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Forum Discussion
itGeeks
Sep 26, 2016Apprentice
Feature Request: Orbi Satellite Ethernet Backhaul
As good as Orbi looks on paper I don't understand Y you would cut yourself so short and not support Eithernet backhaul for the satellites, I have 5 locations needing a system like this but without su...
- Apr 26, 2017
Let me acknowledge that our customer base has been clamoring for this feature for a while, and we are trying to be responsive to their needs. To provide context on why it's taking a while to get it out, during the first quarter, the Orbi Engineering team was focused on bringing out the two new products (RBK30 & RBK40) to market. Now that it's accomplished, we're actively working on bringing this feature and a couple of other interesting, market-requested features to you.
Orbi Product Team
Sandspike
Oct 16, 2017Star
Is there a notification list for wired backhaul that we can get on? That's the least you guys can do. Create a feedback system or page that we can get updates on. You may not be able to comment on upcoming releases, due to those dates slipping, or features getting pushed into new products. You've got a lot of people that want to wait for your product, even though everyone else supports this today. Wireless inherently fluctuates, and wired backhaul is the best possible solution.
There are many users like myself, that want to purchase an Orbi system due to the performance characteristics as tested by many third part sites, but I won't purchase until Wired Backhaul is available.
peteytesting
Oct 16, 2017Hero
Sandspike wrote:
There are many users like myself, that want to purchase an Orbi system due to the performance characteristics as tested by many third part sites, but I won't purchase until Wired Backhaul is available.
and this is where it makes little sense to me , those sites are reporting performance based on its wireless only backhaul , once you remove the wireless backhaul its nothing more than a few wireless access points that would have no greater benefit than if you purchased wireless access points in the first place
it is coming just cant say when \
pete
- truepuddingOct 16, 2017Star
Do your homework - here's a good article about mesh: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/26/technology/personaltech/mesh-network-vs-router.html
I would search around for others too. If you like to play video games walking around your house, or like to use the skype app walking around the house, the mesh network is a better choice. If you are sitting still on your laptop, there is no purpose for anything other than an access point.
The benefit of a mesh network is being able to roam around and switch hubs without a dropped connection. Even if this switch only takes a few seconds to complete on an AP, it's still enough to drop your game or your skype call. Mesh networks keep your connection alive while roaming.
Correct me if I'm wrong - but there really isn't another reason for a mesh network. You can fix deadspots with a cheap AP and don't have a need for it. In my case, I play games while pacing around. I never get dropped.
I switched to google wifi because of wired backhaul, and don't plan on coming back to netgear. I asked about this feature probably a year ago on this thread... I don't think netgear cares to build this. It's only going to sale a handful more units and they will probably spend their time making this in a new version of the orbi vs fixing the existing (as another used mentioned on this thread).
It boils down to this- if you need mesh (for the reasons above), get another system. I'm sorry to those of you that assumed this feature would be there (because 100% of the competitors have it). If you don't need the features listed above, save your money and buy a router and enough AP's to take care of all your deadspots.
- SandspikeOct 17, 2017Star
Let me clarify things. I think everyone wants a large mesh network, that covers their house under a single SSID without deadspots. I have everything hardwired that can be. Only my IOT and phone/tablet devices are on wireless. Wireless is prone to latency/disconnection and drop out. By eliminating the wireless backhaul it should make it more stable. You guys have done a good job according to reviewers with wireless backhaul, it's just not for me.
My issues are further complicated by having gigabit internet. Your throughput has to be outstanding.
Assuming you can implement wired backhaul correctly, your performance should increase from the already good results.
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/
I have a Netgear R7000 running Tomato today, with a circle management device for the kids, and a TPLINK Onhub as a 2nd AP, 2nd SSID for my office (Far from the R7000). R7000 Key features (Static DHCP), VPN, QOS.
I really want to go with Google Wifi, but their advanced features are too limited. I like the idea of set it and forget it. Updates applied automatically, and kits of smart features, implemented simply. Also The devices have to be able to handle the gigabit internet speeds. Older devices are often limited by port, or processing power to 100Mb-300Mb.
Bottom Line: We appreciate Netgear responding to people wanting answers, but you've been singing the same song for a while now. It's coming. We've all been burned by companies promising updates that never come. Or you hit a wall and physically can't implement the solution.