ZyXEL Armor Z2 WiFi router: Pros and Cons

The Armor Z2 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. ZyXEL routers are generally known for their user-friendly design and easy setup process.

ZyXEL Armor Z2 specifications

Body

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.

System

The Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8065 @ 1.7 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.

Network

The Armor Z2 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Armor Z2 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.

Wireless

The 4 x 2.8 dBi, RP-SMA 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 Z2 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed. 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.

Connectivity

The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). 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 Z2 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.

Administration

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 Z2 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.

ZyXEL Armor Z2 photos

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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.