Modified on 22 August 2024
The Netgear Orbi 860 is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system designed to deliver seamless, fast internet connectivity throughout your home. But what does that actually mean? Before we dive into the specifics of the Orbi 860, let’s break down some key terms.
Understanding Mesh Wi-Fi: A Simplified Explanation
Imagine your home as a large space where you want seamless Wi-Fi coverage in every corner. Traditional routers often struggle to provide strong signals in larger homes or spaces with multiple floors and walls. This is where mesh Wi-Fi comes in.
What is Mesh Wi-Fi?
Mesh Wi-Fi is a system that uses multiple devices, called “nodes,” to create a unified network that covers your entire home. Instead of relying on a single router, mesh Wi-Fi systems like the Netgear Orbi 860 use a main router connected to your modem and one or more satellite nodes placed around your home. These nodes communicate with each other, ensuring a strong, stable signal everywhere.
How Does Mesh Wi-Fi Work?
When you move from one room to another, the mesh system automatically connects your device to the node with the best signal. This means you can walk from your living room to your bedroom without dropping your video call or waiting for a webpage to load. The nodes work together to make sure your Wi-Fi is fast and consistent, no matter where you are in your home.
What is Wi-Fi 6?
Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. It brings several improvements over Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), making it faster, more efficient, and better suited for modern homes with many connected devices.
Key Improvements of Wi-Fi 6 Over Wi-Fi 5:
- Increased Speed: Wi-Fi 6 offers up to 9.6 Gbps, compared to Wi-Fi 5’s 3.5 Gbps. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and less lag in online games.
- Better Performance in Crowded Areas: Wi-Fi 6 can handle more devices at once without slowing down. It’s perfect for homes with multiple smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
- Improved Battery Life for Devices: Wi-Fi 6 includes a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT), which helps reduce the battery drain on connected devices, making it ideal for smartphones and smart home gadgets.
- Greater Range and Reliability: Thanks to advanced technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) and MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output), Wi-Fi 6 provides better coverage and reliability, even in larger homes.
Netgear Orbi 860 Specifications
The Netgear Orbi 860 is available in both white and black, to match any aesthetic values.
Here’s a breakdown of the Netgear Orbi 860’s key specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Technology | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) (5Ghz-2 is dedicated to backhaul) |
| Speed | Up to 6 Gbps combined Wi-Fi speed 2.4Ghz : 1200 Mbps 5Ghz (1) : 2400 Mbps 5Ghz (2) : 2400 Mbps |
| Antennas | 8x High Performance Internal |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.2 GHz |
| Memory | 512MB NAND Flash 1GB RAM |
| Router Ethernet Ports | 1x 10Gbps WAN 4x 1Gbps LAN |
| Satellite Ethernet Ports | 4x 1Gbps LAN |
| MU-MIMO Support | Yes (Learn more on MU-MIMO) |
| OFDMA Support | Yes (Learn more on OFDMA) |
| Security | WPA3 encryption (Learn why WPA3 is important) |
| Set Options (Sets available in Black or White) | 1-Pack (Satellite only) 2-Pack (Router + 1 Satellite) 3-Pack (Router + 2 Satellites) 4-Pack (Router + 3 Satellites) |
| Coverage | 1-Pack – 2,700 ft2 / 250 m2 2-Pack – 5,400 ft2 / 500 m2 3-Pack – 8,000 ft2 / 740 m2 4-Pack – 10,800 ft2 / 1000 m2 |
Use Cases for the Netgear Orbi 860
The Netgear Orbi 860 is ideal for various scenarios, particularly in larger homes or environments with many devices:
- Large Homes: If you have a large or multi-story home, the Orbi 860’s mesh system ensures consistent coverage without dead zones.
- Smart Homes: With Wi-Fi 6, the Orbi 860 can handle numerous smart home devices simultaneously without slowing down.
- 4K Streaming and Online Gaming: The high-speed, low-latency capabilities of the Orbi 860 make it perfect for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K video streaming and online gaming.
- Home Offices: For those working from home, the Orbi 860 provides a stable connection that supports video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and other work-related tasks.
Considerations Before Buying the Netgear Orbi 860
While the Netgear Orbi 860 is a powerful mesh Wi-Fi system, here are some things to consider before making a purchase:
- Price: The Orbi 860 is an investment, particularly for larger homes. Consider whether the enhanced coverage and performance are worth the cost for your needs.
- Wi-Fi 6 Compatibility: While Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with older devices, to fully benefit from its features, your devices should also support Wi-Fi 6.
- Coverage Needs: Assess the size of your home and the number of devices you plan to connect. The 1-pack option might be sufficient for smaller homes, but larger homes will likely require the 2- or 3-pack options for optimal coverage.
- Internet Speed: The Orbi 860 can handle up to 6 Gbps, but your internet plan should provide sufficient speed to make the most of this capability.
The Wi-Fi 6 Advantage
The Orbi 860’s Wi-Fi 6 capabilities are a game-changer. With faster speeds, increased capacity, and lower latency, you can enjoy smoother streaming, faster downloads, and improved online gaming experiences. However, it’s important to note that to fully benefit from Wi-Fi 6, your devices also need to be Wi-Fi 6 compatible.
By understanding the basics of mesh Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 6, you can make an informed decision about whether the Netgear Orbi 860 is the right choice for your home networking needs.
