NETGEAR has announced the launch of its latest WiFi 7 mesh system, the Orbi 870 Series. This new offering expands NETGEAR’s existing lineup of WiFi 7 mesh systems, providing users with more options to meet their home networking needs.
Key Features of the Orbi 870 Series
High-Speed Performance
The Orbi 870 Series boasts impressive speeds, offering combined WiFi speeds of up to 21 Gbps. This tri-band system utilises the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands to deliver this high-speed performance.
Advanced WiFi 7 Technology
The Orbi 870 incorporates several WiFi 7 enhancements:
- 320 MHz channel bandwidth
- 4K QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
- Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
- Preamble puncturing
These features contribute to improved capacity and robust WiFi performance.
Multi-Link Operation
One of the standout features of the Orbi 870 is its Multi-Link Operation capability. This technology combines two WiFi bands simultaneously for both the backhaul (shared 5 GHz and 6 GHz) and fronthaul (5 GHz and 6 GHz). The result is enhanced network reliability, reduced latency, and optimised data delivery speeds.
Extensive Coverage and Device Support
The Orbi 870 is designed to cover large homes, offering WiFi coverage for up to 9,000 square feet. It can support up to 150 connected devices, making it suitable for households with numerous smart home gadgets, computers, and mobile devices.
Multi-Gigabit Connectivity
For users with high-speed internet plans, the Orbi 870 features a 10 Gigabit internet port. This port is compatible with multi-gigabit cable and fibre plans from various internet service providers.
Wired Connectivity Options
Both the router and satellites in the Orbi 870 system come equipped with multiple multi-gigabit wired ports. The router features four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, while each satellite also includes four 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports. This allows for improved performance for wired devices and enables multi-gig wired connections between the router and satellites.
Security Features
Advanced Router Protection
NETGEAR has incorporated its exclusive Advanced Router Protection feature into the Orbi 870 series. This security measure utilises AI heuristics and advanced exploit prevention to identify and block potential threats. Additionally, it allows for rapid deployment of live patches, reducing the time required to address security issues.
NETGEAR Armor
The Orbi 870 series includes a 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender. This comprehensive security solution provides an additional layer of protection for connected devices and offers VPN functionality for enhanced privacy.
Smart Parental Controls
For families, the Orbi 870 comes with NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls. This feature allows parents to manage their children’s online time across various devices and promote healthy online habits. Basic features are available at no cost, while a premium plan is available for a subscription fee.
Orbi App Integration
The Orbi 870 can be managed through the Orbi App, which allows users to:
- Pause internet access
- Run internet speed tests
- Track internet data usage
- Set up separate guest and IoT networks
- Perform various other network management tasks
This app-based control provides users with convenient access to their network settings from anywhere.
Comparison with Other Orbi WiFi 7 Models
The Orbi 870 sits between the Orbi 770 and Orbi 970 in NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 mesh lineup:
| Feature | Orbi 770 | Orbi 870 | Orbi 970 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended Internet Speed | Up to 1 Gig | Up to 2.5 Gig | Multi-Gig up to 10 Gig |
| Coverage | Up to 8,000 sq. ft | Up to 9,000 sq. ft | Up to 10,000 sq. ft |
| Combined WiFi Speed | Up to 11 Gbps | Up to 21 Gbps | Up to 27 Gbps |
| Technology | WiFi 7 Tri-Band | WiFi 7 Tri-Band | WiFi 7 Quad-Band |
| Devices Supported | Up to 100 | Up to 150 | Up to 200 |
| Ports | 2.5 Gig + 3 x 2.5 Gig | 10 Gig + 4 x 2.5 Gig | 10 Gig + 10 Gig + 4 x 2.5 Gig |
| MSRP (3-pack) | $999.99 | $1,299.99 | $2,299.99 |
This comparison highlights the Orbi 870’s position as a mid-range option in NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 mesh lineup, offering a balance of performance and price.
Availability and Pricing
The Orbi 870 is available in both black and white colour options. It can be purchased from NETGEAR.com and other major retailers. The pricing structure is as follows:
- RBE873: Router and 2 Satellites (3-pack) – $1,299.99 MSRP
- RBE872: Router and 1 Satellite (2-pack) – $999.99 MSRP
- RBE870: Add-on Satellite – $549.99 MSRP
These options allow users to choose the configuration that best suits their home size and networking needs.
Industry Context and NETGEAR’s Position
The launch of the Orbi 870 series comes at a time when WiFi 7 adoption is on the rise. As more device manufacturers introduce products compatible with this latest WiFi standard, there’s a growing demand for routers that can maximise the potential of these new devices.
NETGEAR, with nearly three decades of experience in WiFi innovation, aims to meet this demand with its expanding portfolio of WiFi 7 mesh systems. The company positions itself as a trusted brand committed to delivering high-performance WiFi and robust security features.
Conclusion
The NETGEAR Orbi 870 Series represents a significant addition to the company’s WiFi 7 mesh networking lineup. With its high-speed performance, advanced security features, and extensive coverage capabilities, it’s designed to meet the needs of modern, connected homes with demanding networking requirements.
As WiFi 7 technology continues to evolve and become more prevalent in consumer devices, systems like the Orbi 870 are likely to play a crucial role in helping users maximise the benefits of this new standard. However, as with any networking solution, potential buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and budget when evaluating the Orbi 870 against other options in the market.
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