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Germany
1 Level
672 Review
52 Karma

Review on πŸ“‘ NETGEAR Orbi RBK13 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System - Replacing Routers, Covering 4,500 sq. ft. with 1 Router & 2 Satellites by Adam Webbie

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Orbi isn't easy to connect, doesn't work as advertised

I bought the Orbi Mesh System based on a brilliant review on CNET. I've been using it for a week now and I'm 100% disappointed. I'm not exactly new to the technology and can follow the instructions, but here are the problems I've had so far: 1. The system is difficult to install. It comes with an "installation card" that says nothing about connecting various Wi-Fi devices in the house to the new router, nor is it clear whether the Orbi router will replace the existing router or the old router will remain connected . after installation (I left mine plugged in because the Orbi didn't work when I unplugged it from the old router - how would that improve my WiFi system when part of my problem is probably related to the old router?) After about 3 Hours of work around the house adding each printer, tv, computer, phone, tablet, home thermostat, doorbell camera and pet treat dispenser individually I thought the system was up and running #2. The Netgear app required to set up the system, contains a default "security" setting that blocked every website I tried to visit after installing Orbi, including the "Support" section on the Netgear website. I have a secure WPA-2 connection, but I kept getting messages saying websites are not secure, along with a username and password login request for each new website. I finally found a solution to this problem on an online forum after disconnecting my phone from the Orbi network to access the internet - you have to disable the security setting of the Netgear app and then you can access it again access internet. I bought the Orbi primarily to boost the WiFi signal in my home office as I work from home. The office is one floor above the router, about 35 meters horizontally. I installed 2 Orbi amps between the router and the home office (one amp in the office, the other halfway between the router and the office). I get 75-80 Mbps on my router; I got a blazing fast 12Mbps in my office this morning - I tested this after losing connection due to an unstable internet connection during a Teams work meeting. Amazing.4. My main streaming service, Sling, has been down since installing Orbi. I'll do some more research to see if I missed an important part of the setup, but if not I'll box it up and send it back. .

Pros
  • Decent performance
Cons
  • Miscellaneous Miscellaneous