Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router

iPhone 5S with support for only single-stream 802.11n can achieve a maximum WiFi speed of only 150 Mbps. As more devices connect and begin downloading, the bandwidth is shared among them as well.

The following example of shared bandwidth shows a dual-band router in which the GHz WiFi band has a fast 640 Mbps capacity. If only one computer or device connects, the router can allocate a speed of up to 640 Mbps to that connection, assuming that the device is capable of that speed. When more devices connect to the 5 GHz band, they must share the bandwidth. If four devices connect, then the router divides its 640 Mbps capacity by 5, as shown in the following figure.

5 GHz WiFi Band

 

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

 

300 Mbps ÷ 5

1300 Mbps ÷ 5

Internet

5 GHz

 

 

Fast

 

 

 

 

 

Other router

iPhone

iPad

iPhone

 

150 Mbps ÷ 5

300 Mbps ÷ 5

50 Mbps ÷ 5

Total bandwidth: 640 Mbps (150 + 300 + 150 + 1300 + 1300) ÷ 5

Figure 7. Dual-band WiFi network with one 5 GHz WiFi band

That means that in the network shown, a computer with a 1,300 Mbps capacity has an effective WiFi connection speed of 160 Mbps (1300 ÷ 5), and other devices would also see their WiFi speeds divided by 5.

Tri-band WiFi adds a second 5 GHz WiFi band to the network. This increases the available WiFi bandwidth, which can be compared to widening the road. In addition to widening the road, having two 5 GHz bands means that the router has dedicated 5 GHz bands. That’s like

Tri-Band WiFi Connections

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NETGEAR R8000 user manual GHz WiFi Band

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.