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I'd read a lot of mixed reviews and watched quite a few videos before seeing yours. Based on this content I went ahead, bit the bullet and bought one - have to say I'm very impressed with it, and share a lot of your enthusiasm about how much of a positive impact it can make. Great feedback, good product, yes user experience in the app and web interface could be improved but it gives me most of what I needed. Expensive yes, but SO much better than a bunch of extenders and powerline adapters - I've now unplugged all of them bar one which I needed for a NAS, so many thanks, enjoying 4x faster wifi thanks to this product purchased on the strength of this review.
I've got two Orbis showing up today. I loved the ethernet backhaul option of the Orbi. I've already run a Cat-5e cable from the two farthest points in my house since my old Wi-Fi router range was horrible. So now I can just plug in the satellite Orbi and Bob's your uncle. Mesh is the way to go. I did decide to change my network name and password though so I'm going to have a lot of setup work to do tonight.
Hello . Thanks for a great video . Is the set up the same for newer WiFi 6 systems ? Also how to make sure you use the same credentials for your old network so all your devices will connect automatically to the new orbi network ? Thanks v much
Glad you liked the video :) Yes, the setup is the same for the newer WiFi 6 systems, in fact you can watch my review of the WiFi 6 Orbi here: ruclips.net/video/4BKjK0SEJi4/видео.html When you're setting up the system, it'll give you the option to change the SSID and password, so just input there the same as your current system and everything will reconnect. Word of warning: although WiFi 6 supports WPA3, I found that if I enabled that nothing would connect to it automatically, and as I didn't want to go around the house reconnecting everything, I just left it switched off for now.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork thanks so so much for your quick and accurate replies . So I set up my new orbi mesh . I got the ax4200 with 4 satellites . I set that up 3 days ago . The speeds are phenomenal. The only issue is it keeps disconnecting my devices offline randomly . Different devices . I must’ve restarted the router 6 times . Any help please ? I really hate to return the system . I’ve never experienced these speeds everywhere in my house but I don’t know why this is happening. Thanks again
Interesting, in the U.S. here, modem mode is called bridged mode. On all the router/modem combos from ISPs that I've seen at least. Modem mode and router mode makes more sense though.
Wow amazing review!! I'm going to help someone tomorrow with an existing Orbi network at their barn and I'm bringing over a couple ubiquiti locos to build a wifi bridge to their carriage house and then plug in an ethernet cable to the back of a new orbi satellite. My hope is this wired backhaul will work with the existing wifi backhaul that's already setup in the barn. Do you have any advice? I typically build wifi bridge links point to point or point to multi point in many previous network installs. I prefer ubiquiti equipment but the customer wanted to stay with Orbi so I'm going to do as they wish. I have a new SRS60 which is the same model they already have.
Thanks! There isn't a fixed difference between wired and wireless, as wireless depends on various environmental and other factors, whereas wired doesn't really. So wired will always work great, and wireless might not always. However, it usually does work great - see my other videos on the Outdoor satellite and also in the Home WiFi Makeover where I installed Orbi at a friend's house. Thanks!
Hi, Thanks a lot for the review!!! Was considering the AX4200 but the Asus AX600 (AX XT8) are at the same price so am hesitating... Seems like a lot of installers favour the Orbis.2. We've got a 2 storey, 5 Bedroom house (no concrete walls), about 3000sq feet. I was wondering which one you'd go for, based on your experience? Thanks very much. Cheers
I have the RBK53. And have Backhaul dropout on one of the satellites no mater what I do. Iv'e tried different placings, limiting power output, limiting CTS/RTS values. Dasiey chain on/off and what not.
Thanks for the review (great job!) and the tips. I am finally getting myself this system, all reviews are ranking it as best in class. Question: can I convert my existing router to modem only and still use the wired connections for some devices (TV, Hive, Apple TV ...)?
I would love to have this for my home.We only have one choice and thats windstream thru our phone company.Its crappy service too! I need this in my life.Thank you
Great video! Question- why do you recommend turning factory router/modem to only modem mode? Is this to reduce “frequency noise” in the home, such that the Orbi router is not competing? Thanks!
Not primarily, although that's a valid point - no need to have pointless competing WiFi signals. So the WiFi is turned off, but it's more fundamental than that - the ISP-provided device stops being a router and doing any routing - the Orbi does all that so you don't end up with double NAT and needless extra layers to your network.
Just saw your review, very interesting as our house is very similar to yours. Did you get a chance to test the up and down speeds with the satellites connected wirelessly to the router rather than with an Ethernet cable? We don’t have a wired connection between the 3 floors of our house, hence the question.
Enjoyed listening to this in my man cave at the bottom of the garden. one thing i would like to add is that it would have been much better if you had compared or mentioned why you would go for an orbi vs a night hawk. it seems more focused on wifi when the orbi is more than just wifi
Thanks, glad you liked the video 😀 that's a fair point, although the video was long enough without going into that haha 😂 the key thing was that I wanted a mesh system with multiple access points to cover a large area without huge dropoff over distances, so a single nighthawk wouldn't have done it for me. I'm planning an "Orbi vs Google WiFi" video at some point in the future, so it might find its way into that video 👍
Great video, thanks. Quick question: is there a way to make sure your device will connect to the closest satellite ? Like reducing the range of the satellite so it connects to the closest one ?
Devices should generally connect to the nearest one, or at least the one with the strongest signal. After an initial wobble, I found mine to be pretty good at switching if I roam around the area. I'm not aware of a method to manually force connection to a specific satellite though, as that goes against the spirit of the setup - you allow Orbi to decide whether 2.4GHz or 5GHz and which satellite, etc...
Great video. To bad I discovered it AFTER I just spent 2 whole days setting up my Orbi system. And still not sure I have it right. I purchased the Router + Satellite like you did. I do have one question though, dumb as it is, do the router and the satellite have any indication they are on and set up correctly after they are configured and operational? Mine seems to be working but I can’t really tell since I don’t see any “indicator” lights telling me this.
Great explanation for the Orbi RBK53 and also so useful to see how your house was setup before and after. I have a similar situation where i have an odd layout, thick walls multi floor and want WiFi in the garden, therefore issues with WiFi. I have at the moment Sky Broadband (WiFi turned off) and using apple express and extremes piggybacked and hard wired back to the Sky router and see this as a solution to upgrade. Do you know of any issues using a piggyback hard wired system rarther than single cables back to the main router?
I've just bought the Rbk50 variant from eBay, and waiting for it to arrive. Did you try the wireless backhaul before going Wired? Was there much of a drop if so? I only ask, as I'm wondering if I should powerline the backhaul (as don't have the physical ability to run a Cat cable to where I plan to have the satellite) or keep with the wireless
I already had the cables in place so I didn't bother testing wireless really - however, I use wireless backhaul (as that's the only option) for my Outdoor Satellite and it works great. I'd recommend you watch that video (here: ruclips.net/video/16z3GuFcrrs/видео.html) if you want to see more about wireless backhaul performance. I'd definitely say try the wireless first, as you may well find it works brilliantly (as it did in our "Home WiFi Makeover" video, here: ruclips.net/video/gDA_ofSG_HA/видео.html) - I'd be wary of powerlining it to be honest, as I'd expect that to give you worse performance than the 5GHz dedicated backhaul (which uses clever beam forming as well, it's much more than just a "wireless link"). However, if you find the wireless to not work well enough, there's no harm in trying the powerline. What's stopping you being able to run actual cable you wanted to?
Super helpful video - thank you! I'm trying to decide between the Orbi and Google Wifi. Do you know: with the Orbi, can I connect one satellite to the router via ethernet and connect a second satellite via wireless? My house has thick walls. The unwired second satellite would have no signal to the router, only to the first satellite. Thanks!
Glad you liked the video! Yes, the setup you describe is perfectly permissable and supported, it's called daisy-chaining and it's actually how I have part of my network setup. Since making this video, Netgear sent me the Outdoor Satellite to review (see the most recent video on channel) and that connects wirelessly to another Satellite, which itself is wired to my Orbi router. If you're trying to decide between Orbi and Google WiFi, I'd say they're both very good (a good friend of mine has the Google with the same home internet connection) but my Orbi seems to be able to provide better speeds to lots of devices all at once. When I speedtest at his house I get slower speeds than I do at mine with Orbi.
Hi ! I’d like to learn more about network basics and setting customisation such as DHCP, port forwarding, etc. Any good RUclips channels or resources I can learn from ? Thanks !
Hi! I don't know of any specific channels, although I'm sure there probably will be some good ones out there. I may do some more content like this in the future, more of a format where people (like your good self) could submit tech questions in advance and then I'd answer them and demonstrate things. Maybe a new series on the channel, or as part of a live stream or something. Probably a bit in-depth for the podcast. What do you think... would you like to see that sort of content? Let me know!
Hi. I have virgin M200 broadband and about 14 devices connected such as TVs, sky, mobiles etc. signal keeps dropping and they’ve said I need to upgrade as this package is recommended for no more than 9 devices although I used to have sky broadband with 3x less speed and no issues. Will a mesh network such as this help or do I have to upgrade costing more? Thanks I’m anticipation for your help
haha, no I'd say that's utter nonsense - especially as if you upgrade to the M350 or M500 package they won't give you a different modem/router (not sure what they use on the Gig1 package) - the WiFi would be 100% exactly the same! Upgrading the package just upgrades the speed of the connection to your modem/router, that's got nothing to do with the quality of the WiFi signal around your house and how many simultaneous connections your router can handle without toppling over! The person at Virgin Media either doesn't understand or was just trying to get more money out of you I'd say. To cut to the chase, the SuperHub they give you is crap as a WiFi router, and yes upgrading to a good router (mesh or not) will make a big difference, and of course a mesh system will be even better over a larger area. Put the virgin hub in Modem-only mode and get an Orbi system, and it'll be a NIGHT AND DAY difference. I'm currently working on a video on the new version of this Orbi system, the Orbi WiFi 6 (geni.us/OrbiWiFi6RBK853 - #ad) which will be on this channel hopefully later this month. Happy New Year!
Have you tried the Orbi Rbk 752 and Asus Zenwifi xt8? Both are really the same, can't decide man! Got any insight on the performance of these mesh systems?
I just upgraded the firmware to 2.7.2.104, and the Orbi RBK50 is wonky, dropping WiFi once a day. I also noticed that MU-MIMO and daisy chain were not selected. Shouldn’t these be selected? Thanks for your help.
