New Gigabit internet

How did you do the measurement, with a wired or wireless device in the Orbi network?

I think, generally, the Orbi is good at getting good speeds to multiple devices over a large area, even via the satellite. I think it is less good at getting maximum speed to a single device. But, accoring to this review at Tom's, ~550 Mbps is the peak performance for a single device (though you might find that you can approach that with two devices, simultaneously, using the Orbi). When you did the speedtest on the ISP-provided router, were you using wifi, or was this over a wired ethernet connection? Also, are you testing on the same device (e.g., laptop, phone) for both tests? Depending on the age and size of the device(s), there may be more or fewer antennas, and different standards (your laptop could be 803.11ac, whereas your phone might only be 803.11n), either or both of which could affect speedtest results.

You might also find reading on wifi, generally, and 802.11ac helpful.

If you measured 500 Mbps with Orbi over WiFi, then everything is working up to specs and there's nothing more for you to do.

Orbi is a 2x2 WiFi device with a maximum link rate of 866 Mbps.  Throughput is typically 50% to 65% of the link rate, due to the overhead inherent in the WiFi protocol, so 500 Mbps is typical for a link rate of 866 Mbps.

Orbi is intended to provide good speeds over a large area, not to provide maximum speed for a single device right next the to AP.

If you think you need more than 500 Mbps throughput over WiFi then you need to buy another WiFi solution.

Please speed test with a PC thats wired to the back of the Orbi router. Use a LAN cable and a web browser on the pc and check speeds.

Most wifi devices will not achieve 900Mb as they are limited on wifi design and technology. Connection rates are just that, rates between the router and the device. Throughput speed differs and for some wifi devices can't achieve anything near 900Mb on throughput speeds. 

If you want to know realtime link rates between your wireless device and the Orib, download wifisweetspots. Its free. 

I have 1Gb service as well and my wifi devices only see around 400-500Mb max depending on design support. 

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mikeinolean wrote:
Hey everyone. I just had spectrum gigabit internet installed today. The brought a new modem and a separate router. When the tech was there he had me test the internet speed and I was getting close to 900mbps down with their router. After he left, I disconnected their router and connected it to my Orbi’s. I have the AC3000 RBK50 with 2 satellites. I cannot get more than 550mbps. I know that’s fast, but after seeing 900 it’s disappointing. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

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mikeinolean wrote:
Hey everyone. I just had spectrum gigabit internet installed today. The brought a new modem and a separate router. When the tech was there he had me test the internet speed and I was getting close to 900mbps down with their router. After he left, I disconnected their router and connected it to my Orbi’s. I have the AC3000 RBK50 with 2 satellites. I cannot get more than 550mbps. I know that’s fast, but after seeing 900 it’s disappointing. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

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I have Xfinity Gigabit and I get 900+ Mb/s download speed on the wired connection through the Orbi.  Wireless is about right at 550-600Mb/s.  The iPhone is not capable of achieving gigabit speed wirelessly, so you are getting the full potential of your connection on your devices.  You can double check your speed by connecting a laptop or desktop to your Orbi router to see that you are actually getting the 900+ speeds.  If you connect to the satellites, and your satellites are connected to the main Orbi via the wireless backhaul, then you will get a reduced speed.  Overall, 550+ is more than enough for most all needs.