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NETGEAR Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Discontinued by Manufacturer

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 15,429 ratings

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AC3000 | 2-Pack

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About this item

  • Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi connectivity - room to room, wall to wall, floor to floor
  • Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to 3Gbps
  • The most award-winning Mesh WiFi system on the planet: PC Mag, CNET, Wirecutter, Forbes, SmallNetBuilder
  • Maintains speed even as more devices use your WiFi at the same time, thanks to patented tri-band technology
  • NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices with a 30-day free trial
  • NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls promotes healthy Internet habits, fosters responsibility and builds trust with your kids (30-day free trial included)
This item is certified to work with Alexa
WORKS WITH ALEXA
Add voice control by combining with an Alexa device
Serve a springtime stunner
Get ready for Easter Learn more

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NETGEAR Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Discontinued by Manufacturer
NETGEAR Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Discontinued by Manufacturer
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Price-19% $228.00
List:$279.99
-9% $299.99
Typical:$330.00
-15% $169.99
Typical:$199.99
-28% $429.99
List:$599.99
$387.28$1,499.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it Apr 2 - 3
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Customer Ratings
WiFi signal
4.4
4.2
4.5
4.2
4.5
3.7
User interface
4.2
3.8
4.5
3.8
4.7
3.8
Tech Support
3.8
3.5
4.1
3.5
4.0
3.2
Easy to install
4.4
4.1
4.6
4.1
4.2
Value for money
4.1
4.1
4.0
2.8
Sold By
CoverZip | Same Day Shipping
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Lake AV
Amazon.com
connectivity tech
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Wi Fi
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
number of ports
7
3
6
5
4
data transfer rate
3000 megabits per second
3000 megabits per second
1 gigabits per second
22000 megabits per second
wireless standard
802 11 BGN, 2.4 ghz radio frequency, 802 11 AGNAC
802 11 AX
802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G, 802 11 B
802 11 AX
802 11 A, 802 11 B, 802 11 G, 802 11 N, 802 11 AC
802 11 BE, 802 11 AX, 802 11 AC, 802 11 N, 802 11 G
frequency band class
tri band
tri band
dual band
tri band
tri band
tri band
lan port bandwidth
3 megabits per second
5 ghz
10/100/1000 Mbps
10 Gbps

From the manufacturer

get whole home coverage and higher performance wifi

strong wifi coverage

triband wifi

Seamless Roaming Everywhere

3Gbps

Tri-band WiFi Maximizes Speed

An additional third band dedicated to your Orbi router and satellite frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices

Seamless Roaming Everywhere

Stay connected as you roam around home using a single network name.

High Performance WiFi

Performance WiFi lets you stream HD movies to multiple devices and enjoy lag-free online gaming while still using all of your connected devices at the same time.

Advanced Threat Protection & Smart Parental Controls

Works with any Internet Service Provider Plan up to 500Mbps

setup and manage

Essential Internet Security & Smart Parental Controls

NETGEAR Armor protects your family's WiFi with an automatic shield of security across all your connected devices. Smart Parental Controls provide a safe, online experience for your kids. Both include a 30-day free trial.

Works with any Internet Service Provider Plan up to 500Mbps

Gigabit port on router gives you a fast wired connection to your computer, game box, TV or other high-speed device.

Easy to Setup and Manage

With the Orbi app, you can set up your WiFi in minutes, customize your settings, test/monitor your WiFi speed and control your WiFi anytime, anywhere.

