In our setup guide, we show you how to install and get your X4S (AC2600) smart router operational.

Setting Up and Installing Your X4S AC2600 Router:

1. Unbox all of the accessories which includes the router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, four antennas, and the user manual.

   If you have an existing router connected, disconnect it (remove Ethernet cable and power cord) and write down the existing WiFi SSID name and Password. Keep the existing Ethernet cord connected to the modem.

2. On the AC2600 router, remove the antenna protectors. Observe that each antenna port has a number. Carefully install each antenna one by one on the specified numbered port.
3. Now that your antennas are connected, plug the Ethernet cable from your modem into the yellow Ethernet port in your AC2600 router.

   If you have a network switch or other wired devices in your home or office network, connect them now via Ethernet cable right into the AC2600 router.

4. Plugin the power cable and press the ON button (located in the back of the router).
5. After are the lights power on, it’s time to setup the router using an internet browser either on a desktop/laptop computer or on your mobile device via WiFi.

   The WiFi SSID username and password is located as a sticker right on top of your AC2600 router. Use those credentials to establish a connection. If you would like to use your computer instead, open your web browser (Firefox/Chrome/Safari), and type in http://192.168.1.1 and press enter.

6. Whether your using your mobile device or computer at this moment, connect to the AC2600 routers administrator panel through the web browser and follow the setup wizard.
7. You will have the option to change the existing routers WiFi username and password. If you want to keep your NETGEAR’s login credentials as is, you can skip that page and continue in the wizard.
8. An option to download NETGEAR’s desktop software will be presented to you. This is optional and not needed to successfully connect to the internet.
9. The setup will allow you to create a password for the administrator panel (where you can setup port forwarding, check the status of your internet connection, update the firewall, etc.) Default Username will be admin. Password is whatever you create.
10. The wizard will also ask you to download the latest firmware update, select yes.
11. Final step is to register your product online. This is recommended so that you can receive updates and firmware notifications. Keeping your router updated to the latest firmware is very important.
12. Your setup is now complete. Now you can stream Netflix, do online gaming, and browse Netflix all at the same time without any latency issues. Enjoy your new or upgraded WiFi experience.

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Google officially enters the home Wi-Fi router arena. Co-developed with TP-Link, the On Hub AC1900 is a dual-band model with a sleek form factor that looks nothing like a traditional router. It contains more than a dozen antennas, is a cinch to install, and it uses a thoughtfully designed app to control certain network functions. The OnHub AC1900 is equipped with circuitry to control Zig Bee home automation devices and has a Bluetooth 4.0 radio, but neither of these features are enabled as of this writing. Moreover, it will only accommodate one wired LAN connection, and its lone USB port is reserved for recovery purposes.

The On Hub is an AC1900 router that can (theoretically) provide up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band. Under the hood are a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 4GB of eMMC flash storage (for software updates), and 1GB of DDR3 memory. There are also six 2.4GHz antennas and six 5GHz antennas arranged in a circular pattern for maximum coverage in all directions, a reflector antenna that boosts signal strength, and a congestion-sensing radio that continually polls wireless activity and changes channels to increase performance. The OnHub is also equipped with Zig Bee and Bluetooth antennas, but neither are currently enabled. Google says it plans to add support for both in the future, but does not provide a timeframe.

Design

The Google OnHub AC1900 developed in tandem with TP-Link, is easily one of the best-looking routers ever developed. Unlike countless other routers to be found on store shelves, the OnHub comes with a sleek design that’s actually meant to be placed in a prominent position in the home – not tucked away in an office corner somewhere.

OnHub boasts a blue cylindrical case that can be taken off to reveal the device’s internals. At the bottom is a metal stand and at the top is a circular, grate-like cap. Underneath the hood, there are two Ethernet ports – one for WAN and another for LAN. There’s also a USB port and, according to Google, support for Bluetooth and Weave – the company’s home-automation platform. The On Hub’s design reflects the concept that Google is bringing to the table with the router: simplicity. Although there are no antennae in sight, the router is capable of pumping out both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks without trouble. If design were the only metric by which I was judging the OnHub, it would perform exceedingly well.

