Netgear R6120 Router Review: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of This Wi-Fi Router
The NETGEAR R6120 Router is a popular option for those looking to upgrade their home Wi-Fi. It offers features and performance capabilities that make it an attractive choice for many users. This review will analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly of this router to help buyers decide if it is truly worth considering for their needs.
The NETGEAR R6120 Router has notable features, such as dual-band technology and fast speed with up to 1200 Mbps. It also includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols, which provide additional protection from external threats. For those who want to customize their network settings, this router has a user-friendly web interface with multiple options available.
However, while the NETGEAR R6120 Router offers some advantages, there are also some drawbacks associated with this device. This review will explore these areas in detail so that buyers can make an informed purchase decision about this router.
Overview
The Netgear R6120 router is a dual-band router designed to provide optimal wireless coverage for the home or small office. It has two wireless bands, one 2.4 GHz and one 5 GHz, allowing users to benefit from speeds up to 750 Mbps on both bands. The router supports 802.11ac technology, which provides faster speeds and more reliable connections than other routers of its class.
Additionally, the R6120 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports that offer secure wired connections at speeds up to 1000 Mbps. The router also features a USB port that enables users to connect external storage devices for easy file sharing and backup.
The R6120’s setup process is straightforward and requires minimal technical knowledge. It comes with an intuitive web interface that allows the user to easily configure their settings and manage their network from any device with an internet connection.
In addition, the router includes several advanced features such as parental controls, guest networks, and QOS (Quality of Service) settings that can be used to prioritize certain types of traffic for better performance.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 is a well-rounded router with good performance and plenty of features that make it suitable for use in homes or small offices. Its range is adequate but may not be suitable for larger spaces or multiple floors due to its relatively low signal strength output.
Design And Features
The Netgear R6120 router offers many attractive features for users looking for a reliable wireless connection. Its sleek design is highlighted by its three external antennas that provide expanded coverage in larger homes and offices. In addition, the router is equipped with dual-band 802.11ac wireless technology to deliver faster speeds and better performance than previous models.
When it comes to design, the R6120 is a good choice. It has an intuitive user interface that makes setup and configuration easy and straightforward. Furthermore, the router features two USB ports, which can be used to connect external storage devices or printers. Additionally, there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections as well as two antenna connectors for improved signal strength.
The R6120 also excels when it comes to features:
1) Beamforming+ technology focuses Wi-Fi signals toward connected devices to improve performance;
2) Smart Connect technology automatically selects the best band based on device capabilities;
3) The ReadySHARE Vault app allows users to back up their data onto an external hard drive;
4) NETGEAR Genie App provides parental controls for managing internet access time and content filtering for all connected devices.
The Netgear R6120 is an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich Wi-Fi router without breaking the bank. Its robust design, intuitive user interface, fast speeds, and extensive list of features make it one of the most popular routers currently available on the market today.
Security Options
The Netgear R6120 Router provides extensive security options for its users. It includes WPA2 and WPA/WPA2-PSK encryption protocols that ensure data is secure while it is transmitted over the router’s network. Additionally, the router has a built-in firewall that helps protect users from malicious software, hackers, and other external threats.
Furthermore, the router can also be set up to automatically block certain websites or content that could be considered inappropriate. This feature makes it easy for parents to keep their children safe online.
The router also has a ‘guest network’ mode where users can create a separate WiFi network with its own password for visitors or guests who only need temporary access to the internet. This prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing the main private network of the home or office.
Finally, the router supports the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) , which offer an added layer of security when connecting to public networks or sending sensitive data over insecure connections. Together, these features make the Netgear R6120 Router a secure and reliable choice for any home or office environment.
Network Performance
Network performance is one of the most important features that should be considered when evaluating a router. The Netgear R6120 is equipped with dual-band WiFi technology, which provides both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, supporting speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
Additionally, it has four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, allowing for maximum data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. Furthermore, it is equipped with Beamforming+ technology which helps in optimizing the signal strength towards connected devices.
In terms of network stability, this router performs exceptionally well under normal conditions; however, there have been some reports of sporadic disconnections at times when multiple devices are connected simultaneously. That said, such issues can easily be resolved by resetting the device or updating its firmware.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable router with good performance and reasonable price tag. It offers fast wireless speeds on both bands and comes with useful features such as Beamforming+ technology for improved range and coverage area. Additionally, its four Gigabit Ethernet ports are ideal for connecting multiple wired devices at once without sacrificing speed or reliability.
