ZyXEL NBG6503 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The ZyXEL NBG6503 (NBG6503) router released in 2013. It is powered by MediaTek MT7620 @ 580 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The AC750 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with NBG6503 is 300 + 433 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 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 NBG6503, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The NBG6503 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. ZyXEL is widely recognized as a reputable and established manufacturer of networking equipment.
ZyXEL NBG6503 specifications
| Brand | ZyXEL |
|---|---|
| Name | NBG6503 |
| Type | NBG6503 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2013 |
Body
| Dimensions | 159 x 111 x 23 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 230 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7620 @ 580 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | ZyXEL |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The MediaTek MT7620 @ 580 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The 64 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The ZyXEL provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 1 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | PPTP L2TP |
Like many modern routers, the ZyXEL NBG6503 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The NBG6503 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. Wired connections may bottleneck due to the limits of Fast Ethernet ports. PPTP creates a VPN tunnel between two endpoints. It allows secure communication over an insecure network, such as the internet.
Wireless
| Antennas | 1 x 2 dBi RP-SMA |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC750 |
| Speed | 300 + 433 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | yes |
The 1 x 2 dBi, RP-SMA antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. 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. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The Wi-Fi router offers fast data speeds. They are good for streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file transfers.
The top speed, 300 + 433 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.
Connectivity
| USB ports | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The NBG6503 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
- sufficient memory
- IPv6 capable
- works on 5 GHz band
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
- no USB connectivity
ZyXEL NBG6503 photos
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