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Forum Discussion
Nighthawk X6 vs XR500
I currently have the Nighthawk X6 AC3200. I live in a rural location and my internet download speed is most often around 12 mbbs. This is the best I am getting w/ a 50 mbps service currently. This is the fastest service I can purchase where I live. I am NOT good with setting up routers, so my apologies if the following questions are ridiculous. Currently, I have AT&T and have the 5268AC connected to the coaxial cable from the wall and the AC3200 wire connected to that unit.
1) I enjoy playing online games, but often am restricted to a combination of poor resolution and lag. Would I see any benefit to switching from the AC3200 to the XR500 (or XR700)? My computer is wirelessly connected approx. 60 ft from the AC3200. I do not have the option to make this a wired connection.
2) If the results of switching would be minimal, what can I do to improve the speed/strength of the AC3200?
Thank you in advance for any help you may provide.
-Mike
8 Replies
Modem Combo Units:
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge mode. Then use the NG router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ for the IP address the NG router gets from the modem.Hi there,
Compared to the X6, the hardware on both routers is great. The difference is DumaOS, which powers the XR500 and XR700, and it has many unique features that will get you the best connection possible.
Because your bandwidth speeds are not that high, you will really benefit from QoS. It lets you allocate bandwidth to your favourite devices (i.e. gaming) and also makes sure nothing in your home can use all your bandwidth, which causes lag.
The Geo-Filter is also amazing if you play a game where you cannot control the server you play on e.g. Black Ops 4, Fortnite etc.
I recommend you check out the features here: https://netduma.com/features/
NETGEAR also have some good videos on their channel which show the main features off:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzPWRTMgZM0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZ09fTwrzs
Thank you so much for both of your advice and help.
I disabled the wifi radios on the modem and have the X6 now run as a router-behind-router. I'm seeing some differences already on the speed test. I have attached screenshots of the wifi settings on both the AT&T router and the X6. What might you change (if anything) to make it more stable.
Did you use the DMZ on the modem for the XR router?
Will have to wait for mods to approve them to see your pictures..
