You have decided to buy the Mesh Wifi system Netgear Orbi? Not a bad choice. If you want to extend it for different situations you have the choice between different extension satellites.
For your understanding, because the Orbi product names do not necessarily appear clearly arranged: All radio elements offer two networks for the clients: one with 2.4 GHz with up to 400 Mbit/s and one with 5 GHz with up to 866 Mbit/s. The difference between the expensive and somewhat cheaper ones lies in the backhaul, i.e. the connection between the radio nodes. This is realized by the better models (50 series) with four 433 MBit/s ac streams and by the cheaper models (all others) with two 433 MBit/s streams. This can also be read from the speed data: AC3000 means four streams, AC2200 means two.
Four ac streams vs. two define the price.
The better ones can therefore also cover more area throughna more complex radio technology. Why it is necessary to work four times with 433 MBit/s, although you only get 866 in the end, we have already explained here and underlined with a few tests. In short: much of the signal is lost through walls etc. so that you have to start high if you want to achieve a good throughput at the end of the chain.
Good, we assume you have already decided on an Orbi system and would like to expand it now. Netgear offers you four interesting possibilities.
Additional Satellite Netgear Orbi RBW30 with AC2200
For the small system this satellite is the right one. It works together with the AC2200 standard mentioned above and costs around 150 dollars.
Buy on Amazon: Netgear Orbi RBW30 AC2200
Additional Satellite Netgear Orbi RBS50 with AC3000
If you have chosen the better system with more throughput, you should choose this satellite which fits seamlessly into the AC3000 system. It offers three Ethernet ports for client devices and one for a wired return channel.
Buy on Amazon: Netgear Orbi RBS50
Netgear Orbi RBS50Y Waterproof Satellite with AC3000
If you want to expand your outdoor network so that you can surf the net comfortably or control your lawn mower robot remotely, you need a device that is waterproof and can be exposed to the weather. The RBS50Y (pay attention to the Y) is one such. It also comes with an integrated lamp. But it’s not cheap: Netgear wants to call for around 300 dollars when it is available shortly.
Buy on Amazon: Waterproof Orbi Satellite RBS50Y
Netgear Orbi RBS40V Satellite with integrated Alexa Speaker
Do you find devices handy that combine several functions so that there is less stuff standing around in the apartment? Then perhaps the Orbi RBS40V is something for you. This device combines a satellite for the Orbi system with an Alexa Smart speaker. A rather intelligent combination and available shortly.
Buy on Amazon: Netgear Orbi Satellite with Alexa speaker
If you didn’t buy a mesh wifi system yet and are still considering other manufactures have a look on this site where we list available sets and point out some typical characteristics.
