NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 (RAX120) AX6000 Wireless Router Review (802.11ax)

1. Introduction2. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX123. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 Interface4. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 Analysis5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 shows exactly what a leap in performance is in store with the arrival of WiFi 6. It's also a very capable router in terms of features. The Multi-Gigabit networking port will be a particularly welcome inclusion if you want to create a fast uplink to a similarly-equipped switch such as NETGEAR's Nighthawk Pro Gaming SX10, for a more extensive wired network.

The makeover of the management interface provides a fresher look, but the range of features isn't significantly different to previous high-end NETGEAR routers. Nevertheless, that's nothing negative because the features available are comprehensive, including LAN port aggregation and the ability to function as VPN client or server. The USB ports are fast and offer options for network storage sharing and backup, as well as media serving.

But it's the performance that really makes the AX12 such an exciting prospect. Even if you don't have any 802.11ax clients yet, WiFi speeds with 802.11ac is above other routers too, although the case for buying this router if you don't have any WiFi 6 devices is much less strong, and at the time of writing they are still in short supply.

Nevertheless, you're not paying more than the price of a premium router to future proof your WiFi with the AX12. So if you plan to upgrade to WiFi 6 clients in the near future, it could be a wireless networking enhancement well worth your purchasing pounds.

You can buy the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 for £359.99.

Pros:

• Fastest router we have tested thanks to the new WiFi 6 standard.
• Fastest single-router 802.11ac bandwidth we've tested up to 10m.
• Excellent 802.11n performance and range.
• Multi-Gig Ethernet port for uplinks up to 5Gbit.
• Port aggregation option.
• Comprehensive management interface.
• Fast USB port connectivity.
• Extensive USB storage capabilities.
• Looks like a Star Wars Imperial Shuttle.

Cons:

• WiFi 6 clients still quite rare (but coming soon).
• Antiquated port forwarding presets.
• Darth Vader not included.

KitGuru says: The NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 debuts the new WiFi 6 standard with great style, providing the fastest wireless networking we have ever seen by a country mile, and offering extensive premium features.

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