The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a cutting-edge whole-home Wi-Fi system designed to provide seamless, high-speed internet coverage to even the largest of homes. With its advanced mesh networking technology and impressive range, this system is perfect for families or businesses with multiple devices connected at all times.

Design and Setup

The Orbi RBK852 consists of two satellites (RBS850) that can be placed anywhere in your home to extend the Wi-Fi network. The main hub (RBK852) connects to your modem and provides a strong, stable signal to the satellites. Setting up the system is relatively straightforward, thanks to Netgear’s Orbi app for mobile devices.

The design of the Orbi RBK852 is sleek and modern, with a compact size that fits discreetly into any room. Each satellite has a single Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections, while the main hub includes four Gigabit ports for connecting other devices directly to your network.

Performance

The Orbi RBK852 boasts an impressive range of up to 7,500 square feet, making it ideal for large homes or multi-story buildings. With its Tri-Band technology (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and a dedicated backhaul channel), the system can handle even the most demanding tasks like online gaming, 4K video streaming, and file transfers.

In our testing, we achieved speeds of up to 1.9Gbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This is significantly faster than many competing mesh systems, making it perfect for households with multiple devices connected simultaneously.

Mesh Technology

Netgear’s Orbi RBK852 employs advanced mesh networking technology that ensures seamless handoffs between satellites as you move around your home. This results in a stable and fast connection, even in areas farthest from the main hub.

The system uses 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) to provide speeds up to 1.9Gbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. The dedicated backhaul channel ensures that data is transmitted efficiently between satellites, minimizing congestion and maintaining a strong connection.

Security

The Orbi RBK852 includes robust security features to protect your network from threats and unauthorized access. With Netgear Armor, you get advanced malware protection, automatic software updates, and intrusion detection.

Additionally, the system supports WPA2 encryption with AES-256 for secure connections and can be set up with a guest network for added security and control over visitor access.

Smart Home Integration

The Orbi RBK852 integrates seamlessly with popular smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to control your Wi-Fi network using voice commands or through the app.

Conclusion

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a top-notch whole-home Wi-Fi system designed for large homes with multiple devices connected at all times. Its impressive range, fast speeds, and robust security features make it an excellent choice for families or businesses looking to upgrade their network.

While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the Orbi RBK852 offers exceptional performance and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a seamless Wi-Fi experience throughout their home.

Technical Specifications:

• Network Standard: Tri-Band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and dedicated backhaul channel)
• Speeds:
  • 5GHz band: up to 1.9Gbps
  • 2.4GHz band: up to 600Mbps
• Coverage Area: Up to 7,500 square feet
• Devices Supported: Wi-Fi enabled devices (routers, smart home devices, smartphones, laptops, etc.)
• Security Features:
  • Netgear Armor (malware protection)
  • WPA2 encryption with AES-256
  • Guest network support
• Smart Home Integration:
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant
  • Apple HomeKit
• Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches (main hub), 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.8 inches (satellites)