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AC1600 Intro
When you go on the market to look for a router, you might notice how all models feature the same ‘AC’ rating followed by numbers.
In this case, it is AC1600. The ‘AC’ term is what you can expect for that specific router’s optimum wireless network speed. The higher the numerical value that follows the ‘AC’ name, the faster the router.
AC1600 routers are generally dual-band. This means that it utilizes two different channels to boost its speed while also circumventing several issues such as stifling of signals due to network traffic.
Dual-band routers incorporate both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels to deliver smoother and faster internet connection.
As for the term AC, this represents the router’s wireless standard, in this case, 802.11ac. This is the current industry standard used by the majority of routers.
Of course, there are already several premium-grade routers that offer higher standards.
But since only a few Wi-Fi devices are incorporating it into its system at the moment, it will still take a couple more years for the next iteration to be the norm.
AC routers are ideal for HD video streaming and online gaming as they are less prone to signal interference.
Its average speed will also be able to support HD video streaming which can pretty much eliminate pesky stuttering, buffering, and pixilation during your favorite shows.
The ‘1600’ number designation is taken from the optimum speeds that both channels can deliver.
The 2.4Ghz band will be able to provide 300Mbps while the 5GHz band can clock in a maximum of 1,300Mbps. It also offers a good range in regards to its wireless coverage – enough to provide stable internet connection within medium to more substantial residences.
Is Netgear AC1600 Good for Gaming?
The Netgear AC1600 router is an excellent choice for online gaming. With it’s up to date 802.11ac wireless standard technology and dual-band network, you are nigh guaranteed to avoid issues even during the most hectic online multiplayer matches.
This router also supports Gigabit Ethernet ports for ultra-fast wired connections.
I highly recommend you connect your PC or gaming console via the Gigabit Ethernet ports to take advantage of the router’s capabilities fully.
It even comes with an advanced Quality of Service setting (QoS), which allows users to prioritize devices that are primarily used for multimedia streaming and gaming.
Taking advantage of the advanced QoS here will also enable excellent low-latency experience when online gaming, a godsend for those who enjoy competitive ranked matches for genres such as fighting games.
Netgear AC1600 R6260 Router Review
Intro
Netgear has built a solid reputation as one of the ‘go-to’ brands when it comes to wireless routers.
With its steady speed and performance, plus the extremely budget-friendly price tag, it is no wonder why this is one of Netgear’s best sellers.
A huge advantage that the Netgear AC1600 router offers is that it supports Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
Thus, providing users with lightning-fast internet speeds with its wired connection. Not only does a Gigabit Ethernet connection provide blistering speeds, but it is also known for providing an extremely stable internet connection.
This is perfect for streaming HD and 4K videos as well as online gaming.
Wireless connection is now the norm when it comes to connecting to the internet.
It is convenient and allows connected devices to move around freely without being hindered by wires.
The Netgear AC1600 also provides a decent enough coverage that, if installed correctly, will enable all devices within your home to connect effortlessly to the router.
Design
The Netgear AC1600 R6260 router is relatively sleeker and more compact. The router measures in at 9.27 x 5.94 x 2.14 inches which shouldn’t take too much footprint on your desk or shelf.
It is also designed so that you can place it vertically to provide even more space-saving.
The Netgear AC1600 supports up to five Gigabit Ethernet ports. Four of the ports are for LAN, and the last one is a WAN port that you can use to connect to your modem.
The back end of the device is also where you can find the power switch and a recessed reset button.
Over at the front, we get four LED displays that show the current status of the router, from the power to the internet signal and the various ports. There are also two additional LEDs that you can find on the side of the unit.
The router also has an excellent ventilation system in the form of triangular slots that are placed on the back and sides of the case.
This allows the interior to dissipate heat efficiently, which should prevent overheating issues in the future.
It does only come with one USB port, but it manages to turn it around into a plus as this supports a 3.0 USB connection.
