Netgear AC1200 Review

Don’t judge a book by its cover. I am pretty right in my words. The reason is that when we first started the Netgear AC1200 review, we thought it simple-looking, boring wireless router. But while testing this router, my thoughts changed in its favor. Packed in simplicity, the Netgear AC1200 R6220 (Check the latest Price)is a more powerful router than I had expected. The router successfully caters to the needs of every gadget lover who is looking for the latest Wi-fi router for their high-end gaming needs.

Though multiple Wifi routers are released by different companies every year, a few of those routers rule for a long time. The AC1200 Series, including R6120, R6200 R6220, and R6230, are among those routers that are winning the game in every aspect, although other competitors, too, are making grounds for tough competition.

No doubt with new advancements demands for the latest technologies too is increasing. If you want to use the router for your apartment, with limited persons using the router, the AC1200 series is the best choice that delivers internet at greater performance, speed, and distance at a reasonable price tag. However, if you want a gear that must handle more persons, the Nightwalk series is perfect.

Netgear AC1200

Maani

Netgear R6220 AC1200 wireless router
Netgear 6220 AC1200 is a perfect wireless router that offers excellent performance, speed, and range at an affordable price.
Performance
Throughput
Price

Summary

Netgear 6220 AC1200 is a perfect wireless router that offers excellent performance, speed, and range at an affordable price tag.

4.3

Without further ado, let’s have a comprehensive look at the review of Netgear AC1200.

Specifications

ManufacturerNetgear
SeriesAC1200
ModelR6220
Wi-Fi Technology 802.11ac Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi BandsDual Bands – Tx/Rx 2X2 (2.4GHz) + 2X2(5GHz)
ProcessorPowerful 880MHz processor
Memory128MB DDR3 RAM
128MB NAND flash memory
Ethernet PortsGigabit Ethernet ports
Five 10/100/1000 (1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports)
Wifi-Range1ft-50ft
ColorBlack
LEDsInternet, Ethernet (1-4), WPS 
Security WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK)Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall)Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
Free custom URL using NETGEAR Dynamic DNS service
Weight 0.75lb (340g)
Dimensions (LxWxH) 9.27 x 5.94 x 2.14 in
Netgear R6220 AC1200 wireless router accessories

Netgear AC1200 Detailed Review

Design and Features

Having a weight as low as 340g, the Netgear is listed as one lightweight wireless router. Despite its lightweight, the router has a solid build. I mean to say the router is quite durable and does not break by any accidental falling off.

The dimension gives it a minimalist design. Though the router is simple in design, it appeals to those who don’t like fancy gadgets, instead usually rely on simple yet nice-looking gears.

Near the edges, holes serve as ventilators for the passage of air and heat management. Such a hole is necessary for any electronic device to transfer heat and avoid overheating issues.

See our list of Best Gaming Desks for the ergonomic gaming experience

Overall, nine LEDs are present on the upper side of the router. These LEDs are helpful to check the number of connected connections and to examine the network status anytime. Besides, the two vertically standing non-removable antennas on its backside are pretty helpful to extend its wireless range. However, these antennas can be moved in two directions.

Netgear R6220 AC1200 wireless router rear side

There is a Power button to turn on/off the device, a WPS button, 4 Gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port on its backside.

As compared to Netgear N300, One good thing about Netgear AC1200 is that these routers are wall-mounted. This is a nice addition as most of the previous models lacked such features. You can easily mount these models on the wall with a nail. This feature allows mounting the router at a position where everybody in the house can enjoy full-speed of the internet without losing the signals.

Hardware

After having talked about the outlook and design of Netgear AC1200, let’s start with its hardware. From its inside, the Netgear AC1200 R6220 model is equipped with 128MB RAM, 128MB flash storage capacity, a Single core MediaTek MT7621ST SoC, clocked at 880 MHz and HN4821CG 10/100/1000 Base-T LAN Transformer Modules. In addition the router uses 2.4GHz wireless band under (2×2:2, 802.11b/g/n), 5GHz band under (802.11ac+an 2×2:2).

Security

The Netgear company is heavily concerned about the safety, privacy, and security concerns of its users. This is the reason the Netgear R6220 AC1200 checks all security protocols to provide a secured product verified under all standards like SPI firewalls and NAT to counter unwelcoming DoS attacks.

Netgear R6220 AC1200 wireless router packing

Besides, the router security feature allows checking problematic Wi-Fi signals that may cause interruptions. Likewise, the parental control feature of security allows parents to make the internet safe for their children, remove any unwanted content, and filter websites that are not for children under 13. Also, you may choose the levels of restriction by registering to an OpenDNS account to prevent any unwanted data from reaching your kids.

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Netgear AC1200 Configuration

To install the Netgear AC1200 software, follow these simple steps.

  1. Connect Netgear AC 1200 device to your PC and internet connection
  2. The automatic Netgear Genie software will launch and ask to automatically configure the device.
  3. Click yes button and let Netgear Genie will launch the Setup Wizard
  4. Setup Wizard will configure and check the internet connection
  5. Then it will automatically configure DHCP and wireless configuration setting.
  6. Once the configuration setup is finished, your device is ready to use.
Netgear AC1200 packing

Performance

The Netgear claims that when the device is on the 5GHz band, the hardware can accelerate data transfer rate at the speed of nearly 867 Mbps, while on the 2.4GHz band, its data transfer speed would be roughly 300 Mbps. This is a great achievement, but much below its latest 6230 model, which offers speed up to 1200 Mbps.

In addition, the file transfer by the AC1200 R6220 was also impressive. We got its files transfer ranging from 20MBps-28MBps which is satisfactory, although other models like Linksys WRT1200AC offer a great file transfer speed of more than 60MBps.

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Netgear AC1200 Range

The Netgear AC1200 R6220 is also above the satisfaction level. You will be able to get the same speed even if you are standing at less than one foot or more than 20 feet. However, the speed drops beyond 30 feet distance. That is to say; you can enjoy fast wireless internet speed in a range of 10-20 feet with a marginal drop. Distance between 20-35 drops the speed to one-half to two-thirds. Beyond that, there will be a significant drop in speed.

Reasons to Buy

  • Wide range of features
  • Easy to manage and Configure
  • Affordable
  • Impressive dual-band performance

Reasons to Avoid

  • Non-removable antennas
  • Slow interface
  • Limited technical support

Netgear AC1200 R6120 Video Review

Credit: ReviewLamp

Hardware Requirements

To configure the AC1200, you will need:

  • Microsoft Vista®, Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, Vista, Linux®, 2000, Mac OS, or UNIX.
  • Google Chrome™ 11.0 browsers or higher, Firefox® 2.0, Safari® 1.4, or Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0

How to Setup Netgear Wifi Extender?

Credit: Netgear

Testing Results

If you are looking for a wireless router that is best for the money and great in performance, the Netgear’s AC1200 6220 is the perfect option to choose from. This router offers optimum range, excellent speed, and high performance.