ZyXEL NBG6716 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The ZyXEL NBG6716 (NBG6716) router released in 2013. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558 @ 720 MHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash. The AC1750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with NBG6716 is 450 + 1300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100/1000 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 ZyXEL NBG6716, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The NBG6716 is a versatile router that offers more than basic functionality. It has advanced features and capabilities. It provides a reliable, fast network for homes and offices. This router has USB connectors. They add features and expand your network's capabilities. ZyXEL offers networking solutions that cater to different scales of networks.
ZyXEL NBG6716 specifications
| Brand | ZyXEL |
|---|---|
| Name | NBG6716 |
| Type | NBG6716 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2013 |
Body
| Dimensions | 214 x 74 x 165 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 460 g |
If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558 @ 720 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Flash | 16 MB |
| OS | ZyXEL |
| Alternative OS | OpenWRT |
| Power supply | 12 V / 2 A |
The Qualcomm Atheros QCA9558 @ 720 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the NBG6716 router. 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. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface.
Other router operating systems offer more customization options. They also have advanced features. Router makers compare this to the default firmware. OpenWrt offers many customization options. They let users modify and tailor their router's function to their needs. The ZyXEL packages the NBG6716 router with 12 V / 2 A PSU.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The NBG6716 router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). 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
| Antennas | 2 x 5 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1750 |
| Speed | 450 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. Using the 5 GHz band can move some devices from the crowded 2.4 GHz band. This cuts congestion and boosts the network. The AC Wi-Fi router is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n standards.
Real-world NBG6716 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.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 2 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). By connecting a USB printer to the NBG6716 router, you can make it accessible to all devices on your network. This router has a USB file server. It lets you connect external storage devices to your network. For example, you can connect USB flash drives or hard drives.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | [blank] |
| Default password | 1234 |
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 NBG6716 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
- OpenWrt compatible
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
ZyXEL NBG6716 photos
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