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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...
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.
FURRYe38 , thanks for your continued assistance. ...Let me know if I'm not being clear in all my details.
As my AirPort Extreme (AE) is a router/switch and is managing all the Internal IPs for all devices on my Networks (LAN & WiFi), it's handling all device routing. ...It is the AirPort Utility management software (on my MBP) where I actually designate/assign a device's Internal IP (identified by its MAC). So, my Comcast modem is only connecting to my Public IP. [I also have 2 x Netgear 5-port Gigabit switches, which help my AE get some additional, stationary devices on my LAN.]
As my intention is to update my AE since it's a 2010 4th generation model, I plan to replace it with a newer Router (and add a Satellite which will be in AP mode).