RBK852 with EAX20 / AX1800 Orbi WiFi Extender Setup

If you have recently selected up the RBK852 Orbi WiFi 6 Mesh System and connected it with the EAX20 AX1800 WiFi Extender, You have already made a smart choice to get strong WiFi coverage all over your home. The RBK852 is not just another router it is just a premium Orbi setup that delivers fast speed, dead-zone elimination and handles more devices at single time. And when you throw in the EAX20 extender (AX1800 class), you are generally giving your WiFi network a change especially in homes where walls and floors restrict signals.

In this guide we will understand the full Orbi WiFi extender setup with the EAX20 (AX1800), we will cover the basic connection steps, things you should avoid and how to make everything work smoothly without any confusion.

RBK852 and EAX20 AX1800 Setup Guide

1. Know Your Devices First

• RBK852: It is considered as your main Orbi mesh router along with one or more satellites.
• EAX20 (AX1800): This is not a satellite but an extender of high speed. It works to extend the range of your existing WiFi.

Important Note: EAX20 is not a satellite. It connects with the help of WiFi like any other extender which means you should use it as a separate add on device and not to be considered as a part of main Orbi system.

2. Placement Matters More Than You Think

If your EAX20 is located behind a wall or shoved in the corner of a basement, it will not help to extend the network. Here is the ideal placement rule:

• Make sure to place the EAX20 extender in between of your Orbi router and the area with weak wifi signals.
• Ensure that it can still catch the signal from the RBK852’s main unit. If the signal is weak or poor then the performance will also be poor.

3. Time to Start Orbi WiFi Extender Setup

Using the WPS Method (Easiest Way):

• The first step is to turn on your EAX20 AX1800 extender.
• You have to wait until the power LED turns to solid white color.
• Make sure to press the WPS button on the EAX20 extender.
• After that within 2 minutes make sure to press the WPS button on your RBK852 router.
• If everything is done systematically then you will observe the Link LED on the EAX20 will turn solid green or blue.

If this method doesn’t work then there is nothing to worry about. You can also try manual way.

4. Manual Setup (If WPS Method Fails or You Prefer Control)

• Join the extender’s default WiFi network which is something like NETGEAR_EXT.
• Go to the browser and type in the address bar www.mywifiext.net or 192.168.1.250.
• Make sure to fulfill the on-screen instructions to complete the Orbi WiFi range extender setup process.
• You will be prompted to select your home WiFi network (the one from RBK852).
• Confirm to type the password, name your extended network and save settings.

That is all. Your EAX20 is now rebroadcasting the Orbi signal. Try a speed test and look at the difference.

5. Tips for Smooth Performance

• Update Firmware: You have to log into both devices on regular basis and update their firmware.
• Avoid Double NAT: Make sure not to use the EAX20 as a router as it is an extender only.
• Use One SSID if possible. It makes roaming smooth across rooms.
• If you observe slow speed on the extended network then move the extender slightly more close to the main router.

Conclusion

If you want to cover a large house with fast and stable internet then connecting RBK852 with an EAX20 AX1800 WiFi extender is one of the smartest. This is possible only if the setup is done in the right way.

One more important thing is that don’t consider the extender like a satellite as most people treat it like this. The extender is to be placed at the right spot and don’t hide it behind the heavy objects. Make sure to follow the simple steps mentioned above and you will have the Orbi WiFi extender setup running in under 15 minutes. It is essential to keep your setup clean, updated and well placed.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use the EAX20 with the RBK852 without compromising speed?

Yes. If it is placed correctly and your firmware is updated, the Orbi WiFi extender setup with EAX20 won’t slow down your speed so much. It is designed to handle WiFi 6 just like your Orbi system. It is not to be placed too far from your main router.

Q2. What to do if EAX20 shows weak connection?
Make sure to shift the extender closer to the RBK852 router. Remember, your Orbi WiFi extender setup is only as strong as the signal the extender receives from the router. You should avoid thick walls and appliances in between.

Q3. Is it possible to set a different SSID for the extender?

Yes, but it is advisable to keep the SSID the same as your Orbi router during setup. That way, your devices can connect smoothly without disconnecting. It makes your Orbi WiFi extender setup feel like a single unified network.

Q4. Do I need an Orbi app to set up the EAX20?

No. The Orbi WiFi extender setup with EAX20 is usually done through a browser (via mywifiext.net) or WPS. The Orbi app only manages Orbi satellites and router—not external extenders like the EAX20.