Orbi 960, single router only?

My guess is no one at Netgear expected to have enough customers wanting to purchase a "mesh" system without any satellites to create and stock such a product.

 

Netgear offers numerous WiFi routers.  The distinguishing characteristic of the Orbi product line is the "mesh" capability, where one router and one or more satellites are connected to create a larger seamless WiFi coverage than a single WiFi router can.  There are strict limits on the strength of WiFi radio signals and the only way to extend coverage is to install more WiFi access points.

A single RBRE960 router with zero satellites has no advantage over a single WiFi6E router.

 

A single RAXE500 is the functional equivalent of a single RBRE960.

 

The only significant differences (that I see) are:

• The RAXE500 has two functioning USB ports which can be used to connect printers or USB hard drives, while the RBRE960 has no USB ports.
• The RBRE960 features Netgear's Parental Controls, which is not mentioned in the RAX500E Product Data Sheet:
  A single RAXE500 is the functional equivalent of a single RBRE960. 
  If controlling your parents is important, then the RAXE500 is not the right product.