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Forum Discussion
Looking for Stable & Reliable WiFi with Increased Speed
I'm considering replacing my current router/switch with either the RBK50 bundle (1 RBR50 + 1 RBS40) or RBK40 bundle (1 RBR40 + 1 RBS40). As I've not yet purchased, here are details which should paint a thorough picture of my current network setup.
I live in a 2-story, 1300 sq. ft. condo, having 650 sq. ft. stacked, rectangular floors with the longest dimension running east to west.
Given the 1st-floor location (west end) of my 2010 4th generation, AirPort Extreme (AE) router/switch, due to the coax-connect location of my Comcast modem (provisioning LAN 400+ Mbps Down & 12+ Mbps Up speeds), the AE is ethernet connected to my 1st floor, Comcast internet modem (it’s WiFi is Off). ...I anticipate using an Orbi Router in lieu of my AE and additionally placing an Orbi Satellite in my 2d floor office (east end), which is where my 2016 MacBook Pro i7 15 is LAN (and 5 GHz WiFi) connected. My AE is being managed by AirPort Utility, on my MacBook Pro, for the ethernet LAN and WiFi networks. [My MacBook Pro is updated with macOS 10.14.3. I have an iPhone X & iPad Pro (2018), both using iOS 12.1.4.]
My AE employs Router mode DHCP & NAT to assign internal, IP addresses to each device accessing my networks (WiFi & LAN). My AE uses 10.0.1.1 and the remaining Internal IP Range 10.0.1.2 to 10.0.1.200 (managed in the AirPort Utility's Network tab) is used to provision a device's network access through assigning a specific IP to each device as identified by the device's MAC address. Network access is restricted to only those devices where their details (internal IP, MAC, WiFi timed-access control) have been set up using AirPort Utility.
I have 14 devices accessing my WiFi networks. Some of the WiFi devices are the HomeKit-compatible (4) Smart Outlet Plugs, which are all managed through HomeKit's Home app. (I also use the smart plug manufacturer’s iOS app for initial add to the 2.4 GHz WiFi as well as for subsequent firmware updates.) Additionally, I have an Apple HomePod, located about center of 1st floor, on my WiFi network and is managed using the iOS Home app on my iPhone X. I also have 2 x Apple TVs - both ethernet connect to my LAN, but also on my WiFi.
My AE is providing sufficient WiFi strength to my east-end, 2d floor office; and, the AE is provisioning reliable and stable, WiFi connections for all devices. So, if I make a change...
1) Which Orbi bundle best suits for improved, WiFi speed and solidly reliable, WiFi coverage?
2) Can I complete the very same, Router mode (DHCP and NAT) WiFi access setup?
3) While I'm not looking for any voice controls from the Orbi devices, will the Orbi Router allow adding HomeKit compatible devices onto the WiFi networks?
I know I've provided a lot of detail; maybe, more than needed. But, thank you for your assistance.
41 Replies
pbGuy wrote:
1) Which Orbi bundle best suits for improved, WiFi speed and solidly reliable, WiFi coverage?
The 50 series has the best connection rate of 1733Mb on 5Ghz while the 40 has 866Mb. 30 feet is recommended in between the base and satellite(s) to begin with depending upon building materials.I have a CRK40 series with just one satellite 40 feet at the opposite end of the 5000sq ft home and have great coverage and performance.
2) Can I complete the very same, Router mode (DHCP and NAT) WiFi access setup?
You can.
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too? IF the modem has a built in router and wifi already,
This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. Couple of options and recommendations to consider,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly. This is preferred.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop3) While I'm not looking for any voice controls from the Orbi devices, will the Orbi Router allow adding HomeKit compatible devices onto the WiFi networks?
Yes, however there has been some users experiencing some problems with HomeKit devices in history. Since newer FW is out, this shouldn't be a problem anymore we hope. :smileywink:
Thank you for the reply.
1) Best bundle - sounds like the RBK40 is well suited for my environment. ...My follow-up would have to do with difference between the RBK50's AC3000 and the RBK40's AC2200. Can you enlighten?
2) My Comcast moden is one of the Xfinity xFi Advanced Gateways, but I had Comcast Support turn Off its WiFi. So, My AirPort Extreme is solely handling all the WiFi. If/when I replace my AE, I'll not have any changes made to the Xfinity modem. The new Router will handle all WiFi.
3) While your reply to this question, provides some reassurance, I hope to hear from other Orbi users that the newest firmware does provide for stable and reliable connectivity for HomeKit devices. ...HomeKit compatibility is key in making any change, irrespective of lower WiFi speeds from my AE. If the Orbi can't be as reliable as my AE, with HomeKit devices, I'll wait until Orbi can.
You can look to see what is suited for your environment here and also see the specs of each system:
https://www.netgear.com/orbi/wifi-systems.aspx
Is your modem handling all routing abilities? if so, then you may want the Orbi to run in AP mode.
pbGuy wrote:
............
3) While I'm not looking for any voice controls from the Orbi devices, will the Orbi Router allow adding HomeKit compatible devices onto the WiFi networks?
...........
My main IoT platform is based on Google Home, but I have a number of devices that also support HomeKit and since we all at home have Apple Devices we can see those HomeKit devices in our Home apps on the phones and tablets, the HomeKit devices that I have are:
- Security Camera
- Flood Light
- Motion sensor
- Apple TV.
Al are working just fine with my Orbi :)
