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Networking specialist Netgear has introduced a new Wi-Fi solution that promises to deliver high-speed connectivity to every part of a home or small office.
Its Orbi system uses Tri-band Wi-Fi, which is able to provide a dedicated wireless channel between the router and the satellite equipment. This in effect creates a 'virtual wire' between the two that ensures high speeds are maintained regardless of how many devices are connected.
Brett Sappington, senior director of research at Parks Associates, explained that as connected homes become more data-hungry than ever, with multiple high-definition videos and smart devices competing for bandwidth, having robust networking solutions to deliver this will be essential.
"Consumers are streaming video to every available screen from an increasing number of OTT video service options," he stated. "In the US market, the average broadband household has over seven connected consumer electronic devices that can stream video. In addition, emerging smart home devices require always-on connectivity to function properly."
The Orbi Kit comes with two devices - a router and a satellite - that are pre-paired together for easy setup straight out of the box. All users have to do is connect the router to their internet modem or service provider gateway, and place the satellite in a location in the centre of their home. There is no requirement for line-of-sight between the two, or for the consumer to experiment with the proper placement of the satellite.
Its Tri-band Wi-fi technology includes a dedicated 1.7Gbps 5GHz band that is used solely for extending internet speeds to Orbi satellites. Therefore, the other two Wi-Fi bands can be utilised as fully dedicated bands for all connected devices across an entire home. The system is able to cover an area of up to 4,000 sq ft, while Netgear plans to offer kits with more satellites for larger-scale deployments later this year.
David Henry, senior vice-president of home networking devices for Netgear, explained the company has applied the lessons learned from two decades of home Wi-Fi developments to the Orbi system, in order to address the challenges posed by architectural design, dense building materials and large square footage.
"Today's home networks are now expected to support more devices, all of which are competing for your bandwidth," he added. "So the emphasis should not only be on Wi-Fi coverage itself, but also the performance at the furthest edge of that connection."
Mr Henry explained the performance offered by the Orbi lies in the Tri-band technology, which allows users to enjoy the same level of connectivity throughout their home. "Netgear Orbi delivers more high-speed Wi-Fi connections to more devices through this new advanced Wi-Fi technology that connects automatically and simultaneously to every Wi-Fi-enabled device in the home," he said.
