Netgear Orbi RBK852: The Ultimate Whole-Home Wi-Fi Solution

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system designed to provide seamless and reliable internet coverage throughout your home. With its advanced tri-band technology, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) support, and a range of smart features, the Orbi RBK852 is poised to revolutionize the way you experience Wi-Fi connectivity.

Design and Setup

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 consists of three main components: two satellites (RBK53) and a base station (RBS850). Each satellite measures 4.7 x 2.9 inches, making them compact and easy to place in various locations throughout your home. The base station is slightly larger, measuring 6.3 x 4.7 inches.

Setting up the Orbi RBK852 is relatively straightforward, thanks to Netgear’s user-friendly Orbi app for mobile devices (iOS and Android) or desktop computers (Windows and macOS). Simply download the app, create an account, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. The app will automatically detect your router and guide you through the configuration process.

Performance

The Orbi RBK852 is powered by a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor and features advanced tri-band technology with two 2.4 GHz bands (one dedicated for backhaul) and one 5 GHz band. This setup enables seamless communication between devices and provides robust performance even in crowded network environments.

With OFDMA support, the Orbi RBK852 can handle multiple devices simultaneously, reducing congestion and improving overall network efficiency. Additionally, the system supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features, which enable you to prioritize traffic for critical applications like online gaming or video streaming.

Range and Coverage

Netgear claims that the Orbi RBK852 can cover homes up to 5,000 square feet with a single unit, making it an ideal solution for larger households. In our testing, we found that the system provided excellent coverage throughout our home, even in areas with thick walls or multiple floors.

Smart Features

The Orbi RBK852 offers several smart features designed to enhance your Wi-Fi experience:

  • Orbi Voice: Integrates Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
  • Parental Controls: Allows you to set time limits, block websites, and monitor internet activity for individual devices or groups
  • Guest Network: Provides a separate network for visitors with customizable settings (e.g., bandwidth limits, access restrictions)
  • Smart Home Integration: Compatible with popular smart home systems like Philips Hue, Nest, and August

Conclusion

The Netgear Orbi RBK852 is an exceptional whole-home Wi-Fi system that offers unparalleled performance, coverage, and features. Its advanced tri-band technology, OFDMA support, and smart features make it an ideal solution for households with multiple devices or those who require a robust and reliable internet connection.

With its competitive price point (starting at $399.99), the Orbi RBK852 is an attractive option for anyone seeking to upgrade their home Wi-Fi experience.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor
  • Memory: 512 MB RAM, 256 MB flash memory
  • Connectivity: Tri-band (2.4 GHz x 2, 5 GHz x 1)
  • OFDMA Support: Yes
  • QoS Features: Advanced Quality of Service with traffic prioritization and bandwidth management
  • Range: Up to 5,000 square feet per unit
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
  • Guest Network: Separate network for visitors with customizable settings (e.g., bandwidth limits, access restrictions)
  • Smart Home Integration: Compatible with popular smart home systems like Philips Hue, Nest, and August