ZyXEL NBG2105 router review
ZyXEL introduced the NBG2105 router in 2012. It is powered by Realtek RTL8196EU @ 400 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory.
Curious if this ZyXEL router is great? Stay with us!
Table of Contents
- ZyXEL NBG2105 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 ZyXEL NBG2105, please let us know.
The NBG2105 router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, it works with many devices. ZyXEL offers good customer support, including firmware updates, documentation, and technical help.
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 of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Larger routers have more room for internal cooling. The weight of the router is not typically a critical factor for most 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 selecting a router, it's essential to think about the RAM specifications.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | no |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
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 |
The NBG2105 is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they're less suitable for larger homes or offices. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a safe wireless network with the push of a button or a simple PIN entry.
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.
Links
| Official site | https://www.zyxel.com/ |
|---|
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. 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
ZyXEL NBG2105 comparisons
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Updated: June 2, 2024
