NETGEAR has recently released their latest and the first tri-band WiFi router available for purchase – the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 WiFi Router (R8000). The Nighthawk X6 AC3200 features the new Broadcom 5G WiFi XStream platform with six high-performance antennas (that looks like wings) and three network bands – one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz. It can deliver a total of 3.2Gbps WiFi speed (1300+1300+600 Mbps). Check out the rest of its features, specifications, price and where to buy below. Find out if this is the WiFi router that you are looking for your home.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 (R8000) Features
NOTE: There is a product video below explaining the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6’s features, just in case you want to skip this portion.
Today’s homes that combine many new and old WiFi devices need tri-band routers such as the Nighthawk X6 to optimize the speed of each device, whether it is an old laptop or the newest smartphone. Nighthawk X6 intelligently segments slower and faster devices into the most appropriate WiFi band. This network load balancing and segmentation enables the X6 to mitigate interference and more effectively support all WiFi devices, including more “Internet of Things” (IoT) devices.
In a typical dual band router, for example, the video streamer and the Internet gamer have to effectively “time-share” the 5 GHz band. With the Nighthawk X6 Tri-Band Router, however, video streaming and Internet gaming traffic can each operate on separate 5 GHz bands so that each of them gets double the speed of a dual band router.
According to Sandeep Harpalani, NETGEAR’s director of product marketing for Retail Network Products: “Home networks are being weighed down by an exploding number of WiFi devices demanding bandwidth for more and more video content,” “Nighthawk X6 solves these issues by not only providing more WiFi bandwidth but also segmenting slower and faster devices across different WiFi bands, and balancing the number of devices in each band to deliver the best-in-class experience for streaming, sharing and gaming.”
Powered by a 1 GHz dual core processor with three additional offload processors, Nighthawk X6 soars above the competition so you’ll enjoy a blazing-fast WiFi experience using the latest 802.11ac wireless technology, such as the innovative 5G WiFi XStream technology from Broadcom. By optimizing speeds for all your WiFi devices, you’ll be able to game on, stream away, and download mega-sized files without network lag from inside and outside your house, garage and yard.
Nighthawk X6 supports NETGEAR Beamforming+, a smart, signal-focusing technology that improves WiFi connections by locking onto a wireless device on the network and pinpointing WiFi signals directly at the device. As you move, Beamforming+ adjusts for distance, delivering the best experience for fast downloads, clearer Voice over Internet (VoIP) calls, uninterrupted HD video, and lag-free gaming. The boost in speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections is delivered on all three WiFi bands.
Nighthawk X6 offers superior capabilities for sharing, storing and securing your treasured files and multimedia content. Content on a storage device attached to Nighthawk X6’s SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port can be easily accessed and transferred quickly across the network, making it ideal for streaming video to screens around the home that are DLNA-enabled or AirPlay-compatible. Your content will also be kept safe with NETGEAR ReadySHARE Vault, free application software that takes automatic backup of incremental changes on all PCs in your home network and saves them to a USB hard drive connected to the Nighthawk X6. This new NETGEAR router also offers you peace of mind with VPN support for secure remote access by using a customized free URL, SPI and NAT double firewall, and separate guest network access.
According to Linley Gwennap, principal analyst of The Linley Group, a leading source of independent technology analysis on semiconductors : “The tri-band WiFi technology that powers the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 router provides real-life benefits to today’s consumers, whose homes have an increasing number of devices simultaneously streaming HD video to TV, laptop and tablet screens,” “Capable of delivering up to twice the total data rate of WiFi routers currently in the market, it significantly improves the video-streaming experience for these consumers.”
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Technical Benefits
NETGEAR has packed Nighthawk X6 with best-in-class technology to offer an unmatched WiFi experience for your WiFi-enabled devices – smartphones, notebooks, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and media servers.
- AC3200 WiFi technology enables the fastest combined WiFi speeds currently available – up to 3.2 Gbps.
- Tri-band WiFi intelligently connects devices to the fastest WiFi band possible and increases overall network speed.
- 6 high-performance external antennas and powerful amplifiers deliver maximum range around your home and yard.
- 1 GHz dual core processor with three offload processors supports blazing-fast WiFi, wired and USB storage performance.
- Beamforming+ improves range reliability by focusing and locking on 2.4 and 5 GHz device signals as you move.
- Smart Connect intelligently selects the fastest WiFi for every device which helps your 802.11n and 802.11ac devices choose the appropriate 5 GHz band for the best performance.
- VPN support ensures secure remote access to your home network.
- Five Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and four LAN) offer fast wired connections.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port offers high-speed, storage-ready access up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
- ReadySHARE Vault, a free software application, automatically backs up Windows-based PCs to a USB hard drive connected to Nighthawk X6.