rbk50 rbk50v rbk752 rbk852 rbk853
RBK50 RBK50V RBK752 RBK852 RBK853
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
15,429
4.1 out of 5 stars
539
4.4 out of 5 stars
5,605
4.3 out of 5 stars
4,363
4.3 out of 5 stars
4,363
Configuration 1 Router + 1 Satellite 1 Router + 1 Satellite with Built-in Speaker 1 Router + 1 Satellite 1 Router + 1 Satellite 1 Router + 2 Satellites
WiFi Speed WiFi 5 - AC2200 (Up to 2.2 Gbps) WiFi 5 - AC3000 (Up to 3 Gbps) WiFi 6 - AX4200 (Up to 4.2 Gbps) WiFi 6 - AX6000 (Up to 6 Gbps) WiFi 6 - AX6000 (Up to 6 Gbps)
WiFi Coverage Up to 5,000 sq. ft. Up to 4,500 sq. ft. Up to 5,000 sq. ft. Up to 5,000 sq. ft. Up to 7,500 sq. ft.
Recommended # of Devices Up to 25+ Up to 25+ Up to 40+ Up to 60+ Up to 60+
Best for Internet Provider Speed Tier Up to 200 Mbps Up to 500 Mbps Up to 2.0 Gbps Up to 2.5 Gbps Up to 2.5 Gbps
Tri-Band Dedicated Backhaul
Wired Gigabit Ethernet Ports (Router + Satellites) 4 (4 + 0 + 0) 6 (4 + 2) 6 (4 + 2) 9 (5 + 4) 13 (5 + 4 + 4)
Smart Speaker With Amazon Alexa --- Harmon Kardon 35W Speaker, Alexa Built-in with 4 Microphones --- --- ---
Network Security NETGEAR Armor, WPA2, Guest WiFi Secure Access NETGEAR Armor, WPA2, Guest WiFi Secure Access NETGEAR Armor, WPA2, Guest WiFi Secure Access NETGEAR Armor, WPA2, Guest WiFi Secure Access NETGEAR Armor, WPA2, Guest WiFi Secure Access
Advanced Technology Tri-Band, Smart Connect - One WiFi name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO Tri-Band, Smart Connect - One WiFi name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO Tri-Band, Smart Connect - One WiFi name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO Tri-Band, Smart Connect - One WiFi name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO Tri-Band, Smart Connect - One WiFi name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO

What's in the box

  • One (1) Orbi Router (RBR50)^One (1) Orbi Satellite (RBS50)^One (1) 2m Ethernet cable^Two (2) 12V/3.5A power adapters^Quick start guide
  • Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

    Feedback

    NETGEAR

    NETGEAR Tri-band Whole Home Mesh WiFi System with 3Gbps Speed (RBK50) – Discontinued by Manufacturer


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    Product guides and documents

    Product Description

    FAST WHOLE HOME SYSTEM
    Bring fast, secure, and reliable internet to your entire family with the NETGEAR Orbi Home WiFi System. No more WiFi boosters or extenders necessary. The Orbi WiFi Router and Satellite extend high performance WiFi to your property from the basement to the backyard. The system smartly manages your WiFi so that each device's access is optimized and never interrupted.

    Up to 5,000 SQUARE FEET OF COVERAGE
    From the home office to the basement to the pool, this wireless internet system covers every inch of your home with a strong WiFi signal. Unlike router and repeater combinations, Orbi covers the whole home with a single WiFi network and name, enabling seamless indoor/outdoor and room-to-room connectivity.

    TRI-BAND TECHNOLOGY
    Award winning and patented Tri-Band Technology provides Orbi with a dedicated backhaul connection between the router and the satellite, so the system can manage multiple network connections without compromising speed. Watch movies and TV, play video games, download music, books, and more.

    QUICK & EASY SETUP
    Selected as Editors’ Choice by PC Magazine, Orbi works with your current internet service provider and sets up in minutes right out of the box. Use the Orbi app or any web browser to create your entire home’s secure WiFi network in minutes. No personal info, account creation, or hands required with the new Amazon Echo Alexa skill and our intuitive and preconfigured system.

    GUEST CAPABILITY
    Allow guests the opportunity to access WiFi while protecting your network and password. Easily create a network to service visitors, and Orbi handles everything else. You'll rest easy knowing that your information is safe from security breaches, viruses, malware, and network worms.

    - NETGEAR Orbi AC3000 Home WiFi System
    - WiFi Router and Satellite Extender - High-Performance Tri-Band Technology
    - 5,000 Square Foot Range
    - RBK50.

    Customer reviews

    4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4 out of 5
    15,429 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the performance, ease of setup, speed and coverage of the networking router. For example, they mention that it functions superlatively, it requires little to no intervention and that it provides superior coverage and performance. That said, opinions are mixed on connectivity, value, and app.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    2,859 customers mention2,079 positive780 negative

    Customers like the performance of the router. They say it functions superlatively, and the smartphone application works pretty well. They also say the results are positive so far, and that it works terrific in a very large home. The base and satellite continue to operate reliably.

