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Forum Discussion
New - NetGear Orbi Firmware Version 2.3.0.32 now available...
FW 2.3.0.32 is now available on our support site :
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBK50.aspx#download
RBR/RBS 50 Series Only.
To manually update the firmware, there is a need to ...
gr8sho wrote:
Now, I don’t understand why you are making statements about running the Orbi in AP mode. I’m not interested in using a Cadillac as a spectator. The host router has its WiFi disabled and am relying entirely on the RBK50 to manage my home network traffic.
Cheers
When it comes to router functionality and performance, the Orbi is not anywhere near a Cadillac.
There aren’t that many systems of this type that cost more. Velop. Hardly makes any sense to me to buy something like this and just use it as an access point.
The major selling point for Orbi is the extremely high speed wireless backhaul between satellites and the base unit. Having an entirely separate 5G network, including separate antennas, produces the highest possible backhaul speed. The discussion about AP mode comes up primarily because running two routers back-to-back ("Double NAT") causes problems for people and the solution is to make one of them "not a router." Sometimes, people already have a very capable router with advanced features that they rely on and simply want a better Wi-Fi solution. They put Orbi in AP mode. Other times, the ISP's modem/router cannot be taken out of router mode by the customer, so they put Orbi in AP mode. And, there are customers who bridge the ISP modem/router and leave their Orbi in router mode.
The goal is to get the Internet service you want. For me, Orbi is just fine as a router. Maybe for you as well.
- I would take it a step further and say I want no part of the router provided by ISP, and want a fully functional standalone router I can rely on.
As others have restated the choice for AP mode for Orbi is for those it can't or do not not want to use Orbi's router functionality. Double natting (having both routers active) causes issues both small and large. It is also a matter of whose built in "protections" are trusted router wise more. Not always clear Signatures wise how people have their systems configured and there are differing levels of technical expertise here on who might overlook AP vs Router (default on Orbi) after a upgrade or reset.
As to pricing that is a moving target. Also everyone's coverage needs, home construction, ethernet port/s needs, usb port needs are different. As of 2019 February I found Orbi RBK53 for very reasonable $319.99 at Costco and $350 Amazon. Feature set I needed was uniquely met by RBK53. Probably could have settled for Superplume, Velop, and other 2 port systems if I had to.
I will say I would only recommend going with an Orbi kit like RBK53 that comes with 2 satellites as additional ones are a crazy $250. Other manufactures have more reasonable additional, but some charge charge service fees for best wifi capability. Lastly, some manufactures I would not trust from a privacy or long term support perspective (imho Google for example). Since they try to monetize everything they can find out about their customers. Only FB is worse.
