Netgear Offers $400 System to Combat Poor WiFi

Netgear is launching its own take on a multi-router system in order to improve WiFi across an entire home. It's not a new idea, but Netgear says its tweaks should give it a significant edge over rival setups.

The logic of Netgear's Orbi and similar systems is that a single wireless router isn't always enough to cover an entire home adequately. Wireless signals can be weakened by passing through walls and floors, as well as being affected by metal such as pipe work. While that problem has always existed, it's become more noticeable as demand for high-bandwidth activity such as streaming video and playing online games has increased.

The most common existing solution is a multi-unit device consisting of a main router (plugged into a modem) and two small relay units which can be placed around the home to pick up and rebroadcast the signal to keep it strong.

Related: Need to extend your Wifi coverage at home or in the office? Read this: Explained: What is Mesh WiFi? vs Extender, Router?

Extra Radio Maintains Full Speed

The Netgear Orbi system is different than similar setups. That's because it consists of a main router and a single relay unit that's much larger and, according to Netgear, able to pass on a stronger signal than those used by rivals. One downside here is that the Orbi relay unit is harder to place than the rival units in locations such as bedrooms or upstairs hallways, while still being conspicuous.

The main technical difference is that where most modern wireless routers use two radios to broadcast signals (operating at 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies), Orbi has a third radio that also broadcasts at 5Ghz. This third radio is used exclusively for passing data between the router and relay unit, rather than to or from computers and other devices. (Source: venturebeat.com)

Netgear Orbi System Goes For $400

The idea here is that there's no room to lose data and that in practical terms, connecting to the relay unit should give a device exactly the same speed and reliability as it would get connecting directly to the main router. According to Netgear, this should give consistent coverage across a 4,000 square foot home, including back yard space. It hasn't given precise figures, but claims that the speed advantage over rival systems gets bigger the more devices are connected.

The solution doesn't come cheap, however, as Orbi will sell for $400. That's more than rival systems and much more than a standard router, so many users may want to see proof of the speeds in action before they consider it a worthwhile investment. (Source: theverge.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Do you have problems getting good WiFi coverage around your home? Have you ever used additional equipment designed to improve matters? Would you be willing to pay $400 for a system that really did solve the problem?