The three-piece RBE363 package contains one RBE361 router and two RBE360 satellites. The different jobs matter: only the router connects directly to your modem as the gateway. Buying an extra satellite on its own will not give you a working starter kit.
In depth
NETGEAR Orbi 360 review
Published
Best forHomes where two satellite locations can bring a single network across a floor plan that one router struggles to cover.
At a glance
- Wi-Fi generation
- Wi-Fi 7
- Wireless bands / radios
- 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Ethernet ports
- Router: 1 × 2.5 GbE WAN and 1 × 2.5 GbE LANsatellite: 1 × 2.5 GbE LAN
- Mesh support
- Orbi 360 mesh
Pros
- Two satellites in the three-pack extend placement options.
- Multi-gigabit ports permit a wired route between rooms.
Cons
- Only one LAN socket on each satellite.
- The two wireless bands provide no separate 6 GHz channel.
Wi-Fi Specifications
- Wi-Fi 7
- Dual-band
- BE5000
The advertised 5 Gbps is a combined wireless signal rate under specified conditions. It is a poor way to estimate the speed of a single notebook. A device near a satellite in the office still depends on how well that node reaches the router downstairs.
Wired Connectivity
- 2.5 GbE internet port
- One LAN port on each satellite
The router can pass a fast internet connection into the home, but there is only one LAN socket to distribute locally. A switch is a useful addition if several rooms have Ethernet runs. With a wired satellite, a switch also makes it possible to attach a desk computer in that room.
Setup & Management
- RBE361 router
- RBE360 satellites
Plan the three locations before looking at coverage figures. An upstairs landing with a clear route to the router can work better than a far corner beside a device. NETGEAR lists an Armor trial separately from the network hardware. Include a continuing subscription in your comparison only if you intend to keep that service.
Alternatives
The similarly named Orbi 370 is another dual-band Wi-Fi 7 family. Compare the exact kit and its price rather than assuming the larger model number buys another radio band. A tri-band Orbi 870 is a different proposition for homes with several fast wired clients.
Verdict
The Orbi 360 is most useful when you want one gateway and two deliberately placed coverage points. Map your sockets and rooms first, then decide whether this kit supplies the right number of each.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
Manufacturer documentation
The specifications and features discussed in this review come from manufacturer documentation.
NETGEAR Orbi 360 specifications and configuration documentation