To eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones by extending your existing network, you can configure a second Orbi router as an access point. This setup lets the second router broadcast the same Wi-Fi network as your primary router, providing seamless coverage throughout your home.
What you need before you connect two Orbi routers
Before you begin, ensure you have these items ready:
- A working primary Orbi router that is already connected to your modem and broadcasting a Wi-Fi network.
- The second Orbi router you want to add as an access point.
- An Ethernet cable to make the wired connection between the two routers.
How to set up your second Orbi router as an access point
This process involves connecting the routers physically, then changing the second router's mode through its web interface. The key to understanding how to set up two Netgear routers is to remember that the second router must be placed in AP mode.
- Connect the Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into a LAN port on your primary Orbi router. Plug the other end into the yellow Internet (WAN) port on the second Orbi router.
- Power on the second router. Connect the second Orbi router to a power source and wait for it to start up.
- Access the second router's web interface. From a computer or mobile device connected to the Orbi network, open a web browser. Enter
orbilogin.com(ororbilogin.net, ororbilogin.localfor Apple devices) into the address bar. - Log in. Enter the admin username (typically
admin) and the password you created during the second router's initial setup. - Navigate to AP mode settings. In the web interface, go to
ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Router/AP Mode. - Enable AP mode. Select the "AP Mode" radio button on the Router/AP Mode page.
- Apply the change. Click "Apply" to save the AP mode settings. The second Orbi router will restart and begin functioning as an access point.
How to test your new dual-router Orbi network
After the second router restarts, verify that the setup is working correctly. The goal is a single, seamless Wi-Fi network.
- Check for a single network name. On your phone or laptop, look at the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You should see only one network name (SSID) for your entire Orbi network. Connect to it using the password you set on your primary router.
- Test signal strength and roaming. Walk around your home, moving from an area near the primary router to an area near the second router. Your device should stay connected to the same network name without dropping the connection. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app or simply check your signal bars to confirm coverage is strong in previously dead zones.
Troubleshooting common Orbi AP mode issues
If you cannot access the second router's web interface after switching to AP mode, it has likely received a new IP address from your primary router. To find it, open the Orbi app on your phone, or log into your primary router's web interface and check its DHCP client list. The second router will appear there under its new IP address, which you can then use to access its settings if needed. For more detailed guidance on setting up routers, mesh Wi-Fi and extenders, consult the official support documentation for your specific Orbi model.
