Netgear has recently unveiled its latest flagship router, the Orbi 970, which promises to provide users with a multitude of advanced features and capabilities. This router supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 wireless standard and is designed in a quad-band format, enabling it to handle Wi-Fi 6, 5, and 2.4 formats as well. With speeds of up to 27 Gbps and an impressive 12 “high-performance antennas” for 360-degree coverage, the Orbi 970 ensures a seamless and expansive wireless experience. Additionally, users have the option to expand their wireless footprint by incorporating mesh satellite devices.
The Orbi 970 caters to the modern needs of consumers, making it perfect for streaming high-quality video, using bandwidth-intensive VR and AR applications, engaging in UHD video conferencing, and online gaming. It is also smart-home friendly and has the capacity to connect up to 200 devices, making it a versatile router for various smart devices.
The router is fully compatible with older wireless standards, and its quad-band capability ensures that all devices can operate simultaneously without any complicated settings or adjustments. The Orbi 970 smartly identifies the appropriate wireless platform for each connected device. Netgear has also incorporated a dedicated backhaul feature that effectively doubles the speed of communication between the main router and the satellites.
However, the most notable feature of the Orbi 970 is its integration of Wi-Fi 7, which allows smartphones and laptops to achieve speeds of up to 5Gbps. While this is not Netgear’s first Wi-Fi 7 router (that distinction goes to the highly capable Nighthawk RS700S), the popularity of this wireless standard has grown significantly over the past year.
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Apart from its impressive technological capabilities, the Orbi 970 also offers a range of port options. The main router features a single 10 gig Internet port, one 10 gig Ethernet port, and four 2.5 gig Ethernet ports. Each satellite comes with one 10 gig Ethernet port and two 2.5 gig Ethernet ports. Moreover, the sleek cylindrical design and slim profile of the system add to its overall appeal.
Nevertheless, this level of wireless power does come at a considerable cost. The base model, which includes the router and a single satellite, is priced at $1,700. For those seeking wider coverage of up to 10,000 square feet, the three-pack option, which includes two satellites, costs $2,300. Any additional satellites required for expansion can be purchased separately for $900 each. While the Orbi 970 series is available in white via Netgear or third-party retailers, the limited-edition black series is exclusively available from the manufacturer. However, Netgear does offer a free year of its proprietary antivirus product, Netgear Armor, with every purchase.
In conclusion, the Netgear Orbi 970 router sets a new standard for high-performance wireless connectivity. With its support for the advanced Wi-Fi 7 standard, extensive coverage, smart-home compatibility, and an array of connectivity options, it is a router that can meet the demanding needs of modern internet users. Although its price may be prohibitive for some, the Orbi 970 remains an enticing option for those seeking a powerful and reliable wireless router.
