Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router

having two lanes in the wider road instead of one. The router automatically uses Smart Connect to allocate the fastest devices to the fast lane.

5 GHz WiFi Band

 

iPhone

iPad

iPhone

5 GHz

150 Mbps ÷ 3

300 Mbps ÷ 3

150 Mbps ÷ 3

Faster

 

 

 

Internet

 

 

 

5 GHz

 

 

 

Fastest

 

 

 

Nighthawk X6

 

 

 

Total bandwidth: 1500 Mbps

 

 

 

(150 + 300 + 150)÷ 3 + (1300 + 1300) ÷ 2

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

Greater than 2x the performance of other routers

300 Mbps ÷ 2

1300 Mbps ÷ 2

Figure 8. A tri-band network has two dedicated 5 GHz bands

In this tri-band network, the first 5 GHz band has a speed of 200 Mbps, and the second 5 GHz band has a speed of 1,300 Mbps.

The slower and faster devices are separated in different WiFi connections to ensure that you get the best speed on each device. So in the previous figure, all the three mobile devices are on one 5 GHz band with a combined maximum speed of 200 Mbps and the other 5 GHz WiFi band is used for the faster 802.11ac devices with a combined maximum speed of 1300 Mbps. Effectively both slower and faster devices can run faster and the overall network speed increases by more than two times, from 640 Mbps to 1500 Mbps.

Load Balancing

The router uses load balancing to distribute WiFi connections among all three WiFi bands, to ensure that both the WiFi bands are utilized. Load balancing avoids overloading a single

5 GHz band and ensures that both the WiFi bands are utilized and device connections are spread across the two bands.

Tri-Band WiFi Connections

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NETGEAR R8000 user manual Load Balancing, Tri-band network has two dedicated 5 GHz bands

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.