An Orbi satellite is different than an extender (sometimes called repeaters) in several ways:

• One network name.
  An Orbi WiFi System provides a single WiFi network for your entire home. With an Orbi WiFi System, you have one network name and password, and you don't need to change networks as you move around your home.
  
  In contrast, extenders work by repeating the WiFi signal of your router to other parts of your house. As a result, with an extender, you have two different WiFi networks to connect to: one for your router and another for your range extender.
   
• Tri-band WiFi.
  The tri-band WiFi that powers an Orbi WiFi System includes a dedicated 1.7Gbps 5GHz band solely for extending Internet speeds to Orbi satellites. This enables the other two WiFi bands to be dedicated to all connected devices across an entire home. Tri-band WiFi ensures that your Orbi WiFi System provides both reliable WiFi coverage and maximum Internet speed throughout your home.
  
  In contrast, range extenders do not offer tri-band WiFi. Extenders increase the range of your router by receiving and retransmitting your data using the same radio and channel, essentially transmitting your data twice. Retransmission can reduce by half the data available to you in the far corners of a large home. While extenders are a simple and cost-effective way to boost router signals, the lower data rate and second network are less effective for large homes with high-data users.
   
• Whole-home coverage.
  One Orbi WiFi System (RBK50) can cover up to 5,000 square feet, which meets the needs of the large majority of US homes. In addition, NETGEAR offers add-on satellites to blanket even larger areas with tri-band WiFi that uses one network name and password.
   
• No need for line-of-sight.
  Unlike some WiFi systems, you don't need to place Orbi satellites within sight of each other or your Orbi router because of its tri-band WiFi technology and state-of-the-art antenna design. As a result, Orbi WiFi Systemss are easy to install, and you have more flexibility when placing your satellites.