Modified on 22 August 2024
The Netgear Orbi 960 is a powerful and sophisticated mesh Wi-Fi system designed to provide seamless internet coverage throughout your home. Available in sleek white and black options, this unit supports Wi-Fi 6E, the latest advancement in wireless technology, making it one of the most future-proof Wi-Fi systems on the market. With its ability to handle multiple devices and deliver ultra-fast speeds, the Orbi 960 is perfect for large homes, smart homes, and users with high demands for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
Understanding Mesh Wi-Fi
Before diving into the specifics of the Orbi 960, it’s essential to understand what mesh Wi-Fi is and how it differs from traditional Wi-Fi systems.
What is Mesh Wi-Fi?
Mesh Wi-Fi is a type of wireless network system that consists of multiple devices, known as nodes, that work together to blanket your entire home with Wi-Fi coverage. Unlike a traditional router that broadcasts a signal from a single point, a mesh Wi-Fi system uses several nodes placed throughout your home to create a seamless network. This means you can move from room to room without experiencing drop-offs in your connection.
Each node in a mesh network communicates with the others, creating a “mesh” of coverage. If one node experiences interference or fails, the other nodes will reroute the data to ensure you stay connected. This design is particularly beneficial for large homes, homes with thick walls, or areas where Wi-Fi signals typically struggle to reach.
What is Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6, bringing all the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 into a new 6GHz band, in addition to the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Wi-Fi 6E unique and how it compares to previous generations.
Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Introduced in 2014, Wi-Fi 5 was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded environments. However, it only operates on the 5GHz band, which can become congested with many devices.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Wi-Fi 6 builds on Wi-Fi 5 by improving efficiency, increasing speeds, and enhancing performance in environments with many connected devices. It operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, offering better range and speed.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Wi-Fi 6E takes all the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and adds a new 6GHz band. This new band offers more channels, less interference, and even faster speeds. Because the 6GHz band is less crowded, Wi-Fi 6E can provide a much more reliable connection, especially in busy environments.
Understanding MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO stands for “Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output.” This technology allows a Wi-Fi router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, rather than one at a time. In traditional Wi-Fi setups, your router can only talk to one device at a time, quickly switching between them. This can lead to slower speeds when many devices are connected.
With MU-MIMO, the router can handle multiple devices at once, delivering data streams simultaneously. This results in faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, especially in homes with many connected devices, like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Read our in-depth explanation on MU-MIMO
Netgear Orbi 960 Specifications
Below is a table that outlines the key specifications and set options for the Netgear Orbi 960.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Technology | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bands | Quad-Band (2.4GHz, 5GHz-1, 5GHz-2, 6GHz) |
| Max Speed | Up to 11 Gbps 2.4GHz: 1200Mbps 5GHz-1: 2400Mbps 5GHz-2: 2400Mbps 6GHz: 4800Mbps |
| Coverage Area | Up to 9,000 ft2 / 840m2 (with 3-pack) |
| MU-MIMO Support | Yes |
| Number of Nodes | 2 Pack: (Router + 1 Satellite) 3 Pack: (Router + 2 Satellite) 4 Pack: (Router + 3 Satellite) Satellite only |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Gigabit LAN ports per node |
| Security | WPA3, Netgear Armor |
| Processor | Quad-Core 2.2GHz |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Flash Storage | 512MB |
| Colors | White, Black |
Use Cases for the Netgear Orbi 960
The Netgear Orbi 960 is ideal for a variety of environments and user needs:
- Large Homes: With a coverage area of up to 9,000 square feet (with a 3-pack), the Orbi 960 can provide consistent Wi-Fi coverage throughout even the largest homes.
- Smart Homes: If your home is filled with smart devices like security cameras, smart lights, and thermostats, the Orbi 960’s ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously makes it a great fit.
- Streaming and Gaming: For households with multiple people streaming 4K content, gaming online, or downloading large files, the Orbi 960 offers the speed and stability required for smooth, uninterrupted experiences.
- Busy Environments: If you live in a densely populated area with many competing Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi 6E’s 6GHz band can offer a clearer and faster connection.
Considerations Before Buying the Netgear Orbi 960
While the Netgear Orbi 960 is an impressive piece of technology, there are some things to consider before purchasing:
- Client Compatibility: To take full advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, your devices must also support Wi-Fi 6E. While the Orbi 960 is backward compatible with older devices, the 6GHz band will only be accessible to Wi-Fi 6E-compatible devices.
- Price: The Orbi 960 is a premium product, and its price reflects that. Consider whether you need the high-end features and extensive coverage it offers, or if a more affordable system might suffice for your needs.
- Placement of Nodes: For optimal performance, the nodes should be placed strategically around your home. This might require some trial and error to achieve the best coverage.
- Future-Proofing: While Wi-Fi 6E is the latest technology, Wi-Fi 7 is on the horizon. If you’re investing in a new system, consider whether it’s worth waiting for the next generation, or if Wi-Fi 6E meets your current and near-future needs.
Conclusion
The Netgear Orbi 960 is a powerful and versatile mesh Wi-Fi system that offers the latest in Wi-Fi technology, including the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E. With its ability to cover large homes, support multiple devices, and deliver ultra-fast speeds, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to future-proof their home network. However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, including device compatibility and budget, before making a purchase. Whether in white or black, the Orbi 960 is sure to provide a stylish and high-performance solution for your home Wi-Fi needs.
Visit the official website for the Netgear Orbi 960 – White
Visit the official website for the Netgear Orbi 960 – Black
