Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600 router review
Netgear introduced the Smart WiFi AC1600 router in 2013. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4708A0 @ 800 MHz chipset, 256 MB of RAM, and 128 MB of flash memory.
Wondering if this router is a hit? Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600 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
- Links
- Verdict, Pros and Cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
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. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600, please let us know.
The Smart WiFi AC1600 is a good choice for users. It is reliable and feature-rich, and it supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. Netgear incorporates energy-efficient features into its products, promoting sustainability and reducing power consumption.
Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600 specifications
| Brand | Netgear |
|---|---|
| Name | Smart WiFi AC1600 |
| Type | R6250 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2013 |
Body
| Dimensions | 191 x 198.5 x 65 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 417 g |
If you plan to move a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. Otherwise, the size isn't too crucial. If you buy a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the total cost.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM4708A0 @ 800 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | Netgear |
| Alternative OS | OpenWRT |
| Power supply | 12 V / 2.5 A |
The Broadcom BCM4708A0 @ 800 MHz CPU provides processing power. Some router features and software work best when they have enough RAM to help them. OpenWrt offers many customization options. They let users change and tailor their router's functions to their needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | OpenVPN |
The router also supports IPv6. This allows you to use the latest Internet Protocol. If you have a 1 Gbps or faster internet plan, you need gigabit Ethernet ports. The Smart WiFi AC1600 ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully. OpenVPN uses a certificate-based authentication system. This enhances security and provides a stronger method of verification.
Wireless
| Antennas | 3 x 3 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1600 |
| Speed | 300 + 1300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 21 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. Using the 5 GHz band can move some devices from the crowded 2.4 GHz band. The AC Wi-Fi router is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi devices that support 802.11a/b/g/n standards.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. By connecting a USB printer to the Smart WiFi AC1600 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.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | password |
If you can't log in to your Netgear router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your Smart WiFi AC1600 router. Do this after the initial setup.
Links
| Official site | https://www.netgear.com/ |
|---|
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Netgear 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. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- generous memory
- adequate flash
- OpenWrt compatible
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- supports OpenVPN
- works on 5 GHz band
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600 photos
Netgear Smart WiFi AC1600 comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
