The Netgear RBKE963 consists of a router and two mesh satellites supporting the Wi-Fi 6E (Extended) standard.
Aad Munsterman and Maikel Dijkhuizen
The total bandwidth is 10.8 Gbps! In addition to WiFi, the router also has a 10 Gbps WAN connection, a 2.5 Gbps connection and three 1 Gbps ports for a LAN device, such as a NAS or a wired backbone. Each satellite has one 2.5 and three 1gbps LAN ports. Wi-Fi 6E uses the 6GHz band with a total bandwidth of 1.2Ghz.
Setup is via the Orbi Netgear app and you can toggle AX mode on and off on the 2.4 and 5Ghz bands as well as a guest network and a separate 6E network. The WiFi security is WPA2+WPA3.
We are adding an Intel WLAN AX120 6E adapter to our test system to be able to test 6E. Wireless we get 950 mbps via the router. That is the maximum speed of the LAN connection on our test server, which makes it clear that the WiFi speed is higher than a wired 1Gbps connection. On the mezzanine floor we get through the satellites to the LAN port and wifi at 850 mbps and in the attic up to 550 mbps. Those are excellent results for a 5GHz backhaul through two concrete layers, with a UTP backhaul all results are at or above 950 mbps!
This performance comes with a hefty price tag. Naturally, a 1 Gbps internet connection is also required, extensive security software is optionally available for a monthly fee.
Product: Netgear RBKE963B-100EUS two satellites
Price: €1699.99
Pros
* very high transport speeds and capacity
* many configuration options
Cons:
* high price
* local tuning required for optimal results