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.
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.
AppleInsider will be attending the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show starting on January 8 through January 11 where we're expecting 5G devices, HomeKit, 8K monitors and more. Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos throughout the event.
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.
AppleInsider will be attending the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show starting on January 8 through January 11 where we're expecting 5G devices, HomeKit, 8K monitors and more. Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos throughout the event.
Comments
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.
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.
i tested the ORBI. Didn’t do too well here.
i new ax was coming, but needed to update. No regrets I tell myself!
I am hoping that Apple doesn't continue to avoid these markets. It is where we could most use their design expertise.
they also don’t like products that aren’t, for whatever it means, iconic. Sure they have to sell cables, adapters and chargers for their other lines, but otherwise, no. So routers didn’t have enough sales, I would imagine for them to bother. The last new product was, what, about 5 years ago? They didn’t expect sales to suffer because of that?
In the past iTunes supported the iPod and each made the other possible.
Today, the Apple Watch enhances the iPhone and the iPhone is stronger because of it.
I see home automation along with significant advances in communications technology as a significant growth path and prime territory for Apple and the strengths it derives from its product integration and privacy. I would hate to see Apple abandon that market or get pushed out it.
but as that’s not what happened, Apple appears to be thinking that it doesn’t matter to them. I don’t get it. Now, more than ever before, an integrated solution is imperative. Apple has proven, in the last, that they can do this very well, and they certainly have the resources to do it right. I do like Netgear, perhaps Apple shouldd just buy them, and get into the networking business altogether.
some have written that the HomePod represents Apple’s new thinking on this, and maybe that’s so, but it’s just part of the solution. Without direct Ethernet plug ability, it’s cant serve any of the purpose directly,