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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...
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).
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the AE router is connected too?
Yes the Orbi can replace the AE as the main host router.
pbGuy wrote:
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).
Here's a stock, web photo of the Comcast Xfinity xFi WiFi modem; I don't know who actually OEM's xFi.
While this xFi modem does have WiFi network capability, Comcast's tech support turned the xFi's WiFi transmitting Off, at my request, via remote re-configuration; so, the xFi is solely acting as a modem, providing internet connectivity.
I had Comcast do this for 2 reasons:
1) My AirPort Extreme Router/Switch has been reliably handling my internal Routing and WiFi since 2010. (Unless it stops functioning sometime soon or is replaced, I trust it.) Additionally, I didn't want to give up the WiFi management I have through AirPort Utility software on my MBP.
2) The Xfinity xFi modem physcically sits (sort of hidden) immediately behind my bigscreen TV, and I didn't want xFi WiFi signals possibly interfering with my AirPort Extreme's WiFi output since the AE is within 2 ft. of the xFi modem.
My preference is to have the Xfinity xFi modem remain in its current configuration.