Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000) review: A solid network and storage powerhouse
Introduction
In today’s digital world, a reliable and powerful Wi-Fi router is a fundamental tool for any home or office. With an increasing number of connected devices, the demand for a robust network backbone continues to grow. The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000) is a prime example of technological excellence designed to cater to these needs. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects that make this router a solid network and storage powerhouse.
Design and Build Quality
The Nighthawk R7000 sports an attractive, stealthy design that resembles a futuristic jet. Its sleek black chassis gives off an air of sophistication while its three detachable antennas contribute to its impressive range capabilities. A comprehensive set of LED indicators across the front panel displays connectivity status for easy monitoring.
The router’s build quality is top-notch, with durable materials and excellent ventilation that prevents overheating during sustained high-performance usage. The device’s overall design ensures optimal internal airflow, which allows it to maintain stable performance even under extreme loads.
Performance and Range
Equipped with a powerful 1 GHz dual-core processor, the Nighthawk R7000 delivers stellar network performance. With combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps (1300 on the 5 GHz band and 600 on the 2.4 GHz band), the router can easily handle multiple devices streaming high-definition content, gaming online, or conducting video conferences simultaneously without any lag or buffering issues.
The Nighthawk R7000’s range capabilities live up to its moniker as a powerhouse. Thanks to Beamforming+ technology, it ensures fast and stable connections by focusing signal strength directly towards connected devices. This results in a broader coverage area capable of reaching every corner of your home or office.
Advanced Features
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router offers a plethora of advanced features designed to enhance user experience. One such feature is the Netgear Genie App, which provides an intuitive interface for managing settings, monitoring network usage, and troubleshooting issues directly from your mobile device.
Another notable feature is the ability to establish a secure VPN connection using OpenVPN, allowing users to remotely access their home network from anywhere in the world. This router also supports advanced Quality of Service (QoS) algorithms that prioritize bandwidth allocation for streaming, gaming, and other latency-sensitive applications.
Storage and Network-Sharing Options
The R7000 features two USB ports – one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 – allowing users to connect external storage devices, printers, and other peripherals. The router’s ReadyShare functionality supports file sharing across the network, as well as DLNA media streaming to compatible devices.
Netgear’s ReadyShare Vault software provides an automatic backup solution for Windows PCs connected to the network, keeping valuable data safe and secure. Additionally, the Time Machine compatibility allows seamless backups for macOS users.
Conclusion
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000) is an impressive networking device that packs a punch in terms of performance, range, and advanced features. With its solid build quality and sleek design aesthetics, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home or office Wi-Fi setup while also benefitting from versatile storage and network-sharing options.