Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router

Tri-Band WiFi

Tri-band WiFi delivers 3.2 Gbps combined WiFi speeds through three dedicated WiFi bands—a 2.4 GHz band, plus two 5 GHz bands. This additional 5 GHz WiFi band allows you to double the WiFi bandwidth for dual-band devices.

FASTEST

FASTER

FAST

 

 

 

 

 

5 GHz - 1

5 GHz - 2

2.4 GHz

300 Mbps

300 Mbps

600 Mbps

 

 

 

Figure 6. Tri-band WiFi doubles the available bandwidth for dual-band devices

Smart Connect intelligently selects the best WiFi band for each dual-band device to optimize connection speed and performance based on that device’s speed and performance. The router automatically manages your WiFi connections, performing load balancing across the two 5 GHz radios. This additional WiFi bandwidth combined with the intelligence to segregate traffic based on WiFi speed and load balancing provides the best performance for multiple WiFi devices in the home.

How Tri-Band WiFi Improves Speed and Performance

Tri-band WiFi increases the available WiFi bandwidth for your network to reduce network congestion.

Typically a dual-band WiFi router shares bandwidth among all connected devices that are downloading data at the same time. So if you are watching a Netflix movie on your Internet-enabled large screen TV while your kids are watching a YouTube video on a smartphone, the router shares the bandwidth across these two devices. This is particularly unfair for the faster 802.11ac devices or three-stream (3x3) 802.11n devices because their speeds are reduced to the speed of the slowest device in the network. Even one slow device can bring down the entire network speed.

In this simplified example, the 5 GHz band is capable of a maximum speed of 1300 Mbps, but the actual speed could be limited by the device capability. For example, an Apple MacBook Pro with support for three streams is capable of the maximum 1300 Mbps but the

Tri-Band WiFi Connections

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NETGEAR R8000 user manual How Tri-Band WiFi Improves Speed and Performance

R8000 specifications

The NETGEAR R8000, also known as the Nighthawk X6, is an advanced wireless router that has gained popularity among tech enthusiasts and gamers for its impressive performance and wide range of features. Designed to cater to the demands of modern households with multiple devices, the R8000 stands out with its powerful hardware and innovative technologies.

At the heart of the R8000 is a tri-band architecture, which includes one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. This setup allows for more efficient distribution of bandwidth across devices, reducing congestion and ensuring smoother streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences. With a maximum data throughput of up to 3.2 Gbps, the R8000 is particularly well-suited for high-bandwidth activities, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple users.

One of the standout features of the R8000 is its six external antennas, which are strategically positioned to provide wide-ranging coverage throughout the home. This helps eliminate dead zones and ensures consistent connectivity even in larger spaces. The router also supports Beamforming technology, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal directly to connected devices rather than broadcasting it in all directions. This enhances the overall signal strength and reception quality, providing faster speeds and more reliable connections.

The NETGEAR R8000 incorporates Dynamic QoS (Quality of Service) technology, allowing users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices, such as streaming services, online gaming, or video conferencing. This ensures that critical applications receive the necessary resources for optimal performance even during times of heavy network traffic.

Security is also a priority with the R8000, featuring advanced security protocols including WPA2, along with NETGEAR Armor, which offers real-time malware protection and alerts for connected devices. Additionally, the router is equipped with a built-in VPN support, providing users with a secure and private browsing experience.

Installation and management of the NETGEAR R8000 are simplified through the NETGEAR Nighthawk app, which allows users to configure settings, manage Wi-Fi access, and monitor network activity from their smartphones. With its robust performance, extensive features, and secure connectivity options, the NETGEAR R8000 remains a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing router.