Netgear's Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router System Now Available for Pre-Order

[ThrowerGB]

Time machine support?

Good question. Beware!
I just bought a Netgear Nighthawk X6S AC3600 WIFI router and was dismayed to find that the latest firmware update removes Time Machine capability. i.e., you can't connect a USB drive to it and have it work as your Time Machine disk.
After a lot of searching, I found that the Time Machine capability was eliminated in the most recent firmware update. There's a notice about it on Netgear's community forum. The Netgear support people don't seem to know about it yet! The notice says they've also eliminated a bunch of other functionality!
You might want to check if this is happening with the Orbi system if Time Machine is important to you.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

Come on, now. Even a quick Google would show you that your initial argument is untrue. It takes just a minute or two to set separate SSIDs on the Orbi. I’ve had no such issues with my RBR53 set. It’s been just great.

What he said is absolutely true, orbi doesn’t have a setting or “let” you do it. You have to do it with telnet.

I do it on my RBK50 set (router and one satellite). Works great, covers a 2450 2 story perfectly.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

The link at the top of the post shows a better price!
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System (3-Pack)

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri Band Mesh Wi Fi System 3 Pack - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

store.apple.com

View attachment 860025

That’s an rbr 20.

 

[centauratlas]

WPA 3 is also part of the AX spec. It has to have it in order to be certified.

Netgear did have a non-WPA3 ax pre-certification router that was not WPA3 only WPA2 back in the spring so wanted to confirm. Netgear's site still lists the AX12 as WPA 3, the AX8 and the orbi do not show WPA3.

Neither of them say "WiFi CERTIFIED WPA3" unlike the AX12 so I wouldn't rely on it until they say "certified".

 

[Hazmat401]

This is such a bad buy.... it’s not even worth upgrading to WIFI6 to until 2021 anyway

 

[zubikov]

Come on, now. Even a quick Google would show you that your initial argument is untrue. It takes just a minute or two to set separate SSIDs on the Orbi. I’ve had no such issues with my RBR53 set. It’s been just great.

That's incorrect. A quick google search will reveal that the only way to accomplish creating SSIDs for each band is to telnet with the router and tinker with the settings through a shell!! Not exactly the most configurable and user friendly way. Also, once you set it up that way, you still won't be able to configure each SSID through the app or the web GUI.

What you're talking about is just creating a separate SSID, which does work like it's supposed to.

Orbi performs well in a smaller settings. If you have a house that's spread out it's a different story.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

I don’t even know anyone who buys their own routers. They always come from the ISP

Cox charges 10.00 a month for a dual band. They all charge, being hidden doesn’t mean it’s not there.

120.00 a year. Not sure why you would be bragging about paying an endless rental fee?

 

[VanNess]

Whats the problem? All the time the new technology was pricier at his birth...look at 4k, look now at 8k and so on
In 1-2 years will come down

Except there are plenty of WiFi 6 routers available for half that price. 700 bucks is for suckers only. I own the current generation orbi and it’s the best performing router I’ve owned and I’ve owned several. No need to upgrade at this point until my devices are WiFi 6 capable. I’m sure netgear will have come to its senses by then

 

[MisterSavage]

I've been using a mesh system for 10 months and I'll never go back to not having one. Being able to have strong signal anywhere inside is so wonderful.

 

[pcmike]

This has not been my experiance with Orbi and its dedicated backhaul radio. Maybe true of lesser equipped mesh systems like eero and Google.

Ethernet connection to each WAP is of course ideal, but that is what this product is designed for, its not what any of the consumer mesh wifi systems are designed for. These products are primarily targeted to those that do not have or want to run ethernet.

Use what is already in the walls... rg6u and moca 2.5 adapters, problem solved.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is absolutely absurd how much they are trying to charge for wi-fi hardware.

Good lord.

 

[Icaras]

Price is insane, but I'm waiting for Netgear or whoever to come out with the first Wifi 6 Gateway.

 

[dannys1]

This is such a bad buy.... it’s not even worth upgrading to WIFI6 to until 2021 anyway

2021?!! This is wifi in your own home, not 5G! If you've got two device that uses the time is now. As soon as the 16" MBP comes with support for it my APs will be updated, that'll be this year. I'll be great to finally get at least gigabit speed link wirelessly to the rest of the network, i've been waiting ages for it - hopefully AX brings it.

10gbit ethernet is worth it too now if you've got the gear to support it. If faster internal network connections are available, i'll take them!

