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Orbi meshes from Netgear aren’t cheap, but they usually work well and have a good set of features. The latest model, though, changes the method. It’s an update to the Orbi RBK852, which was Netgear’s first top-of-the-line Wi-Fi 6 mesh. It’s still priced like a top-of-the-line product, but it only makes small changes to the original design.
Most importantly, none of the Wi-Fi gear has been updated. Most high-end meshes have switched to Wi-Fi 6E, but the RBK863S still uses the same Wi-Fi 6 setup as the RBK852. In truth, it is a strong tri-band system with 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections for clients and an extra 5GHz network that the mesh stations use to talk to each other.
Netgear Orbi RBK863S Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Model | Netgear Orbi RBK863S |
Wi-Fi Coverage | Up to 7,500 square feet |
Wi-Fi Speed | Tri-band AC4200 (1733 + 866 + 400 Mbps) |
Number of Ethernet Ports | 4 (per router and satellite) |
Mesh Technology | Yes |
Parental Controls | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes |
Guest Network Support | Yes |
Netgear Orbi RBK863S: Setup
The Netgear Orbi app on your phone is used to set it up, which is the same as with other devices in the same range. It’s not the most finished app we’ve ever seen. It’s not as smooth as something made by Google, Amazon, or Apple, but it gets the job done. The app will tell you where to put the satellite nodes, and your new Wi-Fi network should be ready to go about 15 minutes after you take the kit out of the box. You can buy this from its official website
Netgear Orbi RBK863S: Performance
In my experience with the Netgear Orbi RBK863S, it has shown to be an efficient mesh network. Speeds of 616.49Mbit/s were achieved within a few meters, surpassing those of the Netgear Orbi RBK852 system I tested but falling short of those of the Eero Pro 6.
However, the Orbi RBK863S system began to gain ground as the distance increased. I measured 585.48Mbit/s at 5 meters on the second level, and 433.65Mbit/s at 10 meters. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the dedicated wired backhaul, and the Orbi system’s ability to keep speeds stable even at very long distances.
Price and availability
Now available for purchase is the Netgear Orbi RBK863S bundle. Our reviewed three-pack would set you back around $1,100 (or £1,100) in the United States or the United Kingdom. You may be able to save money on the hardware by checking the widgets on this page to find the most recent online bargains. In the United Kingdom, you may also order the set straight from Netgear.
Final Words
This is almost the top-of-the-line mesh networking system from Netgear. It’s a step below the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 series, so it’s no surprise that performance is great all around. If you need fast speeds over a large area for a lot of devices, this is a good choice. It’s also easy to set up and take care of, as it mostly takes care of itself.
The question is whether you really need such a pricey kit. It costs about the same as a good laptop. There are also a lot of cheaper mesh systems out there if your needs aren’t as big. For example, you might not need a 10Gbps wired Ethernet.
Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: The good and The bad
The Good
- Top speeds
- Simple setup
The Bad
- It costs a lot
FAQS
Netgear also gave some tips about where to put the devices. To avoid Wi-Fi interference, it said to put the satellite at least 10–15 feet away from the main server. During setup, the colors will show you if the placement is bad.
Depending on which WiFi standard your Orbi WiFi System offers, the most satellites you can use with it are: WiFi 5: We suggest adding no more than 6 stations in total, and no more than 2 in a daisy chain.