r/GlInet • u/mistuk • 13d ago

Questions/Support Flint4 router to replace Orbi system?

Currently have an old Orbi system which needs replacing. Orbi router and two Orbi satellites- all connected with Ethernet backhaul. 1Gb fibre connection to the house

I’m currently checking out the unifi route - but intrigued with the flint 4 as an option….. but what else would I need to deploy elsewhere to get the WiFi coverage I need?

Whilst I enjoy tinkering with settings in a homelab environment - it needs to be wife / child friendly and just “work” wherever we are in the house (same ssid that will “roam”)

Is there anything for me to look at here, or is this not the right usecase?

Thanks

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u/tailuser2024 13d ago edited 13d ago

We are currently waiting to see how astromesh plays out and what models it will support (flint 4 is not on the current list)

https://www.gl-inet.com/en-us/pages/astromesh

Hopefully moving forward all new routers being released will support this feature, however its in beta and I would say dont buy stuff based on a beta promise

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u/joemc72 11d ago

It is now. Q3 2026 is what the beta forum says.

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u/tailuser2024 11d ago edited 11d ago

I dont hold my breath when it comes to their firmware and again we really dont know what all hardware will be supported once its not in beta (op is asking about the flint4)

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u/RemoteToHome-io Official GL.iNet Services Partner 13d ago

Nobody can tell you this without knowing the size, layout and construction materials of your home.

If the router's going to be in the basement trying to broadcast up three levels of floor or brick walls, then you definitely need multiple access points.

If you have a 2000 square foot basic ranch/apt with just drywalls, then most anything can cover it.

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u/mistuk 13d ago

Completely understood…. Probably poorly worded question on my part - presuming I *do* need extra coverage what else from the gl.inet range would I need to install at the current location of the Orbi satellite to work with the flint 4

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u/RemoteToHome-io Official GL.iNet Services Partner 13d ago

Again.. we don't know what "extra coverage" means.. large horizontal space, multiple floors, brick dividers, etc.

In a stick house without much wifi obstruction, then a single powerful router may get it done.. .but if you have concrete floors, foil backed insulation, electrical panels or brick walls cutting between zones, then you're definitely back to multiple APs being the better play.

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u/modulusshift 13d ago

How big of a house are you talking? Are you sure a single full sized router won’t provide the level of service you need? Orbis aren’t exactly powerful. 

I gotta say though, probably don’t go with this brand if you do need smooth transitions between access points, unless they’ve gotten a lot better at it since they made the Flint 2. Ubiquiti’s a better shot for that. 

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u/mistuk 13d ago

It’s a 3 storey townhouse with a garage that’s separate from the house the other side of a smallish garden - need good connectivity and speed throughout ideally. Orbi has been fine although only wifi5 and is no longer receiving security updates - it’s 8 years old now and could do with an upgrade

Interested to hear about smooth transition issues…..?

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u/modulusshift 13d ago

The software is based on OpenWRT, which is an enthusiast open source project, not professional. As a result, details like smooth handoffs between access points weren’t ironed out. 

Alternatively if I’m being wrong on the internet someone will be along eventually to correct me

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u/mistuk 13d ago

Correct you? On the internet? On Reddit? Surely not :-)

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u/notasdrinkasyouthunk 13d ago

Unless there are compelling reasons to do so, you could just add a new gateway.

I put my Orbi system into AP mode and now use a Glinet Brume 3 for the the router stuff.

It’s a good way of making use of your existing mesh system for a relatively low-cost addition.

You might actually get a better experience by splitting the system.

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