NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router

By Tara Richter…

First world problems. That’s what I think of when I really sit back and think about internet speed and the amount of time we “have to wait” for connections and download speed. It’s funny though, how people get so used to the Internet and wireless signals being so instantaneous that when there is a lag in time, or that dreaded “buffering” symbol, it can actually make people very angry. I can clearly admit that I have fallen into that category and feel the angry “GRRRRR “ while watching a movie, or YOUTUBE clip only to have it stop mid-way through to buffer. Or how moving to different parts of my house will cause the signal to be lost on my mobile devices!

As technology advances however, there are more and more ways that connectivity speed changes as well. I don’t think many stop to think about the actual components at play to make “high-speed” a reality. It is when there are glitches or perceived failures in the technology, that we really start to pay attention (or complain as the case may be).

There multiple devices all pulling at the WiFi in my home such as the ipod, iPad, smart phone, computer, and printer. It’s really no wonder the signal often failed or just didn’t have enough “juice” to run everything properly at the same time. I recently hooked up my new NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router and really appreciated the difference that it has made in my home. Quite honestly in reading the specifications that include 1GHz dual core processor, Beamforming+, and 600+1300Mbps speeds – my mind sort of turned into that Charlie Brown voice “wah waa wah”. I don’t really KNOW (or care) to understand all the technical specifications or key features, but like so many people – I just want to WORK when I need it to.

What it all boils down to in plain language is that because of all these great and extensive technical specifications (viewed here), the NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router delivers the fastest WiFi available so that there is less lag time and buffering. This router is built with gaming, streaming, downloading and mobile devices in mind. With its amplifiers and antennas, the reach for WiFi is extended which is particularly great for mobile devices that will have seamless connectivity in large homes, or even out in the backyard.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in my home is the ability to watch movies via iTunes or Netflix without having to wait for the dreaded buffering. In fact just recently I started to watch a movie on Netflix and was “stuck” in the buffering hamster wheel when I realized I hadn’t switched the settings to the new NETGEAR router. In a blink of an eye, after the change, the movie played without even a hiccup. While it’s not the end of the world to have to wait, it really does make me appreciate the luxury this NETGEAR router has to offer.

If your household is in need of a WiFi boost, I would highly recommend this router for you. The specifications and benefits of this router are even more extensive than I can cover in this brief review. They are, however, wonderfully detailed on the NETGEAR website and cover off three key benefits this device has to offer: Speed, WiFi Range, and Reliability. Users can even download the NETGEAR genie app that enables them to monitor, control, and connect their home network from a PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. The app also enables the user to share & stream music, videos, diagnose/repair problems and set up parental controls! While there is still so much that I am learning about the router and how it works, the key point is that I don’t have to understand everything in order for it to work, and also that the support online for the device is extremely helpful and easy to understand/follow.

NETGEAR can be purchased in various in-store and online stores including Costco, Amazon, Future Shop, Best Buy, London Drugs, Staples and others listed here and retails for $199.99.