Just ordered a set off the back of your reviews, thank you - I have a BT home Hub and I don't believe I can set this to modem only mode - what Netgear Router/Modem would you recommend I buy to use with an Orbi set up? I am also going to ditch BT as my internet is appalling and swap to a Local Fibre service that's 200mbs - and I would like to keep the Netgear router to use with that. Thanks in advance.
Glad you found it helpful 👍 If you're about to switch, I'd wait and see what modem/router they give you... might be able to get just a modem from them, or at least a "modem only" mode?
I’m also looking for a good mesh system. Only thing that worries me from your review is that apparently it’s not so seamless as it’s on different channels. Which would be key for a mesh system. How is that now (with updates or something)?
It's absolutely seamless now. In fact it was later in the video; I only noticed it being slightly odd during the setup, so I presume it was still doing a first time config or something.
How have you set up the wired backhaul, I am looking at purchasing the orbi TBK53 and there us nothing online that I can see, which shows how to set up backhaul between 2 satellite's to the router. Thanks
You just go into the web interface (or via app) and go to add satellite. It'll ask you to press the Pair buttons in sequence (best done with them physically nearby) then once paired you can move Satellite to where it'll live and deploy, then also connect with cable to the rest of your network if you like. By the way, updated review of Orbi here: ruclips.net/video/4BKjK0SEJi4/видео.html
just installed the Orbi Ac300v2 on tuesday this week, wow, in my office on my cell I went from 160.7 to 233.8 I'm killing myself trying to figure out how to connect to the 2.4 g on this router, I have mini wifi switches that will NOT connect to 5g but i have no clue how to connect the 2.4 side. ugggggg oh ya this orbi 3000 is great with a satellite about 40 feet away, never had coverage like this before...
Great, glad it's working well for you! Because of the way it merges the 2.4 and 5GHz networks, you won't actually see different networks but it should be that your mini switches will only see the 2.4GHz and just connect to that anyway... at least that's been the case for all the devices that I own which don't support 5GHz. So if you just try and connect them, forgetting about 2.4/5GHz then you *should* be fine... or is that what you've already done? Let me know how you get on :)
hello there, I just moved to the UK, got 1GB from VM but on the 2nd floor the WIFI still very slow, I am going to get Orbi but asking you which model you will prefer? there are several and I am kinda struggling to select which will be suitable for my home (1 router and 2 Satellite)
Welcome to the UK! 🎉 I have the RBK53 (1 router+ 2 satellites) and then the RBS50Y outdoor Satellite (which Netgear sent me free). I live in a 3-bed semi with loft converted to make it 4 bedroom. It depends on how big your house is really as to which you'll need. First work out how many satellites you need (1 per floor I'd say generally) and then speed you want as three are two variants - get the fastest you can afford so that then LAN speeds are better within your house over WiFi. There's also, of course, the newer Orbi WiFi 6 system if you want to future proof and spend the big bucks!
Once again, thanks a lot. Finally setup RBK353 after watching your great videos and advice! Hiccups with firmware updates but somehow it did it! Not sure if relocation of one satallite will require finding it gain.
Hi, do you pay for the netgear armour security every year? I'm worried that after my 30 days trial of the armour security, it will block me from browsing websites.
It's annual subscription (you get one year free with the new RBK863 - see latest vid on channel) but no, it won't block you from browsing websites if you don't pay/renew etc. It's entirely optional.
I am trying to get a good WiFi signal into my shed which is about 20 meters from the house. At the moment my virgin router cannot reach that far. Would this Orbi system be good option for this?
Yes! If it's anything like my house then it would be great. No reason why you shouldn't get full strength and full speed, especially if you pair with the Outdoor Satellite as well (see my other video) 👍👍👍
Is there any radiation risk with this? Saw some articles where somebody was worried about the intensity of signals(frequency is not a worry).. how many watts is the intensity?
hey the satilite in the garden area is that still hard wired? I was wondering what kindof speed you would get if you used the 5ghz wireless baxkhaul at that distance
In the video yes it was hardwired and was an indoor satellite living inside the summerhouse - but I then moved it into the house. I'm working on a video right now with the Outdoor Satellite (which uses wireless backhaul only) so stay tuned for that 👀 - should be on the channel in the next fortnight!
Great review and I gave you a thumbs up, but I'm confused. What's the point of an expensive mesh system like Orbi if you need to hard-wire the satellites to get good speed?
Thanks! The point is having multiple access points all as part of the same system, with one common SSID throughout and the handover between points (and 2.4/5GHz) is all seamless. You certainly don't HAVE to hardwire the backhaul - I know many people who haven't and still get great results. I had the cables in place anyway so thought why not!
Seems there are a few negative reviews regarding usage of Netflix / streaming on this system. Is this something you have found or has this been resolved, pls ?
I have a couple of questions... We have Virgin Media super hub 3 with four ethernet ports. It is next to the tv and, although the media stuff like tv and Sky etc can run wireless, we have it wired for ultimate performance. We also have smart home such as bulbs and heating which have hubs that need to be wired to the router. As such, we have a four port switch off the Virgin router to supply more ports. I am interested in going down the Orbi route. I would like to do as you did and switch the Virgin router to modem only with a cable out from one of the ports to the Orbi. Does that disable the remaining three ports on the Virgin router? If possible I would like to keep wired connection for three devices from the Virgin router and use the three free ports on the Orbi. I can then take the switch out of the equation. Also, we would like to put a guest network on the Orbi. We have Sonos and recently we had a party where someone wanted to play something from their phone to the speakers using Airplay 2. The Sonos is currently on our main network and our friend had the guest network password. On the Orbi is it possible to keep the Sonos on the main network, but allow those on the guest network to access Sonos but not all the other things on our network? If we have to move Sonos to the guest network that is fine but I would rather do it this way round so that my wife and I don't have to chop and change networks if we want to use it ourselves. Thanks for your help.
Yes, putting your Virgin Media superhub into modem mode will disable the other 3 ports, as it becomes just a modem and has no router capabilities - so you'll need to keep the switch in the equation (like I have, in fact I have various switches around the house). Don't forget that you also get 4 ports on all the satellites, so that's 3 for other stuff if you're using wired backhaul or 4 for other stuff if you use wireless backhaul. Regarding the Guest network, there's an option to allow Guest and Main network to talk to each other, so you could temporarily enable that when visitors come round - although that would grant access to EVERYTHING, not just your Sonos... more specific device control like that would require something more complex like a VLAN-enabled router and switch, which is getting a bit more into the enterprise stuff rather than domestic home stuff. I think (*but may be wrong*) the Orbi Pro might support that, but you'll have to check.
I am definitely no expert with technology,so I have a question to ask.If I connect an Ethernet cable from an Orbi Satellite and connect it to my smart tv,will the Orbi still transmit the wi-fi signal as part of the mesh system within the home with another Orbi Satellite ? .
It will, yes! 👍 It's essentially a network switch as well as a wireless access point, so you have all the wireless capacity plus any free network ports for wired access on those too.
Sorry to be a pain,thankyou for your reply.What I meant to really ask,if I connect an Ethernet cable from an Orbi Satellite to my smart tv for say streaming Netflix,does that mean the signal is from a wired connection (as if direct from my Virgin Media Hub),or is it still from the wi-fi,therefore,not as good possibly .So basically is there a benefit from connecting an Orbi Satellite to a smart tv by ethernet ?
Yes, there's always a benefit to connecting via cable if and when you can. I'm guessing that your Orbi Satellite is connected back to the main router via wireless backhaul, not another long cable between the two? (I'm guessing as you wouldn't be asking this question otherwise...) Assuming so, there will be a degree of wired *and* wireless in the route from Virgin modem to smart TV, however don't mix up the dedicated 5GHz backhaul connection between router and satellite as "WiFi"; it's so much more than that, as it's a dedicated private connection that nothing else uses or interferes with, and uses beam forming to optimise further, etc etc. TL;DR - yes, if you can then always worth using ethernet cable imho 👍😅
Switched On Network Hi, I am going to buy RBK50 1 Router + 1 Satellite package. Unfortunately Netgear NZ does not supply RBK53 1 R + 2 S, the only single satellite being supplied here is the external one as you showed which priced nearly same as the package. 😳 From the living room router position to the front house central point is about 40m, in between is few wooden walls and an open garden area. I might put the satellite in the garage where is about 25-30m away from the router and 15-20 meters to the front house. Wish the package can cover it otherwise might need one more satellite. 😕
Yes, that's the version which supports the new WiFi 6 standard. You won't notice any difference really unless you have devices which also support it, but if you're looking for future-proof your setup then getting that instead maybe isn't a bad idea, and you can benefit in the future when you get devices which will use it...
Is it possible to replace your router on the BT Network with the Orbi RBK 853 System ax6000 router? Or do you make a connection from existing to the Orbi? My current router is a Nighthawk D7800. Cheers
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Sorry did not make it clear. Once the orbi is connected to the router and I connect the PC to orbi via ethernet, will I have internet access to login into Orbi website to do the setup?
Our Netgear router is 3 years old and started giving us lots of problems a few months ago. We bought the orbi mesh system to replace our old router. Once we received it and began setting it up realized the orbi must be plugged into a router/modem. Does this mean we now have to buy another modem as well since or old one is on its way out. Several articles said routers only last about 3years before they start slowing down and dropping connections. We thought the orbi would replace our old router all together. Can you clarify if we need to buy a new router or modem at this point in addition to the orbi?
You'll need a modem as well, as the Orbi is just a router, not a modem. Depending on your ISP they might give you a combined modem and router, which is often just referred to as a "wireless router" but technically speaking, it's a 3-in one device (modem, router and wireless access point). What country are you in, and who's your ISP? If possible, they should be able to supply you with a new, functioning modem. If they just offer a consumer-friendly all-in-one, but it has a "modem only mode" that you can put it in, all the better :) [PS, I'm not sure I agree with the "routers only last about 3 years thing" in those articles, but generally speaking the "free" ones from ISPs are rubbish so won't last that long before they either die or just become generally out of date!]
