Netgear Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System Review: Features, Setup, Management, Performance

Netgear Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System Review: Mesh routers are undoubtedly a game-changer in the realm of home networking. While they may come with a higher price tag compared to traditional routers, the advantages they offer far surpass the cost. In today’s highly interconnected world, households are equipped with a plethora of devices that heavily rely on stable Wi-Fi connectivity. From smartphones and tablets to laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart speakers, security cameras, and an array of smart home gadgets such as bulbs and plugs, a robust and seamless wireless network is just as essential as a steady supply of electricity.

For those looking to invest in a reliable home networking solution, mesh routers prove to be the ultimate choice. One such example is Netgear’s Orbit mesh system, which has garnered praise for its exceptional performance and reliability. The innovative technology behind mesh systems ensures blanket coverage throughout your living space, eliminating dead zones and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity no matter where you are in your home.

Netgear Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System Review 2024

The new Orbi RBK863SB WiFI 6 Mesh System I currently possess is notably powerful. As Netgear’s fastest Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, it offers substantial performance, numerous features, and a corresponding price point. It could be considered excessive for smaller residences or households with few Wi-Fi devices. However, if you aim to provide extensive coverage for a large home with a variety of devices requiring superfast and dependable Wi-Fi, the RBK863SB WiFI 6 Mesh System is a suitable choice. Let me explain further.

Furthermore, mesh routers boast easy setup processes and user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible even to those who may not be tech-savvy. With features like seamless roaming capabilities and automatic band steering, mesh routers prioritize delivering optimal performance at all times. In conclusion, embracing mesh router technology not only guarantees a seamless online experience for all your connected devices but also future-proofs your home network for upcoming advancements in technology. The investment in a quality mesh system like Netgear’s Orbit can undoubtedly transform your home into a well-connected hub of digital innovation.

Netgear Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System Review Details

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Features

The three-piece system, comprising the main router and a pair of satellites, is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic. The devices feature a tall, elegant grey-black finish that could easily be mistaken for a decorative vase due to the absence of protruding antennas. This discreet design allows the system to seamlessly blend into any environment without drawing attention. The main router is distinguishable by its extra Ethernet port for internet connectivity, while all devices include four Gigabit Ethernet ports at the rear, along with indicator LEDs and power adapter sockets. Additionally, sync buttons are conveniently positioned towards the back of each device for easy access. The cohesive design of this system not only ensures optimal performance but also adds a touch of sophistication to any space it occupies.

With a 10-gig internet port, Wi-Fi 6, and support for up to 6Gbps maximum wireless speed and 100 concurrent devices, the Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System can extend fast, reliable Wi-Fi coverage to 8,000 square feet. Netgear’s patented Tri-band technology utilizes a dedicated backhaul for direct Wi-Fi transfer between the router and satellites, setting it apart technologically and ensuring swift, uninterrupted network access throughout the coverage area. The router and satellites are equipped with 2.2GHz quad-core processors, 512MB NAND Flash, 1GB of RAM, and feature eight high-performance internal antennas with high-power amplifiers.

Setup And Management

Setting up and configuring routers has significantly evolved over the years, offering a more user-friendly experience today. Take, for instance, the Orbi RBK863SB, which, like other mesh systems by the brand, leverages the Netgear Orbi app for seamless setup. This app is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, streamlining the installation process. Once you’ve powered up the router and connected it to the internet via a LAN cable, configuring your home network becomes effortless with the Orbi app.
To begin, you’ll need to create a Netgear account and sign in to the app.

The app will then guide you through each step of the setup process. During configuration, you have the opportunity to personalize your network SSID and password from their factory settings (usually found on a sticker on the router) according to your preferences. After completing the setup, you can utilize the app to monitor your router and satellites’ statuses and even visualize your network layout using a map feature.

The convenience provided by modern router setup processes not only saves time but also ensures that users can easily manage their home networks without technical expertise. This user-centric approach to technology enhances usability and empowers individuals to take control of their network settings effortlessly. You will also receive a traffic meter and a speed test tool. A key feature of the app is the device manager, allowing you to monitor all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network and deactivate their internet access individually. To facilitate sharing Wi-Fi passwords with guests, there is an option to activate a guest Wi-Fi network with a unique SSID and password. Additionally, Netgear includes a one-year subscription to its Armor Internet Security suite for protecting your home network and devices from online threats.

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Performance

While having a fast Wi-Fi network and a spacious testing area is ideal for fully exploring the capabilities of a mesh system, being a power user with an extensive array of Wi-Fi devices at home can also provide valuable insights. With approximately 20 active devices at any moment, including smartphones, laptops, Smart TVs, printers, gaming consoles, and various smart home gadgets like plugs, lights, speakers, remotes, cameras, and even a smart door lock, you have a diverse setup that demands robust connectivity.

The Orbi Mesh system’s provision of a separate Wi-Fi network exclusively for IoT devices further enhances the efficiency and security of your smart home ecosystem. This dedicated network ensures that your Internet of Things devices operate seamlessly without compromising the performance of other connected gadgets or exposing your primary network to potential vulnerabilities. In essence, this feature not only optimizes the functionality of your smart devices but also reinforces the overall stability and cybersecurity of your interconnected home environment.

I conducted tests on the mesh system’s performance using various devices and network diagnostic tools and was highly impressed. In my house, there is a dead zone in the central corridor connecting the front and back rooms. Getting a Wi-Fi signal there is crucial, and I’m pleased to say that the Orbi RBK863SB excelled in this area. The overall network coverage increased significantly from 59 percent to a reliable 87 percent. Rooms with the router or satellites had near-perfect connectivity at 99 percent and experienced almost full network speeds.

Conclusion

The Orbi RBK863SB is priced at Rs 1,05,999 on the official Netgear website, so it’s important to carefully assess your needs before making a purchase. While it offers capabilities beyond typical household requirements, Netgear also offers mesh systems tailored for smaller spaces, slower network speeds, and tighter budgets.

For example, the Orbi RBK753 can handle up to 40 connected devices simultaneously, deliver speeds of up to 4.2Gbps, and is available for Rs 47,999. Although this is more expensive than a traditional router and Wi-Fi extenders, mesh routers are highly recommended for fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage across large areas. Despite its high price, the Orbi RBK863SB could be a worthwhile investment if you have a large space and a high-speed internet connection.

Netgear Orbi RBK863SB WiFi 6 Mesh System Review FAQ’S

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