Many users recall the challenges associated with installing, personalizing, and configuring a new router after the previous one reached its end of life. Upgrading from a conventional router with limited coverage to a mesh solution promising seamless connectivity can be a daunting prospect.
However, advancements in technology have streamlined this process. Without preempting our evaluation of the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh, we can say that its setup is remarkably straightforward, even for users with basic technical skills. Our testing focused on range, load capacity, and overall usability. While manufacturers often make ambitious claims, real-world environments introduce variables that can affect performance.
An overview of RBRE960
The package includes a router and two satellite units, housed within a substantial enclosure. The Netgear Orbi 6E WiFi Mesh units possess a large footprint, yet maintain an aesthetically pleasing and modern design. Installation is exceptionally user-friendly, with a typical setup time of approximately ten minutes. Management is facilitated through Netgear’s Orbi app, offering intuitive access to signal strength measurements, connected device monitoring, parental control configuration, guest network activation, and other features.
The price tag is high – but why?
The premium pricing reflects the exceptional capabilities and performance offered by this system. The improvement was immediately apparent, with speeds increasing from approximately 400 Mbit/s to 650 Mbit/s (on a 600 Mbit/s subscription) simply by replacing the ISP-provided router with the Orbi. Furthermore, smart home devices that previously experienced frequent disconnections and required reconfiguration have operated consistently since deploying the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh.
In terms of hardware specifications, the router features a 10Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, three 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and is powered by a Quad-Core 2.2GHz processor, complemented by 512MB NAND Flash and 1GB RAM.
The inclusion of a 2.5Gbps port and LAN ports on the satellites facilitates the convenient connection of devices such as a Hue bridge or a NAS, allowing for a cleaner setup by relocating these devices away from the primary router. This configuration is straightforward and functional. However, the absence of USB ports for connecting devices like external hard drives represents a notable limitation.
Before detailing the supported bandwidths, let’s briefly explain WiFi 6E. Essentially, it is an extension of the WiFi 6 standard, offering a wider spectrum and increased frequencies. This translates to higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and reduced latency, albeit with a potentially shorter range. The primary objective is to alleviate congestion on the 2.4GHz band and provide even faster data transfer rates.
In addition to a guest network, an IoT network is available, dedicated to smart home devices that may not support 5GHz. While this network can be configured to support 5GHz, it defaults to 2.4GHz upon initial setup.
Range
What is the actual coverage area? As previously mentioned, Netgear provides a utility for assessing signal strength throughout your home. By standing in a specific location, naming it within the app, and initiating a measurement, you can effectively map your network coverage. The ability to save two results per location enables iterative optimization of your setup. We employed this tool to evaluate range performance through reinforced concrete walls.
We began by measuring signal strength at three designated locations without the satellites connected, and then repeated the measurements with all satellites active. The results are presented below in dBm (decibel milliwatt), a unit representing the absolute power of a signal. A lower negative value indicates a stronger signal.
Router only
Measurement location 1: -38 dBm
Measurement location 2: -84 dBm (Intermittent, the mobile phone switches over to 5G)
Measurement location 3: -82 dBm (Intermittent, the mobile phone switches over to 5G)
With satellites
Measurement location 1: -38 dBm
Measurement location 2: -48 dBm
Measurement location 3: -42 dBm
Netgear estimates that the Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh, with two satellites, provides coverage for up to approximately 800 square meters (9,000 square feet). However, our testing revealed that the router alone struggled to adequately cover our 100 square meter test apartment due to the presence of thick concrete walls. Consequently, the two satellites were necessary to ensure a stable connection throughout the entire area, providing a strong signal in all rooms.
Capacity
To assess the system’s capacity, we used the bredbandskollen app to measure internet speed. Under light load conditions, the app indicated a speed of 555 Mbit/s. Subsequently, we introduced the following devices to the network:
• A P1 on a Google Nest connected to the 2.4GHz IoT band.
• A desktop computer streaming Youtube at 2160p 4K resolution via a wired connection to the router’s 2.5Gbps port through a switch.
• A laptop streaming Youtube at 1080 HD resolution connected to the 5GHz band.
• A mobile phone streaming a Netflix movie on the 5GHz band.
Following this, the measured download speed was 535 Mbit/s. After disconnecting all devices, the speed returned to 551 Mbit/s.
Briefly about the software
Similar to our prior evaluation of the Netgear ORBI RBK763S, the system includes access to Netgear’s antivirus program, Netgear Armor, as well as parental control features. As before, these services are offered on a trial basis, requiring a subscription for continued use. Netgear Armor is included for one year, and parental controls for 30 days.
Conclusion – Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh (RBRE960)
The price point, a significant consideration, warrants attention. Acquiring this package, consisting of the router and two satellites, entails an investment of 16,000 kronor – a substantial sum. To justify this expense, users should be positioned to leverage the core benefits of the Netgear Orbi 6E Mesh, particularly WiFi 6E, a technology currently supported by a limited number of devices.
The system is most appropriate for environments with demanding requirements, such as those involving high-resolution displays or the frequent transfer of large files. While the system offers a degree of future-proofing, even with WiFi 7 on the horizon, users with existing WiFi 6 routers may not experience a dramatic performance improvement.
The Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh is undoubtedly a high-performing system. Its usability, intuitive app controls, elegant design, stability, and impressive speeds are all exemplary. Owning the Netgear Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh provides a sense of operating a top-tier network. However, users should temper expectations regarding the advertised range, as even the Netgear Orbi 6E Mesh encounters limitations in challenging environments.
Netgear provided review units for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted with the reader and consumer as the primary focus.
