NETGEAR
NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router (RS90) – Router Only, BE3600 Wireless
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Highlights
- WiFi 7 Dual-Band Speed, 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz: Up to 3.6 Gbps, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Real-world speeds depend on your connected devices and internet plan. Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor handles gaming, 4K streaming, video conferencing, and smart home devices.
- Compatible with Cable, Fiber, DSL & Satellite: Works with most internet service providers when connected to an existing modem or ISP gateway. Some ISP-provided gateways, particularly fiber, may require bridge mode or additional configuration before setup.
- Router Only, Modem Required, Works with Most ISPs: Standalone WiFi router, not a modem. A separate modem with RJ45 ethernet port is required; no coax input. Compatible with most ISPs. Customers with all-in-one gateways may not need a separate router.
- Easy to set up: watch the video "How to set up Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router" on this page. You’ll use your existing cable/fiber/DSL modem (with Ethernet port), internet service from your internet service provider, and this router will connect to your modem.
- Setup via Nighthawk App or Web Browser: Guided setup available through the NETGEAR Nighthawk app or a web browser. Internet must be active on your modem before setup. Some fiber ISP configurations may require additional steps.
- 2.5 Gig WAN Port for Multi-Gig Internet + 4 Gigabit LAN Ports: Connects to your modem via ethernet only; no coax. The 2.5 Gig port is the WAN input only. Four 1 Gig Ethernet LAN ports connect computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and storage drives.
- WPA3 Security + NETGEAR Armor for Every Connected Device: WPA3 encryption, SPI firewall, and auto firmware updates protect your network. NETGEAR Armor shields phones, laptops, TVs, cameras, and smart home devices from hackers and malware. 30-day trial.
- WiFi Coverage Depends on Your Home: Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. in open layouts. Walls, floors, building materials and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a mesh WiFi system.
- Smart Connect & Guest WiFi: Smart Connect automatically selects the best WiFi band for each device, keeping your whole home connected at optimal speeds. Easily set up a separate, secure guest WiFi network for visitors in minutes.
- Made for the US Only.
Product Overview
Key Features
- WiFi 7 Dual-Band Technology: Delivers up to 3.6 Gbps speeds across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering 1.2x faster performance than WiFi 6 routers.
- Quad-Core Processor: A 2.0 GHz quad-core processor efficiently handles gaming, 4K streaming, video conferencing, and multiple smart home devices simultaneously.
- 2.5 Gig WAN Port: Features a 2.5 Gigabit WAN port for multi-gig internet connections plus four 1 Gigabit LAN ports for wired device connectivity.
- WPA3 Security & NETGEAR Armor: Provides advanced encryption, SPI firewall, automatic firmware updates, and a 30-day trial of NETGEAR Armor malware protection for all connected devices.
- Smart Connect Technology: Automatically optimizes WiFi band selection for each device to maintain consistent speeds throughout your home.
- Broad ISP Compatibility: Works with cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite internet when connected to an existing modem from most major internet service providers.
Pros
- Impressive WiFi 7 speeds that significantly outperform WiFi 6, making it future-proof for bandwidth-heavy applications.
- Easy setup through the intuitive Nighthawk app or web browser with guided instructions.
- Excellent security features including WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor protection for comprehensive device coverage.
- Smart Connect automatically optimizes performance, eliminating the need for manual band selection.
- Compatible with most major ISPs and internet types, providing flexibility for various home setups.
Cons
- Router-only design requires a separate modem with an Ethernet port, adding to overall setup complexity and cost.
- Coverage limited to approximately 2,000 sq. ft. in open layouts; larger or multi-story homes may require a mesh system for optimal performance.
Detailed Reviews
The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 is a powerful WiFi 7 router designed for users seeking cutting-edge wireless performance without the all-in-one gateway complexity. With speeds up to 3.6 Gbps and a robust quad-core processor, it handles demanding tasks like 4K streaming, competitive gaming, and smart home automation with ease. The 2.5 Gig WAN port future-proofs your setup for next-generation internet speeds, while the four Gigabit LAN ports provide reliable wired connections for stationary devices. Smart Connect technology intelligently manages band allocation across devices, ensuring optimal speeds throughout your home without manual intervention.
Security is a major strength, featuring WPA3 encryption and NETGEAR Armor's comprehensive device protection against threats. Setup is straightforward via the Nighthawk app, though fiber ISP users may encounter additional configuration requirements. The main limitation is the coverage area of approximately 2,000 sq. ft., which may necessitate a mesh system for larger homes. This router is ideal for tech-savvy users with existing modems who want premium WiFi 7 performance and advanced security features.
Verdict: The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS90 delivers exceptional WiFi 7 performance and security for its price point, making it an excellent choice for future-ready home networks. However, potential buyers should verify modem compatibility and assess whether coverage meets their home's size requirements before purchasing.
Product Details
| Brand | NETGEAR |
| ASIN | B0DW27FNG3 |
