Orbi 6E RBKE963 Setup Made Easy: Step-by-Step Guide & Fixes

It’s quite obvious setting up a mesh system might seem a bit complicated to majority of people and you don’t want to get stuck setting up a high-end WiFi system like the Orbi 6E RBKE963. This mesh system has the fastest speeds, the WiFi 6E band, and coverage for a big home or company, but it could be hard for beginning users to understand. That’s where this guide can be of a little help.

It will explain how Orbi system is setup with the step-by-step formula and along with troubleshooting tips, in case you get stuck while doing the setup. Let’s get started!

How to Setup Orbi 6E RBKE963?

You can’t just plug in the RBKE963. It’s easy to perform the setup, it’s just you need to follow the steps in the given sequence:

Some frequent situations you might come across:

  • You tried to connect to the Orbi app, but you can’t get past the login page.
  • The primary router and the satellites don’t work together.
  • The firmware upgrade stops halfway through, and now you see blinking LEDs.
  • Or maybe you just want to set things up manually through a browser instead of the app.

These small problems can cost you hours. This is where we are here to help!

Orbi 6E RBKE963 Setup:

Before you set up the Orbi 6E RBKE963, make sure you have everything set up physically:

  • Unboxing the device: The main router and the satellites look a lot alike. Look at the labels. Usually, the router says RBR and the satellites say RBS.
  • Placement is the Key: Put the gadgets in different places; don’t put them immediately next to each other. The router is close to the modem, and the satellites are in places where WiFi frequently drops.
  • Power cycle the modem: Turn it off and on again before connecting to your Orbi router.
  • Internet information: Keep your ISP’s PPPoE login or static IP information safe. Most people utilize DHCP without even thinking about it.

Set up the Orbi 6E RBKE963 with the app

Most people perform the setup with the Orbi app. In simple terms, here’s how it goes:

  • Install the app. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android.
  • Make a Netgear account or sign in. If you don’t have an account create one.
  • Connect the modem to the router using the ethernet connection that came with it. Turn it on.
  • Now, add satellites. Plug them into the wall. The software will automatically look for and connect them.
  • Give your WiFi network a name. Choose a name and password that you can remember.
  • Update the firmware. The software normally makes you do this. Don’t unplug it while it’s running.

This is easy when it works. But if something doesn’t work, like the app not identifying satellites, you’ll have to try doing it by hand.

Setting Up via Browser (Manual Method)

The app may not work with your device. Some people wish to utilize a laptop with a web browser. It’s easy to do that:

  • Connect your computer to the Orbi WiFi. The default name and password are on a sticker on the bottom.
  • Open your browser and type orbilogin.com or 192.168.1.1 into the address box.
  • A window for logging in opens. Enter your username and password, which are usually “admin” and “password” (unless you modified them).
  • The wizard for setting things up begins. Follow the instructions to connect to your ISP and set up your satellites.

Connect the satellites

A lot of people find this to be a problem. The Orbi system only works if the satellites sync up right. You will have dead zones if they don’t. Helpful tips:

  • During the first sync, make sure the satellite is no more than 6 to 8 feet away from the main router. You can move it later.
  • Wait for the ring of LEDs. Amber denotes weak, solid blue means good, and magenta means unsuccessful.
  • If the color is magenta, press and hold the Sync button on both the router and the satellite for two minutes.

Problems that might happen during the setup

To be honest, most people hit at least one roadblock. Here are the most important ones:

  • Firmware loop: The software keeps trying to update the firmware but can’t. If that’s the case, restart both your router and your phone and try again. If that doesn’t work, go to Netgear’s support page and download the firmware. Then, go in to Orbi as an admin and upload it manually.
  • The app won’t find the router: Connect your phone directly to the Orbi WiFi then open the app again. Sometimes mobile data gets in the way. Turn it off.
  • If you can’t get online after setting it up, check the modem connection again. If your ISP needs you to log in, do it by hand under the WAN settings.
  • The satellite continues going offline. Move it closer, at least for the first setup, and see if a firmware upgrade is waiting to be installed.

When nothing works, reset and set up again

A factory reset is the only thing that will work sometimes. It clears up issues, but it’s not entertaining.

  • Look for the little reset hole on the router’s back. For roughly 10 seconds, press with a paperclip until the power LED glows amber.
  • If you need to, do the same thing for satellites.
  • Start over with the Orbi RBKE963 setup process, either in the app or on the browser.

It feels like a step back, but it frequently fixes problems that won’t go away.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Setup?

One thing is getting the Orbi 6E RBKE963 to work. Using it to its fullest is another thing.

  • Put satellites roughly midway between the router and the weak spots. Don’t put them in cabinets.
  • If you have newer devices, use the 6GHz frequency because it’s less busy.
  • To avoid signal overlap, turn off old routers or extenders.
  • Check for firmware updates on a regular basis. They fix bugs and make things more stable.

This system truly works well after it’s tweaked. Multi-gig speeds with no dead spots.

Why Should You Use a Guide Like This?

Because the official quick start guide doesn’t have enough information. The app also thinks that everything will work properly the first time, which is not true quite often.

Here, you may find other ways to do things, get help with problems, and find little details that you would have to look for on forums.

A quick summary

  • Get the modem and gadgets ready before you start.
  • You can use either an app or a browser.
  • Keep an eye on the LED colours to see if the satellite is in sync.
  • Have your ISP information handy in case you need it.
  • If setup keeps failing, you can always reset.

FAQs

They aren't syncing if they are magenta. You could try hitting the Sync button on both the router and the satellite and keeping them closer together during the first setup.

Yes, most of the time. The system tells you what to do. Let it update, even if it takes a while. Not doing so can make things unstable.

Disclaimer: We hereby disclaim ownership of any product and any association, affiliation or representation in any form, of any brand, product or service. All the information provided here has been drafted by a team of highly qualified technical experts and regularly undergo reviews and updates.