NETGEAR has just announced, ahead of CES 2018 next week, the Orbi Outdoor Satellite. This is an add-on to NETGEAR’s Orbi and Orbi Pro Mesh WiFi systems that it already sells. Basically, allowing you to extend your WiFi coverage outdoors to your backyard, pool or anywhere else. This is especially good for those that have huge backyards, as it can cover up to 2,500 square-feet, on top of what the Orbi and Orbi Pro can already cover.
When using the Orbi Outdoor Satellite, NETGEAR says that it will inherit all of the features and capabilities of the Orbi and/or the Orbi Pro. Which means you’ll get secure and guest networks on the Orbi, or guest and employee networks on the Orbi Pro. So it is truly an extension of your existing network. The Orbi Outdoor Satellite can also light up, to add some ambiance lighting, or stay dark and discreet so that others don’t see it. Giving the user the ability to choose between the two. It’s a great product to add onto your mesh WiFi network, especially if you have an Orbi or an Orbi Pro, obviously it’s not for everyone, since not everyone has a backyard, but it’s still a good one to check out.
Orbi is NETGEAR’s own Mesh WiFi system, a trend that has been taking the wireless industry by storm over the past few years. Now a mesh WiFi network is better than using a router and signal extenders because it is able to give you more coverage without degrading your network’s speed. With network or signal extenders, they are basically repeating the network, and that means the further away you are from the router, the slower your speeds will be. But that is not the case with a Mesh WiFi Network, your speeds will stay the same no matter where you are, and on top of that, you can really manipulate these systems to provide coverage to your whole home – no matter the size. Most 3-packs of Mesh WiFi networks will cover around 4500 square-feet, which is plenty for most people, but if you do need more, you can also get an extension pack. Making it great for larger homes, or those with thicker walls (making it tougher to penetrate).
NETGEAR is putting the Orbi Outdoor Satellite on sale today, for $329. NETGEAR says you’ll be able to find it at most retailers that already sell NETGEAR products. So that would include Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo and many other retailers. Sure it’s pretty pricey, but it does cover 2500 square-feet which is pretty incredible.