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Forum Discussion
Should I switch to Orbi system if I have an EX8000 Extender?
Hi - First time poster, and after spending multiple hours reading through forums/sites/reviews etc. I thought lets reach out to the community.
I currently have the following setup:
-Nighthawk R7000 Router
-ATT Gigabit internet (passthrough to Nighthawk)
-EX8000 Extender
-2100 Sq Ft 2 story house (+basement); wifi router on first floor, 5 year old home, drywall
-Smart TV on external garage 20 ft behind home
-Not a gamer, but do heavy Netflix/VOD streaming
-2017 13" Macbook pro
I'm trying to take advantage getting the best speeds from my Gig internet. I understand that theoretical speeds will never match reality, but I'm trying to optimize my setup and I'm wondering if it is time to upgrade. I've also read Dual band R7000 does not take advantage of the FastLane backhaul, so I'm not sure what approach to go and ethernet backhaul is not really an option for me.
Scenario 1: Switch the R7000 to Orbi RBK50 3000 system? One base and one satellite
-I know the RBK50 has the 'fastest' speeds but is it overkill, since I don't have a 5000 sq ft house as the netgear site says?
-Looking for seamless plug and play. If I keep my EX8000 will that act as a second Orbi satellite? which maybe I don't need on a 2100 sq ft house OR sell the EX8000 on eBay and get $80-90 towards the Orbi system
-Do I need to worry that the orbi system is 2x2 vs the 3x3 antenna on the Macbook Pro?
Scenario 2:Switch the R7000 to a newer tri-band router and keep the EX8000
- This would create a pseudo Orbi 'mesh' system
- Which Netgear tri-band router would be the best bang for the buck considering the above assumptions?
1 Reply
For a 2100 sq ft home, a single router and the EX would work fine. Getting into a Tri band router like maybe the R8000 to match the EX8000 specs would be some thing to look at. I have a EX7700 and have tested it out with my XR450 and R7800. Works well. A friend of mine has the XR500 and a EX8000. Loves it.
For Orbi you wouldn't necessarily need a 50 series Orbi. I have a 40 series Orbi with the base router at one end of the home and just 1 satellite at the other end, 40 feet in between. I have great coverage for this system and my needs. Also handles my 1Gb ISP service. Wired of course. Wireless you will not see anything near 900Mb speeds. Wireless is limited to about 400-500 Mb max depending upon wifi device and it's design and support.