Parental Controls
The Netgear R6120 Router offers some excellent parental control options, allowing users to set up a secure home network. The router includes a built-in firewall and content filtering, which allows parents to block objectionable websites or limit access to certain types of content. It also provides time-based access controls that enable parents to set limits on when their children can access the internet.
In addition, the router supports OpenDNS Family Shield, which offers an additional layer of protection by blocking inappropriate websites and content.
The Netgear R6120 Router also offers a guest network feature that lets parents offer visitors temporary internet access without compromising their family’s security settings. This is especially useful for households that host frequent gatherings or parties, as it allows visitors to use the internet without giving them full access to the family’s home network.
Overall, the parental control features of the Netgear R6120 Router are comprehensive and user-friendly, providing families with an extra level of security and peace of mind. The built-in firewall, content filtering, and time-based access controls create a safe environment for children while still allowing parents to manage their children’s online activities. Additionally, the guest network feature is an excellent bonus for households that often host visitors.
Ease Of Use
The Netgear R6120 Router is designed to be user-friendly and easy to set up and configure. The router’s installation wizard provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the device. Additionally, the accompanying mobile app allows users to manage their network settings from a mobile device. This makes it easy to adjust settings like parental controls, guest networks, and more, even when away from home.
The router also comes with preset security settings that help protect users against cyber threats. These include the latest wireless encryption protocols such as WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK which are designed to provide strong protection against hackers and other malicious actors. The router also includes a firewall that helps keep out unwanted traffic from outside sources.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 Router is an excellent choice for users looking for an easy to use wireless router with robust security features. With its intuitive setup process and convenient mobile app, this router is ideal for those who want peace of mind while browsing the web.
Price/Value Ratio
The Netgear R6120 router is a relatively affordable option for those looking to upgrade their home network. It offers dual-band performance, with speeds of up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. While these speeds are lower than some more expensive routers, they are still quite good and deliver a reliable connection for streaming media and other activities. Additionally, this router has four gigabit Ethernet ports which support wired connections as well as Wi-Fi.
In terms of value, the Netgear R6120 router is an excellent choice. It provides good performance at an affordable price point and includes features such as parental controls and guest access that can be beneficial to households with multiple users. The design is also quite attractive and the setup process is straightforward, making it easy to get connected quickly.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 router delivers solid performance at a reasonable cost, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an upgrade without breaking the bank. Its dual-band speeds provide enough bandwidth for streaming media and gaming while its four Ethernet ports allow for wired connections when needed. Additionally, its attractive design and user-friendly setup make it easy to use in any home environment.
Pros And Cons
The Netgear R6120 Router is a mid-range router that offers a variety of features. In this section, the pros and cons of this particular router will be discussed in order to provide readers with an informative overview.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup process | Limited range and speed |
| Compatible with most devices | Poor customer service response time |
| Connects to multiple networks simultaneously | No support for MU-MIMO streaming |
| Parental controls available | May need to reboot once in a while for optimal performance |
The R6120 Router is great for users who don’t want to spend much time setting up their device. The initial setup process is fairly straightforward and can be completed quickly. Additionally, the R6120 is compatible with most devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.
Furthermore, it can connect to multiple networks simultaneously allowing for more flexibility than other routers in its price range. Another bonus feature of this router is its parental control option which allows parents to easily monitor their children’s online activity.
On the downside, the R6120 has limited range and speed compared to higher end models. Additionally, the customer service response time can be slow at times which can be frustrating when dealing with technical issues. Furthermore, there is no support for MU-MIMO streaming which limits its ability to handle multiple connections at once.
Lastly, users may find themselves having to reboot their routers occasionally in order to maintain optimal performance levels.
In summary, the Netgear R6120 Router has both advantages and disadvantages depending on user needs and preferences. Its easy setup process and compatibility with various devices make it an attractive option for those looking for a mid-range router that won’t break the bank. However, its limited range and speed as well as lack of MU-MIMO streaming capabilities should be taken into consideration when deciding if this model meets your needs.
Alternatives
Having discussed the good and bad of the Netgear R6120 Router, it is important to consider other options. Below are some alternatives for those who may be looking for a different Wi-Fi router.
