However, it lacks more advanced network management features and depth in many of the features that are present. Like the recently reviewed NETGEAR R7800, the R8500 has the same classic and serviceable UI, as well as the same basic feature set, like Parental Controls, VPN, port forwarding, dynamic DNS, intelligent bandwidth based QoS (Quality of Service), static routes, etc. I think it is fantastic SSID specification is part of the process as well, but unfortunately it falls short on two points: not resetting the default admin password (“password”) and failing the firmware update check. It was simple and informative enough that non-technical users should be able to step through the process and get everything configured correctly with minimal effort.

This may partially explain the size of the router as it appears to have a sizable heatsink within.įirst-run was smooth and straightforward. As such, it also generates some heat with the hottest point on the top hitting ~120F. With a dual-core 1.4GHz SoC and the radios for 1x 2.4GHz (1000Mpbs claimed) + 2x 5GHz (2166Mbps claimed), the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) has significant power demands 21.3W measured at the wall. So, if you plan to travel with the router, some planning is required. It is worth noting that the R8500 requires a 19V power brick, and the one I was originally provided is 120Hz/60V. As they had to make space for seven Ethernet ports and all the internal hardware that supports the three radios, but I hope that the next round of devices have more effort put into making them smaller. The first word that popped to mind after unwrapping the 12.44” x 10.39” x 2.4” Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) was, “massive”. NETGEAR has done an excellent job of wrapping a premium device with a premium unboxing experience.

While $350/£350 is a lot to pay for a Wi-Fi router, it is nice to see improved packaging tracking alongside the increase in price. I am not sure that is enough to count as a “next wave”, but it has got me very interested in testing out the R8500. By moving the amplifiers from the mainboard to the tops of the antennas, there should be a clear benefit in signal strength and clarity. Alongside this, it also includes a feature that should have a tangible benefit for all clients – active antennas. Generally, I am inclined to dismiss this sort of hyperbole, but the $350/£350 802.11AC includes features that are a reasonable step up from other models including: quad-streams, two 802.11AC radios, Wave 2 enhancements, and six Gigabit Ethernet ports, with two 802.3ad (link aggregation) enabled. NETGEAR touts the Nighthawk X8 AC5300 (R8500) Smart Wi-Fi router as “the next wave in Wi-Fi”.

Netgear r8500 ac5300