Computers & Tablets

[cmp]

Hi,

inthink of get a new router not sure if I should upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 or not and anyone have prob with orbi routers? I hope someone can help?

[bobberuchi]

I have no problem with Orbi, though I have never used one. 

I have an Eero mesh router and can say with conviction that mesh routers are the way to go.

However, what I did for maximum speed is I did Ethernet going to all my major devices.

Faster than Wi-Fi and then all secondary devices are on Wi-Fi.

Strongly suggest going with a 3 pack.  My whole house simply buzzes with speed.

[cmp]

What speeds you get with erro router?

[hockeycanuckjc Community Veteran]

If your devices support 5ghz you will obviously get the best speeds over Wifi however the 2.4 ghz bands can severely limit the bandwidth output from your internet connection but has a farther range versus 5.

I'm not sure but I think many people don't realize the difference between the two bands still but its up to the user to choose which one suits their wireless needs.

How fast is your connection? Unfortunately the best I can get out here is 18 megabit ATT so the bands don't really matter as you can get those speeds on either bands.

[bobberuchi]

Top speed depends on your internet provider.

But I am getting 220-240 mbps using Google Speed test.

I just turned off data on my phone and ran it and got 219 mBps

The Eero ( and I think the Orbi does as well) has 2 ethernet connections on each pod.  

You put the first pod by your modem and connect it direct.  Then you set up the other pods. 

What I did is on one of the pods I connected an Xbox and a smart TV direct to the pod with Ethernet.  I ran speed tests before and after and it was better with Ethernet connected to the pod. 

I belive it is set up such that the pods communicate very fast between themselves.  

Full disclaimer thought. My previous router was a Netgear Nighhawk AC1900.  It did show decreased performance when more items were connected. However, I could set my phone on Wi-Fi and stream music while mowing the lawn and never get a blip. I could even take my dog for a walk and get 3 houses away before losing the signal. 

The Eero Web I don't get the range outside of my house as good, but I get a stronger signal all over the hosue from the multiple pods

[bobberuchi]

Note.

Netgear had not release the Orbi when I purchased my Eero. 

For non Mesh Routers Netgear arguably makes some of the very best Routers.

I do feel that the mesh routers are the superiour way to go for home wi-fi, IF you cannot run ethernet throughout your house. 

Is Wi-FI 6 worth it?  Well 9.6 gbps vs 3.5 gbps 

But your provider is probalby not supplying speeds anywhere near that fast.  however, it is my understanding that you get a lot less compression on streaming video with wi-fi 6 resulting in better quality for 4k video. 

And wi-fi 6 will not bottle neck as soon as wi-fi 5 due to more bandwidth being available. 

yes, I would go for the Wi-Fi 6 especialy if you are intending on streaming high resolution video, gaming, streaming music though your house, or having a lot of devices connected. 

[nckhammond]

Wifi 6e (6ghz) routers are starting to show up, I'd wait for one of those

[cmp]

Go with the eero Pro.