Question

Netgear Orbi - I have ready that there can be *too many* satellites on the system, causing them to interfere? I thought one of the purposes of a mesh was that they safely and efficiently overlapped, thereby proving better signal strength and coverage?  

Answer 1

More specifically, I am not necessarily looking for better WiFi coverage. Will a device (such as a TV or a Sonos that uses WiFi to receive its signal, but also can receive signal direct via ethernet) benefit from plugging into an Orbi satellite, each of which have their own ethernet ports. I hope I am posing the question clearly.  

Comments

@shechem yes, 1 less wifi hop. Any wired back haul is better.  

Answer 2

One guy on the forum said he uses 6 satellites with no problems. I had 3 previously with no problems. I don't see any advantage in having more if you don't have a massive house. Like any wifi, having multiple networks on overlapping channels can degrade your performance

Answer 3

One thing I read about too many satellites is they just should not be too close to each other. It can cause a device that can see 2 strong sources jump from one to the other, causing a glitch in service. So just make sure they are well separated and I think you are good.  

Comments

@away62949 - define 'well separated' in this context. Two rooms away? 25 feet? That doesn't seem like much.  

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The way I understood the article was within the range they need to operate, but not close enough to each other that devices would be close to both of them. So as long as a device between them is closer to one than the other. I know that can’t be avoided sometimes though. Definitely shouldn’t be back to back on the same wall or in the same room with each other. I have my main unit centrally in the house and 2 satellites, one on each side of it, 2 walls separating from the main unit.  

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@away62949 - thanks for the info!