Can I Use Orbi with Existing Router? How To Do It?

If you’re asking, “Can I use Orbi with existing router?” then you’re not alone! This question has been frequently asked across many forums and the short answer is YES.

Many websites will tell you that it is possible, but here you’ll learn exactly how to do it!

In short, it is possible to use Orbi with an existing router or a modem. To hook your router with Orbi you’ll need to connect both devices, log in to Orbi, and set up the AP mode. You’ll need to discover some IP addresses that you’ll need so there is a lot to discuss.

It might sound easy but there are more than a few roads that lead to a dead end. In that regard, we highly recommend following the post while you’re establishing your setup.

How Can I Use Orbi with Existing Router Easily?

Now that we know it is possible to use Orbi with an existing router, it is time to learn how to set up the configuration.

The steps below will describe how to configure the router as an access point, which will allow you to use Orbi’s WiFi, instead of using the one on your router.

Having that said, here are the steps to connecting your Orbi to your router device easily:

Step #1 Prepare Both Devices

The first default step is to prepare both of your devices. You must have both your Orbi satellite and router device plugged into a reliable power source and turned ON.

Tip: We also suggest power cycling the devices to remove any possible issues that might have developed in order to make the process smoother.

To power cycle, you must unplug both devices’ power adapters, wait for a couple of minutes and plug the cables back in.

When ready with the preparation, proceed with the next step.

Step #2 Connect Both Devices

Once you have now made sure that both devices are re-charged and ready to go, the next step is to connect them using a cable connection. For this purpose, you will have to get yourself an Ethernet cable.

Follow these steps to connect the Ethernet cable on both devices:

1. Place the devices at a considerable distance from one another.
2. Plug the Ethernet cable into an existing router or gateway, through the LAN port at the back of the device.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on your Orbi satellite device.

Once you’re ready, ensure the Ethernet cable is tightly plugged into both ends and the switch on the end of the port has flipped.

Also, determine if the cable is functional by taking a look at the little LED on the port. If the LED is blinking, then the cable is working.

Step #3 Login To Orbi

Now that you have both of your devices connected, it is time to log in to Orbi and set up the software.

We made it as simple as possible so follow the steps below:

1. Go to orbilogin.com.
2. Click on the login button located on the front page and wait to be redirected to the login screen.
3. On the login screen, click on the username field and write “admin”.
4. For password, use the one you have created during the setup (by default it is either admin or password).
5. Click on Login and wait.

After inputting your correct username and password, you will have to click on the login button and wait to be successfully logged into Orbi.

You will be sent to your automatically generated account, which contains all of the software settings you will be needing in the next step.

Step #4 Setup AP Mode

Now that you’ve successfully logged into Orbi’s control panel, you’re going to learn how to connect Orbi to a router.

In this step, we’ll be discussing how to enable and set up the AP mode, or the Access Point mode.

This will allow your Orbi satellite device to become the actual Wi-Fi signal transmitter and mimic the router’s functions.

Follow these steps to set up the AP mode in the Orbi settings easily:

1. Go to the BASIC home page displayed in your Orbi registration.
2. Click on the Advanced button and head to Advanced setup.
3. In advanced setup, click on Router and locate the AP mode button.
4. Click on the AP mode radio button toadjust the frequency.
5. Select an IP addressing.

You will get two different choices for an IP addressing, the first one will be dynamically generated from the existing router and the other one is using a fixed IP address which is not typically recommended by users.

The general difference is that an IP from the router will change the IP for other routers connected to the network.

Thus your Orbi will be allowed to access routers throughout the household, while the second option will use a fixated router’s IP.

Note: IP frequency for Orbi cannot be adjusted while the access point mode is on.

To write down a different IP you will have to disable the AP, set it up, and then turn it back on again.

How To Discover IP Addresses?

To discover the IPs you need, you will need a Windows PC to enter the CMD (Command Prompt).

You can also search on Google “What is my IP?” to discover your network IP but you’ll be needing more info that is possible to acquire only through the Command Prompt.

Here are the steps to discover your IP address via the Windows CMD:

1. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) as administrator.
2. In the first line, type “ipconfig” and hit Enter.
3. All required IPs will appear as well as their labels for orientation.

Note: Don’t forget that the device you’re using to enter the command prompt and bring the IPs should be connected to your router.

Otherwise, nothing or other network IP addresses will appear.

Read Next: Why Is Orbi Satellite Flashing White Light?

Bottom Line:

To connect Orbi to the router, you will first have to prepare both devices, connect them with an Ethernet cable and log in to Orbi, and set up your configuration. Lastly, you’ll need to enable and configure the AP mode to establish the connection.

Now that we’ve answered the question “Can I use Orbi with existing router?”, feel free to set up your configuration following our easy steps.

If something doesn’t work out at the end you can always contact Orbi for some extra assistance regarding the case.

If this post was helpful but you’re looking for a solution to another problem that you’re experiencing, make sure to pay a visit to our blog!