ZyXEL NBG6604 router review
The ZyXEL NBG6604 (NBG6604) router released in 2017. It is powered by MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The AC1200 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with NBG6604 is 300 + 867 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 NBG6604, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The NBG6604 is a good choice for users. It is reliable and feature-rich, and it supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. ZyXEL has established a solid reputation as a reliable and reputable networking brand.
ZyXEL NBG6604 specifications
| Brand | ZyXEL |
|---|---|
| Name | NBG6604 |
| Type | NBG6604 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2017 |
Body
| Dimensions | 260.4 x 182 x 81.2 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 578 g |
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
| Chipset | MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | ZyXEL |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The MediaTek MT7628AN @ 580 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. You cannot expand the router's memory (64 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 / 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 | no |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The NBG6604 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.
Wireless
| Antennas | 4 x 3 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC1200 |
| Speed | 300 + 867 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | yes |
The 4 x 3 dBi, fixed 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, 300 + 867 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 NBG6604 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | blank |
| 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
- 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 NBG6604 photos
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