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Orbi WiFi 7 RBE973
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Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

mn_a4
Aspirant

Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Hi! I tried browsing through existing posts, but could not find a similar topic.

 

I currently have an 860 which was fine in the old house, but recently moved into a house with cement exterior walls and now cannot get reliable wifi to the patio. Will the 970 provide better performance through the cement walls? I don't need a lot, but maybe extending coverage an additional 20 more feet past what I currently get through the wall would be good.

 

An RBS50Y in extender mode was suggested, but I don't think they are in production anymore and the prices I see on the internet are ridiculous.

Message 1 of 7

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FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Concrete will cause same problems for any wifi system. 

Might set up a ethernet wire out to the patio area and install a wireless AP. If the unit has to be outside, then they have external weather proof cases that could be used for the wireless AP. 

 

Review one of these? 

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax608y/

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax610y/

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Message 2 of 7

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FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Concrete will cause same problems for any wifi system. 

Might set up a ethernet wire out to the patio area and install a wireless AP. If the unit has to be outside, then they have external weather proof cases that could be used for the wireless AP. 

 

Review one of these? 

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax608y/

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax610y/

Message 2 of 7
plemans
Guru

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Wifi broadcast power has been maxed out for quite a while. And you already have a top of the line system. 

Its not going to penetrate any better. 

You're best option is to connect an outdoor access point hardwired. This could be using an ethernet run, a powerline connection, or using a moca adapter (ethernet over coax). That'd be the best way to get outdoor coverage. 

Trying to use a wireless backhaul will run into the same issue you're currently having. 

Sometimes its worth the investment for a hardwired connection

Message 3 of 7
mn_a4
Aspirant

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

I guess I was hoping that the new antenna of the 970 would provide better penetration.

 

I did manage to put an 860 satellite outside in the patio right by a window that was able to daisy chain to one of the inside satellites. There's a large overhang so it should be protected enough from the elements.

Message 4 of 7
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Is the RBS860 exposed to the outside environment? Orbi systems are not designed for outside use, even if under a over hang or covering. Exposure to humidity, cold and hot temperatures in a out side environment will not be good for the RBS that are designed for indoor use. If you need a RBS out side, you should look into a outdoor weather proof electronics case. 

Message 5 of 7
mn_a4
Aspirant

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

Thanks for the tip.

 

Maybe I'll try it inside sitting right at the windowsill pointing out.

Message 6 of 7
FURRYe38
Guru

Re: Orbi 970 vs Orbi 860 through cement walls

👍

Message 7 of 7
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