Step-by-Step Guide to Orbi RBK40 Setup and Troubleshooting

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If you’re also struggling where your Wifi goes down continuously. Areas where there is no signal. The Orbi RBK40 system appears to be a good answer, but setting it up or getting it to work correctly isn’t always easy. That’s the primary reason; you’re on this page.

We’ll teach you how to use the device, set it up, and handle minor issues. Not to worry! This is short and easy to read. Instead, check out this basic guide for guidance.

Let’s start from the beginning!

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Orbi RBK40

The good news is that it’s really pretty easy if you know the sequence. Here’s a setup that is detailed correctly that you can follow.

1. What’s inside the box?

You should see the following when you open the Orbi RBK40 kit:

• The Orbi Router (RBR40) is the primary equipment that connects to your modem.
• Orbi Satellite (RBS40) is the additional equipment that sends WiFi signals further into your house.
• An ethernet cable, which is generally a short yellow one.
• Two power adapters, one for each unit.

2. How to connect the router

This is the most critical phase.

• If your modem is already on, turn it off. Take it out of the wall for 30 seconds, then put it back in.
• Connect one end of the ethernet wire to the modem. The other end fits into the yellow Internet port on the back of your Orbi router.
• Plug in and power up the Orbi router.
• Wait for the Orbi router’s power LED to become solid white, then pulsing white, and finally solid blue. Blue signals the connection is good.

Your primary Orbi router is now working.

3. Getting the satellite ready

The satellite is what makes the coverage bigger.

• Put the satellite midway between your router and the location where the WiFi is poor. A hallway or open area in the middle is typically optimal.
• Connect it to electricity and wait. The ring of LEDs on top will light up:
  • Blue indicates a good connection
  • Amber means acceptable yet weak.
  • Magenta = no connectivity (get it closer to the router)
• The connection is locked in when the light goes out after a minute or so.
• Making Your WiFi Network

You need to set up your WiFi network now that the hardware is working. There are two ways:

Option A: Use the Orbi App

• Download the Orbi app from App Store or Google Play Store (depending on the phone’s model you have).
• Use the app by logging in using your Netgear account or creating a new one.
• The app detects your Orbi router and provides step-by-step instructions.
  • You will choose a name for your WiFi network (SSID).
  • You will set a password for your WiFi.

You will also need to make a password for login into the Orbi system that is separate from your WiFi password.

The program will do a simple test to check sure your internet connection is working.

Option B – Using a Web Browser

• Follow the directions on the device’s bottom label to connect your computer or phone to the Orbi’s default WiFi.
• Visit the site by typing “orbilogin.com” or “192.168.1.1” in a browser.
• Log in using the default information on the sticker.
• Follow the setup wizard instructions on the screen:
  • Set a name and password for your WiFi.
  • Make a password for the admin.
  • Check the connection to the internet.

Syncing the Satellite (If required)

During setup, the satellite usually connects on its own. But if it doesn’t:

• On the back of the router, press the Sync button.
• Press the Sync button on the rear of the satellite within two minutes.
• Once they are paired, the LED ring should become blue.

Updating the firmware

This is a step a lot of people skip, but it important. Bugs happen when firmware is old

• In the Orbi app, click on Settings and then Firmware Update if the update is available.
• To set up the browser, open orbilogin.com, then navigate to Advanced, later Administration and then tap on Firmware Update.

You’ll enjoy the latest features and fix once your Orbi restarts in a few minutes.

Problems that happen often during setup

Things don’t always go properly. These are the common headaches and fast checks:

• The satellite won’t connect. Move it closer to the router while you’re setting it up. You may move it further away once it connects.
• Orbilogin.com not loading — try the IP address instead: 192.168.1.1. Or check to see whether you’re linked to the Orbi WiFi and not your old network.
• A flashing magenta indicator signifies that the satellite can’t speak to the router. Usually, it’s either too far away or something is getting in the way. Walls that are thick? Microwaves nearby? Try altering positioning.
• The internet works on some devices but not on others. To fix this, reset your modem and router at the same time and then reconnect. A power cycle repairs more than you would believe.

Advanced Settings

Some people simply want the internet. Some people desire to make little changes. If you’re in the second group:

• Access Control: Allows you add devices to a whitelist. It’s good if you don’t want random devices to join.
• QoS (Quality of Service): Give certain activities more importance than others. This helps keep latency down while you broadcast or play games.
• Setting up the IP address by hand if you have a certain network configuration at home, such NAS disks, printers, etc.

Bridge mode is great if you already have a main router and only want Orbi to work as a mesh extender.

You don’t have to do them. But it’s wonderful that the RBK40 provides you choices without being too scary.

Who Should Use the Orbi RBK40?

This isn’t the best WiFi system anymore, but it’s still good for:

• Medium to big houses with dead zones that won’t go away.
• Families trying to balance job, online school, and fun.
• People who desire good performance without spending a lot of money on the latest model.
• Users who prefer things to be easy yet want the opportunity to have more control if they need it.

It’s probably too much if you live in a tiny flat. You may want one of the larger Orbi systems if you have a huge home and stream 4K video in every area. This one works, however, for the lovely middle ground.

When You Really Need a Reset?

People constantly want to know when they need to reset. Only if standard remedies don’t work. For example:

• You can’t remember your admin password.
• The system won’t connect even after turning off the power and back on.
• The firmware upgrade went wrong and screwed things up.

Quick Tips to Do Better

• Don’t put the satellite too much to the right. Get in sync, then move.
• Avoid placing the router near electrical appliances such as microwaves and thick walls.
• Make sure the device is operating on an updated firmware.
• Instead of giving guests your regular password, let them use the guest network.
• Every once in a while, restart the system. It helps to reset it, much like a computer.