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Forum Discussion
Upgrading to wifi 6 worth it?
I currently have rbk50 with 2 sattelites, I use both sattelites to connect tvs and media devices via ethernet. I have 400 fios service. Generally have no internet issues except not a real strong signal in garage. Would I benefit from the newer models with wifi 6? Be honest. Be sides.my smartphones I dont think any of my wife devices have wifi 6. But maybe the connection between sats and router will be better? Maybe signal strenth?
6 Replies
30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
There is a Orbi AX forum for AX questions and help:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/bd-p/en-home-orbi-ax
AX is a benefit if you have AX mode supporting wifi devices.
Good Luck.
Joevberg wrote:
But maybe the connection between sats and router will be better? Maybe signal strenth?Yes, the Product Data Sheet for the "AX" Orbi line indicates that the backhaul link between router and satellite has a higher maximum theoretical bandwidth of 2400mbs vs. the 1733mbs of the RBR50:
https://www.netgear.com/images/datasheet/orbi/RBK852.pdf
Whether this translates into better range or performance in your situation is unknown.
Since moving to WiFi6 is essentially a "fork lift upgrade" (out with the old, in with the new), I am waiting (a) until I actually have WiFi6 compatible products (I have zero now and do not anticipate buying new cell phones, tablets, or laptops for quite some time), and (b) until people begin to publish detailed comparisons of the competing WiFi6 products. Every WiFi manufacturer is releasing WiFi6 products at wildly different price points, but all I see are "puff pieces" repeating marketing propoganda. Nothing yet in the way of "head to head" technical reviews.
- Thank you. I dont plan on it at this point but there was a great deal I could get on one and if i found a buyer for my current than I would because the money wouldn't be much.
Joevberg wrote:
Thank you. I dont plan on it at this point but there was a great deal I could get on one and if i found a buyer for my current than I would because the money wouldn't be much.Well, now that's a "horse of a different color." (what the heck does that mean?) A "good deal" changes one's perspective.
In that case, it might be worth a few minutes to browse the AX forum:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/bd-p/en-home-orbi-ax
I have looked very briefly at that forum. My impression is that some people report "good things" about the product, while others are frustrated by a lack of features that they assumed would be on the product. Splitting 2.4G and 5G might be impossible on that platform. Disney Circle may not be supported yet. etc. etc. I should think it would not take very long to get a sense of how the AX product is being received.
