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Norway
1 Level
744 Review
24 Karma

Review on NETGEAR Orbi Voice Smart Speaker & WiFi Mesh Extender with Amazon Alexa Built-in (RBS40V) for Seamless WiFi Coverage and Voice Control Integration by Howie Broyles

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Current Orbi network needs to be expanded - little more

My Orbi network is about 2 years old. The most important is the RBR50 with the included extension cable. Fast forward - I always get wifi at the very edge of the front bedroom. This is the edge my baby pushes me to when he falls asleep. I can't get up for fear of him waking up and becoming an even more irritable child. Either you live with it and nap with the baby, or you buy that router/hotspot/extender and an Alexa speaker lol. Unfortunately, there wasn't a cheaper option to add to the Orbi Mesh System at the time I needed the expansion. It was way cheaper than any other "real" orbi MESH extender. Therefore, the installation is quite complicated. Out of the box, my new RBS40V was pulsing blue. This is not covered in the paper pamphlet quick start guide. If it lights up blue when delivered, the device is in "Extender" mode. This creates your own online ID card, for which you then have to choose "on” or "off” when entering and leaving the area. Insert NOT-Orbi / Nighthawk / other Wi-Fi system for all networks. You can immediately see that this is good for those segments (e.g. you need an extension). So if you are like me and need to add RBS40V to the grid as "satellites". Quick overview of the light pulse at launch Blue pulse = Extender mode White pulse = Orbi mode To switch from blue pulsing to white pulsing.1. Turn off the RBS40V completely (using the power switch).2. HOLD the sync button THEN press and hold the power button3. Hold the button down until the blue pulse turns white.4. Release the Sync button5. Power cycle the RBS40V and wait until it turns solid white (indicating READY to sync as an Orbi)6. Complete the order to add the satellite function either via the app or via the web browser and do not click on SYNC.7. On the RBS40V, click Sync. First, click or tap "Sync” on desktop or mobile app.8. Wait, and in the end you will see that it has been successfully added to the mesh network. I am sorry. you're not done yet It is more than likely that the RBS40V will update its firmware and reboot.10. If you then choose to add your Revain login to access Alexa. Hey why not. Guess what. it will restart again! Steps 1 - 10 - about 30-35 minutes. Not because I'm slow. This is because it is waiting for a reboot. IS IT WORTH? Tested wifi on the edge where my toddler pushes me. No crashes/disconnects. Solid speeds/par are stable and pretty good for Wi-Fi. Final answer: YES

Pros
  • Price
Cons
  • Minor things