The Orbi RBE973 Wi-Fi Router Really Is That Good

Overview of Orbi RBE973 and Wi-Fi 7 Capabilities

• Wi-Fi 7 Potential: Wi-Fi 7 is a game-changer, promising ultra-fast speeds, reliability, and efficiency. The Orbi RBE973 mesh kit, Netgear’s first Wi-Fi 7 offering, is a powerful example of what this new technology can do.
• Speed and Performance: The Orbi RBE973 can handle high-speed networking that approaches 2 Gbps, significantly faster than traditional gigabit Ethernet. This makes it ideal for users with fast internet connections, offering performance that competes with wired options.
• Quad-band Design: The Orbi system includes quad-band architecture, utilizing 6GHz integration, ultra-wide data channels, and 4K QAM operations to handle 16 data streams, providing a significant improvement in wireless speed and efficiency.
• Dedicated 5GHz Backhaul: Communications between the router and its mesh satellites happen over a dedicated 5GHz wireless backhaul, and the 6GHz bands are optimized for increased data delivery using 240MHz channels.

Strengths

• Performance at Close Range: The Orbi RBE973 excels at close-range performance, with a strong ability to provide rapid data transfer speeds within 15 feet of the router.
• Multi-device Support: The system supports up to 200 connected devices, and its coverage area is substantial—up to 10,000 square feet, which is ideal for large homes or small offices.
• Real-world Testing: During your testing, streaming video content from multiple devices (iPad, MacBook, Dell XPS) didn’t result in any performance issues, which is a testament to the router’s ability to handle heavy network loads without stuttering or delays.
• Power Consumption: While the router and its satellites consume significant power (around 20 watts for the main router, 11 watts per satellite), the energy cost is relatively low at around $60 annually.

Weaknesses

• Pricing: The Orbi RBE973 three-pack is priced at an eye-watering $2,300, which is significantly higher than the cost of many other Wi-Fi 7 routers, making it a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers. Despite the high cost, it still may not be accessible to all consumers, especially given the limited availability of Wi-Fi 7-compatible devices.
• Distance Limitation: While the Orbi RBE973 is exceptional at short distances, its performance lags at longer ranges, which could be a limitation for users in larger homes or buildings with many obstructions.
• Limited Client Hardware: The lack of widespread availability of Wi-Fi 7 devices is a significant issue, as few laptops and smartphones fully support Wi-Fi 7 as of now. As you mentioned, Wi-Fi 7 notebooks are expected to be available in late 2024, limiting the full benefits of the Orbi RBE973 until then.
• Mediocre Support: Netgear’s 90-day support policy and one-year warranty might feel insufficient, especially considering the high price point of the system.

Final Thoughts

The Orbi RBE973 is a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 system that brings Wi-Fi technology closer to its potential, offering speeds that were once unimaginable with wireless networks. It’s the fastest mesh kit on the market right now, surpassing the 2 Gbps barrier and providing solid multi-gigabit wireless performance. However, its premium price, limited device compatibility, and short-range weaknesses may make it more suitable for tech enthusiasts or large households with specific needs rather than everyday consumers.

In conclusion, while Wi-Fi 7 offers immense promise, Orbi RBE973 is still ahead of its time in many ways, but only those with fast internet speeds, large homes, and a need for top-tier performance will truly benefit from its capabilities at this stage. If Wi-Fi 7 devices become more widespread and prices come down, the system could become a must-have for the next generation of wireless networking.