This gives users high-speed data transfer and allows for a streamlined sharing of files between all clients connected to the router.
If you enjoy sharing multimedia files with other devices in your household, this should allow for a convenient experience when it comes to streaming shared media through Wi-Fi.
The Netgear AC1600 comes complete right out of the box with its AC adapter, an Ethernet cable, and the instruction manual.
Security
The Netgear AC1600 offers up to date security system and a couple more features that will improve children’s overall experience when browsing the internet.
Security-wise, the Netgear AC1600 provides the industry standard in spade. Additionally, it also comes with a unique free parental control setting as well.
This allows the admin account to limit internet access for particular clients. For example, you can set internet access for a specific client for 2 to 3 hours max every day.
You can also create a Guest Network Access for visitors. GNA allows devices to connect to your Wi-Fi and access the internet without actually tapping into your network.
This is a useful feature for homes that entertains guests regularly.
A Guest Network Access also improves your network’s security as ‘guests’ won’t be able to access shared files that may include personal data.
We highly recommend you take advantage of Guest Network Access with your home router if it’s available.
The Netgear 1600 covers security quite well with its WPA/WPA2 protocol so make sure you set your network up correctly.
Speaking of WPA/WPA2 security protocol, this router security system is designed to help prevent DoS attacks. This router also provides SPI and NAT firewall protection as well.
The Netgear AC1600 uses a dual-core 800MHz processor with 128MB RAM and another 128MB for flash.
This allows the Netgear AC1600 to support a decent number of devices without any slowdowns effortlessly.
We highly recommend this for home use, which makes it suitable for family-use. Add parental control into the mix, and it is easy to see why we recommend this router for families.
How Do I Setup My Netgear Nighthawk R6220?
Netgear routers are synonymous with being user-friendly. Installation and setup will likely not take up more than 5 minutes of your time, even for beginners.
Setup becomes even more convenient by installing the Netgear Genie app, which is compatible with PC, Android, and iOS devices.
The Netgear Genie pretty much streamlines the control of your router so that accessing your network is as easy as tapping an icon on your smartphone.
The Netgear AC1600 does not use CD when it comes to installation. All programs can be downloaded from Netgear’s official website which you will be automatically redirected to once you have booted up the device.
Once you have accessed the web browser interface, you can begin setting up your network. We advise you also update the login credentials as soon as the setup is complete.
With the Netgear Genie app installed, you will be able to check the status of your network with any other device that you currently have in hand.
The Netgear Genie allows users to check who is currently connected to their network, as well as other details such as the overall bandwidth being consumed.
Other features that the Genie app provides users is the ability to conduct diagnosis and repairs.
You can even reset your router without actually needing to go to the device to push the button. The Netgear Genie pools all options and controls to you.
You can also set up parental controls via this app. Parental controls let you filter the web content and articles that are allowed into your network.
You can also check the history of sites that each client has visited at any time. The Netgear Genie can also be used to share and stream media files from one device to another.
Specifications
Dimensions: 9.27 x 5.94 x 2.14 inches
Wi-Fi: Dual-Band, 802.11ac
Ports: x5 Gigabit Ethernet (4 LAN, 1 WAN), x1 USB 3.0 port
Processor: 880MHz
Memory: 128MB DDR3 RAM, 128MB NAND Flash
Pros:
- Speedy 802.11ac wireless standard.
- Improved signal with Beamforming+ technology.
- Decent security.
- Extremely affordable price tag.
Cons:
- The UI feels outdated and a bit clunky to navigate.
How Do I Install Netgear AC1600 r6260?
Installation with the Netgear AC1600 is pretty straightforward. You will need to whip out your laptop, desktop, or Wi-Fi device and connect it to your modem.
Sign in using the SSID and password; if this is your initial setup, you can see the default login credentials printed on the product label.
Connect to the router web interface and follow the step by step guide, which will appear.
As you can see, you don’t need in-depth knowledge with this technology to install your Netgear router. The router will pretty much do everything for you.