Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600 Vs Orbi – Mesh system vs router for your home
Routers have been configured to connect multiple networks and forward packets that are destined either for its network or other networks. A mesh system, on the other hand, does have multiple access points whereby one of the points links to the modem and acts as a router, while the other satellites capture the routers signal and re-broadcasts it.
So while the mesh Wi-Fi devices seam to work seamlessly, the router tends to undergo a rather complex process before a forwarding decision is made.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Netgear Nighthawk x6s Ac3600 and the Orbi
Model |
Netgear x6s Ac3600 |
Orbi (Winner) |
Coverage |
110foot range |
5,000sq. ft. |
Speeds |
6.27mbps-Upload speeds
70.41mbps-Download speeds |
645-Upload speeds
497-Download speeds |
Antennas |
6 |
None |
Weight |
2.43 pounds |
8.6 pounds |
The Netgear Nighthawk X6s vs The orbi- How do they compare?
Speed
From the information above the Orbi mesh, Wi-Fi does offer users faster upload and download speeds when compared to the Netgear x6s Ac3600. Apart from the high speeds each of the units has been equipped with technology that helps enhance the speeds on each of the devices that have been connected to the network.
The unit features both the MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies, Mu-MiMo is a technology that allows the Wi-Fi routers to communicate with multiple devices connected to the network simultaneously, which in the long run decreases the time that each of the devices has to wait for a signal thus speeding up your network.
The beamforming technology, on the other hand, is designed to improve spectral efficiency by offering enhanced signals to noise ratio. In essence, is that beamforming boosts the cell range and capacity thus the mobile devices connected to a network can get clearer and stronger signals. The Netgear Orbi offers faster speeds and has also integrated other advanced technology features that contribute towards the speeds offered to devices connected to the relevant network.
The Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600, on the other hand, has been equipped with 6 high performing antennas designed to enhance the deliverability of internet signals. The unit also features some very powerful amplifiers that help maximize the range with which the Wi-Fi signals travel. What’s more is that the Unit has also incorporated the Tri-Band Wi-Fi technology, which helps in delivering more Wi-Fi to the already connected devices, meaning that they can now enjoy faster speeds.
The Nighthawk x6 also features the Dynamic QoS bandwidth prioritization option by application and device. From the above information, the Orbi Wi-Fi 6 features more advanced technology options designed to enhance the already existing high speeds.
Design and Capacity
The design of the Netgear Nighthawk is sophisticated and can easily be confused with a drone, at the top part we have been provided with 6 well-spaced antennas. The idea behind having many antennas on a router is for users to enjoy more coverage but within the maximum distance. So to get the best out of the antennas on your routers, be mindful of their positioning, which should either be upward for a horizontal reach or sideways for a vertical reach.
The antennas also have to be properly deployed for better coverage just like Netgear’s Nighthawk. For the functionality of the router, you have been provided with options at the top part that even gives you the option of either switching your Wi-Fi on or off.
At the back, you have five Ethernet cables plus one USB port for ease of sharing media. The unit can only assume one position in your home or office, so you have to be sure to place it on a flat surface with fewer obstructions such as walls, metal objects or other electronic devices.
The Orbi, on the other hand, will blanket your home with fast Wi-Fi speeds and extended coverage. To which end you have been provided with two of the Wi-Fi points (the router and satellite), so placement will be with regards to the layout of your home. At the back of both the router and the Satelite, you have been provided with Ethernet ports five for the router and four for the satellite. The four Ethernet ports are used to plug to the Ethernet-enabled devices, while the one Ethernet port will plug into an existing modem.
For the users who have internet plans of up to 2.5Gpbs, can get the cable modem as a separate entity for convenience when using the router.
Mobile application features
The Orbi Wi-Fi 6 device has to be configured with an application that you will download to your android or IOS phone. Setting up will take less than 3 minutes, and the best thing is that you don’t have to worry about having to change your Internet Service Provider because the unit can integrate with many of the relevant ISP’s.
