Preparing for Orbi RBK50 - Some due diligence questions

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LarryJoe wrote:

Hello everyone,

 

I just ordered the Orbi Triband RBK50.  I have a few questions:

 

1

I currently have xfinity 1Gb service.  Will this router broadcast greater than 500 bbps wifi speeds?  My current set-up does hit 700-800 mbps over 5ghz when close by.  The specs are confusing for the Orbi as it says best for 500mbps service but also references 3gig broadcasting? The AC3000 is the aggregation of all 3 bands. Not a singular band. And the band that devices connect to for 5ghz is a 866mbps. It uses the 1733mbps connect as the backhaul between satellites. I've maxed out around that 500mbps under optimal conditions.  

2

During install and set up, will the Orbi put my Xfinity router in bridge mode or do I have to do this manually?  I have heard the Orbi will but not sure.---If you have a xfinty modem/router combo device, you'll need to put it in bridge mode yourself. Of put the orbi in access point mode. Up to you which route you choose. 

 

3

My goal is to disable the xifnity wifi service and name the Orbi network the same thing with the same password.  I assume it broadcasts 2.4 and 5ghz under the same name like the Xifnity router? ----yes. I frequently do this because I switch routers a lot. All of them have switched without issues for me.  I have ALOT of devices, the majorty of them smart home and it would be a pain to reconfigure all to a new network name.

 

Background - with all the work and school from home, there are days where the drops are unbearable.  It does not seem to be coverage of area related or even bandwidth, but I am out of patience with Comcast and on my second router.  I am thinking a mesh system might serve us better.

 

Please let me know your thoughts and any other tips you might have.

 

Thanks

 

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the orbi isn't going to hit the speeds of a flagship single router solution but it will have higher average throughput because of the satellites providing better coverage. Its worked great for me and I'm on xfinity gigabit.