Netgear recently unveiled a multi-unit router called Orbi, which packs the capabilities of a router, range extender and the software that keeps it rolling together.
The company touts that the "Wi-Fi system" enables users to enjoy a single Wi-Fi network that can stretch over 4,000 square feet of space, while offering strong and fast Wi-Fi signal to every inch of it.
Orbi comes in two pieces. You get the main router, which is connected to your modem.
But the true magic comes from the secondary unit, which the OEM recommends to be placed in a "central" position of your home. Judging by its smooth design, Netgear crafted it to make sure it lands on a table or shelf and not in a cupboard or remote, invisible corner.
This second unit is meant to spread the Wi-Fi signal uniformly to the far corners of your house, and the company even touts that it will transform your yard into a Wi-Fi friendly area. It should be noted that the Orbi delivers maximum internet speeds, regardless of the number of connected devices.
Both units of Orbi have a recognizable rounded up shape, somewhat resembling white pottery. Only time will tell if the standard consumer will see the aesthetical value that Netgear emphasizes and place the second unit on prominent display.
Rivals from Eero and Luma also feature similar multi-unit Wi-Fi systems, and both ventures suggest distributing the units throughout your home to enhance the signal. However, the satellite units are smaller and less noticeable than the one unveiled by Netgear.
The company argues that the Orbi's bigger size is due to its technical specs.
While Eero and Luma are systems that contain three elements, Netgear says it does just the same with only two units. Netgear underlines that embedding a third radio enables its Orbi units to communicate better. The company has experience in building tri-band routers, such as the Nighthawk X6.
Techie buffs should know that the Orbi packs 802.11ac Wi-Fi support over a pair of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios. The third radio is a 5 GHz that makes use of MU-MIMO so that Orbi units "talk" to each other at high speed.
Orbi comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB 2.0 port each on the satellite and router. It is compatible with the likes of IPv6, Dynamic DNS, access point mode, parental controls and port forwarding. The system is crafted with self-maintenance in mind and sports security such as 64/128 bit WEP, WPA/WPA-2 PSK, WPA/WPA-2 Enterprise and WPS-protected setup.
Netgear bolsters that its system reigns supreme over its rivals in both multi-unit Wi-Fi speeds and reliability. The company says it is twice as fast as the competition when one device is on the network, with the speed growing threefold when three devices are on the network.
If we spiked your interest, know that you can preorder the Orbi in August, with a two-pack unit costing $399.99. Major retailers are expected to showcase the product on shelves starting September. The company announced that single add-on units will be in store for $249.99 a piece, and each will be responsible for an extra 2,000 square feet of range.
Netgear's VP of home networking, David Henry, explains the spicy price of the gadget.
"Today we can't sell a Wi-Fi router less than $99 because the products less than $99 are no better than what you have in your home," Henry says.
Brett Sappington, lead researcher at Parks Associates, underlines why a system that offers strong signal is more necessary than ever.
He affirms that connected homes are at a peak in mobile data consumption. The fact that consumers are accustomed to streaming videos to each and every screen via a mounting number of services contributes decisively to the demand.
"Video consumption is the primary driver," Sappington notes.
When faced with an almost ubiquitous expectancy for "high-speed connections throughout the home," OEMs are driven toward multiple unit Wi-Fi solutions to give clients the best "connectivity and bandwidth that they need."
Netgear already holds half of the market share for Wi-Fi range extenders, but the disadvantage of range extenders is that they usually deliver slower speeds for devices that connect to them.
