ZyXEL Armor Z1 WiFi router: Pros and Cons

The Armor Z1 is a powerful router. It is full of features and made for advanced networking. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. ZyXEL places a strong emphasis on network security.

ZyXEL Armor Z1 specifications

Body

If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.

System

The Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 @ 1.4 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. You cannot expand the router's memory (512 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. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The ZyXEL provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 4 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.

Network

The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Armor Z1 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. The router has Gigabit Ethernet ports. They allow for faster communication between devices on your local network. A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.

Wireless

The 4 x 4 dBi, RP-SMA antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This Wi-Fi router supports multiple spatial streams, typically up to 4 streams.

The top speed, 600 + 1733 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.

Connectivity

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 Z1 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.

Administration

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.

ZyXEL Armor Z1 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.