Installation and Performance

Installing the OnHub couldn’t be easier, but you’ll have to have a valid Google account to do so. To start, download the app and sign in using your Google account username and password. Follow the on-screen instructions to plug in the router’s power and Ethernet cable, then get the router’s setup code and SSID from its base. Go to your mobile device’s Wi-Fi settings, connect to the router’s SSID, and return to the Google On app to name the router and create your network. Use your Wi-Fi settings to connect to the router, and you’re done. Google suggests putting the OnHub out in the open, preferably at eye level for optimal range, but most homeowners will be limited in their location choices unless their home is wired for Ethernet.

Google On App

Whereas most routers are managed via a Web-based interface, the OnHub AC1900 is managed using the free Google On app for iOS or Android and does not currently offer Web-based controls. The app is very easy to use and offers plenty of tips and explanations for its various settings. The main page displays an overview with a diagram of your connected devices. It alerts you to any issues and offers a brief explanation and a link to the Help Guide to resolve those issues. You can click on any device to see its IP address, MAC address, connection status, and upload and download history. You can also view real-time data usage for each device and assign traffic priority for 1-, 2-, or 4-hour periods.

Overview of the features of Google WI Fl Router

• Super fast Wi-Fi speeds up to 1900 mbps to help with smooth streaming, gaming and downloading
• Helps eliminate dead zones with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bandl/2/3/4 Wi-Fi antenna-13, 2.4GHz Bluetooth antenna- 1 & 2.4GHz Zigbee antenna-1. Reliable coverage for most homes up to 2,500 square feet.
• Supports 100+ connected devices, so everyone can get on at once
• The companion Google On app makes setup simple and lets you to control your network from your smartphone
• Automatic security updates help keep your network safe.
• A separate guest network helps get friends online easily, and allows you to share devices, like your Chromecast, with them.

Should you buy it?

Google has designed the device to be accessible to beginners and those who want simplicity when setting up a home network. While it certainly delivers there. Anyone looking for a simple experience will like what they find in the On Hub AC1900, and if that’s combined with the quality of its experience, it’s hard not to choose it.

Pros

• Simple setup
• Modular design for better coverage
• Family-friendly control features
• Modern design

Cons

• No web interface
• Lacks some advanced features
• Only two cable ports

Conclusion

The Google On Hub AC1900 is designed for non-tech-savvy users looking for a quick and easy way to bring dual-band networking to the home, and in that respect, it succeeds. Its unique design lets you place it anywhere in the house (as long as you have a wired Ethernet connection there) and its user-friendly app makes it easy to set up and monitor your home Wi-Fi network.

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Setting Up Your AC1750 Smart Dual Band WiFi Router

1. Before setting up your WiFi Router, make sure that you have an existing internet connection from a Modem. (A modem is what your Internet Service Provider or Cable Company provided you when you purchased a internet service package.)
2. If you haven’t already, unpackage the router and it’s accessories. You should have the Router, a yellow Ethernet Cable, and a Power adapter.
3. For the best WiFi performance, position both the left and right Antennas 45 degrees away from the center.
4. Turn off your Cable Modem and make sure your WiFi Router is not connected to a power source. In the back of your WiFi Router, their is a yellow port called “Internet”, take the yellow Ethernet Cable and plug it there.
5. Take the other end of the yellow Ethernet Cable and plug it into the Ethernet Port of your Cable Modem.
6. Connect the power source for your Cable Modem and your WiFi Router. Turn on both devices. (You will know when the router is on and ready when the Power LED lights are amber and then turns white.)
7. On the router device their should be a label that contains the preassigned WiFi login credentials (Username and Password). Open any working browser from a WiFi enabled device (Mobile Device, Tablet, etc.) and select your WiFi network.
8. After connecting to your WiFi network, open any web browser, type a web address (google.com, etc.) and see if you have internet access. You now should be all set.

