While most consumers purchase a WiFi router and cable modem separately, Netgear is releasing a new device that combines both products into one gadget.
What Makes This WiFi System Unique?
On May 8, Netgear introduced the new Orbi Tri-Band WiFi Cable Modem System. What makes this router unique is that it is a mesh router that includes a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It is the first of its kind in the industry.
"We're excited to be the first retail offering to combine the benefits of Orbi whole-home WiFi mesh networking with an embedded cable modem in a single, space-saving device," said David Henry, Netgear's SVP of connected home products. "With the Orbi Tri-Band WiFi Cable Modem System, you'll benefit from incredibly fast cable downloads and blazing-fast WiFi for an uninterrupted data flow to more connected devices, everywhere in your home, plus tons of great Orbi features like voice commands and smart parental controls, which will be added to the offering soon."
The Orbi Tri-Band WiFi Cable Modem System allows consumers to replace their existing cable modem and router. It automatically updates and delivers maximum performance with no interruptions. Netgear said that the speed of the device is fast.
There are also advanced features like a guest WiFI network, voice assistant, and parental controls. Netgear said that it can control data for connected devices with a dedicated backhaul connection. It is also compatible with voice commands from Alexa and Google Assistant.
While there is some concern that this technology could be obsolete one day, it is currently revolutionary for offering all of these features in one device.
How To Setup The Orbi WiFi System?
Since the WiFi device includes a built-in cable modem, it makes the setup easier because there are fewer devices to worry about.
The first step to setting up the device is to download the Orbi app, which is on all major platforms. Then, users have to plug in all of the cords. Finally, the instructions are simple to follow to start the device.
If the setup was done correctly, the WiFi router should be able to blanket up to 5,000 square feet. Netgear says that the device should also be able to easily expand beyond 5,000 square feet.
How Will The Orbi WiFi Router Save Money?
The cable modem on the Orbi WiFi Router is compatible with most major cable internet service providers. That means that users will no longer have to rent a cable modem from their ISP. Every month, users are charged $5 to $10 for a cable modem rental from an ISP. This quickly adds up to over $100 every year. With this new device replacing the current modem, users will cut down their cable bill every month.
The router costs $299 for the regular version and $399 with the extended version.
