Quick question about wired backhaul. My current internet service is 1GB ATT fiber, and I go from the ATT gateway (bridge mode) > Orbi (Router Mode) > Network Switch > Satellites.
This setup works just fine, but I'm switching to ATT 5GB fiber. I'd like to be able to get the full 2.5 GB to each of the satellites should they ever need it, and the main router only has a 2.5GB port out. As a result, I'm thinking of trying the following ATT gateway (Router Mode) > Switch > Orbi (AP Mode) / Satellites. My question is would the wired backhaul still work in this set-up? Essentially, I would be going direct from the gateway to the Orbi router and Orbi satellites rather than daisy chaining them.
Another question is can the 960 utilize both wired and wireless backhauls simultaneously, similar to the Eero 6E? This would eliminate the need to change my set-up in the first place as the wireless channels could offer the additional bandwidth.
Since the RBS need to be connected to the RBR for ethernet backhaul and to get 2.5Gb support to each RBS from the RBR, you'll need to connect a 2.5Gb supporting LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS. I'm currently using both GS110MX and XS505M in my configuration however I think you only need the GS110MX.
Thanks, but I'm trying to figure out a way to go direct from the gateway to the main orbi unit and 2 satellites as I believe that would allow me to get the most out of the 5GB fiber connection. If I go from the main orbi unit to the two satellites then I might as well just get the 2 GB fiber connection.
The RBS have to be connected to the RBR even if wired. They won't sync right if connected to the ISP modem.
The limitation will be 2.5Gb on the one LAN port on the RBR. So if you feed the RBR 5GB on it's 10Gb WAN port. The max output you can do from the RBR to the RBS is 2.5Gb. Having the one 2.5Gb LAN port and two RBS, you can output this if you put in a 2.5Gb LAN switch in between the RBR and RBS, then both will connect at 2.5Gb max rate. You'll not see 5Gb ever between the RBS and RBR over LAN.
Honestly you won't see 5Gb over wireless as well. Max rate is 4800Mbps I believe on 6Ghz. The wireless backhaul is limited to 2400Mpbs on 5Ghz. In all my experiences with NG devices I have, I've never seen 4800 once to date on any device. I've come close to 4000Mpbs however that's in close range between two 4x4 or higher supporting MIMO devices. Even with my RAXE500 on 6Ghz with my 9 series, at a normal fair distance, at most I see is 3200Mpbs. From what I'm told to get anything at 4800Mpbs needs near perfect conditions and in variable household conditions, not really viable at a normal daily user base. I wish router mfrs would stop marketing 4800Mpbs.
Thanks, but I'm trying to figure out a way to go direct from the gateway to the main orbi unit and 2 satellites as I believe that would allow me to get the most out of the 5GB fiber connection. If I go from the main orbi unit to the two satellites then I might as well just get the 2 GB fiber connection.
I'd probably just go with the 2 gig connection. Most websites don't even get close to saturating gigabit, much less 2gig/5gig service.
I thought I would ask what your results are regarding the download and upload speeds you have been able to acheive on downloads with a 2 Gbps or 5 Gbps WAN connection? Additionally, I am also interested whether you performed these quick tests with Netgear Armor turned on as well as off?
I really appreciate it, as I didn't know how it would handle anything over a 1 Gbps connection. I also use ATT fiber on their 1 Gbps service. Do you use Netgear Armour on your 960? Do you recall if it was turned on when you ran your speed test?
This is more of a question to the group. I wondered if anyone had done similar speedtests with the ATT fiber 5 Gbps connection using the 960?
I just upgraded my ATT Fiber from 2GB to 5GB. (Connected to 10GB Upload Port on Orbi)
I was getting 2500 UP and DOWN all the way through to a 2021 Macbook Pro using an ASUS 2.5GB USB C to Ethernet Adapter.
I ATT Fiber Modem -> Orbi RBK963E --> Macbook Pro, all wired. (CAT 8 Cable in between ATT and Orbi and one from Orbi to Macbook Pro)
I do not see the full 5GB on the Orbi Speedtest, although the ATT Fiber Modem gets 5500 Down and 5100 Up.