@@SwitchedOnNetwork thanks for the response. I live in the United States. We did not get our router through the ISP. After weighing the cost of leasing one through the ISP vs buying one, we ended up buying a better router for less money than the ISP would give us. Since the router is 3 years old and experiencing wifi connection problems will this inhibit the performance of the orbi, or do you think we will need to get a new modem at this time? I wish somewhere in all the advertising for the orbi it had mentioned the system would be in addition to your existing modem/router. We expected it to be a replacement.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork and every time I say router I guess I should say "3 in 1" device as you pointed out. I'm not too tech savvy as you can probably tell. Lol
Thanks so much for this informative video. I have two questions. I have a Virgin Media 3.0 superhub and as you can guess, wasn't up to the task (large house, lots of walls etc). The VM engineer suggested I buy a new router, which I did (Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000). He thought this would solve my wifi issues. It didn't. So i currently have the VM 3.0 Superhub in modem mode, with the Nighthawk as router. Still getting the same dead zones. My first question is: should I retain this Nighthawk router and continue to use that as the main router and then use the Orbi router as a satellite....or return the Nighthawk to Amazon (which I am allowed to do), and use the Orbi router as the sole, new router? Secondly, I was thinking (along the same lines as you did), that I would ethernet connect the orbi router to the first satellite and then run the second satellite wirelessly (the firstsatellite being the orbi router if question 1 is allowable). Would that set up work, please and how would the wired satellite interact with the wireless satellite (would that still be consistent?). Lastly, I see there are so many variants of this model (one with security protection - whole house wifi, i think it is called). Is that the variant you would recommend, please? Thanks again - I have subscribed to your channel and will buy the orbi system through your link. Regards
Thanks for subscribing! First question - yes, send the Nighthawk back as you won't need that, you can (and should) use the Orbi as the only router on your network, otherwise you'll end up with double-NAT which isn't ideal. Secondly, yes it's no problem to have some wired and some wireless satellites (see my video on the Orbi Outdoor for more details). They don't interact in any different way, really, just the connection type is "wireless" or "wired"... the speeds you get may be less if you only get a weaker 2.4GHz connection as opposed to strong 5GHz connection, of course, so positioning is more important with wireless connections. Lastly, which kit to go for boils down to the size of your house and whether you want to spend money on the faster models - the speeds are all faster than most home internet connections anyway, so the only real difference there will be for local traffic, eg. streaming films from a NAS or transferring files between machines on your LAN. Which kit are you looking at getting?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks very much for the reply & info. I was intending on getting the Orbi AC3000 (RBK53)...one router and two satellites. And as you suggest, I will return the Nighthawk. I was potentially looking at the WifI 6 Orbi but the cost is a big consideration and as per my other question on a different post, I am concerned about the Netflix buffering / configeration issue...seems that quite a few people on the Netgear thread have experienced this. It would kill me to think of spending close to a grand and then have my three teenage kids moan about Netflix buffering! The threads related to this are Wifi-6 Orbi chat...but just want sure if that as because these later chats surround the wifi 6 version and not the 5-version. For example: community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Netflix-Orbi-issues/td-p/1858267 Would really appreciate your thoughts on this / if you are able to take a look at a couple of those chats on the above thread, please. I know you haven't experienced anything like this - and hence, am thinking for this reason, cost and in all honesty, the orbi AC3000 is very sufficient for our needs (the wifi 6 is probably unecessary for us), means that the AC3000 just seems to be the right kit. Thanks again - great to have your thorough & honest appraisals.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Sorry - one more question. What is ''double NAT'', please ? If i am right with what this means, I think I may be experiencing this now! My VM 3.0 Superhub is in modem mode and the Nighthawk is the router. However, I still get a (weakish) VM 2G wifi signal around the house, as well as the Netgear 2.4Hz & 5G wifi signals. Been back and forth with the VM engineer and he reckons that despite the box being in modem mode, it may be faulty and emitting a wifi signal. Have requested a new VM box because if it is faulty, then it may be conflicting with the Netgear wifi signal. This worries me as I don't want this happening with the Orbi set up. Is this ''double-NAT'', please? Again, a few threads on this issue on Virgin's Community forum: I seem to be going around in circles with potential & real wifi issues! Thank you!
No, if your SuperHub from Virgin is in modem mode, you won't have Double NAT. Double NAT is when you have two routers and you're essentially creating two different private networks, one a subnet of the other. So anything that goes into and out of the inner of the two networks has both routers to go via, with double complications of any ports and forwarding etc. (Read more here: kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT) Emitting a WiFi signal or not, is a separate issue from whether it's being a router as well... but they may be connected. There are effectively 3 things in one with ISP "routers" - a modem, router and wifi access point. You should be able to see if the SuperHub is broadcasting a WiFi signal by either looking at available networks on your phone or installing a WiFi Analyser app. But yeah, if Virgin are willing to swap your SuperHub you might as well check that!
Getting the WiFi 6 version would be future-proofing your network, as it's unlikely you'll have many WiFi 6 devices for a little while, and you'll probably end up deciding the cost difference isn't worth it. As for those streaming issues, as with anything a chain is only as strong as its weakest link so there may be something else at play there (or a faulty unit?) - who knows. Best advice would be to try it out... test with wired connections and wireless connections, follow all the advice about placement and choosing a WiFi channel which isn't competing with neighours etc. etc., and on mine I also went into Advanced Wireless settings and Enabled Implicit BEAMFORMING, MU-MIMO and Fast Roaming to get the best possible performance! Do all your tests etc. before the return window on Amazon closes, then it's risk-free :)
Great video review Switched on Network I wonder if the Netgear Orbi Would work with my setup I live in one side of a big farmhouse and my brother and his family live in the other side of the house my brother has the Sky internet router in his side of the property but he has run a internet cable from the sky router into my down stair study which I have plugged it my old Linksys Cisco router that give me access to my desktop in my study and the works well but the signal is lot weaker when I try to use my iPhone or Ipad upstairs so I wondered whether an Orbi would improve my signal with a set up like mine (PS I have plasterboard wall in my side of the property Any advice would be most welcome mate
Thank you, glad you found it useful. Yes I'd expect an Orbi would make a massive difference to your current setup. Would you want the Orbi across both residences or just in yours? If you position the router and all satellites in yours, and connect the cable from your brother's into the Yellow "Internet" (ie. WAN) port then you'll essentially be on a subnet of his network and have double NAT - but in most setups that will cause no issues. You'll be able to see devices on his network (unless he has a router and switch that supports putting you on an isolated VLAN) but not vice versa. OR... you could use Orbi everywhere, as one big network...!
Hey, if I were to choose between orbi rbk50 and aimesh asus ac86U, which one has the edge? With overall features expected in a wireless mesh network(speed, coverage, controls).
That depends if you're using wired or wireless backhaul. In either case, you want to place the satellite in the centre of the space you want to cover, and as far away from your router as you can get away with. With wireless backhaul, you obviously need to make sure it's still close enough to get a strong signal to your router, so check the status light during setup for that. For wired backhaul you can of course place it much further away if you want, but I'd still make sure the two "zones" overlap enough so that there's not a deadspot in the middle! I can't remember whether they're all on the same channel now, I think 1 of them may be on a different channel... but the handover still works great. I'll let you know when I'm home!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I have an un-managed switch in my Node0 room where all the Cat6 cables in all the rooms in the house run back to. Here I have a Vodafone Fibre router, I have to have this as it is required for the phone and the TV. The master Orbi has direct Cat6 wire run to one of the satellites while the second satellite is wired via my network switch. The satellite which is connected via my switch seems only to connect via wifi while the first (direct Cat6) is running on the wired backhaul, this seems to suggest the switch wont pass the data connection from the master to the satellite. My house is a small bungalow with solid poured concrete walls, the WiFi satellite is in the front of the bungalow and I have the other two in my lounge/kitchen at the back. I struggle to get WiFi from the main router (Orbi) passing through the double glazed pattio and the second satellite switches from wired to wireless on summers days so as to get a signal in the Garden. Anyway excuse my long winded description, how exactly do you measure your signal strength? My home wifi, while mostly good, is somewhat hit and miss in places, I don't know if it is down to the way the Orbi handles the roaming or if I need to re position one or some of the Orbi's.
Hmmm that's strange - both of my wired satellites are connected via unmanaged switches - it's a normal and supported setup so not sure what's happening for you. What make is the switch? Is the firmware up to date on router and all satellites? I've just checked (using an app called Wifi Analyser) and mine are all on the same channel. It does sound like you might be better off re-positioning your satellites if you still have deadspots - move one closer to that deadspot and see how you get on.
By the way - for the Garden, have you see the Orbi Outdoor Satellite? I'm currently working on a video about it, or you can see details here: geni.us/OrbiOutdoorSatellite
More info on Ethernet backhaul, scroll down to see setup through a switch: kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Very helpful, bought this yesterday and it came this morning! Turns out BT HH6 doesn't allow modem only mode and I can't get the orb to work with it, I suppose I need a new modem to replace the BT HH6. What would you recommend. I don't get FFTP where I live and I'm on a 70mbps package appreciate any advice!
You should be ok without modem mode, you'll just have double NAT. Can you turn off WiFi on the Home Hub? Have you connected one of the HH ports to the Internet port on Orbi router? What happened?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Im new to networking stuff but yes i can turn off the wifi on the HH, i connected the Orbi using the ethernet link and on the HH home page it didnt show that anything was connected to port1 and the orbi wasnt showing an internet connection :(
@Switched on Network, am looking to purchase a orbi mesh ac2200 to try an extend wifi from one house to another but on the same property, do you think it would work ?
Switched On Network Not sure but it’s pretty close, and i will not have access to the main router so i’m looking for something that doesnt need to be hooked up to the main router
@@akhenatencleopatra121 if it's pretty close then yeah it should work fine! Are you thinking of having the router in one house, and satellite in the other with wireless backhaul between the two?
Switched On Network i will not have access to the man router to connect anything to it, i just a shared wifi signal i’ll be getting and i would like biost that signal
aaah, in that case... watch this video and get one of these: ruclips.net/video/16z3GuFcrrs/видео.html (use it in WiFi Extender Mode, not in Orbi Mode like I do in the video... but otherwise the same)
When you connect the satellite wired instead of wireless can you still keep just one SSID network rather than having multiple WiFi networks? Also I’m looking at the ampliFi mesh system have you tried that yet?
Ha, no I have no inside information I'm afraid; just an independent reviewer. If I were a betting man though my money would be on a certain release before Black Friday and the US "holiday season".
