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Elisa2414's avatar
Jul 05, 2020

Mesh RBK752 or RBK50

I need to replace the useless router provided by my cable company. We have a large home running many devices. It is not a smart home, but my daughter is a gamer. I'm not  a techie so torn between Orbi RBK5 AC3000 and Orbi RBK752 AX 4200, recommations and reasons please.

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  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    Gamers seem to have problems with the Orbi system more than other users.  Orbi was designed and began selling in 2016.  It is now becomming difficult to find, especially the "3 pack" which may be required for a large home.  More than four years later, the market is being flooded with new WiFi6 systems (from Netgear and every other vendor) and there are promises of WiFi6E systems coming out within a year.

     

    You could purchase an Orbi RBK50 (2 pack) from Amazon for under $300. (Amazon no longer sells the 3-pack)  Install it.  If for some reason it doesn't work, return it.

    Costco no longer sells the WiFi5 Orbi packages.  You could buy a "3 pack" of the new WiFi6 Orbi for $500.  Costco has even more generous return policies than Amazon.

     

    Gamers have very specific needs that are different from mine, so I am really hesitant to recommend anything.  It might be a good idea to ask the gamer, "what WiFi systems do your gaming buddies recommend, and which do they say to stay away from?"

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    https://www.netgear.com/orbi/default.aspx
    https://www.netgear.com/orbi/wifi-systems.aspx
    https://kb.netgear.com/000038220/What-are-the-hardware-specifications-of-the-available-Orbi-WiFi-Systems

     

    Can you take advantage of AX wifi or just future proofing? 

     

     

    What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
    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

    • Elisa2414's avatar
      Elisa2414
      Tutor
      My home is 3000 sq ft, outside walls are concrete block and inside is wood frame. I can accommodate the 30 feet. The WiFi 6 AX4200 it the top of my budget. We do have several items connect there are 4 ppl each with phones, iPads, several computers now that we work from home, Android tv boxes, fire stick, tiki security camera. My daughter also uses Xbox and ps4. Our current Equip just can’t keep up. Shout spend the $100 more for the RBK752.
      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        If it's something you can afford, it's worth trying it out and see how it works for you. The 1 RBR and 1 RBS should be plenty for your size of home.