Is there an upgrade path from Wifi 5 to 6 for an RBK50 owner?

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wolfereeno wrote:

I have an RBK50, so a RBR50 router and RBS50 satellite.    I need a 3rd satellite for better coverage upstairs.  

 

First, are there any plans to upgrade the RBR50's to WIFI 6 via firmware upgrades?

No. Cannot be done.  Requires a different radio chip.

Secondly, is there any planned compatibility between the newer wifi 6 orbi's and the older ones?

Netgear has hinted at compatability to allow the existing satellites to work with the WiFi6 router.  Apparently some users have satellites working when "wired" to the WiFi6 router, but connecting satellites with WiFi backhaul has not materialized.

Wondering if I just wait for the prices to come down on another RBS50 and skip Wifi 6 altogether.  This is just for home and home office use.

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The RBS50 is the most costly indoor satellite.  There are others that cost less and work seamlessly with the Orbi router.  In 5 years, there will be enough WiFi6 devices in use to make having WiFi6 really useful.  For the next 2-3 years, it won't make any impact on you at all.

If you need more WiFi coverage now, I would get more now.