You can either do that in the app, or if you're accessing the web interface of the router under WiFi settings you can enable the Guest network and set its own SSID/password.
@@jamescc2010 How strange! I've not come across it at all... feel free to DM me on Twitter (@paulfp) as it would be interesting to test the URLs you're having issues with!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork You might have not have problems. But here are some watnapp.com/ scrippsconnect.org/ I received a login user id/password page telling me this site in not private, and then 401 Unauthorized Access to this resource is denied, your client has not supplied the correct authentication. We can help you reset your router's admin password. You need your router's serial number, which can be found on the router label. Enter your router's serial number in the field and click the Continue button. If I connect with direct wire to my router outside of wifi orbi, then I got in ok. So it must be orbi doing something. Enter the router's Serial Number: (You can find it on the router product label.)
My orbi wifi speeds are what I'm paying for. When I plug into my extra ethernet ports on orbi , it drops speeds in half of what I'm suppose to be getting. Does this sound right?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I'm not sure. They just upgraded my setup, and brought me up to 200 from 100. They replaced the whole junction box with a really small unit. The first weird thing was my Mac plugged in was getting 200 + and also same speed using wifi. My 6+ phone would only get around 150 download. I decided to try the Orbi and low and behold my phone wifi now gets 200 + speeds. I guess I'll make a trip to my provider. I'm just trying to find out if I might have a bad Orbi or maybe I didn't set it up correctly .
I now think it's a problem with me doing my test on the apple tv. I may take it back to factory settings and see if that takes care of it. I just took an out port from my orbi directly into my Mac and I got full speed. The Orbi is working and that was my main concern. I appreciate you responding so quickly.
hi i have an orbi situp and my ISP is virgin too. the problem i have is that every week or my orbi disconnects from the internet and i have to reset my orbi and reconnect to my virgin modem. Please help
I have that now and again - it's certainly not ideal, thankfully rebooting from the app generally works so I don't have to physically go and power cycle it. Hopefully as the firmware matures further it will fix any stability issues 🙏
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Great video by the way I subbed. I am just looking at getting this and this is concerning do you still get this issue with disconnects. and are you still happy with it?
Thanks for the sub! Glad you liked the video. 2 years ago (can't believe it's been that long already!) it was fair to say there were some minor issues, but I've honestly not had to reboot it or had any disconnect issues for as long as I can remember, well over a year I'd say if not longer. There have been a few firmware upgrades and they must have fixed it because I don't even think about it anymore 👍👍
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks for the fast reply. I currently have google nest wifi and its getting worse having so many problems... Anyway i'll give this a try. Thanks
Hi. Even though I’m in the states, hoping this issue can be addressed from anywhere. I’ve been using the Orbi mensch system for s few months now plugged into my frontier, used to be Verizon fiber optics, modem/router with no real issues and good working WiFi. I’m on the 500 MPs a month system from frontier. All of a sudden the orbi router and satellite stopped working. I’ve reset it all, tried starting over, resetting the frontier modem, unplugging everything.....etc all to keep coming up that the orbi WiFi network that comes up as usual on each and every device I was using to NOT able to successfully join because of the PASSWORD??? it’s the same password as it’s always been, but will not recognize it all of a sudden? Can you help? Is there something that I’m just over looking all of a sudden? WTH??? It won’t recognize the system on the app, or the netgear site.?? When I first set it all up successfully, I did NOT need to go into the frontier modem/router to change anything. No disconnected WiFi from frontier, it always allowed to connect to their WiFi or the orbi. No disconnected WiFi all together to be just a modem.... just plugged and played perfectly with the system. And all of a sudden, boom, nothing will work. Thanks for any help.
Hey Scot, that sounds annoying! So let me get this straight, are you unable to connect to the local WiFi network, or is it the connection from your LAN to the outside world that's requiring a password?
* Solid blue = The connection between the Orbi router and Orbi satellite is good. * Solid magenta = The Orbi satellite cannot connect to the Orbi router. Move the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router. * Solid amber = The connection between the Orbi router and Orbi satellite is fair. Consider moving the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router. Note: If the Orbi satellite's ring LED is still pulsing magenta after about one minute, and you already moved the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router, press the Sync button on the Orbi router and on the Orbi satellite. If the Orbi satellite successfully syncs with the Orbi router, the Orbi satellite's ring LED pulses white, then lights solid blue to indicate a good connection, and then turns off. (Pasted from: kb.netgear.com/31017/How-do-I-set-up-my-Orbi-router-and-satellite)
You're ultimately limited by the speed of internet into your house, so you'll never get faster than that. But it'll almost certainly provide a faster WiFi speed than your provider's router will 👍
Impossible to say with any certainty not knowing about your provider and its router. But quite possible, especially if you'd be entirely removing a provider-provided router from the equation (either physically or via modem mode as in my case). Hope that makes sense!
For whatever reason, I cant get my wireless printer to be found on the network even though it connects. ALSO, Disney + doesnt work on the Orbi network and cant for the life of me figure out why!!
That's odd, Disney+ works fine in our household and has been a lifesaver during lockdown! 😂 What can't you get to work? How old is your wireless printer? Does it support the newest WiFi standards? If not you may need to tell orbi to allow older standards...
Switched On Network so i figured it out, you have to change the device from router to access point. Something about stringed IPs that Disney + doesnt like
Hey mate, just my two cents would be rather than making a 18 minute video you should make one giving a general run over its features and a streamlined how to plug and play with the speakers then a further video of your troubleshooting and work around for the wifi etc... All in all though a good video though dude keep up the great work.
Hi, thanks and I'm glad you liked the video! Yes this is a longer and more in-depth video than usual, most videos on this channel are shorter but the issues with handover and speed are part of the review and didn't warrant a video of their own - there's already a separate overview & unboxing video, and a couple of other short standalone videos planned too, eg on parental controls, VPN feature and comparing with Google WiFi. I decided to stick with longer format for this one and put timestamps in description which are clickable on desktop too. As always it's a tossup between content, audience retention and the RUclips algorithm and its penchant for watchtime which is rewarded with more impressions! I take your point though, and thanks for the feedback - I certainly prefer shorter videos too myself 99% of the time! 😃
Switched On Network - While that’s true, I’m finding it too loud as well, and as an American I already sometimes find it hard to understand some of you Brits 😊 esp if you’re speaking fast as you are, and the music just makes it almost unintelligible. Looks like great content though and I’m not giving up just something for you to think about.
I've just found your channel and this is the first I've heard about the Orbi but it looks awesome!
Yes it is! 5 stars from us... 😃
@@SwitchedOnNetwork ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo ooooo I looking ; joking k o ooooo I ooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo of
@@SwitchedOnNetwork just bought this ac3000 today in 2021 still a good router
I'd read a lot of mixed reviews and watched quite a few videos before seeing yours.
Based on this content I went ahead, bit the bullet and bought one - have to say I'm very impressed with it, and share a lot of your enthusiasm about how much of a positive impact it can make. Great feedback, good product, yes user experience in the app and web interface could be improved but it gives me most of what I needed.
Expensive yes, but SO much better than a bunch of extenders and powerline adapters - I've now unplugged all of them bar one which I needed for a NAS, so many thanks, enjoying 4x faster wifi thanks to this product purchased on the strength of this review.
Great stuff, glad I could help!
I have had the Orbi for about a year now and I have been very happy with the purchase and performance.
Top to bottom - a complete overview of this product.
I use to work at Maplin and we sold these when they first launched, they were a huge game changer x
This content was absolutely brilliant mate, extremely helpful. Thank you sincerely and keep up the great work!
Thanks for your kind words!
You put a great effort in this video. I think this should get more likes. Well done. I will buy this orbi I think
Thank you, much appreciated! 🙏
I've got two Orbis showing up today. I loved the ethernet backhaul option of the Orbi. I've already run a Cat-5e cable from the two farthest points in my house since my old Wi-Fi router range was horrible. So now I can just plug in the satellite Orbi and Bob's your uncle. Mesh is the way to go. I did decide to change my network name and password though so I'm going to have a lot of setup work to do tonight.
Excellent review! Very helpful. Thanks!!
I find your vids very interesting thank you.
Thanks!
Very helpful review, will go get one this week. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! 👐
Hello . Thanks for a great video . Is the set up the same for newer WiFi 6 systems ? Also how to make sure you use the same credentials for your old network so all your devices will connect automatically to the new orbi network ? Thanks v much
Glad you liked the video :) Yes, the setup is the same for the newer WiFi 6 systems, in fact you can watch my review of the WiFi 6 Orbi here: ruclips.net/video/4BKjK0SEJi4/видео.html
When you're setting up the system, it'll give you the option to change the SSID and password, so just input there the same as your current system and everything will reconnect. Word of warning: although WiFi 6 supports WPA3, I found that if I enabled that nothing would connect to it automatically, and as I didn't want to go around the house reconnecting everything, I just left it switched off for now.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork thanks so so much for your quick and accurate replies . So I set up my new orbi mesh . I got the ax4200 with 4 satellites . I set that up 3 days ago . The speeds are phenomenal. The only issue is it keeps disconnecting my devices offline randomly . Different devices . I must’ve restarted the router 6 times . Any help please ? I really hate to return the system . I’ve never experienced these speeds everywhere in my house but I don’t know why this is happening. Thanks again
Great video, many thanks for posting
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Interesting, in the U.S. here, modem mode is called bridged mode. On all the router/modem combos from ISPs that I've seen at least. Modem mode and router mode makes more sense though.
This whole channel was a really nice find!
Thanks!
Wow amazing review!! I'm going to help someone tomorrow with an existing Orbi network at their barn and I'm bringing over a couple ubiquiti locos to build a wifi bridge to their carriage house and then plug in an ethernet cable to the back of a new orbi satellite. My hope is this wired backhaul will work with the existing wifi backhaul that's already setup in the barn. Do you have any advice? I typically build wifi bridge links point to point or point to multi point in many previous network installs. I prefer ubiquiti equipment but the customer wanted to stay with Orbi so I'm going to do as they wish. I have a new SRS60 which is the same model they already have.
Great video ! Do you have any idea of the difference in performance between a wired and a wireless backhawl ?
Thanks! There isn't a fixed difference between wired and wireless, as wireless depends on various environmental and other factors, whereas wired doesn't really. So wired will always work great, and wireless might not always. However, it usually does work great - see my other videos on the Outdoor satellite and also in the Home WiFi Makeover where I installed Orbi at a friend's house. Thanks!
