Summary
Individual routers can get expensive, and mesh systems even more so. But a good mesh system doesn’t need to break the bank. This one by Netgear might be a good choice if you’re getting started.
Netgear has just announced the Orbi 370 Series, a mesh system router that, while a bit basic in terms of specs, lets you set up a mesh system in your house without having to drain your wallet. The fact that it’s Wi-Fi 7 means that you’ll be able to take advantage of newer features such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which allows devices to connect simultaneously across both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands, increasing overall throughput and delivering speeds up to 5Gbps. The Orbi 370 router is equipped with a 2.5Gbps internet port, making it compatible with multi-gigabit fiber and cable services. The satellite units are also equipped with these ports, making these a great fit for a variety of use cases.
Thanks to this being a mesh system, it’s relatively easy to scale it up; you can easily purchase and add extra satellites to the network to expand coverage into new areas of your home or eliminate dead zones. The setup and management of the network are handled through the companion Orbi App, which allows you to monitor internet speed, pause connectivity, and set up guest networks.
By default, the system comes with a few extra features that notably, in an age where everyone wants to squeeze money out of your credit card, need no suscription at all. You have a built-in firewall, parental controls for managing screen time, and you have automatic firmware updates to protect against emerging threats. If you do want to pay money, there is a paid subscription that will unlock a few more features, and you can get Netgear Armor, which provides an extra layer of protection.
A mesh system is a pretty good option if you have a big home, since you can have multiple satellites repeating the main router’s signal so you can reach every corner of your house. But they’re also expensive. This one isn’tcheap, mind you—but it is considerably more affordable than other options. Which brings us to the price. The router alone costs $150, while you can expect to pay roughly $100 for each satellite. A bundle with one satellite costs $250, while two satellites will cost $350. Again, not particularly cheap, but there are some non-mesh routers that cost over $200, so I’d say $250 for a mesh setup is not too bad. You can grab it now onNetgear’s websiteas well as on your retailer of choice.
NETGEAR Orbi 370 Series Dual-Band WiFi 7 Mesh
No more dead zones, dropped connections, or buffering. Cover every square inch of your home with smooth, reliable, best-in-class WiFi.
