Netgear Orbi Tri-band Wi-Fi System Review

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack...

• Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi connectivity - room...
• Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to 3Gbps
• The most award-winning Mesh WiFi system on the planet: PC Mag, CNET, Wirecutter, Forbes, SmallNetBuilder

CHECK ON AMAZON »

The Netgear Orbi is one of the best Wi-Fi system, which is designed specifically to satisfy the wireless needs of users residing in a larger home.

Besides, the Netgear Orbi Tri-band Wi-Fi system also works well in a small-to-medium size commercial building or office.

The Netgear Orbi system uses the multi-node technique such as the main router along with satellite extender. It has a dedicated 4 x 4 MU-MIMO technology for backhaul traffic.

It improves network operations and achieves higher speeds as well as cover larger areas. All these unique features make the Netgear Orbi one the fastest Wi-Fi system.

In today’s article, we are going to review the Netgear Orbi Tri-band Wi-Fi system. The review is based on our testing of the product. Read on!

Specifications

Size: 6.67 x 2.36 x 8.89 inches (single unit)

Antennas: N/A

Wi-Fi Spec: Qualcomm’s IPQ4019 Wi-Fi chip

Ports: 1 x 2.0 USB ports

Peak Performance: 866 Mbps

Range: 5000 sqft.

Unbox Video

Networking

We have tested the networking performance of the Netgear Orbi. To test the wireless performance, we connected the router to a cable modem. We did this to connect to the internet. Next, we connected the satellite to the network from the main unit at about 35 feet. 

While testing the wireless performance, we measured 529 Mbps speed at a close range of 5 feet. The interesting thing we noted was that when we increased the distance – i.e. at 15 feet, the speed we measured was 628 Mbps although we were expecting it to be around 420 Mbps based on our calculations.

We found that the PCE-AC88 functions of the router made this strange fluctuation in the speed. On the other hand, the speed measured at 30 feet was 309 Mbps, which his quite good. Again we were expecting something between 200 and 230 Mbps.

Next, we tested the server to client performance. At 5 feet, we measured the speed of 321 Mbps whereas the speed measured at 15 feet was 271 Mbps. Likewise, we observed a slight decrease in the speed at 30 feet, which was 247 Mbps.

Also, we added the satellite and went on testing the wireless speed performance of the router on 4 x 4 clients in different areas of the house. This test was performed on the client to the server.

On average, we measured speed of 512 Mbps at 5 feet and at 15 feet, the speed went up to 528 Mbps. Again, we must say this was an incredible wireless performance even though we had increased the distance from 5 feet to 15 feet.

Moreover, at 30 feet, the speed we measured was 296 Mbps. It was quite better than 247 Mbps that we got previously. From the server to the client, we measured an average speed of 215 Mbps at 5 feet and 203 Mbps at 15 feet. At 30 feet the speed was 188 Mbps.

Design

When it comes to the design of the Netgear Orbi, it is stylish and unique. Both the satellite and the router are tall compared to other routers of the same brands and other brands.

However, it has a smaller base. The dimensions of a single unit are 6.67 x 2.36 x 8.89 inches. Like the Linksys Velop, this router + satellite is vulnerable to damages if you install it a heavy traffic place, for example, on the desk or table where it can be pushed accidentally. Anyway, the weight of the Netgear Orbi is 1.96 pounds making it a lightweight router.

Talking about the LED indicators of the router, the Netgear Orbi has followed a minimalistic approach. Although you will see an array of LEDs, the router and the satellite depend on the device’s top ring indicator, which shows the system status.

The Satellite ring has a white-color flashing LED. It turns into solid magenta in case the extender fails to synchronize with the main router. The LED indicator turns off when the main unit synchronizes with the satellite and works properly.

On the backside of the Wi-Fi system, you will see most of the buttons and ports. You will see a Sync button, which you can use as the WPS button, Ethernet ports, the LAN port on the router connect to the internet. Keep in mind the there is no LAN port for the satellite. Also, there is a Power ON-OFF button and a USB port.

Hardware

The Netgear Orbi has the Qualcomm IPQ4019 chipset. The Qualcomm Atheros IPQ4019 has an integrated quad-core Cortex A7 processor with a clock speed of 717 MHz. Along with the Qualcomm Atheros chipset, the Netgear Orbi is equipped with the Qualcomm QCA8075 Gigabit chip, which is used for Port Mirroring and Port Switching.

Moreover, this Wi-Fi system has an incredible NANYA 512 MB of RAM (DDR3) and a flash memory of 4 GB. The device uses the Qualcomm IPQ4019 for the 2.4 GHz radiofrequency. It also has the Skyworks SKY2624L Power amplifier for 2.4 GHz radio frequency band.

On the other hand, this Wi-Fi system has the Qualcomm IPQ4019 chip for the 5 GHz radio frequency band besides the RFMD RFPA5542 power amplifier for the 5 GHz radio frequency band.

Installation

You need to follow a few steps to set up and install the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi system. The first step is to connect the modem to the internet port (yellow color) on the Orbi router using the Ethernet cable.

The second step is to connect the Wi-Fi router to a power source. Once it is connected, you need to press the Power button. Wait for a few seconds to see the Ring LED indicator turns solid white on the router.

Next, connect your Netgear Orbi satellite to the power source and press the Power Button. If you see the Ring LED to turn solid blue, it means the satellite is ready. The next step is to connect your smartphone device or computer to the router or satellite via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Download the Netgear Orbi app to configure the Wi-Fi System according to your needs. You can also visit the Orbi login page to set up the Wi-Fi network system. Once the set up is complete, the ring LED on the Orbi router turns off.

What We Liked

• Easy setup
• Excellent coverage
• Easy connections with Single SSID
• Outstanding performance than Wi-Fi extenders

What We didn’t Like

• Expensive
• MU-MIMO technology
• Slower at Close Range

Recommend Topics

• Best Wireless Routers for Large House
• Best Mesh Wi-Fi System (Reviews & Buying Guide)

NETGEAR Orbi Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Router & Extender Replacement Covers Up to 5,000 sq. ft., 2-Pack...

• Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi connectivity - room...
• Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to 3Gbps
• The most award-winning Mesh WiFi system on the planet: PC Mag, CNET, Wirecutter, Forbes, SmallNetBuilder

CHECK ON AMAZON »