Your channel is great! This is such a hidden gem...
Why thank you! 🙌👐
Hi, Thanks a lot for the review!!! Was considering the AX4200 but the Asus AX600 (AX XT8) are at the same price so am hesitating... Seems like a lot of installers favour the Orbis.2. We've got a 2 storey, 5 Bedroom house (no concrete walls), about 3000sq feet. I was wondering which one you'd go for, based on your experience? Thanks very much. Cheers
I have the RBK53. And have Backhaul dropout on one of the satellites no mater what I do. Iv'e tried different placings, limiting power output, limiting CTS/RTS values. Dasiey chain on/off and what not.
Thanks for the review (great job!) and the tips. I am finally getting myself this system, all reviews are ranking it as best in class. Question: can I convert my existing router to modem only and still use the wired connections for some devices (TV, Hive, Apple TV ...)?
No, if it's a modem only it won't be able to do any routing so just 1 connection. Glad you liked the video 👍
Best setup video I've seen. Thankyou !
Thank you, that means a lot!
Only used Netgear for years!
I would love to have this for my home.We only have one choice and thats windstream thru our phone company.Its crappy service too! I need this in my life.Thank you
Thanks for such a detailed review!!!
Great video! Question- why do you recommend turning factory router/modem to only modem mode? Is this to reduce “frequency noise” in the home, such that the Orbi router is not competing? Thanks!
Not primarily, although that's a valid point - no need to have pointless competing WiFi signals. So the WiFi is turned off, but it's more fundamental than that - the ISP-provided device stops being a router and doing any routing - the Orbi does all that so you don't end up with double NAT and needless extra layers to your network.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks for the prompt reply and great advice - keep making great review videos! Cheers from California, USA!
Amazing editing on the video.
Thank you :)
Great video very helpful. Quick question,what wireless WiFi analyzer are you using?
This is the one I use on Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer
For Speedtests I was using this: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.zwanoo.android.speedtest
Just saw your review, very interesting as our house is very similar to yours. Did you get a chance to test the up and down speeds with the satellites connected wirelessly to the router rather than with an Ethernet cable? We don’t have a wired connection between the 3 floors of our house, hence the question.
Yes, I ended up doing that on the next video when I tested the outdoor satellite which is wireless only so definitely check that one out! 👍
The Orbi looks awesome
Enjoyed listening to this in my man cave at the bottom of the garden. one thing i would like to add is that it would have been much better if you had compared or mentioned why you would go for an orbi vs a night hawk. it seems more focused on wifi when the orbi is more than just wifi
Thanks, glad you liked the video 😀 that's a fair point, although the video was long enough without going into that haha 😂 the key thing was that I wanted a mesh system with multiple access points to cover a large area without huge dropoff over distances, so a single nighthawk wouldn't have done it for me. I'm planning an "Orbi vs Google WiFi" video at some point in the future, so it might find its way into that video 👍
When you say the automatic switching started working after a complete reboot system, do you mean you power cycled them or actually factory reset them?
Just power cycle 👍
Great video, thanks. Quick question: is there a way to make sure your device will connect to the closest satellite ? Like reducing the range of the satellite so it connects to the closest one ?
Devices should generally connect to the nearest one, or at least the one with the strongest signal. After an initial wobble, I found mine to be pretty good at switching if I roam around the area. I'm not aware of a method to manually force connection to a specific satellite though, as that goes against the spirit of the setup - you allow Orbi to decide whether 2.4GHz or 5GHz and which satellite, etc...
Wow that's a lot of info! Thanx for it!!! It gives me something to think about that's for sure!
Excellent vid, thanks for sharing! Also new subscriber!
Thank you, and welcome! Some great videos in the pipeline... hopefully lockdown won't delay them all too much! 👍💪
Great video. To bad I discovered it AFTER I just spent 2 whole days setting up my Orbi system. And still not sure I have it right. I purchased the Router + Satellite like you did. I do have one question though, dumb as it is, do the router and the satellite have any indication they are on and set up correctly after they are configured and operational? Mine seems to be working but I can’t really tell since I don’t see any “indicator” lights telling me this.
Yep that's right, no annoying indicator lights - which I see as a good thing! You can always check status on the app or the web interface 👍👍
Great explanation for the Orbi RBK53 and also so useful to see how your house was setup before and after. I have a similar situation where i have an odd layout, thick walls multi floor and want WiFi in the garden, therefore issues with WiFi. I have at the moment Sky Broadband (WiFi turned off) and using apple express and extremes piggybacked and hard wired back to the Sky router and see this as a solution to upgrade. Do you know of any issues using a piggyback hard wired system rarther than single cables back to the main router?
Glad you liked the video! I don't quite understand the setup you're describing, can you go through what's connected to what?
I've just bought the Rbk50 variant from eBay, and waiting for it to arrive.
Did you try the wireless backhaul before going Wired? Was there much of a drop if so?
I only ask, as I'm wondering if I should powerline the backhaul (as don't have the physical ability to run a Cat cable to where I plan to have the satellite) or keep with the wireless
I already had the cables in place so I didn't bother testing wireless really - however, I use wireless backhaul (as that's the only option) for my Outdoor Satellite and it works great. I'd recommend you watch that video (here: ruclips.net/video/16z3GuFcrrs/видео.html) if you want to see more about wireless backhaul performance. I'd definitely say try the wireless first, as you may well find it works brilliantly (as it did in our "Home WiFi Makeover" video, here: ruclips.net/video/gDA_ofSG_HA/видео.html) - I'd be wary of powerlining it to be honest, as I'd expect that to give you worse performance than the 5GHz dedicated backhaul (which uses clever beam forming as well, it's much more than just a "wireless link"). However, if you find the wireless to not work well enough, there's no harm in trying the powerline. What's stopping you being able to run actual cable you wanted to?
Very good video. This is exactly like the problems I just had to solve. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment, and I hope it was helpful for you!
Super helpful video - thank you! I'm trying to decide between the Orbi and Google Wifi. Do you know: with the Orbi, can I connect one satellite to the router via ethernet and connect a second satellite via wireless? My house has thick walls. The unwired second satellite would have no signal to the router, only to the first satellite. Thanks!
Glad you liked the video! Yes, the setup you describe is perfectly permissable and supported, it's called daisy-chaining and it's actually how I have part of my network setup. Since making this video, Netgear sent me the Outdoor Satellite to review (see the most recent video on channel) and that connects wirelessly to another Satellite, which itself is wired to my Orbi router.
If you're trying to decide between Orbi and Google WiFi, I'd say they're both very good (a good friend of mine has the Google with the same home internet connection) but my Orbi seems to be able to provide better speeds to lots of devices all at once. When I speedtest at his house I get slower speeds than I do at mine with Orbi.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks so much. Really appreciate the speedy response. I'm off to click your affiliate link now to get myself an Orbi setup :)
Great video
So if I understand correctly, your recommendation is to run the setup from the wifi interface rather than the app?
Either is fine really, I preferred the web interface via desktop as I'm just more used to configuring stuff that way - but it's up to you 👍
Hi ! I’d like to learn more about network basics and setting customisation such as DHCP, port forwarding, etc. Any good RUclips channels or resources I can learn from ? Thanks !
Hi! I don't know of any specific channels, although I'm sure there probably will be some good ones out there. I may do some more content like this in the future, more of a format where people (like your good self) could submit tech questions in advance and then I'd answer them and demonstrate things. Maybe a new series on the channel, or as part of a live stream or something. Probably a bit in-depth for the podcast. What do you think... would you like to see that sort of content? Let me know!
Hi. I have virgin M200 broadband and about 14 devices connected such as TVs, sky, mobiles etc. signal keeps dropping and they’ve said I need to upgrade as this package is recommended for no more than 9 devices although I used to have sky broadband with 3x less speed and no issues. Will a mesh network such as this help or do I have to upgrade costing more? Thanks I’m anticipation for your help
haha, no I'd say that's utter nonsense - especially as if you upgrade to the M350 or M500 package they won't give you a different modem/router (not sure what they use on the Gig1 package) - the WiFi would be 100% exactly the same! Upgrading the package just upgrades the speed of the connection to your modem/router, that's got nothing to do with the quality of the WiFi signal around your house and how many simultaneous connections your router can handle without toppling over! The person at Virgin Media either doesn't understand or was just trying to get more money out of you I'd say. To cut to the chase, the SuperHub they give you is crap as a WiFi router, and yes upgrading to a good router (mesh or not) will make a big difference, and of course a mesh system will be even better over a larger area. Put the virgin hub in Modem-only mode and get an Orbi system, and it'll be a NIGHT AND DAY difference. I'm currently working on a video on the new version of this Orbi system, the Orbi WiFi 6 (geni.us/OrbiWiFi6RBK853 - #ad) which will be on this channel hopefully later this month. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the details! Can you clarify if I can plug a WiFi “home cloud drive” into this via an Ethernet port
Yes, you should be able to 👍
Have you tried the Orbi Rbk 752 and Asus Zenwifi xt8? Both are really the same, can't decide man! Got any insight on the performance of these mesh systems?
I've not tried out the WiFi 6 units yet, no sorry!
Curious if you ever figured out the switching problem as you were roaming. I am having that issue as well.
It's not really been an issue since i made the video to be honest, sorted itself out. Try rebooting the whole system and see how you go
Excellent video.
Thank you!
I just upgraded the firmware to 2.7.2.104, and the Orbi RBK50 is wonky, dropping WiFi once a day. I also noticed that MU-MIMO and daisy chain were not selected. Shouldn’t these be selected? Thanks for your help.
To setup a switch to the router ? How do you do it ? Do I just buy a switch and a Ethernet from the switch to the orbi? Or is there more involved ?
That's it!
Switched On Network thank you for your response sir and so quickly
Just ordered a set off the back of your reviews, thank you - I have a BT home Hub and I don't believe I can set this to modem only mode - what Netgear Router/Modem would you recommend I buy to use with an Orbi set up? I am also going to ditch BT as my internet is appalling and swap to a Local Fibre service that's 200mbs - and I would like to keep the Netgear router to use with that. Thanks in advance.
Glad you found it helpful 👍 If you're about to switch, I'd wait and see what modem/router they give you... might be able to get just a modem from them, or at least a "modem only" mode?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thnaks The Company is called True Speed Broadband, and they supply a Huawei Ive been told - Ill ask for more info from them.
