Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router: Combining Speed and Performance

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What is the next necessary thing for a household after oxygen? A fast and high-performing router. Enter the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router, model R7000-100NAS—a robust networking device designed to meet the demands of modern households. Offering dual-band capabilities with speeds up to 1900 Mbps, this router excels in providing stable, ultra-fast internet connectivity. Its 1GHz dual-core processor efficiently manages multiple devices, ensuring seamless data traffic. The R7000-100NAS isn’t just another router; it’s a comprehensive solution for all your networking needs.

Netgear Nighthawk: Design Inspiration

When it comes to design, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 R7000-100NAS draws inspiration from the stealth capabilities of its namesake, the Nighthawk fighter jet. The router showcases a sleek, angular appearance that exudes power and efficiency. With its three high-gain antennas strategically positioned for optimal signal coverage, the router is designed to cut through interference and deliver a strong, reliable signal.

The body is made from robust materials that provide durability, and it’s coated in a matte black finish that is as visually appealing as it is practical—resistant to fingerprints and smudges. But this router’s design isn’t merely aesthetic; each element serves a functional purpose, contributing to the device’s overall performance and reliability.

Spec Details

Following are the specifications of the Netgear AC 1900 Wi-Fi router, which is also commonly known as Netgear R7000.

Pros

• Sleek Aesthetics.
• Impressive Speeds on the 5GHz Band.
• Exceptional Signal Reach.
• Superior Quality of Service Features.
• Comprehensive VPN Support.

Cons

• Subpar performance on the 2.4GHz Band.
• Complex Setup for Bridge Mode.
• Laggy Implementation of Setting Adjustments.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (R7000)
• Ethernet cable
• Quick install guide
• Power adapter

Netgear Nighthawk AC 1900: Product Overview

The Netgear Nighthawk draws its design inspiration from the Nighthawk stealth fighter, symbolizing both speed and a diverse range of capabilities. In many aspects, it lives up to this high-flying reputation. But if you still need convincing, then the following are the reasons to trust Netgear Nighthawk AC 1900.

Dimensions

Equipped with three fin-shaped antennas on the back, the Netgear R7000 measures 11.2 x 7.3 x 2.0 inches, resembling a compact version of the company’s R8000 model. With its sleek, angular lines and matte black finish, the router exudes an aura that seems straight out of a sci-fi saga—something a Cylon might operate. The three robust external antennas add a touch of assertiveness, signaling that Netgear is serious about delivering top-notch performance.

Placement

Designed to sit horizontally, the Nighthawk can also be wall-mounted for added versatility. Its design showcases Netgear’s most polished aesthetic to date. The R7000’s broad base ensures stability, even when every port is occupied with cables. Thanks to its wide footprint and rubberized feet, you can rest assured that this hefty router will stay put, eliminating the nuisance of slipping and sliding on the surface. LED Indicators On its front edge, the R7000 features an array of twelve status LEDs. These lights serve as real-time indicators for various functions and statuses. You’ll find lights signaling power, internet connectivity, and activity on both frequency bands. Additionally, there are dedicated LEDs to show the status of its Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and Wi-Fi transmission activity. These visual cues offer a quick and straightforward way to monitor the router’s performance and connectivity at a glance.

Physical Switches

In contrast to the Netgear R8000, the R7000 lacks a physical switch at the back for turning off the LED lights, though this can be managed through the system’s software interface. The Netgear AC1900 does come equipped with dedicated switches for power, enabling WPS, and turning off Wi-Fi transmissions. Additionally, a recessed reset button is available, allowing you to erase firmware settings and start afresh when needed.

Ports

The rear panel of the R7000 houses four gigabit Ethernet ports, although it doesn’t offer the aggregated high-speed ports found in competitors like the ASUS RT-AC87U. For peripheral connectivity, a USB 2.0 port is positioned at the back, and a USB 3.0 port graces the front—perfect for connecting hard drives, flash drives, or printers. However, unlike the Linksys WRT 1900AC, the R7000 doesn’t feature an eSATA port for direct hard drive connections.

Memory & Processor

Netgear Nighthawk isn’t content with merely matching competitors on paper; it aims to outperform them in practical terms. The Nighthawk R7000 sets a new standard by equipping its system with dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 processors, becoming the first router to hit this performance milestone. In terms of storage and memory, it matches its rivals with 128MB of built-in flash memory and 256MB of RAM.

Quality of service

The Netgear R7000 ups the ante with an enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) feature that provides control over both upstream and downstream traffic, a step up from the upstream-only focus of its predecessor, the R6100. While the upstream settings offer a plethora of customization options, downstream controls are more limited, essentially offering an on-off toggle. The QoS functionality enables you to prioritize internet bandwidth for real-time applications like online gaming, video conferencing, or HD streaming, ensuring they receive the resources they need for a smooth user experience. This is a significant feature, especially for a home router.

Beamforming +

The respectable range coverage of the R7000 is largely attributed to a feature known as Beamforming+. This is an advanced form of traditional beamforming technology, which focuses the wireless signal directly from the router to the client devices. By doing so, it improves both throughput and signal strength. Netgear has integrated this enhanced Beamforming+ technology specifically for the 5GHz Band on the R7000, offering improved performance and coverage.

FAQs

How to set up Netgear Nighthawk AC 1900?

• To set up the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900:
• Connect it to your modem and power it on.
• Use an Ethernet cable for a wired setup or Wi-Fi for wireless.
• Open a browser, visit the setup page by entering the default IP address, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the configuration.

Where is the WPS button on Netgear Nighthawk AC 1900?

The WPS button on the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is typically located on the back of the router. It’s marked with the WPS symbol, which looks like two arrows forming a circle. Pressing this button initiates the WPS pairing process.

How many devices can Netgear Nighthawk AC 1900 handle?

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is capable of supporting up to 64 devices simultaneously. This makes it ideal for busy households or small offices with multiple devices like smartphones, laptops, and smart home gadgets, all requiring stable and fast internet connectivity.

Which is faster: Netgear N900 router or Nighthawk AC 1900?

The Nighthawk AC1900 is faster than the Netgear N900 router. While the N900 offers speeds up to 900 Mbps, the Netgear AC1900 can deliver speeds up to 1900 Mbps. The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 also benefits from dual-band technology and a more powerful processor, making it the superior choice for high-demand networking tasks.

Final Thoughts

The Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi router is a powerhouse of a router designed for both speed and reliability. Whether it’s for gaming, streaming, or a busy household with multiple devices, this router has got you covered. Don’t settle for less; make the switch to Netgear products today for an unparalleled internet experience. Check our products section to get stealth and speed in the form of Netgear Nighthawk.