ZyXEL NBG2105 router review
The ZyXEL NBG2105 (NBG2105) router released in 2012. It is powered by Realtek RTL8196EU @ 400 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The N150 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with NBG2105 is 150 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and no 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 ZyXEL NBG2105, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The NBG2105 router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It offers decent wireless coverage and works with many devices. ZyXEL has a strong presence and offers a wide range of networking products.
ZyXEL NBG2105 specifications
Brand | ZyXEL |
---|---|
Name | NBG2105 |
Type | NBG2105 |
Rating | |
Launch | 2012 |
Body
Dimensions | 77 x 43 x 16 mm |
---|---|
Weight | 30 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
Chipset | Realtek RTL8196EU @ 400 MHz |
---|---|
RAM | 32 MB |
Flash | 4 MB |
OS | ZyXEL |
Power supply | 5 V / 1 A |
The ZyXEL NBG2105 router has a Realtek RTL8196EU @ 400 MHz processor. You cannot expand the router's memory (32 MB). When choosing a router, it is important to consider the RAM specifications. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. ZyXEL often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 5 V / 1 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
Protocols | IPv4 |
---|---|
LAN ports | no |
WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
Mobile network | no |
VPN support | no |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. 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 NBG2105 router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet.
Wireless
Antennas | 1 x 2 dBi internal |
---|---|
2.4 GHz | yes |
5 GHz | no |
60 GHz | no |
Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
Class | N150 |
Speed | 150 Mbps |
Transmit power | 16 dBm |
Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
Guest network | no |
This router has 1 x 2 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The NBG2105 is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. 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, 150 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.
Connectivity
USB ports | no |
---|---|
Print server | no |
File server | no |
The NBG2105 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
---|---|
Default username | admin |
Default password | 1234 |
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 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
- lightweight
- WPS friendly
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
- no USB connectivity
ZyXEL NBG2105 photos
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