RBR40 Max Link Rate?......

[timferguson3240]

What is the max link rate of the RBR40 at it will not allow any clients to connect faster than 433MBps?  The RBS20 I have teamed up with it connects with a link rate faster than the 40.  I ask this as I have 600 down and 24 up internet and I am looking to take advantage of the whole speeds.  Do I need to upgrade to possible the RBR50?  I don't really understand.  Thanks in advance.

[FURRYe38]

https://www.netgear.com/images/datasheet/orbi/RBK40.pdf

last page:

"866+400Mbps"

The 2nd 866 value is for the connection rate between the RBR and RBS only which would be 866. The 50 series supports 1733 between a RBR50 and RBS50. 

You'll only see around 300-500Mbps on 5Ghz AC with most wifi devices. Design limitation. 

You should see near or spot on 600Mpbs with a ethernet connected PC to the RBR.

[CrimpOn]

Link Rate is a term used to describe a WiFi connection.  As @FURRYe38 referenced, the RBR40 Product Data Sheet describes the system as:

The maximum theoretical Link Rates are

• 866MB/s for the link between router and satellite
• 866MB/s for the link between router or satellite and a 5G WiFi client device
• 400MB/s for the link between router or satellite and a 2.4G WiFi client.

The actual Link rate achieved depends on

• the distance between Orbi unit and device. The farther away, the lower the link rate.
• any obstacles in the radio pathway
• capabilities of the specific device.

There are numerous articles on the web explaining how actual link rates are usually less than the theoretical rate.

In my case, a two year old Sony phone connected at 5G from about three feet away reports a link rate of:

• Transmit speed 650
• Receive speed 866

Replacing the RBR40 with an RBR50 (supposing that one can be found) will not affect the Link Rate between router and RBS20 satellites.  Do change that rate, the entire system must be replaced (what we used to call a "Fork Lift Upgrade".)  Even then, this will affect only the maximum Link Rate between router and satellite.  It will have no effect on the Link Rate between Orbi unit and user device.  And, that maximum theoretical rate of 1733 MB/s is never achieved in practice.  My link between RBR50 and RBS50 which is about 25 ft. away shows as 760MB/s.  i.e. less than half of the maximum theoretical rate of 1733MB/s.  25' plus a couple of walls and wooden flooring make 1733 simply impossible to achieve.

Before investing in new equipment, it might worth consider what practical benefits will be achieved.  i.e. aside from measuring "speed", what actual problems are being encountered.