NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Solved
New Orbi in an old apartment
I am looking to install a new wifi environment to give me service I can be happy with, and to support a new system of Sonos speakers.Our apartment is in building from 1960, and the walls are quite s...
I hope you understand that "radio stuff" is not simple. We have many users on the forum who are quite happy with AC2200 systems. Strength of signal is not related to the bandwidth (AC2200 vs. AC3000). There are plenty of AC2200 WiFi's that are as "powerful" as AC3000 systems. In the particular case of the Orbi, the AC3000 "50" series has a couple of advantages over the AC2200 models: (1) the antennas are physically different and users have remarked (anecdotally) that they are "more powerful". (2) there are entirely separate radios and antennas for the backhaul connections. So the transmission between base unit and satellite does not interfere with the transmission to user devices.
If the user's internet connection has a maximum bandwidth of 20mb, all of this is pointless. The limiting factor is clearly the internet. Surplus bandwidth to user devices and for backhaul is like having a Ferrari to drive on city streets at 20mph. However, as the user's internet speed increases, the ability to provide more bandwidth to the clients and over the backhaul becomes more important.
You did mention concerns that service to the "speaker end" of the apartment was problematic with the current WiFi system. My (personal) guess is that the bathroom and kitchen are a significant factor. Only a HeatMap survey would reveal what is going on.
I purchased an Orbi RBK50 (one router and one satellite) because although I was doing fine upstairs at a linear distance of about 35 ft., the far corner of the downstairs living room (where my wife liked to sit with her iPad) and the downstairs front patio got dismal service. I put the satellite downstairs about 20-25 ft. from the router, and now I have great overage over the entire house, including the patios.
Yes, this is probably "overkill" for your apartment. The less costly RBK40 system would probably do great. One single RBR50 would probably do great. I have learned, however, that some people would rather "buy once and get on with life" than take a chance and have to rework it.
Sorry not to have an "answer." Please report what you decide and how it works out.
Thanks so much. I finally made my own chart of the Orbi systems, so I think I can ask intelligent questions.
You are recommending an AC3000 kit with one satellite to cover the apartment. Does that mean that an AC2200 kit might not have enough power?
I was also asking about using a wall plug-in satellite. However, I now see that they only come in AC2200. It seems that they have the same specs as the AC2200 standalone satellite (RBS40). So it seems that the main issue in using them, if they are pluggedin at a location without much obstruction, is that they are AC2200, which has less power?
So, to repeat, you think AC3000 would be the minimum sysrem that would work well, and you think a second satellite would not be necessary?
Thanks VERY much.
JK
I hope you understand that "radio stuff" is not simple. We have many users on the forum who are quite happy with AC2200 systems. Strength of signal is not related to the bandwidth (AC2200 vs. AC3000). There are plenty of AC2200 WiFi's that are as "powerful" as AC3000 systems. In the particular case of the Orbi, the AC3000 "50" series has a couple of advantages over the AC2200 models: (1) the antennas are physically different and users have remarked (anecdotally) that they are "more powerful". (2) there are entirely separate radios and antennas for the backhaul connections. So the transmission between base unit and satellite does not interfere with the transmission to user devices.
If the user's internet connection has a maximum bandwidth of 20mb, all of this is pointless. The limiting factor is clearly the internet. Surplus bandwidth to user devices and for backhaul is like having a Ferrari to drive on city streets at 20mph. However, as the user's internet speed increases, the ability to provide more bandwidth to the clients and over the backhaul becomes more important.
You did mention concerns that service to the "speaker end" of the apartment was problematic with the current WiFi system. My (personal) guess is that the bathroom and kitchen are a significant factor. Only a HeatMap survey would reveal what is going on.
I purchased an Orbi RBK50 (one router and one satellite) because although I was doing fine upstairs at a linear distance of about 35 ft., the far corner of the downstairs living room (where my wife liked to sit with her iPad) and the downstairs front patio got dismal service. I put the satellite downstairs about 20-25 ft. from the router, and now I have great overage over the entire house, including the patios.
Yes, this is probably "overkill" for your apartment. The less costly RBK40 system would probably do great. One single RBR50 would probably do great. I have learned, however, that some people would rather "buy once and get on with life" than take a chance and have to rework it.
Sorry not to have an "answer." Please report what you decide and how it works out.
Again, thank you SO much, CrimpOn. Though you mght not consider that an answer, it’s much better information than I have gotten from Netgear. They are not clear in explaining and comparing features. And I think you are exactly correct that the kitchen-bathroom cluster is what has been a problem in the apartment. I have been through several routers and several extenders through the years, and I am inclined to go for a system which would be definitive. It mght be a little while yet, but I will let you know. Thanks again.
John
One more thing, though. I looked around and could not find an iOS app which could provide a HeatMap. Sounds like Apple has limitations on these capabilities. You seem not to be an Apple user, but would you know of one?