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Forum Discussion
bigmoe80
Oct 07, 2022Guide
orbi rbk50 help
just got the Orbi rbk50 to try it out to see how it performs so my issue that it doesn't connect to satellite unless it close by so not sure why it has to be close i thought this was a system to use...
bigmoe80
Oct 07, 2022Guide
well i really didn't have no dead zone my last router went out on me so i was trying to figure which or if i need to upgrade so
was look at the orbi system vs wifi router6's so i have both of these at the moment so i have 30 days to try them both and
see which one will suit me
also what setting you have your orbi on mine is still on default
CrimpOn
Oct 07, 2022Guru - Experienced User
The only 'settings' that I changed from default are:
- Defining CloudFlare and Google DNS in place of the DNS servers provided by my ISP.
- Reserving IP addresses for most of the devices on the network. (I like to know which IP belongs to which device. Not sure entirely why.)
- Defining user friendly names for every device.
- Setting up OpenVPN (mostly because it's there and seemed interesting).
If coverage is not really an issue, there is not really much need for a mesh system. The entire purpose for a mesh is to blanket the entire building with one WiFi network where devices can roam seamlessly from one part of the building to another.
The RBK50 came out in 2016, when WiFi6 (802.11ax) was still "coming soon" and WiFi6E (6GHz bands) was not even on the horizon.
If devices capable of WiFi6 (or even 6E) are likely to be in your future soon, those capabilities in a single router might be important.
Also, the Orbi is not designed for gaming. People who fixate on latency often complain about Orbi and the inability to prioritize certain devices or activities.
- bigmoe80Oct 07, 2022Guide
okay yeah i purchased the orbi to see what difference it would be vs rax5400 so really not a difference i got 30 days
to try out and return so im see how it goes
yeah coverage is really not my issue i just want some that give me a constant wifi connection for my wifi device such as my wifi security cams my firesticks
oh so the orbi wouldn't be good for ps4 online gameplay yes or no
well im not sure if in the future if i will have wifi 6 devices what are some wifi 6 devices
is the rbk5 wif5 or 6
- bigmoe80Oct 07, 2022Guide
so meant to ask you what if you enable these options and how neccasry or if needed are they
beamforming
mu-mimo
the rax50 has
beamforming plus
mu-mimo
ofmda
- CrimpOnOct 07, 2022Guru - Experienced UserRBK50 is WiFi5.
I do not play internet games, so have no personal experience. Will be keeping my RBK50 for some time, as there is only one device in the house that supports WiFi6 (iPhone) and it is almost never taken out of a purse. - bigmoe80Oct 07, 2022Guide
oh ok so the orbi would be still good for future
- KevinLiTOct 11, 2022NETGEAR Moderator
Hello bigmoe80,
Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!
WiFi5 is feasible for most use cases. However, the need for wireless internet depends on the user. If you are going to add Wi-Fi 6 or AX systems to your network it would be best to upgrade to WiFi6. If most of your devices use WiFi5 then you would not be able to get the desired WiFi6 speeds on those devices.
Let me know if you have any additional questions!
Best,
Kevin
Community Team