#NETGEAR R8500 AC5300 UPDATE#
#NETGEAR R8500 AC5300 PLUS#

#NETGEAR R8500 AC5300 UPDATE#

I think it is fantastic SSID specification is part of the process as well, but unfortunately it falls short on two points: not resetting the default admin password (вЂњpasswordвЂќ) and failing the firmware update check. It was simple and informative enough that non-technical users should be able to step through the process and get everything configured correctly with minimal effort. This may partially explain the size of the router as it appears to have a sizable heatsink within.ДЇirst-run was smooth and straightforward. As such, it also generates some heat with the hottest point on the top hitting ~120F. With a dual-core 1.4GHz SoC and the radios for 1x 2.4GHz (1000Mpbs claimed) + 2x 5GHz (2166Mbps claimed), the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) has significant power demands 21.3W measured at the wall. So, if you plan to travel with the router, some planning is required. It is worth noting that the R8500 requires a 19V power brick, and the one I was originally provided is 120Hz/60V. As they had to make space for seven Ethernet ports and all the internal hardware that supports the three radios, but I hope that the next round of devices have more effort put into making them smaller. The first word that popped to mind after unwrapping the 12.44вЂќ x 10.39вЂќ x 2.4вЂќ Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) was, вЂњmassiveвЂќ. NETGEAR has done an excellent job of wrapping a premium device with a premium unboxing experience. While $350/ВЈ350 is a lot to pay for a Wi-Fi router, it is nice to see improved packaging tracking alongside the increase in price. I am not sure that is enough to count as a вЂњnext waveвЂќ, but it has got me very interested in testing out the R8500. By moving the amplifiers from the mainboard to the tops of the antennas, there should be a clear benefit in signal strength and clarity. Alongside this, it also includes a feature that should have a tangible benefit for all clients вЂ“ active antennas. Generally, I am inclined to dismiss this sort of hyperbole, but the $350/ВЈ350 802.11AC includes features that are a reasonable step up from other models including: quad-streams, two 802.11AC radios, Wave 2 enhancements, and six Gigabit Ethernet ports, with two 802.3ad (link aggregation) enabled. But keep in mind the extreme limitation on range before diving in and spending $450 on a router that needs to be very close to devices.NETGEAR touts the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) Smart Wi-Fi router as вЂњthe next wave in Wi-FiвЂќ. If you want to be ready for the next wave of technology you may want to consider picking up a router with the 60GHz frequency.

This router is more than enough if you have mediocre to above average needs and arguably enough for any single home application for the near future. This router has other features I have yet to dive into but I will mention 2 Ethernet ports that are given priority when bandwidth is needed for high demand gaming.

#NETGEAR R8500 AC5300 PLUS#

I have two laptops, one desktop and 4 tv connected as well as several home automation devices ( video doorbell, cameras, sprinkler system, lights, blinds and vacuum) plus standard phone usage on wifi. There are plenty of Ethernet ports for most applications as well as usb 3.0. I have really enjoyed the router so far, I have it paired with a surfboard 6190 modem with 150 connection from xfinity. I have had no issue connecting anywhere in my home on the 5GHz (single story 190 0sq/ft) The x8 has one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz bands so there is plenty of devices that are able to connect at higher speeds and the 2.4GHz gives great range.

Not to mention the 60GHz needs to be very close to the devices connecting to it, 10 feet away and a wall are enough to drop the connection. There will be plenty soon but in my near future I don't plan to invest in devices that can operate this frequency. One is bank for my buck, the new x10 and d-link have a 60GHz band but most devices can't use this band yet. And I went with the x8 instead of the hot new x10 for a few reasons. I am a big fan of netgear and decided to stick with them even though there are other tempting options from asus and d-link at the moment.

Netgear r8500 ac5300