I’m also looking for a good mesh system. Only thing that worries me from your review is that apparently it’s not so seamless as it’s on different channels. Which would be key for a mesh system. How is that now (with updates or something)?
It's absolutely seamless now. In fact it was later in the video; I only noticed it being slightly odd during the setup, so I presume it was still doing a first time config or something.
Switched On Network nice. Just bought the set ;)
Great review
I agree with others. Great review! - Will look at other videos also. Great Channel
Basic questio but I am assuming you have the PC connected to the switch (7:25sec on video) in order to access the browser?
Yeah either to the switch or directly into one of the 3 ports on the router
How have you set up the wired backhaul, I am looking at purchasing the orbi TBK53 and there us nothing online that I can see, which shows how to set up backhaul between 2 satellite's to the router. Thanks
You just go into the web interface (or via app) and go to add satellite. It'll ask you to press the Pair buttons in sequence (best done with them physically nearby) then once paired you can move Satellite to where it'll live and deploy, then also connect with cable to the rest of your network if you like. By the way, updated review of Orbi here: ruclips.net/video/4BKjK0SEJi4/видео.html
just installed the Orbi Ac300v2 on tuesday this week, wow, in my office on my cell I went from 160.7 to 233.8 I'm killing myself trying to figure out how to connect to the 2.4 g on this router, I have mini wifi switches that will NOT connect to 5g but i have no clue how to connect the 2.4 side. ugggggg oh ya this orbi 3000 is great with a satellite about 40 feet away, never had coverage like this before...
Great, glad it's working well for you! Because of the way it merges the 2.4 and 5GHz networks, you won't actually see different networks but it should be that your mini switches will only see the 2.4GHz and just connect to that anyway... at least that's been the case for all the devices that I own which don't support 5GHz. So if you just try and connect them, forgetting about 2.4/5GHz then you *should* be fine... or is that what you've already done? Let me know how you get on :)
hello there, I just moved to the UK, got 1GB from VM but on the 2nd floor the WIFI still very slow, I am going to get Orbi but asking you which model you will prefer? there are several and I am kinda struggling to select which will be suitable for my home (1 router and 2 Satellite)
Welcome to the UK! 🎉 I have the RBK53 (1 router+ 2 satellites) and then the RBS50Y outdoor Satellite (which Netgear sent me free). I live in a 3-bed semi with loft converted to make it 4 bedroom. It depends on how big your house is really as to which you'll need. First work out how many satellites you need (1 per floor I'd say generally) and then speed you want as three are two variants - get the fastest you can afford so that then LAN speeds are better within your house over WiFi.
There's also, of course, the newer Orbi WiFi 6 system if you want to future proof and spend the big bucks!
Excellent video boss
Very kind of you to say, thank you! 🙏
Once again, thanks a lot. Finally setup RBK353 after watching your great videos and advice! Hiccups with firmware updates but somehow it did it! Not sure if relocation of one satallite will require finding it gain.
Great to hear! And glad I could help :) [and no - as long as it's within range moving the satellite shouldn't cause you any issues]
Hi, do you pay for the netgear armour security every year? I'm worried that after my 30 days trial of the armour security, it will block me from browsing websites.
It's annual subscription (you get one year free with the new RBK863 - see latest vid on channel) but no, it won't block you from browsing websites if you don't pay/renew etc. It's entirely optional.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I have the RBK352. Not sure if the same rules apply to it. I really hope it doesn't block me from browsing websites.
Don't worry, it won't! It's an optional extra security add on.
I got the Lyra from Asus a try band mesh, currently it's wifi mesh, can't wait when I wire them
Ah great, I've not tried them - any good?
I am trying to get a good WiFi signal into my shed which is about 20 meters from the house. At the moment my virgin router cannot reach that far. Would this Orbi system be good option for this?
Yes! If it's anything like my house then it would be great. No reason why you shouldn't get full strength and full speed, especially if you pair with the Outdoor Satellite as well (see my other video) 👍👍👍
What application do you guys use to measure the network/ISP speed?
I generally use Speedtest by Ookla, but there are others
Is there any radiation risk with this? Saw some articles where somebody was worried about the intensity of signals(frequency is not a worry).. how many watts is the intensity?
I'm not sure, sorry - the datasheet on their website doesn't list that. You could try contacting their support to see if they can tell you...
hey the satilite in the garden area is that still hard wired? I was wondering what kindof speed you would get if you used the 5ghz wireless baxkhaul at that distance
In the video yes it was hardwired and was an indoor satellite living inside the summerhouse - but I then moved it into the house. I'm working on a video right now with the Outdoor Satellite (which uses wireless backhaul only) so stay tuned for that 👀 - should be on the channel in the next fortnight!
Great review and I gave you a thumbs up, but I'm confused. What's the point of an expensive mesh system like Orbi if you need to hard-wire the satellites to get good speed?
Thanks! The point is having multiple access points all as part of the same system, with one common SSID throughout and the handover between points (and 2.4/5GHz) is all seamless. You certainly don't HAVE to hardwire the backhaul - I know many people who haven't and still get great results. I had the cables in place anyway so thought why not!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Makes sense. Thanks! You sold me. I'll use your affiliate link to order one.
Thank you!
Seems there are a few negative reviews regarding usage of Netflix / streaming on this system. Is this something you have found or has this been resolved, pls ?
No problems at all for me. In fact I wish there were some problems, it might stop the kids watching Paw Patrol all day long!! 😂😂
Thanks for this!
Great new product!
Thanks for the informative video
I have a couple of questions... We have Virgin Media super hub 3 with four ethernet ports. It is next to the tv and, although the media stuff like tv and Sky etc can run wireless, we have it wired for ultimate performance. We also have smart home such as bulbs and heating which have hubs that need to be wired to the router. As such, we have a four port switch off the Virgin router to supply more ports. I am interested in going down the Orbi route. I would like to do as you did and switch the Virgin router to modem only with a cable out from one of the ports to the Orbi. Does that disable the remaining three ports on the Virgin router? If possible I would like to keep wired connection for three devices from the Virgin router and use the three free ports on the Orbi. I can then take the switch out of the equation.
Also, we would like to put a guest network on the Orbi. We have Sonos and recently we had a party where someone wanted to play something from their phone to the speakers using Airplay 2. The Sonos is currently on our main network and our friend had the guest network password. On the Orbi is it possible to keep the Sonos on the main network, but allow those on the guest network to access Sonos but not all the other things on our network? If we have to move Sonos to the guest network that is fine but I would rather do it this way round so that my wife and I don't have to chop and change networks if we want to use it ourselves.
Thanks for your help.
Yes, putting your Virgin Media superhub into modem mode will disable the other 3 ports, as it becomes just a modem and has no router capabilities - so you'll need to keep the switch in the equation (like I have, in fact I have various switches around the house). Don't forget that you also get 4 ports on all the satellites, so that's 3 for other stuff if you're using wired backhaul or 4 for other stuff if you use wireless backhaul.
Regarding the Guest network, there's an option to allow Guest and Main network to talk to each other, so you could temporarily enable that when visitors come round - although that would grant access to EVERYTHING, not just your Sonos... more specific device control like that would require something more complex like a VLAN-enabled router and switch, which is getting a bit more into the enterprise stuff rather than domestic home stuff. I think (*but may be wrong*) the Orbi Pro might support that, but you'll have to check.
I am definitely no expert with technology,so I have a question to ask.If I connect an Ethernet cable from an Orbi Satellite and connect it to my smart tv,will the Orbi still transmit the wi-fi signal as part of the mesh system within the home with another Orbi Satellite ?
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It will, yes! 👍 It's essentially a network switch as well as a wireless access point, so you have all the wireless capacity plus any free network ports for wired access on those too.
Sorry to be a pain,thankyou for your reply.What I meant to really ask,if I connect an Ethernet cable from an Orbi Satellite to my smart tv for say streaming Netflix,does that mean the signal is from a wired connection (as if direct from my Virgin Media Hub),or is it still from the wi-fi,therefore,not as good possibly .So basically is there a benefit from connecting an Orbi Satellite to a smart tv by ethernet ?
Yes, there's always a benefit to connecting via cable if and when you can. I'm guessing that your Orbi Satellite is connected back to the main router via wireless backhaul, not another long cable between the two? (I'm guessing as you wouldn't be asking this question otherwise...) Assuming so, there will be a degree of wired *and* wireless in the route from Virgin modem to smart TV, however don't mix up the dedicated 5GHz backhaul connection between router and satellite as "WiFi"; it's so much more than that, as it's a dedicated private connection that nothing else uses or interferes with, and uses beam forming to optimise further, etc etc.
TL;DR - yes, if you can then always worth using ethernet cable imho 👍😅
Thank you for this video and help me to understand more.
Glad to have helped - have you bought an Orbi then?
Switched On Network Hi, I am going to buy RBK50 1 Router + 1 Satellite package. Unfortunately Netgear NZ does not supply RBK53 1 R + 2 S, the only single satellite being supplied here is the external one as you showed which priced nearly same as the package. 😳 From the living room router position to the front house central point is about 40m, in between is few wooden walls and an open garden area. I might put the satellite in the garage where is about 25-30m away from the router and 15-20 meters to the front house. Wish the package can cover it otherwise might need one more satellite. 😕
Just check there is a new Orbi? www.netgear.com/orbi/rbk852.aspx
Yes, that's the version which supports the new WiFi 6 standard. You won't notice any difference really unless you have devices which also support it, but if you're looking for future-proof your setup then getting that instead maybe isn't a bad idea, and you can benefit in the future when you get devices which will use it...
Is it possible to replace your router on the BT Network with the Orbi RBK 853 System ax6000 router? Or do you make a connection from existing to the Orbi?
My current router is a Nighthawk D7800. Cheers
You'd need to keep your BT router to use its modem functionality, but otherwise yes 👍 (turn off WiFi etc and all other features)
@@SwitchedOnNetwork So I could just purchase a BT Modem to do the same job? Cheers
Yes 👍
Does the Switch (7:25mins in video) connect to your PC / Laptop to enable you to use the browser to login to Orbilogin website?
Ignore the switch - just everything connected up is on the same LAN and subnet so can see and talk to each other. With or without the switch 👍
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Sorry did not make it clear. Once the orbi is connected to the router and I connect the PC to orbi via ethernet, will I have internet access to login into Orbi website to do the setup?
