NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Solved
New Orbi in an old apartment
I am looking to install a new wifi environment to give me service I can be happy with, and to support a new system of Sonos speakers.Our apartment is in building from 1960, and the walls are quite solid. The apartment is about 1500 square feet. The cable modem is more or less in the center, but any satellites would have to be on the other side of walls, one of which is exterior, and has given us problems with wifi, despite new router and extender. I would also prefer to be able to use wall plug-in satellites. I am hoping that the RBK33 would do the job, though wondering if an RBK52W or even an RBK53 would be adequate. I like to think I am technically competent, but this is a new world to me, and I would appreciate advice. Thanks very much.
I hope you understand that "radio stuff" is not simple. We have many users on the forum who are quite happy with AC2200 systems. Strength of signal is not related to the bandwidth (AC2200 vs. AC3000). There are plenty of AC2200 WiFi's that are as "powerful" as AC3000 systems. In the particular case of the Orbi, the AC3000 "50" series has a couple of advantages over the AC2200 models: (1) the antennas are physically different and users have remarked (anecdotally) that they are "more powerful". (2) there are entirely separate radios and antennas for the backhaul connections. So the transmission between base unit and satellite does not interfere with the transmission to user devices.
If the user's internet connection has a maximum bandwidth of 20mb, all of this is pointless. The limiting factor is clearly the internet. Surplus bandwidth to user devices and for backhaul is like having a Ferrari to drive on city streets at 20mph. However, as the user's internet speed increases, the ability to provide more bandwidth to the clients and over the backhaul becomes more important.
You did mention concerns that service to the "speaker end" of the apartment was problematic with the current WiFi system. My (personal) guess is that the bathroom and kitchen are a significant factor. Only a HeatMap survey would reveal what is going on.
I purchased an Orbi RBK50 (one router and one satellite) because although I was doing fine upstairs at a linear distance of about 35 ft., the far corner of the downstairs living room (where my wife liked to sit with her iPad) and the downstairs front patio got dismal service. I put the satellite downstairs about 20-25 ft. from the router, and now I have great overage over the entire house, including the patios.
Yes, this is probably "overkill" for your apartment. The less costly RBK40 system would probably do great. One single RBR50 would probably do great. I have learned, however, that some people would rather "buy once and get on with life" than take a chance and have to rework it.
Sorry not to have an "answer." Please report what you decide and how it works out.
10 Replies
Well, first, you are one lucky person to have the modem "about in the center" of the space. Most of us start with a modem in the worst possible location, like one corner of a basement. What are the approximate dimensions of the space? (1,500 sq. ft. could be about 30x50 ft.) And, what is this about needing to pass through an exterior wall? (An "L-shaped" space? An outside patio?)
If the space is 30x50 ft. a single RBR50 in the center would probably do the job.
I am not a fan of the "wall plug" WiFi units because that means they typically are placed close to the floor and signals have to pass through furniture, desks, bookcases, cabinets, bathtubs, etc. A cast iron bathtub will just kill a WiFi signal. Likewise an oven or refrigerator. They seem to sell well, so I guess a lot of users are happy with them.
Hi,
I have the RBK33 :)
I live in a bricked house where the Orbi router is upstairs and the two 'wall plug' satellites are downstairs. One is in the lounge and the other is on an outside bricked wall in a conservatory and I was very surprised that this satellite is working so well. The back haul bandwidth is not as good as the lounge satellite but is more than adequate for my use which includes Netflix streaming via an Amazon TV stick.
CheerZ and goodluck..
Thanks for the attention. Sorry for the delay, but I have done my best to lay out dimensions in a floor plan which I have attached here. Basically, the apartment is 66 ft by 23 for much of the used space. The connection from the access point (and the modem) to the television and to the wireless speakers, all planned for the future, currently goes through some solid walls, and I have not been able to improve signals much with extenders. As I said, any opinions are welcome.
Excellent drawing, thanks. The RBR50, which is the base unit in the RBK50 and RBK53 kits has the most powerful signal of any of the Orbi units. It looks to me like the entire space should be within range of an RBR50, with the only concerns being the bathroom construction and the kitchen appliances. An RBS5 somewhere on the side with the entrance could be far enough away from the base router and would provide strong converage in the room with the TV and speakers.
Just user experience here. I have a 5000sq ft home. Was given a CBK40 which is a RBR40 with a built in cable modem and just 1 RBS satellite. With 40 feet in between the CBR and RBS, both wired and wireless, I have great wifi coverage and performances indoors and outside with just this setup.