    "...Excellent performance- Easy access to settingsMINUSES:..." Read more

    "...The new firmware is, in fact, working great. Per my earlier review, when this system is working, it is hard to beat. The new firmware is killing it...." Read more

    "...Orbi: 240.61 down, 12.42 upA solid performance improvement on the Orbi. It's like the tiles, walls and pipes weren't even there...." Read more

    "...2 - Speed is a 4 out of 53 - Consistency is a ZERO. Now to be fair I am not sending this back today...." Read more

    2,554 customers mention2,324 positive230 negative

    Customers find the setup of the networking router to be simple and straightforward. They also appreciate the user-friendly UI and the fact that it requires little to no intervention on their part. Customers also mention that the package is simple, and the system comes up without a problem.

    "...The package is simple. In the box are the two nearly identical routers, two power supplies, quick start guide, and a flat white network cable...." Read more

    "...At first, all was good. The setup was particularly easy...." Read more

    "...There is a quick setup guide, which is what I did first then thought it was connected to the Internet and I'd then download the app to finish...." Read more

    "...Better WiFi Everywhere with 3 Gigabit Speed, Tri-Band Mesh WiFi, Easy Setup, Replaces WiFi Range Extenders]]..." Read more

    1,597 customers mention1,390 positive207 negative

    Customers like the speed of the networking router. For example, they mention it has excellent coverage, consistent speeds of 350 mb+ down everywhere, and improves the overall internet performance of all clients connected to it. They also say that it speeds up downloading and uploading, and that it SMOKES.

    "...satellite, each other, creating extensive coverage areas with minimal loss of speed or dramatic increase in latency, especially in comparison to..." Read more

    "...This Orbi system has fast speeds everywhere even at the farthest reaches of my property. Compared to old-fashioned range extenders, it's like magic...." Read more

    "HOLY CATS! This thing SMOKES, as in it's blazing fast and punches a wifi signal through all my walls, pipes, plaster, counters, cables and whatnot..." Read more

    "...Device performance has been flawless...." Read more

    762 customers mention716 positive46 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the coverage of the router. They mention that it provides fantastic coverage, cured coverage issues, and provides superior coverage and performance in their multi-floor home. They also say that the 5 GHz coverage is way broader than prior single router, allowing all their wirelessly.

    "...Orbi receives my enthusiastic recommendation for providing superior coverage and performance in our multi-floor home with a few dozen wifi-hungry..." Read more

    "...Functionality always restored quickly, and my overall coverage was so much improved that I was very happy...." Read more

    "...I went to all my rooms and was getting fantastic coverage. Even on the 2nd floor on the far end of the house...." Read more

    "...Asus RT-AC68U router in my 4 story 4000 sqft home and the coverage results are excellent...." Read more

    188 customers mention177 positive11 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the blind spot of the networking router. They mention that it eliminates dead zones and provides fast speeds.

    "...Our lot is about 5500 square feet. No dead spots anywhere in the house and we have super fast speeds throughout the house...." Read more

    "...There is no dead spots in my house anymore, so I am satisfied...." Read more

    "...I can nearly watch a 4k stream out there!There are no dead spots at all in the house...." Read more

    "...that I could get the same speed 60 Mbps throughout the house with no dead zones...." Read more

    2,817 customers mention1,909 positive908 negative

    Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the router. Some mention that the signal strength throughout the house is awesome, and it completely solved their WiFi problems. The multiple Ethernet ports increase connectivity between your devices, and the router capability was nice. However, other customers say that their wireless connection was always a nuisance, weak, and significantly diminished. Some customers also report disconnect issues and issues with their WiFi devices picking the wrong signal.

    "...Now here is where I got really impressed. Not only did a strong signal in every corner of my house, I went through into the backyard at the..." Read more

    "...They're typically fine for same-room roaming, or maybe even going to the next room if your walls are thin, but if you have high data bandwidth needs..." Read more

    "...Unfortunately, its color light-based syncing wasn't working the way the quick start guide indicated, staying on the syncing process way too..." Read more

    "...Better WiFi Everywhere with 3 Gigabit Speed, Tri-Band Mesh WiFi, Easy Setup, Replaces WiFi Range Extenders]]..." Read more

    749 customers mention387 positive362 negative

    Customers are mixed about the value of the networking router. Some mention that it's worth the price if they can get the performance they need. The bandwidth for the price ($279) seems good, while others say that the product is pretty pricey and the add-on satellites are priced crazy high. The expandable system, why is it so cost prohibitive to expand it, and this isn't a cheap solution.

