When it comes to routers, not every router is capable of sustaining gaming and streaming at the same time. Yet, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router certainly does so. With a plethora of features like Beamforming+ and external antennas and more importantly, a smart assistant, this router just might be the one you were looking for.
Design and Ports
The router like the most high-end models, boasts an aggressive design, with its sleek looks pertaining to gaming lifestyle. The black color adds perfection to the design as well. As for the dimensions, it measures 11.22 x 7.26 x 1.97 in (285 x 184.5 x 50 mm), so it does considerable space, but considering the features, it was expected.
As for the devices’ ports, there are 4 GigaBit ethernet connections at the back along with another connection to connect your internet broadband modem too. Thus, in case you would want a wired connection, there are enough ports for at least 4 devices. Moreover, unlike other routers, there is also a power-on button at the back. Therefore, you won’t have to unplug the power source directly. In case you wanted to reset your router, you can do that with a small reset button (to be pushed via a pin), rather than going through the router settings.
On top of that, there is also a USB 3.0 port at the front of the router. This means you can share your files over the network on a storage medium at super-fast speeds- 10x more than the obsolete USB 2.0 port.
The router sprouts three detachable Wifi-Antennas, ensuring a longer range.
Specs
The router is powered by a dual-core processor with a 256 MB of RAM, ensuring seamless internet connectivity, even when multiple clients are connected. There is also 128 MB of flash. As for the Wifi-Technology, the router employs the 802.11 ac Dual Band GigaBit, which is the next generation of routers. In addition to this, there are two bands available, one at 2.4 GHz and the other 5 GHz. Moreover, with the Beamforming+ technology, speed, reliability, and range are exponentially improved for both of these bands.
This is because the Beamforming+ targets Wi-Fi signals to where they are needed, rather than just spreading them around. Therefore, if you are concerned about range, then don’t be, since it can cover a very large home for sure.
“Smart” Wifi
As for the Router’s smartness, there is no doubt about that. There is a Netgear Genie app available for both iOS and Android, which can be used to configure your router settings and much more, at the ease of your smartphone. With the Circle Smart Parental Controls, you can easily monitor content as well as time online. Furthermore, what really makes this router smart is its ability to collaborate with the Google Assistant. Yes, it can even work with voice commands (to the Google Assistant).
The good news for gamers is that they can enjoy lag-free gaming, courtesy prioritized bandwidth. This is also for video streamers, courtesy the Upstream and Downstream QoS. If you have a slower device, then you need not worry, since the router employs an Airtime Fairness feature which shall protect you from network lag as well.
Furthermore, in case you were wondering to set up your own personal FTP server, you can do that with a customized free URL. In addition to this, there is Guest Network Access as well and the router also supports VPN. Not only this, but there is also an automated backup software for both Mac and Windows as well!
Our Verdict
Available at a cost of $129.99, it might seem a bit expensive than other routers in the price bracket, but with the router’s features especially it’s ‘smart’ ones, this router is the one you should opt for.