Question 1

How is this different than the Orbi options Netgear provides?

Accepted Answer

Voice control is not the real difference as another user stated. Yes, *SOME* Orbi systems have the option to add a speaker and/or alexa in a satellite, but that's an extra option.

The real difference is in the hardware and depends on your needs. There are essentially 3 orbi systems now - 750, 850, and Pro variations. The biggest difference is in connection speed, coverage, and processing power / RAM / flash.

This system is only an AX3600, the 750 is AX4200, and the 850 is AX6000. The orbi systems also have a much faster quad-core CPU and at least double the RAM which allows for faster connections and more devices. They also boast a more powerful amplifier and larger antennas, and therefore much more coverage.

** Keep in mind that although all of the systems are advertised as being "tri-band" they aren't really. Yes, there are 3 bands, but one is a dedicated backhaul and devices aren't able to connect to it - even if using a wired backhaul which is a big disappointment!

This limits your device connectivity to a single 2.4Ghz channel and a single 5Ghz channel. I forget the specs on all the models (mk60, mk80, 750, 850, pro, etc) but if you're using a wired backhaul - *don't waste your money on the "faster" mesh systems!* Your devices will connect at the same rates, but the difference (ie. AX4200 vs AX6000) is in the dedicated backhaul so you'd be wasting your money.

If you can afford it, have a lot of devices, heavy bandwidth needs, or need large coverage: I'd highly recommend the RBK750 series if you have a wired backhaul, or the RBK850 series if you don't have a wired backhaul. The extra CPU/RAM, firmware, and antennas will go a long way!

** Also note: Netgear's mesh systems are plagued with a firmware problem that will give you a headache with DNS issues. You'll need to set a static DNS server on every device. They've known about the issue for almost 2 years now but refuse to acknowledge the problem or fix it. Please do your due diligence and read the forums and you'll see what I'm talking about - a simple search for "Orbi DNS problem" should give you a few thousand complaints.

Question 2

How many total satellites can be added? My setup requires two on wired backhaul and two wireless.

Accepted Answer

It's interesting that the Netgear team answered your question and said 6 is a total number of satellites...because when I called Netgear support two days ago, they said that the maximum number was 5 satellites plus the router for a total of 6 units.

I like Netgear products but I'm really questioning their support choices!!

Question 3

Can the MX83 router get internet through an netgear nighthawk 6-stream ax5400 wifi 6 router (rax50) that i already have and keep the same SSID?

Accepted Answer

No....the mesh system has it's own router with configured satellite extenders. I bought the (1 router, 2 satellites) and have roughly 1850 square foot home. This works perfectly for me!  Previously, I had the Netgear Nighthawk R6900P Router with 2 Nighthawk extenders. My wi-fi kept dropping on the extenders and I had to keep unplugging/resetting. That was over a month ago. Since installing the HightHawk MK83 Mesh system....have been in sweet wi-fi bliss and no more problems!

Question 4

Do the satellites need to be wired with Ethernet, or can they work with Wi-Fi input only?

Accepted Answer

I haver an MK-83 system in use here at home ('1 base unit, 2 satelites(. It works just fine. However, two things are ver important: 1. DO NOT use the mobile app from Netgear. It will start installing firmware upgrades automatically and, in my case, ruined an Orbi RBK50 pair. Configure the devices using a browser and do all FW upgrades using a directly connected browser. 2. DO NOT install the Netgear Armor software. It will stop most devices from connecting, considering them unsafe.

Wireless Type	802.11ax
Brand	NETGEAR
Series	MK83-100NAS
Item model number	MK83-100NAS
Operating System	Netgear OS
Item Weight	1.4 pounds
Product Dimensions	14.3 x 8.25 x 7.25 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH	14.3 x 8.25 x 7.25 inches
Color	Black
Voltage	240 Volts
Manufacturer	Netgear
ASIN	B08V2ZGBNK
Date First Available	March 9, 2021

MK83

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