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Netis MW5230 router review

300 Mbps
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz
64 MB / 16 MB

The Netis MW5230 (MW5230) router released in 2016. It is powered by Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash. The N300 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with MW5230 is 300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.

Table of Contents

Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Netis MW5230, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.

Netis MW5230 / MW5230

The MW5230 router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It offers decent wireless coverage and works with many devices. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. Netis routers are generally known for their user-friendly design and easy setup process.

Netis MW5230 specifications

BrandNetis
NameMW5230
TypeMW5230
Rating
Rated 3/5 based on 1461 user votes.
Launch2016

System

ChipsetRealtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz
RAM64 MB
Flash16 MB
OSNetis
Power supply12 V / 1 A

The Netis MW5230 router has a Realtek RTL8197D @ 660 MHz processor. The 64 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Netis often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 12 V / 1 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.

Network

ProtocolsIPv4
LAN ports4 x 10/100 Mbps
WAN ports1 x 10/100 Mbps
Mobile networkyes, with USB dongle
VPN supportno

Like many modern routers, the Netis MW5230 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The WAN port on the MW5230 router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet. The MW5230 router supports 3G or 4G dongles, allowing you to connect to a cellular network.

Wireless

Antennas3 x 5 dBi
fixed
2.4 GHzyes
5 GHzno
60 GHzno
StandardsIEEE 802.11b/g/n
ClassN300
Speed300 Mbps
Transmit power20 dBm
SecurityWEP
WPA
WPA2
WPS
Guest networkno

This router has 3 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) router. Wi-Fi 4 improved the range and coverage compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.. The top speed, 300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.

WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.

Netis MW5230 (MW5230) / 1

Connectivity

USB ports1 x USB 2.0
Print serveryes
File serveryes

The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.

Administration

Default IP192.168.1.1
Default username[blank]
Default password[blank]

Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.

Pros and Cons

Every router, including this Netis one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.

Pros

  • sufficient memory
  • 3/4G USB modem capable
  • WPS friendly
  • USB 2 compatible
  • printserver functionality
  • fileserver operation

Cons

  • insufficient flash
  • lack of Gigabit LAN
  • Non-gigabit WAN port
  • missing Wi-Fi 6 support
  • lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
  • reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
  • incompatible with WPA3

Netis MW5230 photos

Netis MW5230 / MW5230 photo
Netis MW5230 / MW5230 photo
Netis MW5230 / MW5230

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Robert Miller
For over 15 years, I've immersed myself in the world of networking devices as a tech aficionado. I've dedicated myself to thoroughly testing and analyzing routers and other networking gear. I aim to provide thorough reviews. They will give you the knowledge needed to improve your network.
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