Xfinity xFi Features with Orbi
I've had the Orbi mesh WiFi system for a long time, and up until now, the only way to use it on an Xfinity network, as far I knew, was to put the Xfinity Gateway into Bridge Mode. By doing that, you loose many of the neat Xfinity network management and virus protection features.
But now I've found a way to Put the Netgear Orbi into AP (Access Point) mode.
Note: You loose some Orbi features by doing this.
From a web browser, you go to orbilogin.net and then go to ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Router/AP Mode, and SELECT the AP Mode radio button.
After that, Reboot the Gateway, then, from a computer connected the the Xfinity Gateway, via a hardwired cable, Go to 10.0.0.1 in a browser, Login to the Xfinity Admin page, and DISABLE Bridge Mode.
Then, reboot all your Orbi's.
After a while everything will come back. If your speed does not improve, reboot the Gateway.
Results:
First test on Fast.com was 100 Mbps, and that still wasn't right, so I rebooted the Gateway, and when it came back up, I was at 270 Mbps down, 37 Mbps up.
That was better.
Now I had the Orbi's using AP (Access Point) mode. The Xfinity iPhone App worked too. I also had my laptop computer directly connected to the Xfinity Gateway.
I also found xfinity.com/myxfi which showed me:
Gateway Test:
Plan Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Speed to Gateway 1,074,3 Mbps
Upload Speed 41.5 Mbps
Latency 9 ms
Test Speed to this device:
Download speed: 477.1 Mbps
Upload Speed: 37.9 Mbps
Latency: 11 ms
Protocol: IPv6
Host: Boston, MA
Speed Test Lookup Device
My MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011) Expected WiFi Speed is 150-500 Mbps.
I'm going to be getting a new MacBook Air, depending on what is released on November 10th. I think that will help. ;-)
Internet Cable:
I looked up speed ratings on Internet cables and found how the categories of cables are rated:
| Category | Max speed transmission | Max bandwidth |
|---|
| Cat 5 | 100 Mbps | 100 MHz |
| Cat 5e | 1,000 Mbps | 100 MHz |
| Cat 6 | 1,000 Mbps | 250 MHz |
| Cat 6a | 10,000 Mbps | 500 MHz |
I had a Cat 5 cable, so I switched to a "Cat 7", which is listed at 10,000 Mbps, and is shielded. I think Cat 6, rated at 1,000 Mbps would be enough.
Here's the Fast.com speed test, with the "Cat 7" cable:
Download speed: 280 Mbps
Upload Speed: 36 Mbps
Latency: 9 ms
Xfinity.com Test Speed to this device:
Download speed: 752.2 Mbps
Speed test from Xfinity iPhone App:
Speed test to iPhone 11 Pro Max:
Download Speed 177.9 Mbps
The Orbi WiFi System’s Tri-band WiFi technology includes a dedicated 5 GHz (866 Mbps) band for communication between an Orbi router and satellite. The remaining WiFi bands are used to connect devices to your Orbi system.
The performance you experience depends on the devices, WiFi interference, and the construction materials in your home. In most circumstances, you can expect the following speeds:
- Up to 400 Mbps for older devices that support 2.4 GHz and 256 QAM
- Up to 866 Mbps for newer devices that support 5 GHz and 802.11 ac
Conclusion:
I think I'm on the right track, and am glad to have the Xfinity network management featured available.
Update:
I presented at a conference and got good upload and download speeds, 429/33.
Update 11/7/20:
Now getting download speeds of 270/450/510/540/260