    "...My two cents, it's worth every penny." Read more

    "...Like other solutions of this type, it's relatively pricey" Read more

    "...And they are also quite hefty in comparison to the Nighthawk.2) The aesthetics of the units are great...." Read more

    "...Housing layout and materials are more important. Add-on satellites are priced crazy high and are often hard to find in stock, if you are at all..." Read more

    254 customers mention114 positive140 negative

    Customers have mixed opinions about the app. Some find it excellent, helpful, and great. They also say the interface is great and the mobile app is okay for casual non-tech folks. However, others say the app is horrible, useless, and could use a little work.

    "...controls by MAC Firmware upgrade is buggy IOS app is terrible Support isn’t great unless you tell them you are returning it..." Read more

    "...The Netgear app was very helpful in notifying you on the condition of your router, connection to the satellite, and signal strength...." Read more

    "...Also, the Orbi app got confused part of the way through the setup process while I was trying to add the password to my password manager app...." Read more

    "...Not only that but through their super friendly app...." Read more

    It really does eliminate dead spots and improve overall performance
    5 Stars
    It really does eliminate dead spots and improve overall performance
    Before I get into my review of the recently released Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-band Wifi System (RBK50), I thought I would first give a quick history and background.I've been using a Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-band Gigabit Wifi Router (R8000) in my home for almost two years (starting late 2014). I specifically bought that relatively expensive router because of its beam forming technology and promise of greater range and coverage. While it proved a worthy upgrade over my previous router from nearly two years before that (starting late 2012), an Asus RT-AC66U Dual-band Wireless-AC1750 Gigabit Router (itself an upgrade over a previous router, and so on and so forth), it was not without its flaws.Because of the way the Nighthawk distributed its bands, it needed two network names. While in most cases this was not an issue since both networks usually communicated with each other as if they were one, sometimes devices on one network segment wouldn't talk well with devices on the other network segment. And of course, because of the frequency, some devices would only work with one network or the other. Finally, while the 5.8 GHz band was the fastest, it was also of course the frequency that would lose range the soonest, often requiring my device (usually a smartphone) to drop one network and connect to the other.Perhaps more frustrating though was that regardless of network or band, there were still a few dead spots in my house. We have a three story home, and my cable modem is located in our mostly finished basement, so there was little flexibility in placement of the router, which needs a hardwired connection to the Xfinity cable modem. While the added power of the Nighthawk improved overall range and speed over my previous solutions, I still had a few notable dead spots, like in the bathroom and laundry room areas on the main floor.While I was considering range extenders, like the Keewifi kisslink Wireless Smart Router/Range Extender/Repeater (which I actually own), the downside to those is that they typically require their own network name, meaning I'd have a third network name to think about, plus there's a performance hit. While said performance hit is relatively modest, it's still there.Enter mesh networking. Solutions like eero, Luma, Securifi Almond, and the recently announced Google WiFi, among others, all work on the idea of a centralized router and one or more satellites. These satellites communicate with the centralized router over a dedicated channel, and, with more than one satellite, each other, creating extensive coverage areas with minimal loss of speed or dramatic increase in latency, especially in comparison to traditional repeaters. While all those solutions are or seem nice, I decided to go with the company with the greatest home networking experience and the promise of only needing a single satellite for my size home. As such, I ended up choosing the Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-band Wifi System (RBK50).The package is simple. In the box are the two nearly identical routers, two power supplies, quick start guide, and a flat white network cable. Perhaps the first thing you'll be struck by is that these routers are not particularly small. In fact, in comparison to the competition, they're rather large at almost 9 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. If you plan on making one of these devices part of your home decor, you may need to think twice about this particular solution and go with one of the other options. For me, though, my main concern is performance.Following the quick start guide, I unplugged the network cable that goes from from my Nighthawk to my cable modem and plugged it into the correct port on the Orbi. I then powered on the Orbi and let it set itself up with my modem. Of note is that there are only three NIC ports available on the main router, and I had four cables plugged into the four ports on my Nighthawk. Fortunately, I was able to plug the extra network cable into a powerline router (which I may phase out at some point since only a printer makes use of it now) and plug that into the port on the Orbi. Finally, I used the USB 2.0 port on the Orbi to power my SmartThings hub, which of course also took up one of those NIC ports.With that out of the way, it was time to place my Orbi satellite. I intended to place it below my standing desk on our main floor so my desktop computer and Surface Pro 3 dock could make use of the (four) NIC ports on the satellite. Unfortunately, its color light-based syncing wasn't working the way the quick start guide indicated, staying on the syncing process way too long.I tried moving the satellite to another part of the main floor, but it still wouldn't sync correctly. Finally, I moved it down to the basement to see if I could get any sync at all going. Fortunately, I was able to, so everything was at least shown to be working correctly. I moved it back to under my standing desk and it repeated the several minute syncing process, and this time it worked just fine.The Orbi comes preconfigured with a random default SSID and password, but you're prompted to change it to whatever you want after you login either via a desktop or mobile browser. I chose my Windows 10 desktop.While again, I had a few struggles initially, setup via Chrome on my desktop eventually went smoothly. I named the network the same as the primary name of my previous Nighthawk network so most devices would automatically see it (about the only ones that were on the 5 GHz network and wouldn't know about the main network were my two Xbox Ones, which I was able to switch over without incident). There were of course firmware updates for both routers, but that too installed without issues.My first performance tests on my desktop proved fruitful. With that out of the way, I walked around the house with my Apple iPhone 6 Plus, and, sure enough, even with a momentary drop in one bar of full signal strength as I walked about (which quickly returned to maximum), I had zero dead spots. The main floor bathroom and laundry area was perfect, and I even took a stroll in our backyard, again, with full signal strength at places the previous router could only dream of. Browsing on the mobile browser was as speedy as I ever experienced it.Although I've only been using the Orbi for a few days, I feel confident in saying that mesh networking is the clear solution for anywhere range and performance with existing single routers are currently issues. And the Orbi works exactly as the marketing materials say it does, which is a big plus.Naturally, if I come across any performance or other issues as more time passes, I'll post an additional review, a part 2, sooner rather than later. For now, though, the Orbi receives my enthusiastic recommendation for providing superior coverage and performance in our multi-floor home with a few dozen wifi-hungry devices.PLUSES:- Covers a large area (up to 4000 square feet)- Can be expanded with more satellites to cover an even larger area (up to 2000 additional square feet per satellite)- Excellent performance- Easy access to settingsMINUSES:- Relatively large routers that you may not want prominently displayed in your main living spaces- Initial setup is not necessarily seamless- Like other solutions of this type, it's relatively pricey
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2016
    Style: AC3000 | 2-PackVerified Purchase
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars It really does eliminate dead spots and improve overall performance
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2016
    Before I get into my review of the recently released Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-band Wifi System (RBK50), I thought I would first give a quick history and background.