Thank you, good information.
Are you based in the UK? I don't see RBK53 being sold here in the UK.. its not even mentioned in the Netgear UK website
I am, yes. It's sometimes called "Ultra Performance+" now. It's here on Amazon: geni.us/NetgearOrbi
Our Netgear router is 3 years old and started giving us lots of problems a few months ago. We bought the orbi mesh system to replace our old router. Once we received it and began setting it up realized the orbi must be plugged into a router/modem. Does this mean we now have to buy another modem as well since or old one is on its way out. Several articles said routers only last about 3years before they start slowing down and dropping connections. We thought the orbi would replace our old router all together. Can you clarify if we need to buy a new router or modem at this point in addition to the orbi?
You'll need a modem as well, as the Orbi is just a router, not a modem. Depending on your ISP they might give you a combined modem and router, which is often just referred to as a "wireless router" but technically speaking, it's a 3-in one device (modem, router and wireless access point). What country are you in, and who's your ISP? If possible, they should be able to supply you with a new, functioning modem. If they just offer a consumer-friendly all-in-one, but it has a "modem only mode" that you can put it in, all the better :) [PS, I'm not sure I agree with the "routers only last about 3 years thing" in those articles, but generally speaking the "free" ones from ISPs are rubbish so won't last that long before they either die or just become generally out of date!]
@@SwitchedOnNetwork thanks for the response. I live in the United States. We did not get our router through the ISP. After weighing the cost of leasing one through the ISP vs buying one, we ended up buying a better router for less money than the ISP would give us. Since the router is 3 years old and experiencing wifi connection problems will this inhibit the performance of the orbi, or do you think we will need to get a new modem at this time? I wish somewhere in all the advertising for the orbi it had mentioned the system would be in addition to your existing modem/router. We expected it to be a replacement.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork also our ISP is Cox.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork and every time I say router I guess I should say "3 in 1" device as you pointed out. I'm not too tech savvy as you can probably tell. Lol
Thanks so much for this informative video. I have two questions. I have a Virgin Media 3.0 superhub and as you can guess, wasn't up to the task (large house, lots of walls etc). The VM engineer suggested I buy a new router, which I did (Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000). He thought this would solve my wifi issues. It didn't. So i currently have the VM 3.0 Superhub in modem mode, with the Nighthawk as router. Still getting the same dead zones. My first question is: should I retain this Nighthawk router and continue to use that as the main router and then use the Orbi router as a satellite....or return the Nighthawk to Amazon (which I am allowed to do), and use the Orbi router as the sole, new router? Secondly, I was thinking (along the same lines as you did), that I would ethernet connect the orbi router to the first satellite and then run the second satellite wirelessly (the firstsatellite being the orbi router if question 1 is allowable). Would that set up work, please and how would the wired satellite interact with the wireless satellite (would that still be consistent?). Lastly, I see there are so many variants of this model (one with security protection - whole house wifi, i think it is called). Is that the variant you would recommend, please? Thanks again - I have subscribed to your channel and will buy the orbi system through your link. Regards
Thanks for subscribing! First question - yes, send the Nighthawk back as you won't need that, you can (and should) use the Orbi as the only router on your network, otherwise you'll end up with double-NAT which isn't ideal. Secondly, yes it's no problem to have some wired and some wireless satellites (see my video on the Orbi Outdoor for more details). They don't interact in any different way, really, just the connection type is "wireless" or "wired"... the speeds you get may be less if you only get a weaker 2.4GHz connection as opposed to strong 5GHz connection, of course, so positioning is more important with wireless connections. Lastly, which kit to go for boils down to the size of your house and whether you want to spend money on the faster models - the speeds are all faster than most home internet connections anyway, so the only real difference there will be for local traffic, eg. streaming films from a NAS or transferring files between machines on your LAN. Which kit are you looking at getting?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks very much for the reply & info. I was intending on getting the Orbi AC3000 (RBK53)...one router and two satellites. And as you suggest, I will return the Nighthawk. I was potentially looking at the WifI 6 Orbi but the cost is a big consideration and as per my other question on a different post, I am concerned about the Netflix buffering / configeration issue...seems that quite a few people on the Netgear thread have experienced this. It would kill me to think of spending close to a grand and then have my three teenage kids moan about Netflix buffering! The threads related to this are Wifi-6 Orbi chat...but just want sure if that as because these later chats surround the wifi 6 version and not the 5-version. For example: community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Netflix-Orbi-issues/td-p/1858267
Would really appreciate your thoughts on this / if you are able to take a look at a couple of those chats on the above thread, please. I know you haven't experienced anything like this - and hence, am thinking for this reason, cost and in all honesty, the orbi AC3000 is very sufficient for our needs (the wifi 6 is probably unecessary for us), means that the AC3000 just seems to be the right kit. Thanks again - great to have your thorough & honest appraisals.
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Sorry - one more question. What is ''double NAT'', please ? If i am right with what this means, I think I may be experiencing this now! My VM 3.0 Superhub is in modem mode and the Nighthawk is the router. However, I still get a (weakish) VM 2G wifi signal around the house, as well as the Netgear 2.4Hz & 5G wifi signals. Been back and forth with the VM engineer and he reckons that despite the box being in modem mode, it may be faulty and emitting a wifi signal. Have requested a new VM box because if it is faulty, then it may be conflicting with the Netgear wifi signal. This worries me as I don't want this happening with the Orbi set up. Is this ''double-NAT'', please? Again, a few threads on this issue on Virgin's Community forum: I seem to be going around in circles with potential & real wifi issues! Thank you!
No, if your SuperHub from Virgin is in modem mode, you won't have Double NAT. Double NAT is when you have two routers and you're essentially creating two different private networks, one a subnet of the other. So anything that goes into and out of the inner of the two networks has both routers to go via, with double complications of any ports and forwarding etc. (Read more here: kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT)
Emitting a WiFi signal or not, is a separate issue from whether it's being a router as well... but they may be connected. There are effectively 3 things in one with ISP "routers" - a modem, router and wifi access point. You should be able to see if the SuperHub is broadcasting a WiFi signal by either looking at available networks on your phone or installing a WiFi Analyser app.
But yeah, if Virgin are willing to swap your SuperHub you might as well check that!
Getting the WiFi 6 version would be future-proofing your network, as it's unlikely you'll have many WiFi 6 devices for a little while, and you'll probably end up deciding the cost difference isn't worth it.
As for those streaming issues, as with anything a chain is only as strong as its weakest link so there may be something else at play there (or a faulty unit?) - who knows. Best advice would be to try it out... test with wired connections and wireless connections, follow all the advice about placement and choosing a WiFi channel which isn't competing with neighours etc. etc., and on mine I also went into Advanced Wireless settings and Enabled Implicit BEAMFORMING, MU-MIMO and Fast Roaming to get the best possible performance! Do all your tests etc. before the return window on Amazon closes, then it's risk-free :)
Does the Orbi recognize smart plugs that only work o. 2.4ghz?
Yes, and smart lightbulbs, no problem at all 👍
Great video review Switched on Network
I wonder if the Netgear Orbi Would work with my setup
I live in one side of a big farmhouse and my brother and his family live in the other side of the house
my brother has the Sky internet router in his side of the property but he has run a internet cable from the sky router into my down stair study
which I have plugged it my old Linksys Cisco router that give me access to my desktop in my study and the works well
but the signal is lot weaker when I try to use my iPhone or Ipad upstairs
so I wondered whether an Orbi would improve my signal with a set up like mine (PS I have plasterboard wall in my side of the property
Any advice would be most welcome mate
I should add I have no internet cables upstairs
Thank you, glad you found it useful. Yes I'd expect an Orbi would make a massive difference to your current setup. Would you want the Orbi across both residences or just in yours? If you position the router and all satellites in yours, and connect the cable from your brother's into the Yellow "Internet" (ie. WAN) port then you'll essentially be on a subnet of his network and have double NAT - but in most setups that will cause no issues. You'll be able to see devices on his network (unless he has a router and switch that supports putting you on an isolated VLAN) but not vice versa. OR... you could use Orbi everywhere, as one big network...!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I am only worried about my side of the house :) …. it been extended so its like 2 properties in one shell
Cool, yeah it'll work fine then! Wireless backhaul should work fine for you, especially if the walls aren't too thick ✔️
Hey, if I were to choose between orbi rbk50 and aimesh asus ac86U, which one has the edge? With overall features expected in a wireless mesh network(speed, coverage, controls).
I've no knowledge or experience of the Asus I'm afraid, sorry!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Will you do a AiMesh review soon, its features will squash Nergear orbi outright. .
@@harishganeshkumar6647 No plans at the moment, but if their PR people are listening - hit me up! :)
Are there any recommendations as to placement of the units? Also did you ever get your Orbi's set up on the same channel?
That depends if you're using wired or wireless backhaul. In either case, you want to place the satellite in the centre of the space you want to cover, and as far away from your router as you can get away with. With wireless backhaul, you obviously need to make sure it's still close enough to get a strong signal to your router, so check the status light during setup for that. For wired backhaul you can of course place it much further away if you want, but I'd still make sure the two "zones" overlap enough so that there's not a deadspot in the middle!
I can't remember whether they're all on the same channel now, I think 1 of them may be on a different channel... but the handover still works great. I'll let you know when I'm home!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I have an un-managed switch in my Node0 room where all the Cat6 cables in all the rooms in the house run back to. Here I have a Vodafone Fibre router, I have to have this as it is required for the phone and the TV. The master Orbi has direct Cat6 wire run to one of the satellites while the second satellite is wired via my network switch. The satellite which is connected via my switch seems only to connect via wifi while the first (direct Cat6) is running on the wired backhaul, this seems to suggest the switch wont pass the data connection from the master to the satellite.
My house is a small bungalow with solid poured concrete walls, the WiFi satellite is in the front of the bungalow and I have the other two in my lounge/kitchen at the back. I struggle to get WiFi from the main router (Orbi) passing through the double glazed pattio and the second satellite switches from wired to wireless on summers days so as to get a signal in the Garden.
Anyway excuse my long winded description, how exactly do you measure your signal strength? My home wifi, while mostly good, is somewhat hit and miss in places, I don't know if it is down to the way the Orbi handles the roaming or if I need to re position one or some of the Orbi's.
