Forum Discussion

Guide

Jan 29, 2019

Solved

Orbi compatibility

I am thinking of ditching my ASUS TR-AC68U in favour of an Orbi soution. Will an Orbi mesh set up work well with my ASUS AC68U PC network card

Before You Buy

FURRYe38
Jan 29, 2019
Ok, the distance is something to keep in mind for Orib and the satellite(s)

JoeCymru

Virtuoso

Jan 29, 2019

The PCE version of the AC68u is similar to the RT specs and I would venture that you will have similar or better router performance with the Orbi with RBR40 (or better) within the same main router range and added satellite(s) will give you significantly improved coverage. But as FURRYe38 says, mileage may vary and the return policy on where you would buy Orbi is important. My experience with going from an RT AC68u to Orbi was slightly better close in router performance and a major change in home coverage and options where I could place a 4K TV for streaming.

Cornish27

Guide

Jan 29, 2019

Thanks @FURRYe38 and @ JoeCymru

I find the range of the RT AC68U poor although everything else is pretty good. My issue is range down a long thin house. I have a recent AC 68U network card that seems to work with most things e.g. my ISP provided modem/router (the router bit of it being very poor!)

I don't want to have to change the network card, but I don't think Netgear makes one, (only USB adapters?) so if I want to use the Orbi RBK50, I might as well try with my existing card

I buy through Amazon so the returns situation is covered

FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Jan 29, 2019
Try with the adapter and see how it works first, then see if you need to upgrade the adapter or not.

Cornish27 wrote:

Thanks @FURRYe38 and @ JoeCymru

I find the range of the RT AC68U poor although everything else is pretty good. My issue is range down a long thin house. I have a recent AC 68U network card that seems to work with most things e.g. my ISP provided modem/router (the router bit of it being very poor!)

I don't want to have to change the network card, but I don't think Netgear makes one, (only USB adapters?) so if I want to use the Orbi RBK50, I might as well try with my existing card

I buy through Amazon so the returns situation is covered
- Cornish27
  Guide
  Jan 29, 2019
  Yup, that's my plan. I will let you know what happened
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jan 29, 2019
    What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
    The distance between the router and satellite(s) should be 30 feet, is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials.