With the Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System, Netgear updates its Orbi mesh networking packages for the era of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It is much simpler to refer to it as the RBK852. Similar to its progenitors, the RBK852 gear is large and continues the tall, oval cooling tower design, making it difficult to conceal. Both the RBR850 router and RBS850 satellite measure 10.0 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches, which makes them immense in comparison to products such as the TP-Link Deco X20 and Google Nest WiFi.
The RBK852 devices can nonetheless be placed on a bookshelf or desk, but there is no provision for wall installation. Instead of relying on third-party accessories, Netgear innovates by offering a wall mounting bracket ($19) for its devices.
A solitary LED band near the bottom of both the router and satellite serves as a status indicator. When the device is starting up, it blinks white; when data is readily flowing back and forth, it remains blue. When the light is purple, there is a problem because the system is unavailable and needs attention.
Specifications
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Speed Rating: AX6000
- Range: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Wireless Networking Security: WPA, WPA2
- Bands: Tri-Band (2.4 and two 5GHz)
Where to get NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6?
Each unit contains eight smart antennas that cannot be replaced or aimed. With its Qualcomm Networking Pro 1200 processor, the router and satellite are capable of supporting 4X4 data streams. Using the latest MU-MIMO technology to support multiple connections and beamforming to tailor the signal to the requirements of each device, the system is theoretically capable of transmitting 6Gbps of data in both directions.
The router has a single WAN input interface with a bandwidth of 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) for use with modern modems. The router and satellite each have four 1 Gbps LAN ports for connecting devices such as a printer and NAS storage, but no USB connections. Both have a reset switch that is recessed.
The Orbi RBK852 utilizes Qualcomm’s newest Networking Pro 1200 Wi-Fi processor, along with 1GB of RAM and 512MB of storage space for firmware and configurations. Everything is powered by a quad-core processor with a maximal speed of 2GHz. It has a rating of AX6000.
The RBK852 set provided outstanding throughput in the majority of our tests using Ixia’s IxChariot networking benchmark software, which created a busy Wi-Fi network in my 3,500-square-foot, century-old home. It outperforms Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and many Wi-Fi 6 routers with ease.