 

[rmariboe]

Not sure if regretting getting the Orbi Pro with extra satellite last month 🤔😂🤦🏾

 

[nt5672]

Not true at all. The latest Xfinity xb6 wireless gateway is far better than almost anything currently on sale and it’s $10/m or free for most customers. It’s only when you need to cover an entire 1500+ sqft house that it makes sense to go looking for another solution.

Lets say I spend $150 for a really good device that I have complete control over, using your $10/month rental fee, mine is free after 15 months, you are still paying for yours. After 30 months (2.5 years) you have paid twice as much as I did. Of course, your numbers might be different, but I doubt they are better. BTW it is never free, maybe the cost is bundled into your other services, but if you believe its free, then I have a bridge to sell.

It must be that new math that millennials are being taught to say that makes sense.

Also, do you realize that if you buy a really good access point you can cover a 3000 sq ft home with one access point. And your own device will work just fine when you move or transition to another cable company or ISP.

It used to be that the tech improved so much that it was outdated in a couple of years, but now that is not the case. But even back when it was the case, the cable company would not replace your outdated hardware without a lot of work and effort on your part.

This does not even start to talk about the quality, which Comcast spends dearly on to get good reviews. But if you compare Comcasts devices to well designed devices you'll see that they cut corners to get the cost as low as possible and the profit as high as possible. Try reading about buffer bloat sometime, XB6 Buffer Bloat Link or the other terrible design decisions made in low cost consumer end points.

It is a shame that critical thinking has reached such a low point these days.

 

[zubikov]

Lets say I spend $150 for a really good device that I have complete control over, using your $10/month rental fee, mine is free after 15 months, you are still paying for yours. After 30 months (2.5 years) you have paid twice as much as I did. Of course, your numbers might be different, but I doubt they are better. BTW it is never free, maybe the cost is bundled into your other services, but if you believe its free, then I have a bridge to sell.

It must be that new math that millennials are being taught to say that makes sense.

Also, do you realize that if you buy a really good access point you can cover a 3000 sq ft home with one access point. And your own device will work just fine when you move or transition to another cable company or ISP.

It used to be that the tech improved so much that it was outdated in a couple of years, but now that is not the case. But even back when it was the case, the cable company would not replace your outdated hardware without a lot of work and effort on your part.

This does not even start to talk about the quality, which Comcast spends dearly on to get good reviews. But if you compare Comcasts devices to well designed devices you'll see that they cut corners to get the cost as low as possible and the profit as high as possible. Try reading about buffer bloat sometime, XB6 Buffer Bloat Link or the other terrible design decisions made in low cost consumer end points.

It is a shame that critical thinking has reached such a low point these days.

While your points are completely valid, it's a shame that you must project a deep-rooted insecurity onto some demographic.

You do realize that both Apple, and Netgear, Comcast and all related brands are staffed largely by millennials? Also their marketing departments are staffed by millennials, who know how to price products and services better than older generations did. And while we're talking bad math, let's not forget how the boomers created social welfare and defined benefit programs that assumed 8% growth into perpetuity. The same benefit programs that enriched an entire generation and left the bill with...millennials.

 

[pcmike]

Lets say I spend $150 for a really good device that I have complete control over, using your $10/month rental fee, mine is free after 15 months, you are still paying for yours. After 30 months (2.5 years) you have paid twice as much as I did. Of course, your numbers might be different, but I doubt they are better. BTW it is never free, maybe the cost is bundled into your other services, but if you believe its free, then I have a bridge to sell.

It must be that new math that millennials are being taught to say that makes sense.

Also, do you realize that if you buy a really good access point you can cover a 3000 sq ft home with one access point. And your own device will work just fine when you move or transition to another cable company or ISP.

It used to be that the tech improved so much that it was outdated in a couple of years, but now that is not the case. But even back when it was the case, the cable company would not replace your outdated hardware without a lot of work and effort on your part.

This does not even start to talk about the quality, which Comcast spends dearly on to get good reviews. But if you compare Comcasts devices to well designed devices you'll see that they cut corners to get the cost as low as possible and the profit as high as possible. Try reading about buffer bloat sometime, XB6 Buffer Bloat Link or the other terrible design decisions made in low cost consumer end points.

It is a shame that critical thinking has reached such a low point these days.

I’m not even going to dignify your response with a detailed one. However, in my case it is “included” and I have no way not to pay for it as it’s bundled into my HOA. Also, the xb6 has 8x8 on 5gz which just about no manufacturer offers at retail, currently. I’m well aware of what’s capable with wireless...

 

[pcmike]

While your points are completely valid, it's a shame that you must project a deep-rooted insecurity onto some demographic.

