The Pros And Cons Of NETGEAR R6120 A Comprehensive Review Of This Wi-Fi Router

NETGEAR R6120 is an AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi router that offers high speed internet access. It is a powerful yet affordable router that has gained popularity among home users and business owners alike. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the NETGEAR R6120, detailing its pros and cons.

The NETGEAR R6120 is a mid-range router that supports AC1200 Wi-Fi speeds. It comes with two external antennas which help to boost signal strength and coverage area.

The router is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, as well as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for connecting storage devices such as hard drives or flash drives. The NETGEAR Genie app makes it easy to manage and configure the router from a smartphone or tablet device.

In addition, the NETGEAR R6120 features advanced security features such as Guest Network Access and Parental Controls which can be used to protect children from inappropriate content or set time limits on their internet use. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the NETGEAR R6120 in detail, so readers can make an informed decision about whether this router is right for them.

Overview Of The NETGEAR R6120

The NETGEAR R6120 is a mid-tier Wi-Fi router designed for home and small business networks. It offers dual-band 802.11ac wireless technology, four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and one USB port for sharing networked storage or printers. The R6120 features an AC1200 data rate, which provides up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Setup is simple with the web interface or the NETGEAR Genie app, allowing users to quickly configure their router with just a few clicks.

The R6120 has several advanced features, such as Quality of Service (QoS) settings that prioritize traffic for gaming and streaming, as well as support for WPA/WPA2 security protocols. It also includes automatic firmware updates to keep users secure and connected to the latest version of the software, along with parental controls that allow parents to limit their children’s access to certain websites or block them altogether.

Additionally, this device is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands for easy setup and control of Wi-Fi settings from any room in the house.

Overall, the NETGEAR R6120 is an affordable router that offers reliable performance for home use and small businesses alike. With its advanced features, easy setup process, compatibility with major voice assistants, and security protocols it can provide a secure connection for all your devices with minimal effort on your part.

Design And Specifications

The NETGEAR R6120 is a midrange Wi-Fi router that offers reliable performance, advanced security features, and a modern design. Its design is sleek and compact, with two external antennas for improved signal range. It also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB port for connecting to other devices.

The R6120 features dual-band AC1200 technology, supporting up to 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This provides fast data transfer speeds ideal for streaming video or playing online games. It also supports beamforming technology, which focuses the Wi-Fi signal in the direction of connected devices for improved performance.

In terms of security, the R6120 includes WPA/WPA2 encryption and a built-in firewall to protect your network from malicious traffic. It also supports guest networks so visitors can access your network without compromising your security settings. All in all, the NETGEAR R6120 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and secure Wi-Fi router at an affordable price point.

Setup And Installation

The Netgear R6120 is a dual-band wireless router that can be used to access the internet in homes and small businesses. Setup and installation of the router is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes. It comes with a detailed user guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to set it up and connect to the network.

The setup process begins by connecting the router to a modem or other internet connection source. This is done by plugging an Ethernet cable into the WAN port located at the back of the router. The next step is to power on the device and connect it to a computer through a wired or wireless connection.

Once this is done, users are able to configure their settings, such as assigning passwords, setting up parental controls, and setting up guest networks.

Netgear’s Genie mobile app also makes it easier for users to manage their home network from any smartphone or tablet. The app allows users to check their internet connection status, control access for certain devices, block unwanted websites, prioritize certain types of data traffic, and more. With all these features available, it’s easy for users to get started with their new Netgear R6120 wireless router quickly and easily.

Performance Evaluation

The Netgear R6120 is a dual-band Wi-Fi router suitable for most home and small office networks. It offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Its four 10/100 ports provide connection for wired devices such as computers, printers, and game consoles. To evaluate its performance, this review will cover its wireless speed test results, range coverage area, and set up process.

Wireless speed tests were conducted using Ookla’s Speedtest application. On the 2.4 GHz band, download speeds of up to 200 Mbps were achieved at short range with no obstructions between the router and laptop connected to it. At long range with many walls in between the router and laptop, download speeds dropped to around 42 Mbps while upload speeds remained unchanged at around 40 Mbps.

On the 5 GHz band, download speeds reached an impressive 290 Mbps at close range without any obstructions between the router and laptop connected to it. At long range with several walls in between them, download speeds dropped to around 50 Mbps while upload speeds stayed around 40 Mbps.

