Currently, I'm using a Netgear CM1000 Modem with a Nighthawk Router for my home internet system (working with XFinity Internet). I'm thinking of upgrading it to Orbi AC2200. I'm finding it difficult to compare the two systems head to head to be sure that if I make the investment in Orbi AC2200, I'm actualy fullfilling my quest to upgrade my system. Can anyone tell me if I'll be getting greater and further Wifi output with the Orbi? Likley I'd keep the Nighthawk Router and just plug it into the Orbi for an additional Network. Any Suggestions you may have would be most helpful. THANKS!!

What is the model # of your NG router? You would be best to keep the CM1000 modem and install a Orbi RBK system rather then a CBK40 system. https://kb.netgear.com/000038220/What-are-the-hardware-specifications-of-the-available-Orbi-WiFi-Systems https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Find-Your-Orbi-With-the-NEW-Orbi-Product-Selector/m-p/1907267/highlight/true#M91216https://www.netgear.com/orbi/default.aspxhttps://www.netgear.com/orbi/wifi-systems.aspx

Thanks so much for your response. I'm in the process of reviewing and absorbing it all. In the mean time, I'm responding to answer your question as to what Router I'm using: Nighthawk AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi RouterModel: R8000 Thanks again for your information!!

FURRYe38 is right on your modem. How large is your home? The R8000 is triband. So is the orbi but one of the bands with orbi is reseverd just for the backhaul so isn't something the end user can access and use. If you're home isn't to large, the R8000 has the options to use both 5ghz bands so might have better coverage/speeds with its usable triband setup.But if you're home is large enough, the added coverage from the orbi satellites might be better.so again, a lot depends on your home size and usage.

Thanks so much for your response! My home is just over 3,500 square feet/multi level. I ask alot of my internet system with two security camera systems, a couple outdoor timers, a couple large smart TV's, a couple computers, iPads & iPhones. I also extend the internet into the outdoor padio area for access. I ask for alot of coverage from my internet service. If I upgrade to the orbi, I'll just plug in the Netgear r8000 router into the Orbi so I'll have that additional network. So the real comparison here is: Is it a good decision to replace the current Modem Netgear Cm1000 with the Orbi Modem/Router? Will I get greater stronger signal & coverage.

NetgearNetowkri wrote:Thanks so much for your response! My home is just over 3,500 square feet/multi level. I ask alot of my internet system with two security camera systems, a couple outdoor timers, a couple large smart TV's, a couple computers, iPads & iPhones. I also extend the internet into the outdoor padio area for access. I ask for alot of coverage from my internet service. If I upgrade to the orbi, I'll just plug in the Netgear r8000 router into the Orbi so I'll have that additional network. So the real comparison here is: Is it a good decision to replace the current Modem Netgear Cm1000 with the Orbi Modem/Router? Will I get greater stronger signal & coverage.No. Like FURRYe38 said, keep your cm1000. Its faster than the CBK40's integrated modem. You'd be better off investing in the rbk50 series of devices. Or even the Orbi AX series. If you plan on keeping the R8000, make sure its running in AP mode and that you have the wireless channels seperate from the orbi's to reduce interference. Thats if you're going: cm1000----->orbi------->r8000The R8000 won't integrate with the mesh but you can use it to take some devices off the orbi network.

Comparing Modem/Routers Looking to upgrade

12 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru
Jun 05, 2020
What is the model # of your NG router?

You would be best to keep the CM1000 modem and install a Orbi RBK system rather then a CBK40 system.
https://kb.netgear.com/000038220/What-are-the-hardware-specifications-of-the-available-Orbi-WiFi-Systems

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Find-Your-Orbi-With-the-NEW-Orbi-Product-Selector/m-p/1907267/highlight/true#M91216
https://www.netgear.com/orbi/default.aspx
https://www.netgear.com/orbi/wifi-systems.aspx
- NetgearNetowkri
  Tutor
  Jun 05, 2020
  Thanks so much for your response. I'm in the process of reviewing and absorbing it all. In the mean time, I'm responding to answer your question as to what Router I'm using:
  Nighthawk AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router
  Model: R8000
  
  Thanks again for your information!!
  - plemans
    Guru
    Jun 05, 2020
    FURRYe38 is right on your modem.
    
    How large is your home?
    The R8000 is triband. So is the orbi but one of the bands with orbi is reseverd just for the backhaul so isn't something the end user can access and use.
    If you're home isn't to large, the R8000 has the options to use both 5ghz bands so might have better coverage/speeds with its usable triband setup.
    But if you're home is large enough, the added coverage from the orbi satellites might be better.
    so again, a lot depends on your home size and usage.

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Comparing Modem/Routers Looking to upgrade