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Forum Discussion
Is there an upgrade path from Wifi 5 to 6 for an RBK50 owner?
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...
wolfereeno wrote:I have an RBK50, so a RBR50 router and RBS50 satellite. I need a 3rd satellite for better coverage upstairs.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
First, are there any plans to upgrade the RBR50's to WIFI 6 via firmware upgrades?
The RBK50 is not HW compatible or has any HW support for WiFi 6. Orbi AX systems has already come out and is WiFi 6 Supporting:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/bd-p/en-home-orbi-ax
Secondly, is there any planned compatibility between the newer wifi 6 orbi's and the older ones?
NG is supposed to made the RBS50 satellites compatible. Not sure when though.
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. If the 50 series is working well for you, keep it. Until you get more devices with AX wifi, not a real need to upgrade until then.
OK thanks guys.
I'm sure I need the additional coverage. I have kind of an unusual multi floor apartment.
The RBS50 seems to cost almost as much as the whole 2 unit RBK50 kit so I've been trying to just wait for a sale. I could get the two radio version RBS20 but I'd rather get 50 if the prices drop.
Hope you can find something that works for you.
I was in the same boat and it appears the RBS50 is discontinued. All I can find are refurbished and used units which is another reason prices are so high.
I ended up pulling a trigger on a RBS50Y and going to put it in my garage or on my deck. Where originally I was going to put the RBS50 on the other side of the wall inside. This though forces me to wireless backhaul since the RBS50Y doesn't have Ethernet ports.
I didn't want to yet buy a completely new Orbi system/kit as my RBR50 is only 18 months old.
