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Forum Discussion
Recommended Orbi Solution For Isolated Networks
I'm struggling to figure out which Netgear solution(s) would solve my problem. I've been looking at Orbi primarily so I thought I'd post the question here.
Overall context: Have cable service that delivers about 250Mbps throughput to laptops over WiFi - via R6350 (AC1750) router. In a couple of weeks we're upgrading to 1GB fiber service to the house. Currently have two daisy-chained routers to separate IoT and private traffic. I want to upgrade our router/network.
Requirements:
1. Increase performance to the laptops over WiFi. Only my wife and I in the house. Laptop use is not heavy from bandwith perspective - no gaming, etc. But we both spend A LOT of time on our computers: coding, website development, etc. (Not work - we're retired.)
2. Improve some WiFi coverage issues we currently have. 3,500 ft^2 home - 2 floors and basement.
3. Separate private (laptop) traffic from IoT traffic. The goal is SECURITY - not performance. The IoT devices do not require high performance.
4. The IoT devices need to be able to talk to each other. Client Isolation is an absolute non-starter. For example, I've got a computer that does image analysis from an IP camera. Both of those devices need to be separated from the private (laptops') network and be able to talk to each other.
I'm looking for input in two categories:
1. Is there a good solution for the above in the Orbi line? The Orbi Pro line looks perfect - it enables 4 SSIDs configurable in VLANs. That's just what I need for network segmentation. However I just learned the Orbi Pro line doesn't have a firewall. Maybe I use that and get a separate firewall? The regular Orbi line doesn't look like it will work because the Guest Network does not allow private net isolation and still allow Guest Network devices to talk to each other.
2. I'm struggling with whether I should go with a tri-band WiFi 5 solution or a WiFi 6 solution. (Tri-band WiFi 6 is doable from a budget perspective, but it's a bit uncomfortable.) Is an AC3000 solution going to be able to take full advantage of the 1GB service I'll have? We only have one WiFi 6 capable machine. Not sure when my wife will upgrade her laptop. The IoT stuff will likely never be WiFi 6 - lots of Raspberry Pis, cameras, etc.
Thanks very much!
Jim
3 Replies
How much of that speed do you want over wifi?
Even if you go with a top of the line wifi 6 orbi pro setup, the bottleneck tends to be the devices you're using and not the router. Are your devices wifi 6 (AX)? If not, its not going to be the router holding you back.
And can you hardwire in your access points/satellites? If you can, you can buy cheaper solutions that don't need the triband option.
I have a SXK30 (Orbi pro) and an RBK752 and I always end up back using my SXK30 with a wired backhaul over the 750 series. Its half the price but its fronthaul is the same as the 750 series. And its more stable as the pro lines they push stability.
In terms of firewall. If you're that concerned about it, I'd highly recommend an aftermarket one or built one over one built into a consumer router. I don't have one to recommend though.
The pro setup is nice with the vlan/multiple ssid setup. I use it for my IoT devices as well.
Thanks very much. I appreciate it.
Hardwire to satelites is not an option unfortunately.
Currently only have one device that is WiFi 6 capable. I'm hoping I could get more throughput to the laptops than the current 250Mbps we're getting on AC1750.
I was actually considering the Orbi Pro WiFi 5 Tri-Band - the SRK60 (AC3000). It's available for (what seems like) a steal on Amazon: $150. Given that price point it leaves room in the budget (or makes it easier) to get a separate firewall.
that's a pretty good price for that setup.
You probably won't see much speed difference as the fronthaul is still 866mbps (5ghz) and 400mbps (2.4gh) on link speed.
Hardwired into it you'll see a difference.
And I've never used that version so can't attest to the vlan/multiple ssid aspect of it.
but its still a good price on that setup.