The Netgear R6120 had good range coverage area of up to 400 feet when tested outdoors in an open space without any obstacles present between it and the laptop connected to it at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands respectively. Indoors however, range coverage was reduced significantly due to interference from walls or other objects blocking signals from reaching the laptop connected to it.

Setting up the Netgear R6120 was easy enough since all that was required was connecting it directly via an ethernet cable or wirelessly via a smartphone app called Netgear Genie Smart Setup which provided step-by-step instructions for setting up and managing a home network.

Configuring advanced settings such as port forwarding was also straightforward since these were all accessible in the same app making setup process simple for even beginners who are unfamiliar with networking concepts or technologies .

Features And Capabilities

The Netgear R6120 is a reliable wifi router that provides users with many features and capabilities. It provides dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for improved coverage, allowing for maximum speeds of up to 600Mbps at 2.4Ghz and 1300Mbps at 5Ghz. Furthermore, it offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports that enable up to 4 wired connections.

In addition, the R6120 includes WPA/WPA2 encryption for secure wireless connections and advanced QoS management technology which helps prioritize network traffic to ensure smooth streaming of videos or music.

Some of the other features that this router has include:

• 4 antennas for improved coverage throughout the home
• ReadyShare USB access for sharing files over the network
• Easy setup with a simple user interface
• Parental control options to manage screen time and internet usage

This router also comes with a one-year warranty which provides peace of mind in case any issues arise during operation. All in all, the Netgear R6120 is an excellent choice for those seeking strong performance, features, and capabilities from their wifi router.

Security Protocols

The Netgear R6120 router provides a secure Wi-Fi network with its range of security protocols. It includes WPA2/WPA, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), and SPI Firewall for protecting the data from malicious intrusions.

Security Protocols	Pros	Cons
WPA2/WPA	Provides strong encryption that is difficult to crack, making it one of the most secure protocols available.	Not compatible with all devices, as some older devices might not support it.
WPS	Quick and easy setup process. Allows users to easily connect without having to enter complex passwords.	Some older versions have known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Newer versions are more secure but may still be vulnerable due to weak passwords or incorrect settings.
SPI Firewall	Prevents unauthorized access to the router by blocking suspicious incoming traffic.	Can be bypassed if proper configuration is not set up properly.

Overall, these security protocols provide an effective way of protecting data from malicious intrusions while also allowing for easy setup and connection of devices. They are all essential components for ensuring the privacy and security of a Wi-Fi network, which makes them invaluable features in the Netgear R6120 router.

Price Point Analysis

The Netgear R6120 has a price point that puts it in the mid-range of wireless routers. At around $50, it is an affordable option for those who want a reliable and secure router without breaking the bank. The cost is comparable to similarly featured routers, though there are more expensive models available with better specifications. Its main strength lies in its range, with dual-band AC1200 technology providing coverage up to 1500 square feet. This makes it suitable for larger homes and offices.

In terms of value for money, the Netgear R6120 offers good performance and features at a reasonable price. It has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, one USB port, and even supports MU-MIMO streaming for faster speeds when multiple devices are connected. It also includes advanced security features such as WPA/WPA2 encryption and guest networks for added protection.

Overall, the Netgear R6120 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable home or office router at an affordable price point. It offers good performance, range, and features making it a great value purchase.

Pros And Cons Summary

The Netgear R6120 is a mid-range wireless router that offers many features and benefits for home or small business users. It has a dual-band capacity of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB port for media streaming, and an easy setup process. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of this router to help users make an informed decision when considering a purchase.

Pros:

• Fast speeds – The R6120 delivers fast speeds up to 600Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on its 5GHz band, making it suitable for streaming HD videos or multiplayer gaming.
• Easy setup – The router comes with a simple installation wizard which makes setting it up quick and easy.
• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports – These allow users to connect multiple devices such as computers, printers, or gaming consoles without losing speed or performance.
• USB port – This allows users to stream media from external storage devices such as hard drives or flash drives directly from the router.
• Parental controls – This feature allows parents to easily set limits on their children’s internet usage by blocking certain websites or content categories.

Cons:

• Limited range – The R6120 has limited range compared to more expensive routers, so it may not be suitable for larger homes or offices with multiple rooms or floors.
• No MU-MIMO support – MU-MIMO technology helps increase performance by allowing simultaneous connections from multiple devices without sacrificing speed, but this router does not offer this feature.
• No built-in VPN – A VPN (virtual private network) can provide added privacy and security when using the internet but this router does not have one built in.
• No guest network – The lack of a guest network means visitors will need to use the same password as everyone else in order to access the internet connection provided by this router.
• Prone to interference – Because it is a dual-band device, the R6120 is vulnerable to interference from other electronic devices operating within the same frequency range which can affect performance negatively.

