A constant WiFi connection has become a major component of modern living, facilitating activities that range as high as professional work, online learning and entertainment. When a thick wall, large place or number of connected devices results in poor signals, this may have adverse effect on our daily functions. To fix this issue users have both WiFi extender and mesh system, like Orbi.

In this guide, we will understand the actual differences between the Orbi wifi system and an extender. 

What Exactly Is a WiFi Extender?

A WiFi extender picks your router’s current signal and spreads it to different areas. With the help of an extender you can easily cover your dead zone areas which hardly gets any WiFi signal.

But the issue is:

• Speed is not the same everywhere. Extenders usually reduce bandwidth because they are just repeating and not creating the signal.
• You may switch between networks. Often, extenders create a second network (for example, “MyHomeWiFi_EXT”), so you will need to manually switch if you move around the house.
• Coverage is limited. The extenders are not suitable for large home with multiple floors.  

So, extenders are affordable and useful, but mostly for small fixes rather than whole-home solution. 

How Does an Orbi WiFi System Work?

Unlike an extender, Orbi is a mesh WiFi system. This is generally made up of a main router and small satellite units that connect to each other and create one large and stable network.

Here is what makes it different:

1. One network, not two. You don’t need to connect to “WiFi” in one room and “WiFi_EXT” in another. Your device always sticks to the strongest signal automatically.
2. No speed penalty. Orbi satellites are designed to maintain high speeds across your house.
3. Expandable coverage. If you want to expand the WiFi coverage then just add another satellite.
4. Smarter connections. Orbi provides fast speed to each device, so your video call does not drop just because someone else started streaming.

In other words, Orbi doesn’t just “stretch” your WiFi. It rebuilds it into a stronger, wider and more reliable network.

Orbi vs. Extender

Here is a quick look at how they differ from each other:

Why Orbi Stands Out?

If you are in a small flat and just want to fix weak wifi then an extender is enough. But if you have got a medium or large home, kids gaming in one room, someone working in another and a smart TV streaming in the living room then an extender is not suitable.

Orbi creates the experience of having the router placed in every corner of your home. You can move freely from the living room to the backyard without facing dropped signals or the need to switch networks. This uninterrupted connectivity is the reason many users continue to prefer Orbi over an extender. 

About Orbi WiFi Extender Setup

Let’s clear some confusion related to Orbi Wifi system. Many users think that an extender and Orbi wifi system are one and the same thing.

Here is how it is different:

• With Orbi WiFi extender setup, you are not adding a second network but you are expanding one unified network.
• The satellites do not just repeat signals but they communicate with the main router and each other.
• Speed remains consistent whether you are near the main router or at the farthest satellite.

One of the important thing about Orbi WiFi extender setup is that it is beginner-friendly. The Orbi app guides you step by step. Once placed correctly, satellites take care of the rest.

Wrapping It Up

So, the above mentioned guide will help you to understand how Orbi WiFi system different from an extender. The extenders fix weak spots, while Orbi builds a whole-home solution.

• Extenders are fine for small fixes.
• Orbi is the better choice for larger homes, heavier internet usage and anyone who wants smooth WiFi without technical headaches.

If short extenders are short-term fix whereas an Orbi wifi system is a long-term fix.