Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Modem Router Review
Worried about all the expensive rental hardware? Installing a good modem-router might be a good solution for all your problems. Look no further and read this detailed review of the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Modem router. This wireless network gives a solid throughput but wasn’t on par with the range of its rivals. This device doesn’t just have a cool name of the fighter jet, but it is amazingly built. We will give you insights.
Review of Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Modem Router
- Save monthly rental fees: Model C7000 replaces your cable modem and Wi-Fi router, saving you up to 168 dollars/year in equipment rental fees.
- Speeds by carrier: Xfinity (up to 800Mbps), Cox (up to 500Mbps), Spectrum (up to 400Mbps).
- Fast Wi-Fi performance: Get up to 1800 square feet wireless coverage and 30 devices connected with AC1900 speed (up to 1900 Mbps).
- Versatile connections: 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports give you fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices.
- Modem technology: Engineered with 32x8 channel bonding and DOCSIS 3.1.
- Note: Refer to page 102 of user guide for troubleshooting steps
Design
The matte black finish of the R7000 safeguards the device from scratches. The sleek design with angular lines and three antennas give a sophisticated outlook. The 1.6 pounds device is very firm because of the broader base and rubber feet considering the numerous cables attached. It works horizontally, however you can also mount it to a wall. The streamlined 11.2 x 7.3 x 2.0 inches device bags in the dynamic dual-core 1Ghz processor. It is like the minimized version of Netgear’s R8000. One drawback of the physical attributes is that the in-wall AC adapter is double the size of the power plug.
You have a couple of status LEDs on the front side of the device that indicates if the Ethernet ports, WPS, and, some Wi-Fi transmissions are active or not. There are four Ethernet ports. You also get the USB 2.0 port on the front side and the USB 3.0 port on the back, especially for hard drives and printers. These ports are placed distantly to minimize the WiFi signal interruptions. The device also showcases the power button, reset button, and most importantly, WAN and LAN ports on the back. It is conducive to install the router in an airy and cool space as it sometimes becomes warm about the massive hardware specs.
Read Also: Zyxel C1100Z 802.11n VDSL2 Wireless Gateway Review
How to install the device?
The box includes a network cable, user manual, and an AC adapter. With that being said, you can create your Wi-Fi connection just within five minutes with the all-new Netgear R7000. As soon as you connect the router and enter the IP address, you get assistance from the company’s genie software for configuration. However, you always have the option of doing it manually. After you complete the configuration, a summary of passwords and required settings pops up. You also get a few management apps for the device. The product also supports WEP to WPA2 encryptions. Stick to the instructions given in the manual; they are short and easy to perceive. It is facile to set up the router.
What is so good about the genie software?
You can easily install the genie software apps on your iOS, PCs, or for that matter any android devices. What is in it for you? Through the app, you can cross-check the number of connected clients, the status of the guest network, activation of bands, parental controls, and lastly your USB connections without any complications. The R7000 also comprises a traffic meter and enhanced QoS. Although the R7000 doesn’t include online storage, 3G or 4G USB dongle, and virus scanners like its rivals, it is fairly a decent buy.
Enhanced QoS
The QoS feature in the R7000 is a major highlight. This impressive feature minimizes the buffering time on your gadgets for hassle-free streaming and extensive gaming. Based on your preferences, you can easily upstream the internet traffic for gaming purposes and downstream the traffic for average use like playing music and videos. Please note that you can alter the preconfigured QoS settings. Most importantly, you can also create your own set of QoS rules.
Functionality
The powerful processor comes with a storage capacity of 128 MB and 256 MB of RAM and allows the smooth data flow through three independent lanes. The amazing Broadcom BCM4708A chipset includes the Turbo QAM technology. The fascinating thing about this technology is that it improves the speed of 802.11ac 2.5Hz from an optimum capacity of 450Mbps to a speed of 600Mbps. The maximum range of the band is 140 feet. The device boasts a bandwidth of 1.9 Gbps.
Although the 802.11ac router is not super fast, you will be impressed with its throughput at 5Hz band. All thanks to the magnificent beamforming feature of this router. Usually, under beamforming, the router acknowledges the connected gadgets and tends to improve the stability and signal in that direction rather than equally splitting it in different directions. Netgear packs in the beamforming + technology for the 5Hz band which is technically an enhanced version. You also have the NAS functionality in the device for easy load balancing. Unlike its rivals giving two or more years of warranty, R7000 provides a one-year manufacturer warranty. It is still a good deal considering its efficient specs.
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Overview
If you need a superior quality router with phenomenal features, Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Modem router might be the pragmatic choice for you. Although it doesn’t have the best range, the ultimate speed of your internet connection will not disappoint you. The user-friendly software and the sleek design with removable antennas give you no option but to just fall in love with the product. This premium outlook modem blends in both traditional and modern spaces and most importantly it is super easy to set up the device. No wonder the R7000 got a four-star rating and the PCMag Editors Choice Award. Consider its advantages and disadvantages and purchase the router depending on your need. Do not worry about the massive initial investment as it pays for it later. You can also refer to the reviews of other good alternatives to this device.