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Forum Discussion
jetter2
Nov 01, 2019Tutor
Can I set 5GHz channels to 40Mhz?
I have 2 Orbis and I have some questions about channelwidts for 5Ghz. I have no problem with the dedicated 5GHz backhaul radio operating on a 80MHz bandwidth, but I would REALLY like to be able t...
FURRYe38
Nov 01, 2019Guru - Experienced User
The Orbi is what it is. You can ask and request is all you can do from NG. If the system isn't to your liking or has the features you desire, then you are free to find something that does.
Good Luck.
jetter2
Nov 01, 2019Tutor
Thing is Orbi is the only one with a dedicated backhaul radio and 4 switchports for the mesh nodes. It is a fantastic produc that is crippled by **bleep**ty firmware.
Are there any other user-made firmwares out there like Tomato or DD-WRT back in the old days for the Linksys stuff?
- FURRYe38Nov 01, 2019Guru - Experienced User
4 Ethernet ports have been the standard for most home routers for years. I know there are a few that have more ports. However this doesn't cripple the system. You can only fit so much in a tight case space. And to add to that, external switches are not expensive. I bought a 24 port non managed Gb switch 10 years ago for around $200 I think. I've added several 5 and 8 port switches for $50 bucks and less since then.
The base code of Orbi is Chaos Calmer if that tells you anything. Not usre of any 3rd party has picked up the dev mantel to make there FW work with Orbi. Could be a hassle that no body wants to do. I know that Voxel over on SNB forums has said he would if he could get a unit from NG. Some have mentioned donating units to hime however he only seems to want a unit directly from NG which they haven't.
- jetter2Nov 01, 2019Tutor
For the Home-Mesh market - 2 ports is all you will find for most nodes (Luma/Eero/Google Wi-Fi/ Plume) etc. Having a Mesh Node with a 4 port switch on it has been exactly what I wanted.
Again I'm very happy with the Orbi hardware, its just so handicapped by this crappy firmware they run on it.
- FURRYe38Nov 01, 2019Guru - Experienced User
D-Link and ASUS has 4 port MESH systems.
Ya, I get that. FW could have some more bells and whistles. I presume it's a hard balance of what router mfrs what to put in there FW vs what users or some advanced users really want. Can also think about, the more stuff they put in the FW, the more problems that can arise. Something some router mfrs just don't wanna deal with. I first saw this years ago with Smart Connect first came out. Saw FW code features start to disappear and FW go slim in the pants. I presume mfrs are trying to see what works for home users and find that balance with features. I presume Mfrs just can't please everyone. :smileylol: