News

NETGEAR’s Orbi 970 Routers Offer Powerful Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity

The company’s popular mesh system has received a significant performance boost, offering 10,000 square feet of coverage and speeds of 27 Gbps.

Published

1 year ago

April 25, 2024

Joanna Melki

NETGEAR

In an era of increasing internet connectivity and the rise of bandwidth-sucking applications such as 4K streaming and online gaming; faster Wi-Fi speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced capacity are becoming paramount.

Good news then, as NETGEAR has recently revamped its renowned Orbi 970 Mesh Wi-Fi router series to deliver unparalleled Wi-Fi 7 performance, boasting speeds of up to 27 Gbps, alongside a fresh, sleek new design. The inclusion of 12 high-performance, 360-degree Quad-Band antennas extends coverage up to a sizable 10,000 square feet from a 3-pack of Orbis. In addition, the mesh network can accommodate the simultaneous connection of up to 200 devices, with a Smart Connect feature selecting the optimal Wi-Fi band for each.

In terms of wired connections, the router is equipped with a 10 Gig internet port, along with one 10 Gig and four 2.5 Gig Ethernet ports, enabling some of the highest network speeds currently available.

netgear orbi 970 wi-fi 7 routers

In addition to the design and performance overhaul, the Orbi package also includes one year of NETGEAR Armor, Powered by Bitdefender 2, adding an automatic layer of security for all connected devices. Unlike conventional antivirus software products, NETGEAR Armor is integrated into the router as a comprehensive security solution, monitoring internet traffic and safeguarding computers, security cameras, baby monitors, and other IoT devices while alerting users to external threats and suspicious outbound activities.

Also Read: Getting Started With Google Gemini: A Beginner’s Guide

Finally, the upgraded Orbi 970 Series incorporates NETGEAR Smart Parental Controls, offering easy management of children’s online time across their connected devices and helping to foster healthy online habits for the entire family. Basic functionalities are free, but a subscription fee follows a 30-day trial period for access to the Premium Plan.

NETGEAR’s Orbi products are available in stores now, or directly from their official website.

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.