How do you know what kind of modem is compatible with WiFi 7 Mesh systems? We're thinking about getting the new Orbi 960 router. - eviltoast

So my dad wants to get the new Orbi 960 router but we’re not sure if our current DrayTek Vigor 130 modem is compatible. Is any kind of modem compatible with WiFi 7 mesh systems or maybe we need a built-in modem? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated! I’m asking because we have the Netgear NightHawk X10 but the house has a lot of lead etc. and wondering if the problem could actually be with the modem rather than the router. Hope this all makes sense! Thank you:)

  • Downtown-Reindeer-53@alien.topBEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    You don’t actually say what the problem is that you are trying to solve. I can guess it is wifi coverage. You’ll get much more help here if you say what the problem is, and what hardware you currently have - and people can help from there.

    Meanwhile, did you know the wifi 7 standard has not even been officially published? It’s not expected until early 2024. Wifi 7 is a protocol for wireless devices and those devices must be wifi 7 capable to use it. It is not a better network system, it will not help increase your coverage. How many wifi 7 devices do you have? I can guess pretty accurately that it’s zero. So don’t waste your money on anything wifi 7 - it’s going to be a couple of years before you see many wifi 7 clients.

    Just so you know - modems and routers don’t need to be compatible with each other. The modem simply provides an ethernet connection and you can connect whatever you want to it. The router is similar in that it just needs an ethernet connection and an IP address, and the modem provides that.

    • pompompomvg@alien.topOPBEnglish
      0·
      1 year ago

      Thanks for the insight - the issue is wifi coverage. He wants to buy wifi 7 for futureproofing so it does make sense for him actually.

      • Downtown-Reindeer-53@alien.topBEnglish
        0·
        1 year ago

        There’s a little risk in that the standard is not yet adopted. Some years ago some early-to-market device buyers got passed by when there was a change in the spec and their hardware was unable to be upgraded. So, the hardware out there now is similarly risky. The other thing is that the stuff that’s out there is “early adopter priced”. It’s going to come down in price, and as tech marches on, performance will probably get better. Just sayin’.