Usually before successfully connecting to the router, an installation assistant displays in your web browser. You can visit www.routerlogin.net to connect directly into your WiFi routers admin panel. Use the following credentials to login (case-sensitive): username: admin / password: password.

The admin panel allows you to access all of the routers features such as port forwarding, optimizing internet speeds for video streaming (Netflix, Youtube, etc.) and video gaming (Xbox, PS4, etc.). Other great features available from the Router are using the device as a media hub by connecting any external USB Storage Device. You can block internet access with a Keyword Filter to prevent children from looking at the wrong websites. VPN (Virtual Private Network), have your own private network where you can access your personal files from all over the world or host your own Website.

If you haven’t purchase the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1750 Smart Dual Band WiFi Router (R6700), now it’s the time. This is a device that will future proof you for the new emerging technologies that become available.

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Features for the Netgear N600:

• The genie app comes with live parental control settings that enables the user to set filters and controls on content which enters the network. It also enables the creation of a guest network
• Wi-Fi protected access (WPA/WPA2 and WEP security, Dos attack prevention)
• It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux OS
• It uses 802.11n Dual Band wireless technology
• Readyshare USB feature enables users  access and share USB storage via the wireless connection
• Easy to install(installation instructions are pre-loaded in the router)

 Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 0.50 lb (0.23 kg)
• Physical Dimensions: 6.89 x 4.53 x 1.0 in (175 x 115 x 25 mm)
• Wi-Fi Band: Simultaneous dual band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
• 4 LAN Ports

Pros

• NetGear provides a 90 day, round the clock customer service support system if the unit is purchased from an authorized dealer. The purchase is backed by a one-year hardware warranty.
• Complete administrative control over network and incoming traffic content
• Readyshare USB storage sharing ability
• Easy installation

Cons

It is better to keep with the default firmware version, any attempt to upgrade to anything higher could significantly diminish the total functional utility of the device.

Conclusion

This device is an Alpha in its class. Its strengths lie in its ease of use, security and the various options that give the user complete administrative control over features, thus allowing them tweak settings to their own personal tastes. It’s high quality of service especially in the Wi-Fi performance, Band and Range ensures that it would be highly sought by gamers for streaming and on-line play. The price is satisfactory especially when one considers the features offered. This router would stay out of the junkyard for a long time.

The post Netgear N600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router (WNDR3400) Review appeared first on New Computer Inquiry.

Notable Features of the Securifi Almond Router:

• Touch Screen, intuitive and interactive GUI
• Cross-Platform Compatibility (Mac, X-Box, Windows, Android, Linux, iPad, iPhone)
•  Easy to setup (approximately 3 minutes), No CD required.
• Multi-purpose (It can serve as Wireless Router, Wireless Bridge and Range Extender)
• Excellent Default Security System(Ships with factory set SSID)

Technical Features

• Port Forwarding, Firewall, DMZ, UPnP
• 300Mbps MIMO, 2 Antennas
• 2 LAN + 1 WAN Ports
• Power Supply: 5V, 1A
• Wireless Technology: 802.11bgn
• 1.9 x 4.8 x 4.3 inches

Pros

• Easy to setup
• Very Compact
• Relatively light
• It is compatible with all platforms

Cons

There’s hardly any cons to using this device. You simply just turn it on, set it up and leave. Everything goes smoothly afterwards.

Conclusion

It is an excellent device that comes highly recommended. Its design is very minimalistic and elegant. The company’s decision to exclude an external antenna does not have any significant or debilitating effect on its range, it affords your device an additional three hundred feet of  WiFi range.  It also delivers excellent signal quality within every inch of the ambit of its range.  This device primarily simplifies problems caused by insufficient range and difficult router configurations. More-so, it’s range of abilities are guaranteed to make it a permanent feature in offices and ‘man-caves’ across the world.

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