Mesh networking is a bit of a buzzword at the moment, with the modular Eero system getting rave reviews earlier this year, and the recently announced Google Wifi getting in on the act too.

A smart system that boosts Wi-Fi range and speed, Orbi could be the answer for anyone struggling with uneven wireless performance

Very easy to set up; Delivers great performance and coverage;

Distinctly pricey; Doesn't currently support YouView streaming;

While pricey, the Netgear Orbi is one of the fastest, most powerful routers we've tested, even without its mesh extension.

Phenomenal performance; Dedicated router-to-extension data channel; MU-MIMO technology; Choice of app or browser setup

Relatively large devices; Expensive; Limited functionality on mobile app for now

Awesome product, reliable and great quality.

I got tired of using a wifi extender, and didn't want to go through the hassle of (learning to and) reconfiguring an old modem to function as an access point in my house. After looking at the Orbi, Google home, and Eero, I bought the Orbi. Took about 10 minutes to set up.

A great wireless router is an essential element of tech life, whether you're building out a smart home or you just want the best experience streaming music and video at home.

Strong Wi-Fi performance (with a satellite, Three-port gigabit ethernet switch on the router; four-port switch on the satellite, Dedicated 4x4 radio for backhaul, Robust feature set, Exceptional performance under stress (and at range, with two nodes or more, Attractive, unobtrusive industrial...

Not nearly as fast as the competition when operating solo; Physically larger and more visually obtrusive than the competition; USB port is currently dormant; Only two ethernet ports; No USB port for storage or printer support; Expensive; No dedicated channel for data backhaul; Must use a smartphone...

The Orbi RBK50 Wi-Fi system from NETGEAR is not a recent launch and is in fact over a year old now, having launched at an MSRP of $399.99. It got rave reviews at the time by being what was then possibly the best-performing mesh Wi-Fi system, and today, it has just gotten better with updates to...

User friendly Wi-Fi mesh system (if you stick with one tool to set up and monitor; Excellent routing performance with a strong signal and low attenuation in the test area; High throughput maintained across both wireless N and AC networks in the test area; A high degree of settings and options...

Expensive; A confusing collection of setup and monitoring options that can potentially overwhelm customers; USB port on either unit is not accessible with a storage device; Warranty of only a year

For settings where getting a usable Wi-Fi signal to every corner of your house is difficult, if not impossible, the Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi system looks to be a top option. Covering up to 4,000 square feet, its three-channel set-up allows for full data speeds even at remote locations.

Extends wireless range without loss of speed; Easy set up and use; 4,000 square feet of coverage; Add-on satellites for even larger homes are available

Only suitable where Wi-Fi signal distribution is challenging; Pricey

I've seen some grousing in the SNBForums Orbi threads about Orbi's $400 price tag and I suppose, rightfully so. You can buy most any AC5300 / AC5400 BHR for less, including NETGEAR's Nighthawk X8 and ASUS' RT-AC5300 . Only NETGEAR's just-announced AD7200 class Nighthawk X10 costs more at $500.

Mesh Wi-Fi networks have been all the rage ever since Eero introduced its first router system last February. These Wi-Fi systems are designed for large houses or offices that would typically need to be served by multiple routers or Wi-Fi range extenders.

Great range; Excellent performance; especially over large distances; Easy to set up

Expensive; Barebones app