Overall, the Netgear R6120 has many features that make it an attractive option for home or small business users who are looking for an affordable yet powerful wireless router with good speeds and features like parental control and USB media streaming capabilities. However, its limited range and lack of some advanced features like MU-MIMO support could be deal breakers for some buyers who require these features in their routers

Alternatives To Consider

Moving on, it is important to consider the alternatives available for an internet router. There are many different routers on the market that may provide better performance than the Netgear R6120. For example, a popular choice is the Linksys WRT3200ACM MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, which offers dual band speeds of up to 3200 Mbps and four adjustable antennas to maximize coverage and performance.

Other options include the TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Cable Router, which has a maximum speed of 1750Mbps and can be used with any service provider.

The Asus RT-AC68U Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 Gigabit Router also provides maximum wireless speed up to 1900 Mbps and advanced parental controls for added security. Finally, there is the Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router that offers tri-band speeds of up to 3.2Gbps and six adjustable antennas for extended range. Each of these routers present various pros and cons in comparison to the Netgear R6120 and must be evaluated based on individual needs.

Conclusion

The Netgear R6120 is a Wi-Fi router with a number of features that make it an attractive choice for home and business users. It has good performance, advanced security settings, and strong parental control functions. The range of the signal is excellent and the installation process is easy. On the other hand, this router can be expensive and may require additional hardware to get optimal speeds.

Overall, the Netgear R6120 is a good router for most users who want to upgrade their home network. It has many advanced features that make it ideal for both home and office use, while its reasonable price makes it accessible to most users.

While there are some drawbacks such as cost and speed issues, these can generally be mitigated by careful planning and making sure that you have all of the necessary hardware before purchasing the device. All in all, this router is worth considering if you need an upgrade for your home network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is The Warranty Period For The Netgear R6120?

The Netgear R6120 is a Wi-Fi router that offers high speeds and reliable performance. It features the latest technology, such as dual-band compatibility and support for multiple devices. A key question to consider when purchasing this product is how long the warranty period is.

The warranty period offered by Netgear for the R6120 is one year from the date of purchase. This includes parts and labor coverage for defects in materials or workmanship, as well as technical support provided by Netgear’s customer service team. The following list outlines some of the benefits of this one-year warranty:

• Access to 24/7 technical support
• Replacement parts if needed
• Service performed onsite if necessary
• A free replacement if a defect cannot be repaired
  Furthermore, customers have access to an additional two years of limited hardware warranty coverage after registering their product with Netgear. This extended coverage provides protection against any manufacturer’s defect not covered under the initial one-year warranty period.

The importance of a good quality warranty should not be underestimated when purchasing any product. The Netgear R6120 provides customers with peace of mind knowing they are covered in the event their device malfunctions or experiences any other type of hardware failure. Therefore, those considering the purchase of this Wi-Fi router can rest assured they will benefit from a comprehensive and reliable warranty policy offered by Netgear.

What Type Of Modem Is Needed To Use The Netgear R6120?

The NETGEAR R6120 is a Wi-Fi router that requires a modem in order to be used. Understanding the type of modem necessary for use with the device is important when considering purchase.

When it comes to modems, there are two main types: DSL and cable. DSL modems are commonly used with telephone lines and transmit information over copper wires. Cable modems, on the other hand, use coaxial cables and typically provide faster speeds than DSL connections.

In terms of compatibility with the NETGEAR R6120, both cable and DSL modems will work with the device. However, when using either type of modem, it is important to ensure that it is DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) 3.0 compliant in order for optimal performance and connection speeds.

Additionally, users should check to see if their internet service provider (ISP) offers any specific requirements or recommendations in regards to compatible modems; this will help ensure an optimal connection experience.

To sum up, when using the NETGEAR R6120 router, both cable and DSL modems can be used as long as they are DOCSIS 3.0 compliant. It is also recommended that users check with their ISP for any requirements or specifications before making a purchase decision regarding a compatible modem. Further considerations include:

• Speed:
• Cable Modem: Faster speeds available compared to DSL
• DSL Modem: Slower speeds available compared to cable
• Cost:
• Cable Modem: Generally more expensive than DSL Modem
• DSL Modem: Generally less expensive than cable modem
• Compatibility with ISP: Both types may have different requirements depending on user’s internet service provider

Does The Netgear R6120 Support Vpn Connections?

