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The Orbi 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) from Netgear might allow you ditch your broadband service and use an LTE network as your main internet connection. By establishing a mesh network with other Orbi equipment, the LBR20 may also offer an internet connection and disperse it across your home. The LBR20 includes a single LAN port with Armor security software, just like other Orbi mesh devices. We’re here with our Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review.
However, by connecting an LTE antenna to its two connections, the range of its mobile data modem can be increased. Its disadvantages include the usage of outdated Wi-Fi 5 technology and a lack of current full compatibility with both the Verizon and Sprint networks. The LBR20 also disregards the more recent and quick 5G mobile services. However, because the LBR20 can always serve up data, it’s a wonderful option for folks who rely on internet data as well as RVers and off-the-grid types.
Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review: Design
Even while the Netgear Orbi 4G LTE Advanced Router resembles other oval-shaped Orbi products perfectly, it hides a secret on the inside. The equivalent of a phone’s LTE receiver, antenna, and modem are all inside the LBR20, which can also distribute data from your cable modem. Because of this, you can use it as a primary router to pull data out of thin air or as a backup router in case your broadband provider fails.
The LBR20 is smaller than Netgear’s RBK800 series of Wi-Fi 6 router mesh devices, but it is still huge for a mesh router at 9.0 x 6.0 x 2.3 inches. The LBR20 can be concealed on a bookshelf, windowsill, or under a desk with ease, but there isn’t a way to put it on a wall without Netgear’s $20 additional mounting bracket (opens in new tab). Even while the Netgear Orbi 4G LTE Advanced Router resembles other oval-shaped Orbi products perfectly, it hides a secret on the inside.
Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review: Design
With an upright white case and luminous blue top panel, the Orbi 4G LTE maintains Netgear’s well-known aesthetic. It does, however, differ in a number of ways from the rest of the Orbi line. The Orbi 4G LTE router costs £308.33 (ex. VAT; £370 inc. VAT, or $399.99), which is more expensive than other mesh Wi-Fi systems, which normally contain a primary router plus one or more satellites.
This single device provides tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a top speed of 2.2Gbps and may be used as a standard Wi-Fi router. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports are available, one of which can be used to wiredly connect a laptop or phone, tablets another device to an existing broadband modem or router. You can easily set up your new Wi-Fi network by using the Netgear app and scanning a QR code. For more seasoned users and IT managers who may require more detailed control over the network settings, there is also a web browser interface.
Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review: Hardware and Specs
Security is provided both on and off the network by client software, which is integrated into Netgear Armor. It will check and identify issues with out-of-date hardware as well, recommending firmware updates for older devices. After the free trial period, Armor has a £59.99 annual fee and is powered by Bitdefender.
Circle parental control is also featured, allowing you to make profiles for family members and organize their devices into groups based on their profiles. Then, you can use those devices to implement web-filtering rules, specifying the categories of websites and information that each user is allowed to view. You can limit internet access for each person separately using Circle. You can buy this wifi router from its official website.
Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review: Performance
The quality of your connection affects how well your broadband performs. This router can handle nearly any connection type thanks to its Gigabit WAN port. Performance of mobile broadband is far more influenced by the network type, time of day, and signal quality. We receive between 12 and 22 Mbps download and roughly 9 Mbps upload speeds while using EE in the UK. That works for the majority of web tasks, but not for my regular assortment of security cameras.
Although performance will vary greatly, you might get more because the router’s internal modem is undoubtedly quick enough to handle the best LTE connections. Wi-Fi speeds are also rather fast. At close range, I received an average of 236Mbps with this router. Using a few satellites, I was able to reach an average speed of 200 Mbps all around my house, with 150 Mbps in the slowest location (two floors up in a Victorian terraced house). Most significantly, the router and Orbi system are incredibly dependable and these speeds are consistent.
Pricing and availability
The LBR20 is only offered as a host mesh router on its own for $400 rather than in a bundle with numerous Orbi devices for bigger homes. Based on the RBR20 model, it uses triband Wi-Fi 5 mesh networking technology from the firm, using 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks to send data to client devices as well as a second 5GHz network set aside as a backchannel link from a satellite to the host to ease data congestion and streamline flow. Additionally, it means that the LBR20 can connect to any other Wi-Fi 5 mesh satellite from Netgear.
Netgear 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router (LBR20) review: Conclusion
The Netgear Orbi 4G LTE is a replacement router that is compatible with your current satellites and builds on the popular Orbi family. This model incorporates 4G LTE, providing you with a cellular connection as a primary or backup connection, enhancing network reliability. The router is simple to set up and offers reliable, powerful Wi-Fi. Although somewhat quicker client-facing Wi-Fi would be appreciated, this improvement is fantastic if you’re seeking for a solution to secure your internet.