- D-Link DIR-890L/R:
- Pros: It is powerful and fast, with tri-band technology
- Cons: It’s expensive and has limited customization options
- Linksys EA9500 Max Stream:
- Pros: Easy to set up, long range coverage, eight antennas that cover large areas
- Cons: Expensive and can be complicated to configure correctly
- TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750:
- Pros: Great value for money, easy setup and good performance.
- Cons: Limited features and no 5GHz band support.
When considering these alternatives, there are several factors to keep in mind. Price is an important factor; many of these routers are more expensive than the Netgear R6120. Additionally, the range of each router should be taken into consideration; those with larger homes or offices may need a router with greater coverage area than what the Netgear R6120 offers.
Lastly, one must also consider the ease of setup and configuration; if one does not have experience dealing with networking devices then they may want to opt for a simpler device such as the TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 which offers easy setup and basic features at an affordable price.
Final Verdict
The NETGEAR R6120 router is an affordable option for those looking to upgrade their home Wi-Fi network. It offers speeds up to 300 Mbps and is compatible with most devices. The setup process is relatively simple and the router has plenty of features, including a guest network and parental controls. On the downside, its range can be limited in larger homes and the user interface could be improved.
Overall, the NETGEAR R6120 is a solid choice for most home users, offering reliable performance at an affordable price. It also provides a good selection of features, making it suitable for families with children or anyone who wants added security or control over their network. Those looking for faster speeds or more range may want to consider other options, but the R6120 should meet the needs of most users.
The NETGEAR R6120 is a good value for money router that generally delivers on its promises and should provide reliable performance for most users’ needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Netgear R6120 Router Support Dual-Band Networks?
The Netgear R6120 Router is a Wi-Fi router that has gained popularity for its dual-band network support. It supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, providing users with a more reliable connection with less interference. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using this router:
Pros:
- Supports dual-band networks
- Dedicated mobile app for easy setup and management
- Robust security features including WPA2 encryption
- 4 LAN ports and one USB port
- Easy to use user interface
One of the main advantages of the Netgear R6120 Router is its dual-band network support. The 2.4 GHz frequency is used for basic networking tasks such as web browsing, while the 5 GHz frequency provides faster speeds for streaming videos or gaming online. This allows users to have a more reliable connection with less interference from other devices on the same network. Additionally, it comes with a dedicated mobile app that makes setup and management of the router easy and convenient.
Security is another important feature of this router, which includes WPA2 encryption for secure network access. There are also four LAN ports and one USB port available for connecting devices to the router. Finally, it has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to navigate through settings and customize your preferences.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 Router offers plenty of features to suit most users’ needs – from basic networking tasks to advanced security options – all in a compact package that is easy to install and use.
How Is The Netgear R6120 Router Different From Other Wi-Fi Routers?
The Netgear R6120 Router is a Wi-Fi router designed to offer dual-band networks and is different from other routers in many ways. Specifically, it has the following features:
- Up to 300 megabits per second (Mbps) of speed on the 2.4GHz band
- Up to 867 Mbps of speed on the 5GHz band
- Four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connection to wired devices
- An intuitive web-based interface for easy setup and management
These features make it stand out from other routers as they provide better coverage, faster speeds, and improved security with advanced firewall protection. The four Ethernet ports also allow multiple devices to be connected at once, making it perfect for gaming or streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Furthermore, its web-based interface provides an easy way to configure and manage settings without having to manually set up and configure each device.
This makes setting up a network much easier than before and allows users more control over their network settings than ever before. Finally, its advanced firewall protection ensures that any malicious activity on the network is blocked or detected quickly so that users can enjoy secure browsing experience at all times.
Overall, the Netgear R6120 Router offers great features that make it stand out from other Wi-Fi routers in terms of coverage, speed, security, and convenience. Its fast speeds allow for smooth streaming services while its advanced firewall protection ensures secure browsing experiences for all users connected to the network.
Additionally, its intuitive web-based interface makes it easy to set up a network quickly and efficiently with minimal effort required by the user which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable Wi-Fi router with plenty of features packed into one device.
Does The Netgear R6120 Router Offer Advanced Security Features?
The Netgear R6120 router has the potential to offer advanced security features, such as parental controls, guest networks, and password protection. However, this depends on the user’s knowledge and preferences when setting up the router. To assess whether the Netgear R6120 provides sufficient security for users’ needs, it is important to examine its features in detail.
