NETGEARNetgear RS100-100EUS

I bought this to replace a 4 year old Netgear Router (d6220) that was starting to lock up on a daily basis. The AX1800 was a pain to set up but that’s because my modem was non standard (a modem router configured to modem only mode) and the AX1800 wouldn’t see the BT Internet connection. However, that was my fault. This router will work out of the box (only need the standard BT username and password configured on the router) with the standard BT VDSL modems such as the Huawei or Draytek Vigor 130 - I tested both. The Wi-fi signals are strong all around a four bedroom modern house - I.e. thin walls. I noticed compared to my old netgear router the 5ghz wireless is about as good but the 2.4ghz Wi-fi is much better on the AX1800 achieving full broadband speeds all around the house which the old router couldn’t achieve. The router user interface via a browser is fast to load and navigate. I’ve got over 40 devices connected (mostly Wi-fi plugs and lights) and it can cope with them without a hiccup. I’ve noticed that web pages load more quickly too even though latency and Wi-fi speed is no better than my old router. Perhaps because the new router has more memory and more and faster CPUs. Only minor quibble is it has no power switch (which my older router had) and no USB port which in all honesty I don’t use anyway. It also runs warm and not hot to the touch like my old router. Gaming wise it has a good stable low ping connection and no lag. And one thing I like about Netgear routers, and why I buy them, is I always achieve open Nat with just the uPnP enabled (for some other brands I’ve tried this has been a pain to achieve).

Researched this device to make sure it was fully compatible with our ISP (Virgin Media(Hub 3)) and then ordered.Arrived quickly.Set it up using the Nighthawk app which is easy to navigate. Opened my VM hub's UI and set it to modem only and then finished set-up on the Nighthawk app. Fairly pain-free installation apart from a few niggles with our AV and VPN which were solved easily enough (which is amazing considering its having to communicate with Virgin Media junk)The WiFi throughout the home (3 bed semi) before installing this router was awful, patchy and slow (have 500mb VM package) and Virgin Media's solution was 2 plug-in boosters which is ok until you placed them in another room wherein they lost connection!The WiFi after booting up the Netgear router was great, good connection throughout the home with average 400-720mb wifi test speeds.I use this router in conjunction with a Netgear WiFi extender which enables great connection and speed in our garden some 30m and 2 solid walls away from where the extender is situated.Feel aggrieved I had to go to this length and cost but at the same point wish I had done this years earlier.Highly recommended (especially if you are a Virgin Media non Hub 5 user)!

This review represents my own real observations and analysis. I have extensive technology experience, and write based on my experiences with many routers and networking equipment, commercial and consumer equipment both, over 20+ years.Why I returned this router:- I used to buy Netgear products as I liked them very much. However this router looks cheap and for me, has several drawbacks; read on, why....- For some features, you will need to - SIGN-UP for a Monthly Subscription, yes you have to pay, month after month (even though you already paid for the router; and may have your own anti-virus software).- Unlike previous Netgear routers, many status LEDs are missing, so when trying to resolve issues, you cannot quickly or at a glance, tell what the issue(s) might be.- There is not even a power button! So, to restart you need to unplug, wait, then plug back in. Depending on the frequency and where your router is located, this may break the cable and/or the connector.- When you start the router, it almost forces you or sort of humiliates you (my opinion) to download their app i.e. you either download their app or click on a link that implies that you have a very old/outdated mobile phone; that was how I perceived. This is likely to force many people to download their app, even if they did not want to. This is just a router; in most cases it should be able to setup automatically (default DHCP, connection info, etc or worse case - ask you ISP username and password).- What is wrong with downloading an app? Issues with privacy; if you do not care about privacy, move to the next point. Mobile Apps have the means to collect a lot of private info (your contacts, wifi info, phone number, email, your location, track your movements based on sensors, etc); unless you know how to disable/block some of these attributes on your phone/tablet. Even then, apps can insist that such permissions are required. A router, in my opinion, does not need an app; hence I never use one. Not saying that Netgear app collects certain info; no idea what it collects, or not.- You have children? The router cannot block URLs based on keywords you specify, which may be present in the URL. For example, I found no way of configuring the router so that it blocks any URL which may have the characters ADULTXYZ anywhere in the URL. How could such a feature be missing?- QOS (quality of service) - This feature supposedly downloads a database from somewhere, which itself decides which of your internet traffic should get priority. I find this to be opaque, as I cannot tell what this feature does based on what database, and what data (my data) is being collected by whom. So, privacy and lack of control issues.These are some of the reasons why I returned this router. I purchased an ASUS router from Amazon, which uses open-source software, and I am very happy with it. I get much better performance and higher wifi connection speeds, at the same price.NOTE: People often think that some routers have more wifi power or range than others, this is mostly untrue. Router manufacturers mostly use standard off-the-shelf components, which generally produce the maximum power legally allowed. Positioning of the router is the primary reason for good/bad connections. Another reason is interference and if you are using roaming between routers.

For years I've bought Chinese brands (most routers are Chinese, but slyly named and marketed like a Western brand e.gone common brand starting with a T). Over time I've become concerned about both quality and most importantly, security. I also wanted a router that gave me more control. I've always heard good things about Netgear and they are an American company. I thought this was a bit pricey, but it was worth every penny. Very happy with it. The range of control that this offers is far superior. I like how you can set subtle things such as schedule the WiFi to turn on off at certain times. You can also turn the power down on the WiFi. No need to blast WiFi to your neighbours and beyond. I reduced the signal strength to 50% and I still get a good strong and fast connection all over the house.Best router I've ever had and I'll never getting a Chinese brand again.