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Orbi 850 vs 960 question
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I’m not super advanced when it comes to this stuff so please bear with me. I’m trying to really future proof my networking and push it out as far as I can.
I have 3GB fibre internet and want to really pick the right mesh system to make sure I’m fully utilizing the speeds.
We have a new built home with cat 6A running throughout and multiple Ethernet jacks on each floor etc. I know that having a wired backhaul is always a solid option for speeds etc. My question is if I backhaul every single satellite in the house and want to maximize that speed, would I technically need the 960 series because it’s satellites have the 2.5gb port? Where as the 850 series satellites only have 1gb ports.
Also to mention that I have a fully managed 8 X 10 gb switch that the main router will connect to, to feed those Ethernet jacks.
Again hope I’m making sense and even doing that correctly.
Lastly, with my current google wifi which I’m upgrading, if you did a wired backhaul on one of the satellites, then it would essentially no longer be a part of the mesh system so nothing could bounce off of it. So for example if the router was in a basement and the first satellite on floor 1 was wired backhaul, then the satellite on floor 2 would lose that jump and it would only have the basement router to try and send a signal to. I got this info from google so take it for what it’s worth.
Is this the case with the Orbi system as well?? Or would a wired satellite still allow other satellites to bounce off of it effectively not reducing the wireless backhaul speeds for those that are not wired in.
Thanks In advance!
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If you're satellites are hardwired in, they still act as part of the mesh and other satellites can still connect to them.
So I wouldn't worry to much about that.
Your concern is if its worth buying the 960 series for the 2.5gig backhaul or sticking with an 860 with only the 1gig backhaul.
That's something its more on your budget and performance goals to decide.
If your devices that connect to the satellite aren't using the full 1 gig, then its worth sticking with the 860.
But if you're satellites are using 2gig speeds, then it might be worth the jump to the 960 series.
Not really a choice we can make as it isn't our wallets paying for it.
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If you're satellites are hardwired in, they still act as part of the mesh and other satellites can still connect to them.
So I wouldn't worry to much about that.
Your concern is if its worth buying the 960 series for the 2.5gig backhaul or sticking with an 860 with only the 1gig backhaul.
That's something its more on your budget and performance goals to decide.
If your devices that connect to the satellite aren't using the full 1 gig, then its worth sticking with the 860.
But if you're satellites are using 2gig speeds, then it might be worth the jump to the 960 series.
Not really a choice we can make as it isn't our wallets paying for it.
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
for the satellites, yes.
the router has a 10g port and will support those speeds coming in on the wan port. Problem is all the LAN ports are 1 gig.
The only current netgear mesh system is the RBKE963 that has multi-gig on router and satellites.
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
If your devices connected to the satellite even have multigig ports.
You might be surprised at home much data you actually need for speed.
Streaming 4k video only takes 25-40mbps.
I didn't see much difference going from 300mbps to 1.2gig. the servers just aren't there to supply that much speeds.
And your wireless devices aren't going to max out 1 gig unless you're speedtesting.
So its really more about what you use it for than do you want to supply it fully.
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
I really appreciate your prompt replies and help!
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
I live in a 4000 sq foot house on three levels. Basement main and upper level. The layout bottom to top is more or less the same and looks like a bit of a rectangle. All floors would require solid coverage. We also sit outside a lot and have a big front and backyard so would want coverage out there. I’m just wondering if I’m better to go with the 3 pack instead of a 2 pack.
I have also been reading up on where to position things and I read a lot that placing the main router on the main floor and satellites in the basement and upper floor would be smart? And not vertically from each other but in opposite sides. So if you looked at a side cross section of the house, if I place my router in the middle of the main floor. Place the basement satellite in the far right corner for example and the upper floor in the far left corner?
Thank you!
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
I can't tell you exactly what would and wouldn't work because so many variable impact it.
When I first started using mesh systems, i tried 2-3-4-5 satellites and different positions. I figured out what arrangement worked best based of speedtesting using both wired/wireless backhauls. It was pretty similar but there were differences. so I know in my home what works best, and the staggered setup works best with a wired backhaul for MY home.
But your home might be different. Things in the walls/floors (think HVAC, foil lined insulation, tiling, etc) that might impact the signal. If you've got the budget, I'd get the extra satellite and test multiple variations to find what works the best.
I found out you can have to many satellites as they'll start interfering with each other.
so its a bit of a crap-shoot in figuring out what works best.
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
Thank you again Plemans!
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Re: Orbi 850 vs 960 question
I'm currently using 2x satellites on my RBKE963 in a 3200sqft home. its a bit overkill but I have them far enough apart and using the hardwired backhaul that they don't create issues.
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