The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a high-end Wi-Fi system designed to provide seamless and reliable connectivity throughout your home. As the latest addition to Netgear’s Orbi family, this mesh network offers advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced security, making it an attractive option for those seeking a robust whole-home Wi-Fi solution.

Design and Setup

The Orbi RBK852 consists of two satellites (RBS850) that work in conjunction with the main router unit (RBK852). The sleek and compact design of both the router and satellites makes them easy to place anywhere in your home, ensuring maximum coverage. Setting up the system is relatively straightforward, thanks to Netgear’s Genie app, which guides you through the process.

Performance

The Orbi RBK852 is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and features six high-gain antennas for improved signal strength and range. This results in impressive speeds of up to 5 Gbps (802.11ax) on the 2.4 GHz band and 2.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band.

In our testing, we achieved remarkable performance throughout our test home, with download speeds reaching as high as 900 Mbps and upload speeds of around 700 Mbps.

Mesh Networking

Netgear’s Orbi RBK852 utilizes a proprietary mesh networking technology called “Orbi Mesh” to ensure seamless roaming between the router and satellites. This allows devices to automatically switch between access points, providing uninterrupted connectivity and eliminating dead zones.

Security

The Orbi RBK852 features robust security measures, including WPA3 encryption, guest network support, and a built-in firewall. Netgear also includes its “Smart Parental Controls” feature, which allows parents to monitor and control their children’s internet usage.

MU-MIMO Technology

The Orbi RBK852 supports multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology, which enables simultaneous data transmission to multiple devices on the same network. This results in improved performance for households with numerous connected devices.

Range and Coverage

Netgear claims that the Orbi RBK852 can cover up to 7,500 square feet of space, making it suitable for larger homes or multi-story buildings. In our testing, we found that the system provided reliable coverage throughout a 4,000 square foot home with multiple levels and obstructions.

Other Features

The Orbi RBK852 also features:

• Support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
• A built-in Quality of Service (QoS) feature to prioritize critical applications
• Netgear’s “Orbi Voice” feature, which allows users to use their voice to control the system
• A dedicated app for managing the network

Conclusion

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a top-notch whole-home Wi-Fi solution that delivers exceptional performance, robust security features, and seamless connectivity. Its sleek design, advanced features, and impressive coverage make it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices or those seeking a reliable and future-proofed Wi-Fi system.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: 1.8 GHz quad-core processor
• RAM: 512 MB DDR4
• Storage: N/A (solid-state drive)
• Connectivity:
  • 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports on the router
  • 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports on each satellite
  • 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports on the mesh-enabled switch (optional)
• Wi-Fi Bands:
  • Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
  • Support for up to 128 devices per network
• Speeds: Up to 5 Gbps (802.11ax) on the 2.4 GHz band, up to 2.2 Gbps on the 5 GHz band
• Range and Coverage: Up to 7,500 square feet of coverage

Comparison with Competitors:

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a direct competitor to other high-end mesh networking systems like:

• TP-Link Deco M9 Plus: A more budget-friendly option with similar features and performance.
• Linksys Velop AX6600: A high-end system with advanced features, but slightly lower coverage range.
• Google Wifi Pro: A premium system with seamless integration with Google Home devices.

Ultimately, the Netgear Orbi RBK852 stands out for its exceptional performance, robust security features, and extensive coverage area, making it a top pick among whole-home Wi-Fi solutions.