Netgear Orbi 4G LTE (LBR20), hands-on: A versatile router with mesh Wi-Fi, mobile broadband and wired connectivity Review

Netgear’s Orbi range delivers numerous mesh networking systems that are suitable for both dwelling and business buyers, but they all call for a rapidly and reliable wired world wide web link. Which is not always possible, although, and there are many rural locations and out of doors spots that never have entry to rapidly broadband about copper or fibre. 

With that in intellect, the most up-to-date addition to the Orbi array, the Orbi 4G LTE (LBR20), usually takes a two-pronged method, supporting both wired networking by way of Ethernet and 4G LTE cell broadband. You can use the cell broadband link by by itself, in purchase to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot in a spot that isn’t going to have entry to a wired community, or as a backup alternative in circumstance your normal world wide web link is unavailable. It could also be handy when doing work from dwelling, making it possible for you to increase your community to a backyard or other place that’s out of reach of your normal Wi-Fi router. 

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The Orbi 4G LTE router provides up to 2.2Gbps Wi-Fi throughput and has an built-in 4G LTE modem. You can generate a mesh process by incorporating Orbi AC satellites.


Illustrations or photos: Netgear

Style and design & capabilities

The Orbi 4G LTE sticks with Netgear’s familiar style and design, with an upright white casing and glowing blue top panel. However, it differs from the relaxation of the Orbi array in numerous ways. Not like most mesh Wi-Fi systems, which commonly incorporate a major router and one particular or additional satellites, the Orbi 4G LTE router is offered on its individual, priced at £308.33 (ex. VAT £370 inc. VAT, or $399.99). This single device can be used as a standard Wi-Fi router and supports tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a most velocity of 2.2Gbps. It incorporates two Gigabit Ethernet ports, one particular of which can be used to hook up the Orbi to an existing broadband modem or router, when the second delivers a wired link for a notebook or other machine.  

Setup is simple, as you can just scan a QR code and use the Netgear application to set up your new Wi-Fi community. There is certainly also a web browser interface for additional professional buyers and IT professionals who may possibly have to have additional precise regulate about the community configuration. And, despite the fact that it is offered on its individual, the Orbi 4G LTE can also be used to set up a mesh community when used with other Orbi styles that use WiFi five/802.11ac Wi-Fi (WiFi 6/802.11ax is not currently supported). 

Broadband backup

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SIM slot and antenna connector for the built-in 4G LTE modem.


Impression: Netgear

The Orbi 4G LTE is expensive for a standard 802.11ac router, but if there is no wired community available it incorporates a slot for a Nano SIM card (not provided) that will let you to use 3G or 4G LTE cell broadband in its place. 

You can configure the Orbi 4G LTE to work solely in possibly wired mode or cell broadband mode, but there is also a ‘failover’ alternative that makes it possible for the router to routinely change to cell broadband if your wired link fails. This indicates that you can use the Orbi as a standard router in an workplace most of the time, when continue to having the 4G LTE alternative available as an unexpected emergency backup. 

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In accordance to Netgear, the 4G LTE alternative delivers cell broadband speeds of up to 1.2Gbps, with the Orbi router furnishing Wi-Fi coverage for locations up to 1,five hundred sq. toes (139 sq. metres), so its cell connectivity can also be used to set up an considerable Wi-Fi community in a spot that isn’t going to have entry to a standard wired community. However, the Orbi 4G LTE isn’t designed as a transportable hotspot as it demands mains energy.  

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Impression: Netgear

The Orbi 4G LTE supports cell broadband from most British isles suppliers, despite the fact that shoppers in the US should verify compatibility on Netgear’s website before obtaining.

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