To put 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 switch the second Orbi to AP mode in its web interface. If you mean expanding an Orbi mesh, use a compatible Orbi satellite instead: a second router is not automatically a supported satellite.
First choose what “connect two Orbi routers” means
There are two different setups. For a second Orbi serving devices on the same home network, configure it as a wired access point (AP) behind the router that already manages the network. For wider Orbi mesh coverage, add a model-compatible Orbi satellite to the main Orbi system. Router and satellite are different product roles; check compatibility for your exact model before attempting to use a second router as a satellite. NETGEAR’s Orbi support pages provide model-specific information.
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Set up the second Orbi as a wired access point
- Connect the cable. Run an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on the existing router or gateway to the Internet port on the second Orbi. This is the documented wired AP connection. NETGEAR’s AP-mode instructions and its Orbi manuals describe this port arrangement.
- Open the Orbi web interface. Connect to the Orbi network, open a browser, and go to
orbilogin.comororbilogin.net. Sign in using the administrator credentials created during setup. - Choose AP mode. Open Advanced > Advanced > Router / AP Mode, select AP Mode, then apply the change. Menu wording can vary by model; consult that model’s support page if the setting is missing or labeled differently.
- Use dynamic IP assignment unless you have a reason not to. In AP mode, the upstream router assigns the Orbi an IP address when dynamic assignment is selected. NETGEAR describes a fixed IP as an advanced choice; use one only if your network administrator or network configuration requires it.
- Reconnect after the change. The browser connection may drop while the Orbi changes mode and receives a new address. Reconnect to the network and reopen the interface if needed. NETGEAR states that the Orbi app cannot manage the system while it is in AP mode.
NETGEAR’s AP article, displayed as last updated July 7, 2025, lists the model families covered by its instructions. The interface and availability of AP mode are not universal across every Orbi model, so verify the exact model if your screens differ.
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Choose the right arrangement with an ISP gateway
If your ISP gateway supports bridge mode, NETGEAR recommends bridging the gateway and using the Orbi in router mode. If bridge mode is unavailable, NETGEAR describes using Orbi in AP mode and disabling the gateway’s WiFi. A gateway that continues routing with Orbi in AP mode remains responsible for the local network’s routing and address assignment. Check the gateway and Orbi model guidance before choosing a topology, particularly if you need Orbi routing features. See NETGEAR’s ISP gateway installation guidance and router- and AP-mode 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
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- 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
Decide how to handle WiFi on both devices
If both the Orbi and the existing router or gateway broadcast WiFi, NETGEAR’s manual recommends using different WiFi settings to reduce interference. If the Orbi will provide WiFi access, you can turn off the other router’s or gateway’s WiFi radio. NETGEAR’s Orbi manuals provide the supporting setup guidance.
Matching WiFi names and passwords does not turn two separately configured routers into one Orbi mesh, and the cited guidance does not guarantee seamless roaming for this arrangement. Use a compatible satellite if you want to expand the Orbi mesh rather than add a separate access point.
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
When to use an Orbi satellite instead
For mesh expansion, set up a compatible satellite with the main Orbi router using the model’s sync procedure. NETGEAR distinguishes satellite setup from AP setup and notes specific satellite-use exceptions for non-Orbi routers, including Orbi Voice and Orbi Outdoor Satellite in extender mode. These exceptions do not establish that a second Orbi router can serve as a standard satellite. Confirm compatibility and setup steps for the exact router and satellite models in NETGEAR’s model-specific support information.
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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.
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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
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