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applefancb's avatar
applefancb
Aspirant
Mar 18, 2020

Netgear RBK50v

The Netgear orbi rbk50v is currently on sale for $199 on amazon and Netgear website. Is this still a capable router or is it outdated? Should I look at other routers instead of this router?
Before You Buy

5 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Mar 18, 2020

    This is a (sort of weird) combinationi of a RBR50 router with an Alexa voice satellite.  https://www.netgear.com/orbi/rbk50v.aspx The Orbi "AC" product line was first submitted to the FCC for approval in 2016, which makes the design 4-5 years old.  I have an RBR50 router and RBS50 satellite, am happy with them, and plan to keep them for at least another two to four years before upgrading to the WiFi6 technology.  Maybe with Netgear.  Maybe with someone else.

     

    So, "yes, if this product will meet your needs, it is a fine package at an attractive price."

     

    Only you can decide if it is right for you.

    • applefancb's avatar
      applefancb
      Aspirant
      Mar 18, 2020
      Thanks you for the info, along with the other Info I received, I will probably look for something more updated and useful
  • BigRune's avatar
    BigRune
    Apprentice
    Mar 18, 2020

    Do not buy an Orbi if you care for stability and up-time. I made that mistake in Januari this year and returned it. Netgear Orbi demonstrates poor reliability and neverending software issues in combination with cumbersome and expensive third party security. Therefore I find Negear Orbi an altogether inferior product in comparision to all my previous and current network equipment. 

    • applefancb's avatar
      applefancb
      Aspirant
      Mar 18, 2020
      Thank you for the info, this would be my first mesh network to purchase so I wanted to make sure I get something I can use for a few years comfortably. What do you use for router?
      • BigRune's avatar
        BigRune
        Apprentice
        Mar 18, 2020
        applefancb wrote:
        Thank you for the info, this would be my first mesh network to purchase so I wanted to make sure I get something I can use for a few years comfortably. What do you use for router?

        I bought Ubiquiti Unifi Dream Machine and an additional Unifi NanoHD access point. Read about UDM here: https://dl.ubnt.com/ds/udm_ds

        UDM is a new product from Ubiquiti that combines the good stuff from the Unifi line into one physical unit (like any router :smileywink:).

         

        The UDM might be overkill, but I must say I really like everything; the app, the web interface, the speed and the reliability so far (knock on wood).