Netgear Orbi RBE873 Setup: Physical Link, Sync & Login
The Netgear has a lot of products that help networking to get better and better. Mesh systems are new networking devices in this tech era. One of the mesh systems of Netgear is Orbi RBE873 mesh system. You will find two models in the content box:
- RBE871 (WiFi router)
- RBE870 (WiFi satellite)
The router will connect with the modem first and then the satellites sync with the router with just a press of a button.
Let’s have a closer look how you can complete Orbi RBE873 setup and manage its settings one by one and step by step.
Orbi RBE873 Setup
The setup procedure has mainly three phases: first, physical connection. Second, Orbi RBE873 login and configuration, and third, syncing with other satellites.
How to Link RBE871 router with Cable Modem?
1. Power Everything Off
Turn off both your modem and the router. Unplug them from the wall. Wait like 30 seconds. Cable modems especially act weird if you don’t give them a fresh boot before a new device connects.
2. Connect the Ethernet Cable
Take an Ethernet cable (should’ve come with the router) and do this:
- One end goes into the modem’s Ethernet port (usually there’s only one).
- The other end plugs into the WAN port on the RBE871. That’s the one labeled “Internet” or has a different color. Not one of the LAN ports.
3. Power On: Modem First, Then Router
- Plug the modem back in. Let it fully boot — you should see the lights stabilize. This might take a minute or two.
- Now plug in the router. Same thing — wait for it to boot. Give it a second.
How to Sync Satellites with RBE871 Router?
Start by plugging in the main router. Give it 2–3 minutes to boot up fully. Wait until the power LED is solid white. Now the satellites. Plug one in at a time.
By default, the satellites try to auto-sync if they detect the main router on the same power cycle. But you should try these steps to sync Orbi satellite:
- Find the Sync button on the back of the router.
- Press it once – quick press, not a long hold.
- Within 2 minutes, press the Sync button on the satellite.
How to Configure Orbi RBE873 Mesh System?
With Orbi App
- Just search “Orbi” in the App Store or Google Play. Install Orbi app. Launch it. Make an account if you don’t already have one.
- Open the app and start setup. The app should detect the Orbi on its own. If it doesn’t, tap “New System Setup” and follow the prompts.
- It’ll ask for a QR code — it’s on the bottom of the router. Scan it. If that fails, just select “manual setup” and keep going.
- Pick a name (SSID) and password. This is the network you’ll connect to from now on, so pick something you won’t forget.
- Add the satellites if you haven’t synced any yet. Plug in your satellites one at a time near the main router at first. Let them boot. LED should go white, then blink blue or amber.
- Blue = Good connection
- Amber = poor connection
- Magenta = not connected
If you get magenta, move it closer and try again. Once it’s connected and shows blue/amber, then you can move it to its final location later.
After that the orbi mesh system is installed in your home and you can now connect with its services.
With Orbi Interface
- First, connect to the Orbi WiFi network. Look on the sticker under the router where you will see a SSID username and password.
- That’s your temporary WiFi. Connect to that on your laptop. Don’t try to reach the Orbi admin login until you’re on this network.
- On your browser, punch in: orbilogin.net or 192.168.1.1
- Now you should see the Orbi setup wizard. Follow the steps.
- It’ll ask you to create an admin password (make it something you’ll remember), set security questions (annoying, but whatever), and maybe prompt you for firmware updates.
Troubleshooting Orbi RBE873 Not Working Issue
- Power Cycle Whole Mesh System: Power cycle the modem and the Orbi. Unplug everything. Modem first, then Orbi. Wait 1 full minute. Plug in the modem, let it fully boot (like 2-3 min). Then power the Orbi back on.
- Access Orbi app and see what happened: go into the Orbi app in your phone and try to find out the causing factor of the issue.
- Change the Location of the Orbi Router: use another location for the router and other networking devices. Look for an optimal location where no electronic devices are nearby.
- Reset the Orbi Router and Satellite: this is the last solution for the Orbi RBE873 not working problem. Just find the reset button press it for 10 seconds and release it.
Most Important Things to do After Setup
Firmware Update
- Go to Netgear’s support site. Search for “RBE873” and dig through until you find the firmware download page. You’ll probably see firmware for the router and a separate one for the satellites.
- Go to http://orbilogin.com from your browser while connected to your Orbi network. Open Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update.
- On that firmware update page in the Orbi web interface, choose the .img file for the router, upload it, and let it do its thing. Don’t unplug anything. Don’t refresh the page. Just wait.
- Once it reboots (and it’ll take a while — mine took about 5 minutes), go back in and repeat for each satellite.
Change Admin Password
Access orbi login interface from your browser while connected to your Orbi network. Click Advanced tab (left side). Then go to Administration. Then Set Password. You’ll need to enter your old password first. Then pick a new one. Something decent. Make sure it’s something you’ll remember. Hit Apply when you’re done.
Change WiFi Password
Open Orbi app. Log in using your Netgear account. From the main screen, tap the WiFi tile. It’s usually right up front. You’ll see your current network name (SSID) and password. Tap the Edit (pencil) icon. Now you can change the WiFi name and password. Make the change, hit Save, and wait for the system to apply it.
Connect Orbi Satellites
You can use three different methods to connect Orbi Satellites with the Orbi router:
- Orbi Sync button
- Netgear Orbi app
- Orbi Admin login interface
Learn How to Reset Orbi RBE873
You’ll find a tiny pinhole on the back of the RBE873 – usually labeled “Reset”. You’ll need a paperclip or something skinny and pokey. Toothpick might break. SIM tool works. Jam that paperclip into the reset hole and hold it down for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll see the LED change – usually flashes amber/orange.
After the reset, it’s back to default situation. So, open the Orbi app or visit up orbilogin.com in a browser, and go through setup like it’s a brand-new unit.