    I've been using a Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-band Gigabit Wifi Router (R8000) in my home for almost two years (starting late 2014). I specifically bought that relatively expensive router because of its beam forming technology and promise of greater range and coverage. While it proved a worthy upgrade over my previous router from nearly two years before that (starting late 2012), an Asus RT-AC66U Dual-band Wireless-AC1750 Gigabit Router (itself an upgrade over a previous router, and so on and so forth), it was not without its flaws.

    Because of the way the Nighthawk distributed its bands, it needed two network names. While in most cases this was not an issue since both networks usually communicated with each other as if they were one, sometimes devices on one network segment wouldn't talk well with devices on the other network segment. And of course, because of the frequency, some devices would only work with one network or the other. Finally, while the 5.8 GHz band was the fastest, it was also of course the frequency that would lose range the soonest, often requiring my device (usually a smartphone) to drop one network and connect to the other.

    Perhaps more frustrating though was that regardless of network or band, there were still a few dead spots in my house. We have a three story home, and my cable modem is located in our mostly finished basement, so there was little flexibility in placement of the router, which needs a hardwired connection to the Xfinity cable modem. While the added power of the Nighthawk improved overall range and speed over my previous solutions, I still had a few notable dead spots, like in the bathroom and laundry room areas on the main floor.

    While I was considering range extenders, like the Keewifi kisslink Wireless Smart Router/Range Extender/Repeater (which I actually own), the downside to those is that they typically require their own network name, meaning I'd have a third network name to think about, plus there's a performance hit. While said performance hit is relatively modest, it's still there.

