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Forum Discussion
RBKE953S vs RBKE963
Can someone please explain the difference between RBKE953S (sold at costco) vs RBKE963 sold elsewhere. Comparing the specs they looks exactly the same. Thanks
I currently have RBK753S and even that has Radio 1 with 1024-QAM for 2,4 GHz. I am not so much concerned about the total speed, but going back from 1024-QAM support to 256-QAM seems losing capabilities. My major concern would be how many devices you could connect. With most smart home devices running at 2.4 GHZ could that be a concern? Some places suggest 256 QAM can support up to 50 connected devices and if that is true, that would be a concern.
Whether the reduced performance 2.4Ghz band is acceptable is a decision you need to make, based on your devices and your finances.
Now that you know what the difference is between the two models (which is what you asked), you need to determine whether the Costco version will fit the need. As I said in one of my earlier posts - the cost difference would give me the opportunity to pay a bit lower for the RBKE953 - and use the difference in the cost to upgrade a couple of my PCs to take advantage of the 6Ghz band with it's additional speed. But that is MY need.
I did not see anywhere when checking 256 QAM vs 1024 QAM that it is a reduction in number of devices supported - only that it is a reduction of speed and if I read it correctly, that it only supports up to 802.11n on the 2.4GHz channel - meaning no AX. But, not sure I have ever really seen a 2.4GHz device that supports AX. That also could have been a misinterpretation on my part as well.
Product data sheet clearly claims 802.11ax on the 2.4G band. (I agree that the vast majority of existing 2.4G Internet of Things devices are unlikely to support 802.11ax - and some may even malfunction when ax is present.)
Orbi AX system offer the feature to enable or disable AX mode on 2.4Ghz, if needed.