To configure your Netgear Nighthawk X6 router, you will have to download the Nighthawk application onto your phone from either Google Play or the App Store, you will then connect your mobile device to the router network and the application will help you configure the remaining settings. After set up, you will be provided with an intuitive dashboard that will help you customize the settings and effectively manage Wi-Fi in your home.
The Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600 vs The Orbi- A Comparison overview
Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600
- 3.0Gbps—Fast combined WiFi speed for uninterrupted streaming
- Tri-Band MU-MIMO—Simultaneous streaming to more devices
If you have been experiencing slow Wi-Fi speeds then the Netgear Nighthawk X6s is a stable unit that will allow you to experience lag-free gaming, surfing or video streaming. The unit has incorporated a couple of technologies that will enhance the speeds experienced by the connected devices. For example, there is the smart connect, designed to automatically select the best dual-band Wi-Fi connection for the optimal wireless speeds.
You can also include a couple of other devices to your network without compromising on the speeds and coverage because the MU-MIMO feature enables faster speeds by simultaneously streaming to multiple devices. Many routers tend to experience slow speeds whenever other devices connected to the network are engaged in bandwidth-intensive activities.
Now for the Netgear Nighthawk, the above shouldn’t be a bother because the unit has been equipped with a Dynamic Qos, a feature that intelligently prioritizes video streaming and gaming. Other significant features are such as the Circle smart parental control that allows users to effectively manage the content that is being accessed by the connected devices and the time that the devices stay online.
Cyber threat is a major security issue to internet users and more so in a home or an office setting. So as much as you may want to share your Wi-Fi with your guests, the question of security always lingers on our conscience. For the Netgear Nighthawk, you have thus been provided with the option of inviting guests to your network, without worrying about the security of your private network.
Pros
- Features three dedicated Wi-Fi bands
- The router supports Multi-Gig Internet speeds
- Allows faster streaming both on mobile and while gaming
- Offers a simple and secure cloud storage
Cons
- The router requires regular booting to keep working
- Offers inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds and signal
The Orbi
- Coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft. and for up to 100 devices. Extend coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. with each...
- Ultrafast AX6000 gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and...
Orbi offers users a comprehensive solution to their Wi-Fi coverage problems, with this option you are not restricted to one room or the room next to the device, rather you can even roam in the backyard and still get strong Wi-Fi signals to your device. All the devices connected to the network will be able to experience faster speeds for as long as the router and the satellite have been properly deployed within the home.
The unit obliterates all the Wi-Fi dead zones in your home by offering an expansive coverage of up to 5,000 sq. ft. while connecting about 60+ devices. The Orbi will only offer connection for devices that are Ethernet cable enabled, so if you wanted a device that can handle media transfer via the USB then you will have to go with the Netgear Nighthawk X6s.
Set up and management of the Orbi is pretty easy and fast and you can also integrate it with an ISP of your choice, as it is not limited.
Pros
- Features the Triband technology, which maximizes Wi-Fi
- Can connect more than 60 devices
- Allows seamless and smart roaming
- Offers blazing fast speeds
Cons
- The firmware upgrade is buggy
- The Led light ring on top of the unit is not effective
Conclusion
Both the Netgear Nighthawk and the Orbi are great Wi-Fi units, but you have to be careful with the speeds that you want to achieve and the number of users you want connected to the device. A mesh system doesn’t work the same as a router unless it features a Wi-fi point, to which end you will choose one that best suits your needs.
Verdict, which is better? The Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600 or the Orbi
The Orbi mesh device is the better option, first because it offers faster speeds than the Nighthawk and second because it offers a mesh coverage obliterating all the dead zones.
FAQ’s
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How many satellites can I add to my Orbi?
You can easily connect up to three more satellites and enhance coverage to 10,000sq. ft.
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Why is my Netgear Nighthawk X6s Ac3600 router not connecting with my Netgear Wi-Fi extender?
Your home Wi-Fi router might be having an improper configuration, or you might have lost internet connectivity.