The Netgear R6120 router comes with a four-port Gigabit Ethernet switch and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology that can provide speeds of up to 600Mbps on 2.4GHz band and up to 1300Mbps on 5GHz band. It also offers WPA2 wireless encryption, which is an industry standard for providing secure Wi-Fi connections. In addition, the router has a built-in NAT firewall that helps protect users against malicious attacks.
Furthermore, there are options available for setting up parental controls so parents can monitor and control their children’s online activity.
For those who want extra protection beyond the default settings of the router, they may opt to use third-party security applications such as NETGEAR ArmorTM or OpenDNS Family ShieldTM to further secure their connection. These applications can provide additional layers of security including malware protection and content filtering services.
Additionally, users can create a separate guest network so visitors can access the internet without compromising their home network’s security. Finally, users have the option of setting strong passwords for added protection from unauthorized access or hacking attempts.
Overall, it appears that the Netgear R6120 offers sufficient security features for most home networks if set up properly according to user preferences and needs. The combination of encryption protocols and other options available should be enough for most people looking for basic security measures on their home networks but those who need extra protection can use third party applications for additional layers of defense against cyber threats.
What Is The Maximum Range Of The Netgear R6120 Router?
The current H2 is: What is the maximum range of the Netgear R6120 Router? To answer this question properly, it is helpful to consider the technical specifications and user feedback related to its range.
In terms of its technical specifications, the R6120 router has a 2×2 dual band antenna with a theoretical maximum speed of 300 Mbps on both bands. This means that it should be able to reach up to 300 feet (91 meters) in an open environment. In reality, however, there are several factors that can affect this number such as walls, interference from other devices and even weather conditions.
User feedback regarding the range of the R6120 router is generally positive. Many users have reported being able to consistently receive signals up to 200 feet (around 61 meters), even in areas where there are multiple walls or other obstacles present. Additionally, some users have experienced no issues with their signal strength over greater distances.
Overall, it appears that the Netgear R6120 router offers decent range with good user feedback regarding its performance at longer distances. Despite potential obstacles like walls and other interfering devices, most users report consistent performance over a distance of 200 feet or more in an open environment with minimal interference.
How Many Devices Can Be Connected To The Netgear R6120 Router?
The maximum number of devices that can be connected to the Netgear R6120 router is dependent on the speed and range of the router, as well as its performance. The Netgear R6120 has a dual band AC1200, with a 2.4GHz band that offers up to 300 Mbps, and a 5GHz band that offers up to 867 Mbps. This router has four Gigabit Ethernet ports which can support up to four wired connections at high speeds. Additionally, this router also supports up to 10 simultaneous wireless connections.
The installation process for the Netgear R6120 is easy and convenient. It comes with an easy-to-follow setup wizard which guides users through the installation process step by step. The setup wizard also provides users with detailed instructions on how to configure their network settings such as IP address, DNS server, and wireless security encryption type.
The overall performance of the Netgear R6120 is quite good for a mid-range router considering its price point; it offers reliable connection speeds and decent coverage throughout an average size home or office environment. However, it does not have any advanced features such as beamforming technology or MU-MIMO capabilities that are found in more expensive routers. Additionally, there have been some reports of instability when using this router with certain devices.
In summary, the Netgear R6120 is a mid-range router that supports up to 10 simultaneous wireless connections and allows for easy installation via its setup wizard. It offers reliable connection speeds and decent coverage within an average sized home or office environment but may experience some instability when used with certain devices due to lack of advanced features such as beamforming technology or MU-MIMO capabilities.
Conclusion
The NETGEAR R6120 Router is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, secure and affordable Wi-Fi router. It supports dual-band networks, making it compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, offering more flexibility for users. The router also comes with advanced security features such as WPA2 encryption to protect your network from malicious attacks.
Furthermore, the router offers a maximum range of up to 1500 square feet and can support up to 20 devices at once, allowing you to connect all your family’s devices without issue.
Overall, the NETGEAR R6120 Router is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable Wi-Fi router that offers great value for money. Its dual-band compatibility allows it to be used in many different settings, while its advanced security features provide peace of mind by protecting your network from malicious attacks.
In addition, its long range and ability to support numerous devices makes it ideal for households that have multiple members using the internet simultaneously.
All things considered, the NETGEAR R6120 Router is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable yet reliable Wi-Fi router that provides both flexibility and security. With its impressive range and ability to support multiple users at once, this router should meet most people’s needs without breaking the bank.