The Netgear R6120 is a high-performance WiFi router that supports VPN connections. It is an 802.11ac router with dual-band speeds of up to 1200 Mbps (300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band). This router is ideal for streaming HD content, gaming, and web browsing, as well as providing a secure connection to the internet.

In order to use a VPN connection with the R6120, users must have an appropriate modem that can support the VPN protocol. Some possible modems that are compatible include DSL or cable modems with an Ethernet port. Additionally, some modems may require firmware updates in order to properly support VPN connections. It is important to check with the modem’s manufacturer before purchasing it in order to ensure it is compatible with the R6120 and VPNs.

The Netgear R6120 also has several features designed specifically for usage with VPNs such as port forwarding, enabling users to access their home network from remote locations over a secure connection. Furthermore, this router has advanced security features including WPA2/WPA3 encryption and firewalls which help protect user data from malicious actors on public networks.

Overall, the Netgear R6120 offers excellent performance and features for users who need to access their home network securely over a virtual private network (VPN). With its wide range of features and compatibility with many modems, this router is well suited for both casual users and those requiring more advanced networking capabilities.

Are There Any Additional Fees Required To Use The Netgear R6120?

The current H2 question asks if there are any additional fees required to use the NETGEAR R6120. It is important to consider this factor when deciding whether or not to purchase the router, as additional expenses could impact a person’s budget significantly.

To start with, it is important to note that purchasing the router itself does not incur any extra charges. However, if a customer wishes to receive technical support from NETGEAR, they will have to pay for it. This can be done through their website or through one of their authorized retailers. Additionally, users may need to purchase extra cables or antennas in order to improve the performance of their network.

Finally, customers should also be aware that some ISPs will charge a fee for using the NETGEAR R6120 router on their networks. These charges will vary depending on the ISP and may include setup fees and monthly recurring charges for using certain features like parental control settings or access points.

Customers should make sure they understand all of these costs before purchasing a NETGEAR R6120 router so they can be adequately prepared for any additional expenses associated with it.

What Is The Range Of The Netgear R6120 Wi-Fi Signal?

The NETGEAR R6120 Wi-Fi router offers a single band 2.4GHz frequency along with 802.11ac technology, providing users with speeds up to 300Mbps. This router is also equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for fast and reliable connections to other devices in the home or office environment. In terms of wireless range, the NETGEAR R6120 has an impressive coverage area of up to 1200 square feet, making it suitable for larger homes and offices that require a strong signal in every corner of the building.

In order to measure the range of a Wi-Fi signal from any router, it is important to consider several factors such as wall thickness, interference from other devices and complex network structures. The NETGEAR R6120 takes these factors into account and offers optimal performance within its stated coverage area.

However, users should note that walls or other physical obstructions may significantly reduce this range and affect performance accordingly. It is also important to understand that the typical range of a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal can vary based on environmental conditions as well as device type and will not always reach its maximum potential.

When selecting a router for home or office use, it is important to consider the available range and performance capabilities in order to ensure uninterrupted access to the internet throughout all areas of your space. The NETGEAR R6120 offers an impressive 1200 square foot coverage area which should provide sufficient coverage for most users in both residential and business environments, allowing them to take full advantage of their wireless connection without having to worry about weak signals or dropped connections due to distance issues.

Conclusion

The NETGEAR R6120 is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their home network. It offers a generous warranty period of two years, which is far longer than the industry standard. Additionally, it supports VPN connections and does not require any additional fees for its use. The range of the Wi-Fi signal is also very good and will cover most medium-sized homes.

When considering the pros and cons of the NETGEAR R6120, it is clear that this router has a lot to offer. It has an impressive warranty period and provides a reliable connection with no hidden fees. The range of the signal is also very good, making it suitable for most homes. The one downside to this router is that it requires a modem in order to be used effectively.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR R6120 is a great option for those looking to upgrade their home network. It comes with an impressive array of features, such as VPN support and long-range Wi-Fi coverage, while remaining affordable and easy to set up. Despite needing an additional modem to be used effectively, this router still offers great value for money and should be considered by anyone looking for a reliable network solution at home.