NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 4-Stream AX3000 Wi-Fi Router (RAX40) Review

Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 is a device that comes with the latest technology for routers- Wi-Fi 6. You can only find the Wi-Fi 6 technology in recent routers. Wi-Fi 6 is the future of routers, giving RAX40 an edge over its ancestors.

Nighthawk RAX40 router offers extended coverage to about 1,500 square feet. More so, it can serve 16 devices while retaining its high efficiency. However, the network may experience lag if the connected devices exceed 16.

Nightgear Nighthawk RAX40 goes for about 150 dollars, which is fair considering it is a Wi-Fi 6 router. Wi-Fi 6 technology is a recent breakthrough, and the world is slowly adapting to it.

Suppose you want to experience the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 technology on your network for the lowest cost. In that case, Nighthawk RAX40 is a top choice.

Furthermore, RAX40 is set apart from other routers due to its intel chipset instead of the conventional Qualcomm or Broadcom features. In this article, we shall thoroughly examine the Nighthawk RAX40 to enrich your knowledge about the router.

Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Wired, USB
Frequency Band ClassDual-Band
Data Transfer Rate3000 Megabits Per Second
BrandNETGEAR
Wireless Type802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11g
Number of Ports6
Security ProtocolWPA2-PSK
Voltage100240 Volts
Operating SystemMicrosoft® Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista®, XP®, 2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux®
Control MethodApp

PACKAGING

When you unbox Netgear Nighthawk RAX40, here are the things to expect inside it.

  • Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 router with two antennas standing horizontally.
  • An Ethernet Cable 
  • A power adapter
  • A quick guide, which is a manual containing fundamental details about the router
  • SPECIFICATIONS

    • Item weight: 0.61 kg
    • Item dimension: 14.17 x 8.46 x2.36 inches
    • Frequency class: dual-band
    • Speed: combined speed of 3000 Mbps
    • Ports: four LAN and one WAN Gigabit Ethernet ports + one USB 3.0 port
    • Wi-Fi 6 speed: 600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 2400 Mbps for 5GHz
    • Memory: 512 Mb RAM and 256 Mb flash
    • Backward compatibility: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
    • Antennas: Two non-removable antennas
    • Smart indicator light: On/Off light
    • Security: WPA, WPA2, WPA3
    • Processor: Dual-core

    DESIGN

    Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 is a router that comes in a black and grey color combination. Two high-gain antennas are sticking out of opposite ends of the router. 
     
    It is classy and comes with a futuristic design. More so, it is slimmer and lighter in weight compared to other Nighthawk models. Nighthawk RAX40 has a slim hexagonal shape.
     
    The antennas boost the network coverage to include outdoor areas. However, these antennas are fixed permanently on the router.

    At the back of the router, moving from left to right, the Power On/Off button is followed by the power adapter port. Next is the WAN port, which is yellow; it connects the router to the modem.

     
    There are four 1G Ethernet ports for wired connections. Furthermore, the USB port is the last on the row; it is responsible for fast data sharing.
     
    In addition, Nighthawk RAX40 is not overwhelmed with smart indicator lights. The arrangement of the LED light gives off a professional aura.

     
    Finally, the RAX40 model is designed with ventilation cut-outs at the top and bottom of the router. The importance of vents is to prevent overheating, a common issue with routers as they are in use for a long period.

    FEATURES

    Wi-Fi 6

    The Wi-Fi 6 technology optimizes signal speed. Several individuals can play games, stream HD videos, and other high-demanding tasks without lag and network congestion.
     
    Nighthawk RAX40 offers an ultra-fast wireless speed that allows 4K Ultra HD streaming and gaming adventures. 
     
    The 1024-QAM technology increases data speed to about 25%. Also, the Gigabit ports ensure uninterrupted wired connections.
     
    The 3.0 USB, however, shares files ten times faster than the regular USB 2.0. Wi-Fi 6 technology gives you an ultra-fast Wi-Fi speed of about 3 Gbps. The rate of data transfer is about 2.5 times faster than before.

    Wi-Fi Range

    Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 offers extended Wi-Fi coverage. It is perfect for a medium-sized building.
     
    Two pre-optimized antennas ensure that a fast and reliable signal is transmitted for an extended area. It ensures that you can move around without loss in signal.

    Beamforming Technology

    The advanced beamforming technology used in this model optimizes performance for 2.4 and 5GHz bandwidths. It reduces to the minimum any incidence of interference so that the Wi-Fi range is greatly improved.