    Enter mesh networking. Solutions like eero, Luma, Securifi Almond, and the recently announced Google WiFi, among others, all work on the idea of a centralized router and one or more satellites. These satellites communicate with the centralized router over a dedicated channel, and, with more than one satellite, each other, creating extensive coverage areas with minimal loss of speed or dramatic increase in latency, especially in comparison to traditional repeaters. While all those solutions are or seem nice, I decided to go with the company with the greatest home networking experience and the promise of only needing a single satellite for my size home. As such, I ended up choosing the Netgear Orbi AC3000 Tri-band Wifi System (RBK50).

    The package is simple. In the box are the two nearly identical routers, two power supplies, quick start guide, and a flat white network cable. Perhaps the first thing you'll be struck by is that these routers are not particularly small. In fact, in comparison to the competition, they're rather large at almost 9 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 3 inches thick. If you plan on making one of these devices part of your home decor, you may need to think twice about this particular solution and go with one of the other options. For me, though, my main concern is performance.

    Following the quick start guide, I unplugged the network cable that goes from from my Nighthawk to my cable modem and plugged it into the correct port on the Orbi. I then powered on the Orbi and let it set itself up with my modem. Of note is that there are only three NIC ports available on the main router, and I had four cables plugged into the four ports on my Nighthawk. Fortunately, I was able to plug the extra network cable into a powerline router (which I may phase out at some point since only a printer makes use of it now) and plug that into the port on the Orbi. Finally, I used the USB 2.0 port on the Orbi to power my SmartThings hub, which of course also took up one of those NIC ports.

    With that out of the way, it was time to place my Orbi satellite. I intended to place it below my standing desk on our main floor so my desktop computer and Surface Pro 3 dock could make use of the (four) NIC ports on the satellite. Unfortunately, its color light-based syncing wasn't working the way the quick start guide indicated, staying on the syncing process way too long.

    I tried moving the satellite to another part of the main floor, but it still wouldn't sync correctly. Finally, I moved it down to the basement to see if I could get any sync at all going. Fortunately, I was able to, so everything was at least shown to be working correctly. I moved it back to under my standing desk and it repeated the several minute syncing process, and this time it worked just fine.

    The Orbi comes preconfigured with a random default SSID and password, but you're prompted to change it to whatever you want after you login either via a desktop or mobile browser. I chose my Windows 10 desktop.

    While again, I had a few struggles initially, setup via Chrome on my desktop eventually went smoothly. I named the network the same as the primary name of my previous Nighthawk network so most devices would automatically see it (about the only ones that were on the 5 GHz network and wouldn't know about the main network were my two Xbox Ones, which I was able to switch over without incident). There were of course firmware updates for both routers, but that too installed without issues.

    My first performance tests on my desktop proved fruitful. With that out of the way, I walked around the house with my Apple iPhone 6 Plus, and, sure enough, even with a momentary drop in one bar of full signal strength as I walked about (which quickly returned to maximum), I had zero dead spots. The main floor bathroom and laundry area was perfect, and I even took a stroll in our backyard, again, with full signal strength at places the previous router could only dream of. Browsing on the mobile browser was as speedy as I ever experienced it.

    Although I've only been using the Orbi for a few days, I feel confident in saying that mesh networking is the clear solution for anywhere range and performance with existing single routers are currently issues. And the Orbi works exactly as the marketing materials say it does, which is a big plus.

    Naturally, if I come across any performance or other issues as more time passes, I'll post an additional review, a part 2, sooner rather than later. For now, though, the Orbi receives my enthusiastic recommendation for providing superior coverage and performance in our multi-floor home with a few dozen wifi-hungry devices.

    PLUSES:
    - Covers a large area (up to 4000 square feet)
    - Can be expanded with more satellites to cover an even larger area (up to 2000 additional square feet per satellite)
    - Excellent performance
    - Easy access to settings

    MINUSES:
    - Relatively large routers that you may not want prominently displayed in your main living spaces
    - Initial setup is not necessarily seamless
    - Like other solutions of this type, it's relatively pricey
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    17 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
    Style: AC3000 | SatelliteVerified Purchase
    498 people found this helpful
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