outdoor Satellite | Yes | Extending Wi-Fi to outdoor areas |
| Other Orbi Satellites | No | Designed exclusively for Orbi Mesh Systems |
Key Considerations for Connecting Orbi Devices with Other Routers
- Extender Mode Functionality: When an Orbi Voice or Orbi Outdoor Satellite is used with a non-Orbi router, it operates purely as a Wi-Fi range extender. This means it will relay the signal from your existing router but will not form a unified mesh network with the non-Orbi router.
- Network Management: Your primary network management will still be handled by your non-Orbi router. The Orbi satellite in extender mode will simply provide extended Wi-Fi coverage under the same SSID (if configured to do so) or a new one.
- Performance: While effective for expanding coverage, the performance of an Orbi satellite in extender mode with a non-Orbi router may not be as robust or seamless as it would be when integrated into a full Orbi mesh system.
In summary, while you cannot add a separate non-Orbi router to integrate into your Orbi mesh system, certain Orbi satellites can indeed be used to extend the Wi-Fi coverage of a non-Orbi router.