I am actually in the process of putting a 10G Managed switch in between the ATT Fiber Modem and the Orbi to get the entire 5GB wired, using an OWC Thunderbolt 3 USB C Adapter on the Macbook Pro.
I wish I could get better with my Killer AX1690 Dual Wifi Card on my Windows Gaming rig, but its good with 1500MB Up and Down as of now.
I hope they come out with a fix for the Orbi to see the entire 5GB coming from the ATT Fiber Modem.
I really appreciate your sharing your experience, as it is very valuable to the community.
I have a few follow-up questions regarding your setups and testing: Did you have Netgear Armor turned on when you ran the speed test 2500 UP and DOWN all the way through to a 2021 Macbook Pro using an ASUS 2.5GB USB C to Ethernet Adapter? I am merely trying to understand if the Orbi processor is able to keep up.
Similarly, I wondered if you had Netgear Armor turned on when you ran your 5Gb speed test? I was just thinking that perhaps this is what is slowing your speeds down?
I am somewhat concerned with your cyber security, if you were to bypass security all together on a long-term basis with the managed switch before the Orbi, in order to achieve the full 5Gb speeds. With this said it is about all you can do to test the speeds and isolate where the issue is.
This is the current quandary we are all facing on these postings. How to achieve 5Gb speed without compromising security, and for a reasonable price. While I have no intention to promote any product, based my research thus far, it seems like SonicWall TZ670 may be the best option regarding this with threat prevention throughput at 2.5Gb, with SFP+ ports, etc. I say this as the available ports is another problem the Orbi has with only 2.5Gb. It seems like a SFP+ port would have been a natural fit in addition to the 2.5Gb port, as it would allow you to bifurcate your wired network as well.
Please let me know your thoughts on this, your research, etc.?
FYI, the only possible way you may see anything near 5Gb is on the 5 or 6Ghz wifi and thats ONLY and IF you have a 4x4 MIMO or higher supporting device that supports connecting at 4800Mpbs connection rate. Most mobile devices are only 2x2.
I recently saw this on my 9 series Orbi with my NH RAXE500 connected at close range in wireless bridge mode. First time to date I've seen this rate on anything I've tested:
Distance and Envrionment and Noise play a roll in this. General normal or average daily use and distance won't achieve this connection rate.
And even then the most you may see on speed test maybe around 4000Mpbs. IF you can get this rate. Maybe.
The LAN Ports on the 9 series are rated for 2.5Gb and 1Gb. So the max you'll ever see on the 2.5Gb port is 2.5Gb. Nothing more then that.
Once router mfrs get to the point of putting 2.5/5Gb or 10Gb LAN Ports in there products, then you'll see support across the board. FYI there are heat considerations when dealing with 2.5Gb and higher speeds so will have to see how router mfrs handle this in small space case styles. Im sure there are other factors as well. Only time will tell.
I appreciate everyone's response. For the sake of price concerns and the current technology limitations (i.e. 2.5 GbE port instead of 10 GbE to satellites/lacking SFP+ port for other wired components, and processor regarding threat protection throughput) I will have to remain in wait and see mode. For the time being the best path seems to be to go with the RBKE9 series. Perhaps this is something that could be addressed in a more advanced Orbi Pro model upgrade which seems now to be overdue? With the advent of CAT6A several years ago, I don't think this would be much of a stretch or ask, but time will tell. Perhaps they could even offer a discounted upgrade path to a more advanced unit, for early adopters who obtain the RBKE963 or RBKE964?
All in all, I agree with the other who have posted that on the wired WAN, that at this point, there is really no more discussion regarding upgrading beyond 2.5 GB. As far as the LAN goes, and depending upon your needs/wants sure you could go with a Multi-Gig setup managed setup as you see fit.
I will continue to listen to the thread for new updates and test information with a speed and security focus.
