🛒
If you’re looking to share a cellular Internet connection with an entire home network, in a large home for that matter, there’s now an easy way. Netgear announced today the availability of its Orbi LBR20 4G LTE Advanced Wi-Fi Router.
First announced at CES 2020, the Orbi LBR20, as its lengthy name suggests, is a regular Orbi router plus a built-in 4G LTE modem. And that makes it quite an interesting Orbi.
Dong’s note: I first published this post on January 6, 2020, during CES 2020 when Netgear announced the Orbi LBR20, and updated it on August 11, 2020, with additional relevant information when the device became available for purchase.
Orbi 4G LTE WiFi Router: A familiar Orbi with a big twist
From the front, the new Orbi LBR20 looks like most Orbi routers you’ve seen with a vase-like standing design and a ring of status light on top. It’s an AC2200 Wi-Fi 5 tri-band router capable of delivering up to 2200Mbps of total Wi-Fi bandwidth.
So it totally can work as a standalone router, just like any other router. Being one of the Orbi family, you can also add any Wi-Fi 5 Orbi satellite to it to form a mesh system. In this case, one of its 5GHz bands works as a dedicated backhaul.
Just to be clear, the LBR20 can support any existing Wi-Fi 5 satellite, including the Orbi Voice. However, it won’t work with any Wi-Fi 6 one, but that’s just how things are in this Netgear mesh product line.
By itself, according to Netgear, the LBR20 can deliver a Wi-Fi coverage of some 2000 ft² (186 m²). So, you only need to think of getting a satellite if you live in a home larger than that.
Built-in 4G LTE cellular modem
What makes the LBR20 different from the rest of other ORbi routers is the fact it has a built-in CAT18 cellular modem that has the Internet speeds up to 1.2Gbps. On the back of the router, you’ll find a NanoSIM slot that works with major mobile carriers. In other words, the LBR20 is an unlocked device—it’s not tied to a specific provider.
Like many mobile hotspots, the Orbi 4G LTE WiFi Router also includes two receivers for external LTE antennas in case you use it in an area with lesser-than-ideal cellular reception.
Regular internet sources supported
The Orbi cellular Wi-Fi router can work as a regular router, too. It comes with two Gigabit network ports, one of which can function as a WAN. Just hook it to an internet source, like a modem, and the router will work just like any traditional one.
In fact, according to Netgear, you can use both a regular broadband connection and a cellular one at the same time. In this case, the latter will be the backup one which automatically kicks in when the former is not available, or too slow.
As you can imagine, the Orbi LBR20 is not for everyone, but if you live in a rural area with land-based Internet service, it’s a great choice. It also an excellent option for those needing to be online at all times and want to have a cellular connection as a backup.
Netgear LBR20’s hardware specifications
| Product Name | Orbi 4G LTE Advanced Wi-Fi Router |
| Model | Orbi LBR20 |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 3.1 x 8.9 in (170 x 79 x 226 mm) |
| Weight (each unit) | 1.72 lb (0.78 kg) |
| Wi-Fi Specs | Tri-band 2×2 Wi-Fi 5 AC2200: 2x 5GHz (867 Mbps), 1x 2.4 GHz (400 Mbps) |
| Celluar | LTE Cat 18 up to 1.2Gbps |
| 4G Bands | LTE-FDD: B2,4,5,7,12,13,14,17,25, 26,29,30,66,71 / LTE-TDD: B41 |
| 3G Bands | B2,4,5 |
| MU-MIMO Support | Yes |
| MIMO | Yes |
| AP (bridge mode) Support | Yes |
| Dedicated Wireless Backhaul | No |
| Wired Backhaul Support | Yes |
| Network Ports | One Gigabit WAN/LAN port, One Gigabit LAN port |
| Price (at launch) | $399.99 as a single router |
Familiar mobile app and features
The Orbi LBR20 uses the same Orbi mobile app for setup and on-going management. It also has a full web user interface that includes a standard set of network settings and features.
Among these features, you’ll find the NETGEAR Armor, which is a cybersecurity solution that protects the entire network from online threats and Circle Smart Parenting Controls, which is an excellent fit for a household with small children.
Pricing and availability
The Orbi LBR20 4G LTE Advanced WiFi Router is available now as a single router at the suggested retail price of $399.99.
Hi Dong,
I have had the LBR20 running for the last 18 months (separate to our poor adsl service), running 2 x ASUS XT8s off the back of it. We are delighted with the setup, I have connected an external antennae using the sma connectors and get 120-150 mb off a mast 5 miles away (we live on a ridge in rural France, so not much between us and the mast). I have hard-wired the backhaul (as you suggested) and our 280 sq m stone-built house now has great wifi.
Our village will have fibre installed this year, but probably not gigabyte+, so will look at the AX88U Pro to link to the XT8s (if the fibre gets installed into the middle of the house we may manage with just the XT8s.
Thank you for your advice, our ethernet cables are laid across the top of our rain gutter fixings (so hidden from view) and drop down to all rooms. Using white, external grade CAT6 cable works well against our cream stone walls (why didn’t they have cavity walls 200 years ago … not future-proofed in any way! Apart from the fact the house is still standing!).
Kind regards from France,
Vern
Thanks for sharing the experience, Vernon. Looks like you’re all set — and it was very resourceful on your part. Cheers!
Got any info on the new Orbi with 5g (that’s mobile/LTE 5g) capability?
Apparently there’s one on the horizon…not sure on model number yet. I would guess in the LBR family but not sure on that.
How do you sell something that clearly needs antennas and has hookups and is labelled for external antennas no antennas? Really? Just bare antenna ports and they can’t be regular coax screw in ports either has to be the small ones like on a old cb radio I can’t find those size plugs anywhere I’ve looked .so what am I supposed to use ?
I’m not selling anything here, Luke. But the external antenna ports are a standard option for those who want to up the cellular reception via add-on antennas — it’s like a trailer hitch on a car. That’s the case with most mobile hotspots, too. You’re supposed to send you questions to Netgear in this case.
Lbr20 is a piece of crap. Its nothing but headaches. Can’t login, the app doesn’t work good at all. I want my money back now
Thanks for the input, Tom. I’ve not been able to get a review unit.
Hi, so i’ve recently got an orbi and my internet on it is still quite slow. I’m looking to add an LTE antenna, so my question is, is there a proprietary antenna i need to buy or can i buy one of any make and what would be your recommendation if so? In advance thank you for your help
No, Shawn. More here. Also, the Internet and Wi-Fi are two different things. Check out this post and other related ones (linked) before asking any further questions. 🙂
Does this router have wifi as wan feature?? where a router uses another router’s wifi to produce own wifi wirelessly.
No, Prince. That’s called “repeater” or “extender” mode by the way.
What type of SMA connectors are on the LBR20
It’s unclear and I haven’t tested the router myself, Joe. But, judging from the photo, my guess is it uses the 1/4-inch standard.
Probably a stupid question but would this be able utilize 5G when near a 5G tower?
And if no, would it be a hardware issue that prevents it or software?
I live in Australia and our 5G network is gaining more coverage and I just want to know if I would be wasting my money buying a LTE modem/router that is not compatible with 5G.
No, Chris. You can’t use a 4G device with 5G. Period.
Please update when you have got it to work with 4G LTE cellular.
I haven’t received my review unit yet, Berthold, but noted.
Newbie tech un-savvy friend here. What’s the deal with the nano SIM card? You purchase it one time through your carrier or Netgear? Or is it a monthly subscription just like cable internet? Thanks!
You buy it from your carrier, LC. You can think of your router, in this case, as a phone or a mobile hotspot.
Thank you!