You do realize that both Apple, and Netgear, Comcast and all related brands are staffed largely by millennials? Also their marketing departments are staffed by millennials, who know how to price products and services better than older generations did. And while we're talking bad math, let's not forget how the boomers created social welfare and defined benefit programs that assumed 8% growth into perpetuity. The same benefit programs that enriched an entire generation and left the bill with...millennials.

I’m not even a millennial and probably know more about wireless then he does... I laughed at the post.

 

[rmariboe]

What he said is absolutely true, orbi doesn’t have a setting or “let” you do it. You have to do it with telnet.

Maybe you didn’t update FW for a long time..? On my SRK60, I am running four different SSIDs; one for the primary 2.4/5.0, one for the secondary 2.4, one for the secondary 5.0 and one for the guest 2.4/5.0. Configured through web interface.

 

[rmariboe]

That's incorrect. A quick google search will reveal that the only way to accomplish creating SSIDs for each band is to telnet with the router and tinker with the settings through a shell!! Not exactly the most configurable and user friendly way. Also, once you set it up that way, you still won't be able to configure each SSID through the app or the web GUI.

What you're talking about is just creating a separate SSID, which does work like it's supposed to.

Orbi performs well in a smaller settings. If you have a house that's spread out it's a different story.

Have you updated the firmware recently? I’m running four different SSIDs, and the “Wireless 2” is split in one SSID for 2.4 and one for 5.0 - all through the web interface...

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

Maybe you didn’t update FW for a long time..? On my SRK60, I am running four different SSIDs; one for the primary 2.4/5.0, one for the secondary 2.4, one for the secondary 5.0 and one for the guest 2.4/5.0. Configured through web interface.

On RBR50 there is no such setting, latest firmware.

 

[MacBH928]

Looking at the specs, I don't see any mention of WPA 3. Perhaps they just don't have it listed, but that would be odd not to do so.

Edit: Releasing it without WPA 3 would just be stupid, I don't see them mentioning a future firmware update to support that either.

Edit 2: The reason I asked specifically about WPA3 is because back in the Spring of 2019 the AX8 (RAX80) was listing only WPA/WPA2, NOT WPA3. The AX12 showed WPA 3 on their web site at the same time. Today the Netgear description still shows "WiFi CERTIFIED WPA3" for the AX12, but not the AX8 or the orbi. Consequently I am concerned that it does not (yet?) support it since neither the AX8 or orbi say "WiFi CERTIFIED WPA3" whereas the AX12 does. Perhaps it is just their web site, but worth noting.

Anyway, I wanted to get confirmation that it truly does support WPA3 and I'd recommend everyone do so prior to spending $600-$700 on this.

What is special about WPA3? I thought WPA2 is extremely secure already.

 

[HDFan]

The latest Xfinity xb6 wireless gateway is far better than almost anything currently on sale

Agree. 2x faster than the Linksys Velop and a bit faster than my TP-Link.

the main problem I have with ISP routers is the majority of them have massive security

Comcast has an "advanced security" option which seems to be rather good, although haven't evaluated. Extra cost of course.

Your monthly rate would be less than $50 if you tell them you’re providing your own equipment. You’re paying for it, nothing comes with anything for free

Previously I owned a Comcast approved cable modem. When I upgraded to gigabit there is no single unit 3rd party equivalent. It might be done but requires 3 devices - a modem, a router, and a telephone gateway.

20.00 a year. Not sure why you would be bragging about paying an endless rental fee?

No bragging here. I don't want to deal with 3 separate devices.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

=

No bragging here. I don't want to deal with 3 separate devices.

I posted 120, not 20 And yes you were bragging.

You said you do not know anyone that buys it, they all prefer to rent (inferior) equipment. What YOU want has nothing to do with that statement.

The all in one stuff that the companies rent you are truly inferior equipment. Do not try to claim it´s not. The only people I know that endlessly rent inferior equipment are the tech ignorant. That says a lot about you and your friends.

iIn other words you settle for endlessly renting inferior equipment rather than connecting 3 units. .............OK. I had cox´s Panoramic, or whatever it´s called when I first git the service for a very short time, and my setup is way better. It´s paid for, no renting Also. The stock all in ones are absolutely inferior.

 

[HDFan]

You said you do not know anyone that buys it, they all prefer to rent (inferior) equipment.

Someone else said that.

I don't disagree that the cable operators generally charge more for less for about everything. What pcmike and I have said that for the first time with the new Comcast modem you get some value for the outlay. It's great that you have the skills and interest in handling 3 units. It is well within my skill set, but I would rather spend my time elsewhere.