Netgear Expands WiFi 7 Portfolio with Entry-Level Orbi 370 Series
The networking market is currently undergoing a transition as WiFi 7 technology moves from high-end enthusiast gear to more mainstream price points. Netgear has introduced the Orbi 370 Series, a dual-band mesh system designed to provide the latest wireless standard to a broader consumer base. This launch follows the company's previous high-performance releases, aiming to balance modern throughput with residential coverage needs.
Multi-Gig Connectivity for Residential Environments
The Orbi 370 Series, specifically the RBE372 kit, consists of one router and one satellite unit. This configuration provides wireless coverage for areas up to 4,000 square feet. According to netgear.com, the system utilizes a BE5000 dual-band architecture to reach maximum combined speeds of 5 Gbps. The hardware is powered by a quad-core 1.5 GHz processor to manage high-traffic demands across multiple connected hardware points.
The main router includes a 2.5 Gbps WAN port for high-speed fiber or cable internet connections. Additionally, both the router and the satellite feature 2.5 Gbps LAN ports to support wired backhaul or high-bandwidth devices like gaming consoles and network-attached storage.
- Maximum Throughput: Up to 5 Gbps across two wireless bands.
- Device Capacity: Support for up to 70 concurrent devices.
- Network Management: Three separate SSIDs for Main, IoT, and Guest traffic.
- Security Standards: WPA3 encryption and compatibility with NETGEAR Armor.
- Setup: Managed via the Orbi mobile application for iOS and Android.
The Orbi 370 Series delivers reliable whole-home coverage, with powerful security and privacy tools, all for our most affordable price.
— netgear.com
Comparing the Dual-Band WiFi 7 Landscape
The Orbi 370 Series enters a competitive field where manufacturers are stripping away the expensive 6 GHz band to lower costs. While the TP-Link Deco BE63 offers tri-band capabilities, Netgear's new dual-band approach targets users who prioritize 2.5 Gig wired ports over the additional wireless frequency. By focusing on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the system remains compatible with older hardware while utilizing WiFi 7's 4K-QAM and MLO features to improve efficiency on existing frequencies.
For households with gigabit-plus internet plans, the inclusion of a 2.5 Gbps WAN port is a specific advantage. Many entry-level mesh systems still rely on standard 1 Gbps ports, which can create a bottleneck for modern fiber services. Per netgear.com, the hardware is designed to ensure that the internet source does not limit the local network performance.
A 2.5 Gig internet port unlocks today’s ultra-fast cable and fiber internet plans.
— netgear.com
Target Audience and Security Integration
This system is primarily an option for users moving away from ISP-provided hardware who require consistent coverage in medium-to-large homes. The ability to create a dedicated IoT network adds a layer of organization for smart home devices, keeping them isolated from primary computers and smartphones. For users concerned with digital threats, the system integrates with Bitdefender via the NETGEAR Armor service, providing automated vulnerability scans and VPN capabilities at the router level.
The system is currently available and functions with any standard internet service provider. Detailed performance metrics in high-interference environments will likely emerge as the product reaches more consumer households.