Netgear produces a variety of mobile and home internet products. The Orbi series of home mesh routers have long been popular with non-mobile users, but Netgear added versions with cellular modems to the product line that are of interest to some mobile users.
The first was the Orbi 4G LTE, released in August 2020, which contained an advanced Cat-18 LTE modem usable on any carrier. Today Netgear released a 5G version with a very capable 5G/LTE Cat-20 modem as well as other upgrades like Wi-Fi 6 instead of the Wi-Fi 5 which came with the LTE version.
But unfortunately, the Orbi 5G is only available as part of a kit that includes the Orbi 5G and a satellite mesh unit. And, at $1099, it is not an inexpensive option.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- The Orbi 5G kit is primarily designed for home use but can be used in a mobile application.
- The Orbi 5G modem supports the major sub-6GHz 5G bands for all the carriers but is not yet certified for use on Verizon's network.
- Additionally, the Orbi 5G is not compatible with the Sprint LTE network. That network is scheduled to be shut down by June 30th, 2022, so this isn't a major consideration.
- The Orbi includes support for 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and includes three radios for excellent Wi-Fi performance, but does not include support for Wi-Fi-as-WAN.
- The Orbi 5G might be a good choice for part-time nomads - serving as a home router that can be taken and used on the road or water.
- Currently, the Orbi 5G unit is only available as part of a kit that includes the Orbi 5G and a Wi-Fi mesh satellite unit.
For more information:
- Website: Netgear's Orbi 5G Page
Updates Made to our Content as a Result of This news:
- Gear Center: Netgear Home Cellular Broadband Routers
Related Updates:
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