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Forum Discussion
Choice between XR700 or X10
I am looking to replace an old WNDR3700 with either the XR700 or the X10 routers. I know they're essentially the same hardware (though I'm sure there has to be some revisions to the hardware) and you're mostly paying for the DumaOS that comes on the 700. However I like what I see in terms of the manageability that said OS over the standard Netgear OS. In particular I like the ability to see what device is using what bandwidth as well as overall performance.
However one concern I have is updates to the XR700 platform. Granted the X10 has been around for over two years but there's a ton of updates that are on it's download page. Given some of what I've read concerning issues with the XR700 how often do we expect to see firmare updates? And are those updates tied into the DumaOS? For example does there need to be an update to both the Duma side AND the Netgear side before we see something available to customers? Many of the firmware updates that have been applied to the X10 have security fixes in them and if the XR700's update schedule was slowed because of a necessity to update both side of the equation that could be a problem.
Eventually I will also be using the 10G port on this router and that seems to be trouble for some people on both the X10 and the XR700. I assume updates would alleviate this problem however I have to return back to the idea that updates may roll out slowly for the 700.
Can anyone address these concerns?
5 Replies
- Great to hear you're interested in the XR700! I think the benefits of DumaOS give it a massive upper hand over the X10 (in my opinion!) and ensure you get the best connection possible, updates come from both Netduma & Netgear, we provide them with our update and they combine with the update they've been working on. There's a lot of teamwork there which I believe improves the overall quality of the product. There's an XR700 beta at the moment which users can be invited to in order to receive beta firmware that look to fix probably an issue you've seen. I am not aware if the X10 has such a program.
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Updates are posted when NG posts them. NG doesn't give any timeframes on when newer FW will be forthcoming. Users have to keep an eye on the download support page or look at there routers auto update as they get pushed.
The XR FW is all inclusive for NG and Duma OS, so when you update the XR router, the FW file has all thats needed for the update. There is only one file for the update and includes all you need.
The XR700 is fairly new so as it has it's growth pains like the X10 did and other routers, FW updates will be forthcoming as NG fixes issues seen and as FW matures. NG works wtih NetDuma on what has to be resolved with in the FW. As this happens the FW is developed by NG, NetDuma is a 3rd party assoicate.
I would try out either router and see what you experience and what you think is best that fits your needs. If your a big time or average game and do gaming more than anything else, the XR series maybe what your interested in as the XR series are tuned more for gaming environments. IF your not a gamer, then the X series routers may be more tuned for your needs. Get one from a local retailor or online etailer that has good return policies and try them both.
Make sure your ISP modem is of good quality and recommend a stand alone modem, and not having a built in router.
Thanks for all the responses, much appreciated!
It's a cable modem that this device will be connected to. A Motorola SURFBoard (SBG6782-AC) that connectes to Comcast/Xfinity. I own it so I can turn off all the features that could possible get in the way of whatever Nighthawk I get.
I also understand that any company releases updates at will I guess my question was more wanting to know how regular are they? The X10s page appears that their updates are pretty regular however they're only relying on NG's updates. The XR700 is relying on both NG and Duma. So if NG finds a security problem will they wait for an update from Duma before issuing that update or just send out that update with their current version of DumaOS?
I am also curious about some of the reviews I've read on the X10 vs the XR700. Granted most of the reviews are done with initial hardware and software versions but the 700 tends to come out ahead in most reviews. Could that trend continue as software updates release?
I will probably be getting it from Amazon and they have a decent return policy.
- NG always decide when a firmware is to be released, if for example there was an issue on either side firmware may be delayed until it is resolved. I've worked with both teams and they are exceptional at what they do. If a firmware doesn't come out as fast then it is for a good reason. Our aim with DumaOS is to make it the single best router operating system on the planet, we will constantly improve it and bring out new features.
