I currently have a dual band X4S NightHawk R7800 router along with one X4S tri-band extender (AC2200). Looking to increase WiFi connectivity in home (tri-level house) for over 20 devices (incuding cameras, game systems, smart home devices, etc). I have multiple devices hard-wired to router. Options I'm investigating:
1. Switch to Orbi Mesh router system with one router (RBR50) and 2 nodes (RBS50) for total cost approximately $500.
2. Switch to NightHawk mesh system with new tri-band router (X6 or X8) with additional X6S tri-band extender along with current X4S extender for total cost approximately $360.
Will the NightHawk mesh components act in tandem as nodes similar to Orbi system? Am I gaining any benefits of one over the other (not counting power user configurations, etc). Does the backhaul work differently or affect speed when using the NightHawk mesh configuration? Obviously the Orbi will be mush easier to configure but is the cost advantageous over the NightHawk mesh configuration?
Any advice would be beneficial between the 2 configurations.
Either option will theoretically yield the same result setup-wise. The only reason to pick one over the other is if you want/require something very specific from it (i.e. total bandwidth difference, ease of setup, aesthetics, expandability). This is disregarding the cost difference.
Thanks Dexter for validating backhaul config. I opted for the Orbi, 2 satellites, and maintained my plug-in Nighthawk x4s for the garage. My outdoor cameras work with no lag now. Router is in basement with 2 satellites on other 2 levels. Signal is not super strong going to garage but with the extra plug-in works great now.
From what I read, the Orbi plug-in not as strong as the x4s thus decided to keep. And the backhaul is working flawlessly with the Orbi components in a nice star configuration.