Hmmm that's strange - both of my wired satellites are connected via unmanaged switches - it's a normal and supported setup so not sure what's happening for you. What make is the switch? Is the firmware up to date on router and all satellites? I've just checked (using an app called Wifi Analyser) and mine are all on the same channel. It does sound like you might be better off re-positioning your satellites if you still have deadspots - move one closer to that deadspot and see how you get on.
By the way - for the Garden, have you see the Orbi Outdoor Satellite? I'm currently working on a video about it, or you can see details here: geni.us/OrbiOutdoorSatellite
More info on Ethernet backhaul, scroll down to see setup through a switch: kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Very helpful, bought this yesterday and it came this morning! Turns out BT HH6 doesn't allow modem only mode and I can't get the orb to work with it, I suppose I need a new modem to replace the BT HH6. What would you recommend. I don't get FFTP where I live and I'm on a 70mbps package appreciate any advice!
You should be ok without modem mode, you'll just have double NAT. Can you turn off WiFi on the Home Hub? Have you connected one of the HH ports to the Internet port on Orbi router? What happened?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Im new to networking stuff but yes i can turn off the wifi on the HH, i connected the Orbi using the ethernet link and on the HH home page it didnt show that anything was connected to port1 and the orbi wasnt showing an internet connection :(
Sorted it working like a dream now :D thanks for taking the time to reply earned a new sub :)
Ah great glad you got it sorted, and thanks for subscribing too. Happy Christmas!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork to you too!
@Switched on Network, am looking to purchase a orbi mesh ac2200 to try an extend wifi from one house to another but on the same property, do you think it would work ?
How many metres between the two?
Switched On Network Not sure but it’s pretty close, and i will not have access to the main router so i’m looking for something that doesnt need to be hooked up to the main router
@@akhenatencleopatra121 if it's pretty close then yeah it should work fine! Are you thinking of having the router in one house, and satellite in the other with wireless backhaul between the two?
Switched On Network i will not have access to the man router to connect anything to it, i just a shared wifi signal i’ll be getting and i would like biost that signal
aaah, in that case... watch this video and get one of these: ruclips.net/video/16z3GuFcrrs/видео.html (use it in WiFi Extender Mode, not in Orbi Mode like I do in the video... but otherwise the same)
When you connect the satellite wired instead of wireless can you still keep just one SSID network rather than having multiple WiFi networks?
Also I’m looking at the ampliFi mesh system have you tried that yet?
Yes, wired backhaul works the same in all other ways, so still just one SSID etc.
Not tried ampliFI, no...
Thank you for the reply. Any idea when the new WiFi ax version of the Netgear Orbi will be released?
"second half of 2019"
That’s what I heard but didn’t know if you knew what month, thanks
Ha, no I have no inside information I'm afraid; just an independent reviewer. If I were a betting man though my money would be on a certain release before Black Friday and the US "holiday season".
How do I set up a guest network? Thanks
You can either do that in the app, or if you're accessing the web interface of the router under WiFi settings you can enable the Guest network and set its own SSID/password.
Great Shirt ^^, y, the video is nice, too
great wifi system!
Orbi has been blocking lots of websites for me and lots of people. My old router did not do that before.
Any solution for that?
What's happening? Have you enabled parental controls?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork parental control is off. I think it is Orbi bugs that people are having with many blocked websites.
@@jamescc2010 How strange! I've not come across it at all... feel free to DM me on Twitter (@paulfp) as it would be interesting to test the URLs you're having issues with!
@@SwitchedOnNetwork You might have not have problems. But here are some watnapp.com/ scrippsconnect.org/ I received a login user id/password page telling me this site in not private, and then 401 Unauthorized
Access to this resource is denied, your client has not supplied the correct authentication.
We can help you reset your router's admin password. You need your router's serial number, which can be found on the router label. Enter your router's serial number in the field and click the Continue button.
If I connect with direct wire to my router outside of wifi orbi, then I got in ok. So it must be orbi doing something.
Enter the router's Serial Number:
(You can find it on the router product label.)
My orbi wifi speeds are what I'm paying for. When I plug into my extra ethernet ports on orbi , it drops speeds in half of what I'm suppose to be getting. Does this sound right?
Doesn't sound right. What speed is your network adaptor, is it gigabit or 100Mbps? What type of cable are you using?
@@SwitchedOnNetwork I'm not sure. They just upgraded my setup, and brought me up to 200 from 100. They replaced the whole junction box with a really small unit. The first weird thing was my Mac plugged in was getting 200 + and also same speed using wifi. My 6+ phone would only get around 150 download. I decided to try the Orbi and low and behold my phone wifi now gets 200 + speeds. I guess I'll make a trip to my provider. I'm just trying to find out if I might have a bad Orbi or maybe I didn't set it up correctly .
I now think it's a problem with me doing my test on the apple tv. I may take it back to factory settings and see if that takes care of it. I just took an out port from my orbi directly into my Mac and I got full speed. The Orbi is working and that was my main concern. I appreciate you responding so quickly.
hi i have an orbi situp and my ISP is virgin too. the problem i have is that every week or my orbi disconnects from the internet and i have to reset my orbi and reconnect to my virgin modem. Please help
I have that now and again - it's certainly not ideal, thankfully rebooting from the app generally works so I don't have to physically go and power cycle it. Hopefully as the firmware matures further it will fix any stability issues 🙏
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Great video by the way I subbed. I am just looking at getting this and this is concerning do you still get this issue with disconnects. and are you still happy with it?
Thanks for the sub! Glad you liked the video. 2 years ago (can't believe it's been that long already!) it was fair to say there were some minor issues, but I've honestly not had to reboot it or had any disconnect issues for as long as I can remember, well over a year I'd say if not longer. There have been a few firmware upgrades and they must have fixed it because I don't even think about it anymore 👍👍
@@SwitchedOnNetwork Thanks for the fast reply. I currently have google nest wifi and its getting worse having so many problems... Anyway i'll give this a try. Thanks
Hope Orbi works better for you - let me know how you get on!
Hi. Even though I’m in the states, hoping this issue can be addressed from anywhere. I’ve been using the Orbi mensch system for s few months now plugged into my frontier, used to be Verizon fiber optics, modem/router with no real issues and good working WiFi. I’m on the 500 MPs a month system from frontier. All of a sudden the orbi router and satellite stopped working. I’ve reset it all, tried starting over, resetting the frontier modem, unplugging everything.....etc all to keep coming up that the orbi WiFi network that comes up as usual on each and every device I was using to NOT able to successfully join because of the PASSWORD??? it’s the same password as it’s always been, but will not recognize it all of a sudden? Can you help? Is there something that I’m just over looking all of a sudden? WTH??? It won’t recognize the system on the app, or the netgear site.?? When I first set it all up successfully, I did NOT need to go into the frontier modem/router to change anything. No disconnected WiFi from frontier, it always allowed to connect to their WiFi or the orbi. No disconnected WiFi all together to be just a modem.... just plugged and played perfectly with the system. And all of a sudden, boom, nothing will work. Thanks for any help.
Hey Scot, that sounds annoying! So let me get this straight, are you unable to connect to the local WiFi network, or is it the connection from your LAN to the outside world that's requiring a password?
What does it mean if the orbi turns purple
* Solid blue = The connection between the Orbi router and Orbi satellite is good.
* Solid magenta = The Orbi satellite cannot connect to the Orbi router. Move the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router.
* Solid amber = The connection between the Orbi router and Orbi satellite is fair. Consider moving the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router.
Note: If the Orbi satellite's ring LED is still pulsing magenta after about one minute, and you already moved the Orbi satellite closer to the Orbi router, press the Sync button on the Orbi router and on the Orbi satellite.
If the Orbi satellite successfully syncs with the Orbi router, the Orbi satellite's ring LED pulses white, then lights solid blue to indicate a good connection, and then turns off.
(Pasted from: kb.netgear.com/31017/How-do-I-set-up-my-Orbi-router-and-satellite)
Awesome!
If I had to use this on a wired connectiin could I get faster speed than my provider is giving me
You're ultimately limited by the speed of internet into your house, so you'll never get faster than that. But it'll almost certainly provide a faster WiFi speed than your provider's router will 👍
@@SwitchedOnNetwork thanks just wondering on a wired connection its more stable does orbi help streaming be more stable than what providers would be
Impossible to say with any certainty not knowing about your provider and its router. But quite possible, especially if you'd be entirely removing a provider-provided router from the equation (either physically or via modem mode as in my case). Hope that makes sense!
There’s a few Netgear routers that allow NAS via their usb ports.
Yes, that's true. 🤞 for a future firmware update...
For whatever reason, I cant get my wireless printer to be found on the network even though it connects. ALSO, Disney + doesnt work on the Orbi network and cant for the life of me figure out why!!
That's odd, Disney+ works fine in our household and has been a lifesaver during lockdown! 😂 What can't you get to work?
How old is your wireless printer? Does it support the newest WiFi standards? If not you may need to tell orbi to allow older standards...
Switched On Network so i figured it out, you have to change the device from router to access point. Something about stringed IPs that Disney + doesnt like
Thanks
Hey mate, just my two cents would be rather than making a 18 minute video you should make one giving a general run over its features and a streamlined how to plug and play with the speakers then a further video of your troubleshooting and work around for the wifi etc... All in all though a good video though dude keep up the great work.
Hi, thanks and I'm glad you liked the video! Yes this is a longer and more in-depth video than usual, most videos on this channel are shorter but the issues with handover and speed are part of the review and didn't warrant a video of their own - there's already a separate overview & unboxing video, and a couple of other short standalone videos planned too, eg on parental controls, VPN feature and comparing with Google WiFi. I decided to stick with longer format for this one and put timestamps in description which are clickable on desktop too. As always it's a tossup between content, audience retention and the RUclips algorithm and its penchant for watchtime which is rewarded with more impressions! I take your point though, and thanks for the feedback - I certainly prefer shorter videos too myself 99% of the time! 😃
That background music should be much lower or remove it entirely. It's enough to drive you crazy watching your video.
Sorry you didn't like it! The audio can sound drastically different depending on what device and speakers etc. it's listened to on.
Switched On Network - While that’s true, I’m finding it too loud as well, and as an American I already sometimes find it hard to understand some of you Brits 😊 esp if you’re speaking fast as you are, and the music just makes it almost unintelligible. Looks like great content though and I’m not giving up just something for you to think about.