Question 1

We have very little bandwidth in our household. 3mbps down/1mbps up. QoS settings for our current routers do nothing for the users trying to play games. (Which ONLY require roughly 15KBPS Down/ 8KBPS Up!) It is very frustrating having some teenager watching youtube videos lagging up the whole network when a game application requires so little up/down! Will this help us or is our Down/Up too low? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

No router should allow any one user to suck up all the bandwidth, but maybe the older ones did. This one I have never had issues even when the whole family is doing something different. In addition, this router offers special options for setting application priority to further eliminate any one person from hogging too much. This is the best router I have owned for both reliability and coverage.

Question 2

I have an old netopia router from atandt.  I want to turn the wireless off on this unit and use the netgear Nighthawk as the wireless in my office.  I am running a pos system with an ipad and several tablets.  Will there be any problems with compatibility?

Accepted Answer

If you are asking about replacing your wireless with this router, you will be amazed at the improvement. If you are asking about wanting to have two active routers on the same network, you always risk issues unless you set them up properly.

Question 3

I'd like to get better 5ghz-AC coverage for my ipad / iphone.  If I put this in my attic (which is between floors - 1.5 story 1960's build.  2700 sq ft) will it provide the range I want without an extender?

Currently, I've got a TP Link Archer C9 upstairs (for Wireless AC-Imac, new Ipad Pro) and an apple airport extreme downstairs (for the Wireless N Devices)
I just want one router for all!

Accepted Answer

First, it depends on the construction of the house, location of wiring in walls, etc, if you have issues. There are no guarantees. I will tell you I have a 2 story and every router has been in the same location on my upstairs desk and I have had dead spots downstairs with every other one. This is the first one that I have used that doesn't have dead spots. I have been very happy with this router and its coverage.

Question 4

Are the USB ports bacward compatible with 1.0?

Accepted Answer

While the USB ports should be backwards compatible with USB 1.0, you can find a list of USB drives that have been reported to work with the R7800 on Netgear's website.

Question 5

how this works (or replaces) with CenturyLink's DSL (modem + router) such as Q1000?

Accepted Answer

Just connect the new router to the ethernet port on the CenturyLink modem. And if possible, turn off the wifi signal on the CenturyLink modem.

Question 6

Can this router replace the Quantum Gateway router I am currently renting from Verizon FIOS(150mbps)?  This router seems like an overall upgrade to the specs.

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, I preferred the ASUS AC R68U over the Netgear. The firmware for the ASUS router is so much better, The Nighthawk did have a slight signal advantage over the ASUS; however, it is not worth the premium. My signal overall is fine 2500sq ft home with second floor.

Question 7

Can I plug a printer into the usb to use it as a network printer?

Accepted Answer

NETGEAR's ReadyShare allows you to share USB printers or Hard Drives with everyone on your network.  Their routers have had this ability for a couple years now.

Question 8

How does the R7800 AC2600 compare to the R7500 AC2350 (which I currently have) as far as ~reliability~?  I'm asking because recently my R7500 is constantly dropping its wireless signals, sometimes several times a day to where I have to restart it (it has updated firmware.  Thanks...

Accepted Answer

I've had issues with the R7800 after firmware updates, and had to reinstall previous versions of its firmware. I have since purchased an ASUS RT-AC88U (AC3100) Problem Solved.

Question 9

I think my N600 dual band router (WNDR3400) is about to die. I have to unplug it for awhile after I can only get the 2.4 side of it. The 5g won't hook up. I only use it for gaming on my iPad Air. Alto I'd like it to handle a computer. My question, is the Nighthawk AC1900 a good fit for my needs? I have 100+ meg cable connection. I don't want any lag...

Accepted Answer

Nighthawk is working like a champ. I have 200 Mb cable (d/l) and the Nighthawk only steals about 10Mb (wired).  36Mb upload is not affected, and I use both 2.4 and 5Ghz wifi as well. Solid performer.

Question 10

Can this replace the Wi-Fi router provided by Comcast and is it good if your a gamer?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends entirely on one thing, does the Comcast unit have coax (TV Cable) connecting directly to the unit?
This router is a router ONLY and receives the "input signal" from a cable or DSL 'modem' over a Ethernet cable.  The cable modem does the translation from the cable company to Ethernet and this router only has the Ethernet signaling to handle.  Some of the cable companies are using a device that has the "cable modem" feature and the "router" feature baked into one hardware component.  You might be able to look at your current configuration and tell what you have but some people don't know.  My step-dad is a prime example.  He has no idea what he has, it just works and that makes him happy.

Questions & Answers