An Orbi WiFi System provides a single WiFi network for your entire home. With an Orbi WiFi System, you have one network name and password, and you don't need to change networks as you move around your home. In contrast, extenders work by repeating the WiFi signal of your router to other parts of your house. The Orbi system is designed to work with your existing modem or router. However, it is recommended that you turn off the Wi-Fi on the existing ISP modem or router(if it has wifi) to improve the performance of the Orbi. ... If the modem does not have router functionality, the Orbi can be set to router mode.