Netgear boosting its Orbi mesh networking with Wi-Fi 6 later in 2019

Netgear has used CES 2019 to introduce an updated version of its Orbi Whole Home Wi-Fi system, its mesh-based networking product, with the latest version offering connectivity using sixth-generation Wi-Fi, 802.11ax.

Current models of the Netgear RBK50 Orbi Wi-Fi System

The new generation of networking devices in the range are claimed to be ideal for households with high bandwidth needs, such as those with video monitoring security systems or streaming 4K video to devices. Netgear's Orbi Whole Home Wi-Fi System utilizes Fastlane 3 technology and is claimed to be capable of delivering sustained gigabit Internet speeds across the wireless connection.

The units will offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a recent rebranding of the Wi-Fi naming system that translates to 802.11ax, for the backhaul. Added on top is 2014 QAM with a 4x4 backhaul between the router and satellite units for increased speeds, coverage, and capacity.

New models will feature a quad-core Qualcomm System-on-Chip and be capable of hosting up to 12 concurrent streaming services on the tri-band networks. The changes also means each node of the network will have four time the capacity, making it ideal for hosting smart home appliances that can put a strain on some networks that are unable to handle high device counts.

The first Orbi models with Wi-Fi 6 will start shipping in the second half of 2019, starting with the Orbi RBK50-series devices. Pricing for the new models has yet to be announced.

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13 Comments

payeco 581 comments · 17 Years

About 5 years ago

I know the WiFi numbers are supposed make it easier for the average person to differentiate versions but I still think I’m going to have an easier time remembering by the IEEE designation.

wood1208 2930 comments · 10 Years

It's time for WiFi 6 supported not only in networking gears but gadgets like Phones/tablets/computers to take advantage of. Is it safe to assume WiFi 6 2019 phones or 2020 is right timeline along with 5G support.

melgross 33605 comments · 20 Years

At some point I’m going to have to replace my Airport Extremes, both the flat and later tower models. I haven’t yet found anything that performs as well in my home. I get 400-500Mbs in most places. But I need 4 routers to do it, because my home is like a Faraday cage. So far, nothing I’ve seen, and in some cases, tested, comes close. Apple may, or may not be using mesh technology, but it acts as though it is. I extend my network using the same network name and password, just as mesh networks do, and I have handoff between the nodes, just as mesh networks do.

i wish Apple wasn’t losing interest in product lines that aren’t major. This is one in which their products really do upend the competition.

mretondo 94 comments · 17 Years

All well and good but TimeMachine support in the current router is far more important.

jeffharris 836 comments · 22 Years

melgross said:

At some point I’m going to have to replace my Airport Extremes, both the flat and later tower models. I haven’t yet found anything that performs as well in my home. I get 400-500Mbs in most places. But I need 4 routers to do it, because my home is like a Faraday cage. So far, nothing I’ve seen, and in some cases, tested, comes close. Apple may, or may not be using mesh technology, but it acts as though it is. I extend my network using the same network name and password, just as mesh networks do, and I have handoff between the nodes, just as mesh networks do.

i wish Apple wasn’t losing interest in product lines that aren’t major. This is one in which their products really do upend the competition.

I agonized over the move away from Airport Extreme and I must say, after MUCH research, the ORBI system works GREAT!
Easy to set-up, ZERO effort to maintain. There's even an iOS app to manage the network, install firmware updates, etc..

My apartment building is pre-war steel, brick and concrete. I found a decent, almost direct sightline between my two units and have had no trouble at all.