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Forum Discussion
Combine WiFi 6 RB 850 system with my old RB 50
I have a two year old Orbi RB 50 system, with one router and three satellites. It works good, but there are some areas of the house (and especially garden) that have bad or no coverage. So I just bou...
According to this post though, it works: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WiFi-6-AX-and-WiFi-6E-AXE/AX6000-RBS50-Satellite-s/td-p/1847132
Older FW version I believe it worked. Recent versions of FW don't.
I believed I tried this last year with mine, Couldn't make the RBR50 work over ethernet.
So, based on this information my old system is worthless if I keep the new one. How much better is 853 vs 50? Is it worth $800?
carlsson wrote:
How much better is 853 vs 50? Is it worth $800?
If you own devices capable of WiFi6 (802.11ax) or if you are maxing out the backhaul capacity to handle a gigabit internet feed, then.....
'perhaps'. Yes, it has more horsepower. Yes, it has a 2.5GB Ethernet port to connect to the highest speed internet available from any ISP. Yes, the backhaul link between router and satellites can run a bit faster.
I have a house full of WiFi devices (TVs, smart plugs, cameras, speakers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. etc. and not a single one of them supports WiFi6. Suppose I get a new laptop or smartphone that does support WiFi6. Will it suddenly 'perform better' with my existing 200MB/s internet feed? Don't think so. I will be hanging onto my old RBR50 system for years until there is an urgent need to upgrade.
Also something to be aware of, as older wifi systems grown in age, NH may not update FW as often or if anything only for security updates. No new features or bugs maybe added or fixed. I believe the Orbi AC series maybe heading to EoL as it's been on the market since 2016 in regards to this. Something to keep in mind.
carlsson wrote:
So, based on this information my old system is worthless if I keep the new one. How much better is 853 vs 50? Is it worth $800?
Thats on you to decide. My 50 series was plenty capable and is getting handed off to a family member who doesn't use quite the same capability as myself. For the vast majority of people, its going to be able to meet their needs. If you're needing the absolute maximum in wireless speeds, then sure, the upgrade is worth it. But if all you're doing is some streaming/gaming, you'd be fine with the 50 series. I don't notice a speed difference unless I'm speedtesting or if I'm moving massive files over wireless (which I rarely do).
