Netgear Orbi Mesh WiFi Kit

Connected home technology has improved in leaps and bounds during the past 18 months, at the same time most homes are streaming more while also adding multiple devices such as security cameras and lighting control to their networks.

Today the most crucial element in any home network is the router, it’s the technology that you don’t skimp on because this is the heart and soul of any home network, it’s often the difference between fast and slow streaming or gaming or having the ability to handle multiple users all accessing different services at the same time.

Today the best routers are from companies such as Netgear who make the Orbi and Nighthawk routers.

During the past 10 years Netgear have pioneered and evolved networking for the home, and today they offer multiple mesh network options to self-connecting extenders that expand an Orbi network to different rooms and levels as well as Powerline technology devices.

Powerline Technology

This company also sells Powerline technology, which is a simple technology that allows one to transform your home’s electricity cables into ethernet networks eliminating the need for additional ethernet cables. All you do is buy a pair of Powerline adapters, plug one into power point near your Netgear Orbi router, connect an ethernet cable between the Orbi router and your adapter and you instantly have an ethernet network based on your electricity cables.

In my house I have the second adapter in a downstairs room where I have a TV connected directly into the adapter that is plugged into another power point behind the TV. Streaming is fast and reliable using this technology.

The Netgear Orbi lets advanced users access the same old kind of network gateway you’re used to and allows adjustment of just about any settings, while for most people it allows for easy access to an advanced network that will support multiple users on the network at the same time accessing different sources.

The Orbi router also features robust parental controls due to a partnership with Disney who will shortly launch their Disney+ service in Australia.

When paired with the Orbi, the Circle: Smart Family Controls app will let you control your family’s online time from blocking off-limits websites, managing screen time and even setting a bedtime so your kids don’t stay up playing on their phones all night.

Whether you’re an experienced network

Whether you’re an experienced network admin or someone looking for something that just works, the Orbi is ideal.

admin or someone looking for something that just works, the Orbi is ideal.

The Netgear Orbi offering is not just one router, you have multiple options, below is a list of available routers.

Recently the Company announced that they have had partnered with the audio pros at Harman Kardon to build the Orbi Voice, an Alexa-powered smart speaker that operates as a satellite node in an Orbi-based mesh network.

Some Netgear models consists of an RBR50 router bundled with one Orbi Voice satellite. If you already have an Orbi router, you can buy the Orbi Voice separately. The smart speaker/satellite combo can be paired with any Orbi router, but the satellite will not work with mesh routers from other manufacturers.

When paired with the Orbi, the Circle: Smart Family Controls app will let you control your family’s online time.

And if you’re fortunate enough to have a large outdoor space around your home, Netgear has you covered with one of the only mesh nodes specifically designed for outdoor use: The Orbi Outdoor Satellite.

The Orbi Outdoor can be mounted on a stand or hung on an exterior wall and is thoroughly weatherized (IP56) to protect it from the elements as well as errant sprinklers.

For hard core gamers the Netgear ighthawk Pro Gaming routers are some of the best routers available today.

Here is a complete breakdown of Orbi and Netgear routers for the home: