https://www.wi-fi.org/product-finder-results?sort_by=certified&sort_order=desc&categories=6&capabilities=17

The Broadcom BCM94908R43684AX is an actual "reference design" router (NOT a chip) -- which given the name, we assume is using the BCM43684 chip (4x4 802.11ax Wi-Fi Residential Access Point Chip). And this is exactly why being "certified" is so important. Everyone assumes that Netgear can create something unique (maybe using the reference design as a base) that works -- but until Netgear can actually get their routers "certified", we are left wondering -- is there something in Netgear AX routers that do not work, or does everything work properly? Netgear, please get your routers "Wi-Fi 6 Certified" so we know for sure.

This has me worried. Been looking into the RAX200. I hope they are not basically beta products and they later on release V2 version that does adhere to the final wifi 6 specs.

After looking into the website, it shows that the broadcom BCM94908R43684AX chip is wifi 6 certified, and the rax80 and rax200 use it I think.

Yes, in general every chipset will absolutely support Wi-Fi 6. But the worry is that Netgear's firmware is not up to par with others and will not implement some critical feature. And even if Netgear has the feature, we won't know if it works properly, or interoperates with others. Being "Wi-Fi 6 Certified" is a stamp of approval (that is rather blatantly missing on Netgear's 802.11ax offerings). Asus has an 802.11ax router that prominently displays the Wi-Fi 6 Certified logo.

And I'm personally considering the Netgear RAX200 and the Asus rog Rapture AX 11000. Might go with the asus in that case, eventhough the netgear does look better.

There are NO Netgear routers that are "Wi-Fi 6 Certified"

11 Replies

blue13x
Tutor
Jan 17, 2020
This has me worried. Been looking into the RAX200. I hope they are not basically beta products and they later on release V2 version that does adhere to the final wifi 6 specs.
- blue13x
  Tutor
  Jan 17, 2020
  After looking into the website, it shows that the broadcom BCM94908R43684AX chip is wifi 6 certified, and the rax80 and rax200 use it I think.
  - duckware
    Prodigy
    Jan 17, 2020
    Yes, in general every chipset will absolutely support Wi-Fi 6. But the worry is that Netgear's firmware is not up to par with others and will not implement some critical feature. And even if Netgear has the feature, we won't know if it works properly, or interoperates with others.
    
    Being "Wi-Fi 6 Certified" is a stamp of approval (that is rather blatantly missing on Netgear's 802.11ax offerings).
    
    Asus has an 802.11ax router that prominently displays the Wi-Fi 6 Certified logo.

Forum Discussion

There are NO Netgear routers that are "Wi-Fi 6 Certified"