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agolem12's avatar
agolem12
Initiate
Jul 25, 2022

Compatibility with Orbi RBS20 and RBR40

Hello,

 

I have an Orbi RBS20 and RBR40 system in my house with an Arris modem.  Spectrum just upgraded me to a plan that has internet speeds of 500mpbs, but is telling me that my modem cannot handle those speeds.  Before purchasing a new modem:

 

a.  Do I need to worry about its compatibility with my Orbi system?  I am looking at DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

b.  Can my Orbi system handle these higher speeds?

 

Any support that you can provide is greatly appreciated!

  

3 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jul 25, 2022

    1. what actual modem do you have? I've gotten that notice before on a device fully capable of handling the speeds I was upgrading to. 

    2. The Orbi system can handle those speeds wired and wireless. You won't max out the 500mbps over wireless but if you have a decent device that you're testing on and are close to the orbi, you should get close. Its more a limitation of the wireless AC and device you're testing on. Because of wireless overhead, interference, obstruction, etc, wireless won't hit the same speeds as a wired device but you should still be fine. 

    • agolem12's avatar
      agolem12
      Initiate
      Jul 25, 2022

      I have an Arris SB6190, currently.  Spectrum is telling me that my model cannot handle the new upgrade speed of 500 mpbs.  I tested my system internet speeds and can get upward of 275.  I am just trying to figure out if I need to upgrade my Orbi system for these new speeds, my modem, or both, OR if Spectrum is trying to rope me into renting their equipment.

      Thank you!

      • plemans's avatar
        plemans
        Guru - Experienced User
        Jul 25, 2022

        The orbi should do fine. 

        I'd take a look through the smallnetbuilder testing on it. You have to keep in mind that you won't hit those same speeds because they're tested in a controlled environment but the 40 series is a pretty solid system. 

        Wi-Fi System Roundup - SmallNetBuilder

         

         

        And it looks like spectrum has the SB6190 approved up to their 400mbps tier according to their website. 

        Authorized Modems to Use on the Spectrum Network | Spectrum Support

         

        So not sure if its worth upgrading for you or not. Basicallly comes down to if you need the extra speed you might bet from upgrading to a better AX mesh system.