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ZyXEL Armor G1 router review

800 + 1733 Mbps
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Realtek RTL8198F @ 1 GHz
512 MB / 256 MB

ZyXEL introduced the Armor G1 router in 2020. It is powered by Realtek RTL8198F @ 1 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of flash memory.

Wondering if this ZyXEL router is awesome? Keep reading to find out!

Table of Contents

  • ZyXEL Armor G1 specifications
    • Body, dimensions, weight
    • System, chipset, RAM, flash, power supply
    • Network, protocols, WAN and LAN ports
    • Wireless, antennas, speed, security
    • Connectivity
    • Administration, user interface, login information
  • Verdict, Pros and Cons
  • Photos

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 ZyXEL Armor G1, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.

ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818

The Armor G1 is a popular router. It offers great networking. This is thanks to its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. ZyXEL is widely recognized as a reputable and established manufacturer of networking equipment.

ZyXEL Armor G1 specifications

BrandZyXEL
NameArmor G1
TypeNBG6818
Rating
Rated 3/5 based on 1126 user votes.
Launch2020

Body

Dimensions248 x 182 x 66 mm
Weight1 kg

If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.

ZyXEL Armor G1 (NBG6818) / 3

System

ChipsetRealtek RTL8198F @ 1 GHz
RAM512 MB
Flash256 MB
OSZyXEL
Power supply12 V / 3 A

The Realtek RTL8198F @ 1 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. Some router features and software need a certain amount of RAM. They need it to work well. More storage space comes from a larger flash memory. It can accommodate future firmware upgrades. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The ZyXEL provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 3 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.

ZyXEL Armor G1 (NBG6818) / 1

Network

ProtocolsIPv4
IPv6
LAN ports4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps
WAN ports1 x 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps
Mobile networkno
VPN supportOpenVPN

The Armor G1 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Armor G1 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. If you have a 1 Gbps or faster internet plan, you need gigabit Ethernet ports. They are essential to use all the available bandwidth.

This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully. This router also supports 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet on its WAN port. OpenVPN uses a certificate-based authentication system. This enhances security and provides a stronger method of identity verification.

ZyXEL Armor G1 (NBG6818) / 4

Wireless

Antennas13 x internal
2.4 GHzyes
5 GHzyes
6 GHzno
60 GHzno
StandardsIEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
ClassAC2600
Speed800 + 1733 Mbps
Transmit power29 dBm
SecurityWPA
WPA2
WPA3
WPS
Guest networkyes

The 13 x internal antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The router supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. This router operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It lets you connect devices to the best band for their needs. The AC Wi-Fi router is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n standards.

Real-world Armor G1 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.

ZyXEL Armor G1 (NBG6818) / 2

Connectivity

USB ports1 x USB 3.1
Print serveryes
File serveryes

The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The Armor G1 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.

Administration

Default IP192.168.123.1
Default usernameadmin
Default password1234

If you can't log in to your ZyXEL router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your Armor G1 router. Do this after the initial setup.

Pros and Cons

Every router, including this ZyXEL 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

  • generous memory
  • plentiful flash
  • IPv6 capable
  • high-speed LAN port
  • 2.5 Gbps WAN port
  • supports OpenVPN
  • works on 5 GHz band
  • decent Wi-Fi performance
  • WPA3 compatible
  • WPS friendly
  • USB 3 compatible
  • printserver functionality
  • fileserver operation

Cons

  • too weighty
  • missing Wi-Fi 6 support

ZyXEL Armor G1 photos

ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818 photo
ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818 photo
ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818 photo
ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818 photo
ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818 photo
ZyXEL Armor G1 / NBG6818

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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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