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Forum Discussion
Modem/router combo
I would like to get a mesh network for my house that’s about 3500 square feet on 3 levels. I want a modem/router combo and 1 satellite. I’m lost as to which Orbi models I should be looking at. Any hel...
Check with your ISP to see if they support this Orbi system:
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/CBK40.aspx
Thanks for the quick reply. I have Comcast. I’ll check
The orbi modem/router combo does work with comcast.
I'd highly recommend buying a modem seperate from the router though. When you buy them together, the ISP controls the firmware and they're horrible at updating the firmware. When you buy them seperate, the isp only controls the firmware on the modem. You control the firmware on the router. Plus if one goes bad (modem or router), it doesn't take the whole setup down. Plus it allows for easier upgrading as you can choose to upgrade either the modem or the router and not have to buy a whole new system.
- I don’t know too much about firmware and such. I just need to get my internet to my whole house. Do the Orbi not last long? My current modem/router is 3-4 years old and cuts in and out often. So I don’t replace them that often. Was looking for an all in one system. And I don’t need anything fancy. Streaming and Xbox for two adults and a 5 year old.
They do last a long time. I've had my orbi setup since they came out. But we also frequently see people that have power outages/storms that wreck electronics. At least if one goes down, you still have the other. Its a little more $ to buy into but gives you better control and redundancy.
In terms of firmware, firmware is what controls the router/modem. It includes bug fixes, security fixes, and optimizations.
When you have combo devices, the ISP controls it and each time there's an update, they have to certify it before rolling it out. It costs them $ to do so. Which is why they don't update firmware nearly as much as they should.
I believe they do...