- NETGEAR MyMedia enables you to find and play your stored media from anywhere on your network to your DLNA-ready TVs and music system.
- iTunes server support enables you to play music on AirPlay-compatible devices using iTunes or Apple Remote.
- NETGEAR genie is a personal dashboard that makes it easy to install, monitor, control and repair your home network from PCs, Macs, and iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 (R8000) vs Nighthawk Smart WiFi (R7000)
| Specifications | Nighthawk X6 Tri-Band WiFi Router | Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router |
|---|---|---|
| Product Number | R8000 | R7000 |
| WiFi Technology | 802.11ac Tri-Band Gigabit | 802.11ac Dual Band Gigabit |
| WiFi Performance | AC3200 (600 + 1300 + 1300 Mbps) | AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) |
| WiFi Range | Very large homes | Very large homes |
| WiFi Band | Simultaneous Tri-Band WiFi - Tx/Rx 3x3 (2.4GHz) + 3x3 (5GHz) + 3x3 (5GHz) | Simultaneous dual band 2.4 & 5GHz |
| Beamforming | Beamforming+-Smart, signal-focusing technology boosts the speed,reliability, and range of your WiFi connections | Beamforming+ - Boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi Connections for 2.4 and 5GHz |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | Five (5) 10/100/1000 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports | Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps—(1 WAN & 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| Number of USB Ports | Two (2) USB ports: 1 USB 3.0 & 1 USB 2.0 port | Two (2) USB ports—one (1) USB 3.0 & one (1) USB 2.0 port |
| Key Features | AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi WiFi Band 1: 600 Mbps @2.4GHz-256QAM WiFi Band 2: 1300 Mbps @5GHz WiFi Band 3: 1300 Mbps @5GHz Smart Connect intelligently selects the fastest WiFi for every device High powered amplifiers and six (6) high performance external antennas Implicit & Explicit Beamforming for 2.4 & 5GHz Powerful Dual-Core 1GHz processor with 3 offload processors Memory: 128 MB Flash and 256 MB RAM Two (2) USB ports: (1) USB 3.0 & (1) USB 2.0 port | AC1900 WiFi—600+1300 Mbps† speeds 1GHz Dual Core Processor Advanced features for lag-free gaming Prioritized bandwidth for streaming videos or music 100% faster for mobile devices Implicit and Explict Beamforming improves range and performance for both 2.4 and 5GHz devices High powered amplifiers & antennas to extend your WiFi coverage Upstream & downstream QoS for best gaming & video streaming experience Airtime fairness prevents network lag when slower devices connect Free automatic backup software for Windows® PC & Time Machine® compatible for Macs Customized free URL to set up personal FTP server On/off LED lights option |
| Security | Customized free URL to set up personal FTP server VPN support—secure remote access Guest network access—separate & secure WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT) Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention | Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) and WEP VPN support—secure remote access Guest network access—separate & secure WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT) Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention |
| Processor | 1GHz dual core porcessor with three offload processors | 1GHz dual-core |
| Memory | 128 MB Flash and 256 MB RAM | 128 MB flash and 256 MB RAM |
| Physical Specifications | Dimensions: 11.63 x 8.92 x 2.14 in (295.5 x 226.8 x 54.5 mm) Weight: 2.43 lbs (1.1 kg) | Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 in (285 x 184.5 x 50 mm) Weight: 1.65 lbs (750 g) |
| Package Content | Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router (R8000) Ethernet cable Quick install guide Power adapter | Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router Three (3) detachable antennas Ethernet cable Quick install guide Power adapter |
| Standards | Two (2) USB ports: 1 USB 3.0 & 1 USB 2.0 port IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz-256QAM support IEEE® 802.11 a/n/ac 5.0 GHz Five (5) 10/100/1000 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports | Two (2) USB ports—one (1) USB 3.0 & one (1) USB 2.0 port IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz + 256 QAM support IEEE® 802.11 a/n/ac 5.0GHz Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps—(1 WAN & 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| System Requirements | Microsoft® Windows 7, 8, Vista®, XP®, 2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux® Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0, Firefox® 2.0, Safari® 1.4, or Google Chrome™ 11.0 browsers or higher | Microsoft® Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Vista®, XP®, 2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux® Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0, Firefox® 2.0, Safari® 1.4, or Google Chrome™ 11.0 browsers or higher |
Price and Where to Buy
The NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router (R8000) is now available for order with a retail price of $284.99 here. As of todate, the item is in pre-order status, and it will be released starting on July 11, 2014.
Meanwhile, the older NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Gigabit Router (R7000) is currently priced at $189.99 here. If you feel that the new Nighthawk X6 is too much (overkill) for your wireless setup, then you might want to settle with the R7000 instead.
