SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
from the a-mesh-of-WiFi-like-a-flock-of-birds dept.
Netgear Launches the Cable Orbi - A Mesh Wi-Fi System with an Integrated Cable Modem
Today, Netgear is launching the Orbi cable modem - a dual PCB solution with the same form-factor as that of the existing Orbi RBK40 kit. The dual PCB solution refers to the cable modem and the wireless routers coming on distinct boards, with separate firmware for each. ISPs can handle the firmware update for the modem segment, while the consumers can update the wireless router firmware independently. The activation process has also been simplified by Netgear, with new features in the Orbi mobile app making it a seamless process.
Netgear has been very active in releasing new firmware features for their Orbi products (tying in with their pivot to a services-based revenue model for their offerings). Features such as 'Circle with Disney' (which has a premium subscription option) are turning out to be hits based on the feedback we have received from current Orbi customers. The ability to update the Orbi router firmware independent of the cable modem firmware is a key feature of the Cable Orbi.
Addressing the two main concerns with combo devices allows Netgear to promote the advantages of an Orbi with an integrated modem:
- The modem / router device can act as the master in a mesh Wi-Fi system.
- Combining the modem and router into one device implies fewer devices to purchase for the consumer.
- Existing Orbi satellites can be repurposed for usage with the Orbi Cable master unit
Netgear has two SKUs with the Cable Orbi hardware - the Cable Orbi Router (CBR40), priced at $300, is a single device that integrates the modem and wireless router into one unit. The Cable Orbi Kit (CBK40) bundles a satellite with the Cable Orbi Router for $400.
The article mentions that the modem contains an Intel Puma chipset, which have been plagued with issues.
(Score: 3, Informative) by black6host on Wednesday May 09 2018, @03:45AM (6 children)
This type of device will be offered by many vendors, is my guess. And when that happens, there will be more than just Intel's Puma chipset to pick from. That's what I love about tech nowadays. We have consumer choice over what types of problems, security issues and well, the simply unknowable!, that we'd like to live with :)
Always a new surprise, each and every day! Damn I love tech!
(Score: 1, Offtopic) by driverless on Wednesday May 09 2018, @05:55AM (4 children)
Always a new surprise, each and every day! Damn I street drugs!
Always a new surprise, each and every day! Damn I love cheap hookers!
Always a new surprise, each and every day! Damn I love eating in India!
Always a new surprise, each and every day! Damn I love [fill in yourself]!
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 09 2018, @09:20AM (3 children)
... being squashed by a driverless car. (grin)
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 09 2018, @09:00PM (2 children)
Just wait until Uber's flying "car" gets going.
Imagine adding a 3rd dimension to Uber's incompetence.
We previously discussed the Ehang 184. [soylentnews.org]
It seems obvious that a central database/traffic control system would also be necessary in order to avoid collisions once there's more than 1 of these in the air.
Nuke (3162) noted the suitability of the notion as taxis. [soylentnews.org]
I don't foresee George Jetson at the controls, able to make mid-flight course changes.
-- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 09 2018, @10:42PM (1 child)
I imagine the FAA or your country's equivalent would be involved and such aircars would have transponders.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 10 2018, @12:40AM
Once an aircraft has left the vicinity of an airport, I'm pretty sure it becomes all about altitude.
(Special advisories excepted.)
I don't think these flying "cars" will be getting all that high.
Kinda like overgrown hobby drones|R/C airplanes.
...but, yeah. There will need to be a central authority to coordinate what's going on.
-- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 09 2018, @09:16PM
Can we agree that anything that is not flashable with your own software is a non-starter?
Getting stuck with something that has unpatched flaws|isn't upgradeable|is out of support is a horrible thought.
New Home Router OS Tackles Firmware Shortcomings [soylentnews.org]
FCC Clarifies Position on WiFi Routers: Okay to Modify OS but Not Radio Firmware [soylentnews.org]
OpenWrt Gets Update in Face of FCC's Anti-Flashing Push [soylentnews.org]
-- OriginalOwner_ [soylentnews.org]