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dopalgangr's avatar
dopalgangr
Tutor
Sep 20, 2021
Solved

Nighthawk R7000 wifi caps at 360mbs on 5ghz line?

Have two questions-   1.  Is the internet speed test in the Nighthawk App testing the speed to the router or the speed to your phone?   2.  All of my wifi connections that are on the 5ghz will on...
plemans's avatar
plemans
Guru - Experienced User
Sep 20, 2021

1. when you test in the nighthawk app, it hosts the test off the router. so it isn't a wifi based test. And it isn't always accurate because it doesn't always pick the best server

2. thats about the speeds you can expect from that router. it was released in 2013 and those speeds were amazing at the time. I'd recommend reading a few tested reviews of it. https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/tools/charts/router/search/1234-netgear-r7000-nighthawk

 

FYI, link speeds aren't the same as throughput speeds. 

  • dopalgangr's avatar
    dopalgangr
    Tutor
    Sep 20, 2021

    Thanks for the quick reply, actually the latest I just downloaded firmware wise is R7000-V1.0.11.128.  I read those articles, interesting stuff but kinda false advertising if you ask me but thats how everything works nowadays.  So my question back to you is would you just keep the R7000 and stick with the 250-300mbps per wifi-connection or should I replace it with a newer one?  My service is Xfinity 1.2gbps but realistically 950mbps and my modem (just purchased) is the Arris S33.  If I should replace the Netgear what model would you personally recommend that would give the best throughput to a 3200sqft residence. (doesnt have to be a Netgear model either).  Three tvs that stream via Firesticks and one gaming system that all connect via wifi.  My old modem was an Arris SBG7400AC2 and the wifi was faster but the modem was capped at 600mbps from the provider.  I respect and appreciate your opinion.  Thanks

    • plemans's avatar
      plemans
      Guru - Experienced User
      Sep 20, 2021

      I guess a lot depends on if the R7000 is doing what its supposed to be doing. Most streaming doesn't need more than 40mbps. So if its achieving your needs, I'd probably hold off for 2nd generation AX products. 

      Reason I say that is have have several AX routers and while they're much better than when they came out, they all have had some issues. 

      And I can't say on an average day that I notice a difference from them to my RBK53 kit I was using. 

      I've got the same 1.2gig service and might hit 1 gig over my AX210 wireless card but thats only if I'm close to my AX router. Do I need those speeds? Nope. I rarely using more than 100mbps even with a couple devices streaming. 

      • dopalgangr's avatar
        dopalgangr
        Tutor
        Sep 20, 2021

        Ok, thats good to know!  My house is three stories (two above ground and a basement below),  ideally to get the best coverage would you recommend the R7000 be on the third floor, second or in the basement?