Netgear previewed the Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800 AC2600 at the CES show earlier this year. It’s the follow-up to the X4 R7500v2 which originally came out in 2014, but the X4S has had a little bit of a turbo-charged update.
The X4S can use up to 160MHz wide channels (most AC routers use up to 80MHz) and uses Wave 2 MU-MIMO.
What Channel bandwidth should I use?
The CPU has also have a bit of an upgrade too – now 1.7GHz dual core.
So what else then…..?
Netgear Nighthawk X4S R7800 AC2600 Features
Some of the big features of the X4S that Netgear have packed in…
5 Features of the Nighthawk X4S R7800
Wave 2 MU-MIMO
Using the latest MU-MIMO technology (Quad Stream – over 160MHz of channels), the R7800 lets up to 3 devices communicate at the same time. This greatly increases overall throughput for devices combined across your wifi network.
Old skool MIMO routers, which were introduced a few years ago as part of the Wireless N standard, can only support MIMO for one client at a time. MIMO recalibrates wireless signals that have been bouncing around off walls and furniture, improving throughput.
If you have a multi-device wifi network, your MU-MIMO supported clients should benefit from better wireless connectivity.
2.6Gbps AC Wi-Fi
With 1.733Gbps on the 5GHz and a further 800Mbps (theoretical speeds here) over 2.4GHz, combined data rates hit 2.6Gbps. The Nighthawk X4S uses MU-MIMO/Quad Stream technology to deliver these wifi rates.
X4S Ports (USB/eSATA Ports On Side of Router)
Got Stuff To Share? USB 3.0 & eSATA!
Finally, router manufacturers are starting to release routers with two USB 3.0 ports, rather than just the one. USB 3.0 can transfer files up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
Not only does the X4S have two USB 3.0 ports, but there is also an eSATA port available, if that floats your boat.
Netgear have conveniently positioned these storage ports on the side of the router, rather than at the rear. This makes it much easier for you to add or remove drives.
Use Netgear’s ReadyShare software to help with the sharing process, including the ability to schedule automated backups.
1.7GHz Dual Core CPU
MU-MIMO, 2.6Gbps wireless, and all these features aren’t going to run themselves! There’s a 1.7GHz dual core processor packed on board to help keep things running nice and smoothly.
Oh, and there’s 512MB RAM too…
Dynamic QoS (Quality of Service)
The R7800 X4S intelligently prioritizes certain traffic types to give optimal performance across your network. This is especially important when connecting to the Internet. This is because the connection to your Internet provider (ISP) is usually the slowest link in the chain, when it comes to data throughput/speed. By making sure vulnerable and ‘fragile’ traffic types (examples are streaming & online gaming) are protected, good user experience is maintained.
How Netgear Dynamic QoS Works
Nighthawk X4S – Other Features
4x External Antennas
There are 4 directional antennas
Netgear GENIE App
Monitor and control your network with the GENIE app .Can be installed on phones, tablets or PCs.
Beamforming+
For directing wifi signal in the direction of your clients. Helps improve coverage and wireless connection reliability.
DLNA
Play media with DLNA compatible devices, including TV’s and games consoles.
Security Features
– Add a separate guest network, to keep visitors away from accessing your home personal files or devices – intentional or not.
– WPA2 wireless encryption – for secured wifi use.
– VPN Support for remote access.
– Parental controls.
Technical Specs
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- AC2600 – 1.733Gbps + 800Mbps Dual Band
- MU-MIMO – 4×4 Quad Stream
- 4x 1Gbps LAN Ports / 1x 1Gbps WAN Port
- 2x USB 3.0 Ports / 1x eSATA Port
- 1.7GHz Dual Core CPU
Do you agree/disagree? Why not comment below and let us know what you think…
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