    DFS Channels

    Apart from the regular 2.4 and 5GHz bands, Nighthawk RAX40 works with an additional DFS Channel.
     
    The importance of this new channel is to eliminate interference and lag to ensure a seamless gaming, streaming, or downloading experience.

    Universal Compatibility

    Nighthawk RAX40 can work with any Wi-Fi modem, gateway, or access points. In addition, it can work with your internet irrespective of the service provider. Furthermore, it supports all current Wi-Fi devices.

    Security

    Protecting your privacy while on the internet is very crucial given the rise in cyber theft. Nighthawk RAX40 comes with a system that blocks malicious sites, contents and protecting your software from viruses.

    Furthermore, you can create a guest network, which is a separate network for guests. This way, not even guests can access your online information.
     
    In addition, it supports the latest WPA3 protocol. Also, it supports the use of VPN. Finally, the firmware updates are automatic to ensure you are always safe.

    Ease of Use and Management

    You can install and set up the Nighthawk RAX40 via the Nighthawk app, which is easy to use. Subsequently, you can remotely manage the settings of the router even when you are not at home.
     
    The Nighthawk app comes with amazing features that help optimize the network, such as data monitor, internet speed test, history of speed on each device on the network.

    Parental Control

    Parental control allows a parent to monitor and control kids’ online activities. This feature allows you to pause the internet on their devices. You may also schedule the time for online activities.
     
    Furthermore, you can block some sites that may contain sensitive information not suitable for kids.

    Voice Control

    You can control Nighthawk RAX40 with voice control. The router is compatible with Alexa and Google assistant. For example, suppose you have Alexa devices.
     
    In that case, you may sit on the sofa and give Alexa commands like “Alexa, block my kid’s internet” Your kids’ internet is blocked without you lifting a finger.

    MERITS

  • Nighthawk RAX40 has a sleek and cool design
  • It offers excellent wireless signal
  • It works with a 160MHz channel giving it an edge
  • The OFDMA and 1024-QAM technology makes it highly efficient
  • It is less expensive than routers with similar features
  • The mobile app is quite useful and has a user-friendly interface.
  • You can mount the RAX40 router on the wall.
  • DEMERITS

  • Nighthawk RAX40 has two external antennas that can not be removed.
  • Changes in the settings take a longer time to get integrated into the router.
  • The router boots very slowly
  • The speed on the 160MHz channel is not stable.
  • It does not come with a link aggregation feature
  • Nighthawk RAX40 lacks a multi-gig port
  • HOW TO SET UP

    Setting up your Netgear Nighthawk RAX40 Wi-Fi 6 router can be tricky and time-consuming. However, it is not too much of a complicated process, and patience is all you need to successfully install it.
     
    The good news is that the time spent on installing it is worth it- patience, after all, is a virtue.

    The first thing to do is ensure your modem is connected and has a working internet bundle. Using the Ethernet port, connect the modem to the RAX40 router. Then plug the power adapter into the adapter.
     
    Turn on the router by pressing the power button. The power indicator light shows the router is powered.
     
    Go to your phone’s settings and connect to the default network name displayed on the Wi-Fi card. Then input the password and connect to it. 

    You may set up using the web interface or the Nighthawk app. If you are using the web interface, launch a page and type 192.168.1.1 or http://www.routerlogin.net in the address bar. It will take you to the set-up page, where step-by-step instructions are given.
     
    You will need to change the Wi-Fi name and password of the router. This new name and password are what you will use in creating a wireless connection. 

    However, if you choose to use the Netgear Nighthawk app, you have to download it from the store. After launching the app, it displays instructions on how to install the router.   

    CONCLUSION

    Nighthawk RAX40 is a Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a combined speed of 3000 megabits per second. It is a dual-band router that offers 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 2400 Mbps on the 5GHz.

    On looking at it, you will notice the two antennas that ensure that your home enjoys extended network coverage. Four Gigabit Ethernet port allows wired connections to the router. It also has a USB port for fast file transfer.

    Features like OFDM and 1024-QAM technology augment the Wi-Fi 6 technology, ensuring you enjoy better connectivity for online activities. It also supports the 160MHz channel, although the speed is not stable.

    However, if you are looking for a Wi-Fi 6 router, Netgear RAX40 is the perfect choice for you. It is reliable in terms of speed and coverage.

    Finally, buying a Nighthawk RAX40 router gives you access to a three-year warranty that is effective from the date of purchase.

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