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Forum Discussion
rschap1
Oct 02, 2020Apprentice
Repeater Extender set up?
Not necessarily a strictly Netgear question, but I could use some good advice and help here... I have very minimal networking knowledge, but would like to add a couple repeater/extenders to my wifi....
plemans
Oct 08, 2020Guru - Experienced User
You can try using an extender. There are triband mesh extenders that do function. they work very well if you only have one of them. If you're needing more than 1, then its better to go full mesh.
If you are interested in orbi, like I said, watch the RBK43 system on amazon. You can frequently find it renewed for around that 200-250.
rschap1
Oct 12, 2020Apprentice
I will ask an elementary question as I am just starting to learn a little about this stuff...
Does a router like mine just function as a transmitter, while all the parts in a mesh system both recieve and transmit?
And a mesh must have some manner in which to decide which "unit" has best signal or connection.
And a repeater / extender is simplier in that it just takes in what the router outputs, and sends it out on it's own; reverses for upload...
Any of that correct?
And my current router is not capable of functioning in a mesh system, no other satelite units compatible, correct also?
Another BIG thank you !!
- plemansOct 12, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Routers both send and receive.
What sets a mesh system apart from a standard router and extender setup is it has a primary router that controls the system. This prevents extenders from connecting to each other, it helps load balance between the bands, and allows it to use both a wired and wireless backhaul (connection between router---satellites). There's dual band mesh systems and triband. I highly recommend the tribands for mesh because if you're using wireless for backhaul, it reserves 1 of the 5ghz bands just for the router---extender communication. makes them much faster.
- rschap1Oct 13, 2020Apprentice
Thanks again
Little at a time I am figuring bits and pieces out.
Appreciate the education
:)
- rschap1Nov 20, 2020Apprentice
Well, I received this latest promotional email this morning with a couple interesting pieces advertised and on sale.
Still haven't learned enough to make a purchase on my own confidently:(
I see each of these and wonder if either would do what I am hoping to do?
Both are labeled as mesh"
AC2200 WITH PATENTED FASTLANE3 TECHNOLOGY Nighthawk X4S Tri-Band WiFi Mesh Extender@ $169.99
and
NIGHTHAWK® MESH WIFI 6 SYSTEM (MK62)@ $189.99
I see the MK62 is another actual router and would replace what I have now along with a satelite and able to buy/add more satelites.
Only issue I see is that the router doesn't show 5-6 ethernet ports that I currently use on my existing router for a bunch of wired connections.
I do have another multi port switch (I believe that is correct term, like a "manifold" for plugging in multiple units to one wall port).
The X4s looks like an easy option, just not sure why only $20 cheaper than a whole actual mesh system. And I am assuming that this would have to be the one and only satelite (sorry if not correct term) extender/repeater. I would use my existing router, keep the wired stuff, and only have to hope that the one extender got the job done. I am most curious how this gets labeled as "mesh" if what I mention is true?
Wondering if I am even correct in my elementary thinking of this stuff to this point.
Once again VERY much appreciate any knowledge that might help me from buying stuff that I don't need, won't help, or won't work at all for me.
THANKS
- plemansNov 20, 2020Guru - Experienced User
I'll just say I'm not a fan of dual band mesh systems unless they're using a wired backhaul.
the whole purpose of mesh systems is a wired/wireless backhaul to prevent increased latency and decreased speeds. The daul band mesh systems don't have the same speed/latency benefits as the triband or hardwired in mesh systems. But they do work.
- rschap1Nov 20, 2020Apprentice
Not going to pretend like I know exactly what that all means, but I will take away that I will be looking for triband rather than dual set up.
Must be why some of the dual stuff is cheaper than what I expected.
- plemansNov 20, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Mesh systems function best with a dedicated backhaul. A backhaul is the connection between the router and satellites.
You can either use a wireless backhaul or a wired backhaul. Either works (wired is faster).
The tribands have a dedicated 5ghz chip that is dedicated for that. The user can't connect to it or connect devices to it. Its only for router---satellite communication.
The dual band systems don't have that wireless backhaul. They can use a wired backhaul but many don't have that option. If you don't, then I'd avoid the dual band systems. If you do, then its a pretty reasonable option.
- rschap1Nov 20, 2020Apprentice
Looks like I can narrow my searching a little more. Tri band with wireless capability.
The locations I am looking at do not lend to running a wire between.
BIG THANKS
- rschap1Feb 24, 2021Apprentice
Curious if this is a good deal I am seeing now, or outdated and better to get newer (more expensive technology-system)
NETGEAR RBK43 Orbi Whole Home Mesh AC2200 WiFi System with Tri-band - 3 Pack
$199.99I see it is $150 cheaper than buying brand new.Also see WAY better speed ratings on newer FAR more pricey systems, but wonder if I need the newest, biggest, best, and costliest; or would I even realize any difference with my service and devices???THANKS again - plemansFeb 24, 2021Guru - Experienced User
Its a pretty solid system. I've used it quite a bit. I'd choose it over any of the dual band mesh AX systems.
Its only when you get to the triband mesh systems that you start seeing benefits versus the RBK43 system.
- rschap1Feb 24, 2021Apprentice
The RBK43 is tri-band, correct?
I see it described as one.
Anyone know if there is any difference between RBK43 and RBK43 S ?
Thanks once again !!
- plemansFeb 24, 2021Guru - Experienced User
The RBK43 is triband. It uses a dedicated 866mbps backhaul for the link from satellites to router.
The S system models includes a 1 year armor subscription. Not sure if that is still applicable with refurbed units though.
- rschap1Feb 24, 2021Apprentice
Thanks very much !!!
Appreciate the help, info, and advice
:)
- rschap1Mar 26, 2021Apprentice
I ended up getting an Orbi set up.
https://computers.woot.com/offers/netgear-rbk43-ac2200-orbi-mesh-wifi-7
Family is much happier.
Works LOTS better.
With weather getting better, we spend more time out and about the yard.
Thinking I want to possibly add another satelite.
Not totally sure if it is even needed as I have the router and one satelite in the house, and the third in the garage spreading things out.
The far end of my yard has a shed and I usually add a smart home entertainment set up hooked to wfi in there.
I see a Nighthawk AC2200 plug in extender
Wondered if compatible, or will only Orbi stuff work with my new system?
Or is it difficult to add?
It was nice being able to set up the Orbi as quick and easy as it was.
THANKS again !!!