Netgear a6210 (dual-band WiFi router)

Introduction

NETGEAR A6210 is a reliable Dual Band wireless router, which is suitable for usage in the homes as well as workstation in small to moderately large areas. It supports such current WiFi standards as 802. Very fast wireless that comes with the 11ac dual-band feature.

Some key highlights of the Netgear A6210 router include:

• Dual-core processor for fast data transmission speeds
• Compatibility with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices
• External antennas for better WiFi coverage
• Parental controls and SafeSearch filters for safer web browsing
• USB port to Share storage or printers over the network
• Easy setup using the NETGEAR genie mobile app

Priced at around $100, the Netgear A6210 offers great value and performance for its price point. It is a suitable option for homes and workplaces with 10-15 connected devices.

Key Features and Specifications

Let’s take a closer look at some of the prominent specifications and features of the Netgear A6210 router:

Processor and Memory

• Dual-core 800MHz processor for faster data transmission
• 256MB flash and 128MB RAM for handling multiple device connections

Wireless Connectivity

• 802.11ac WiFi technology for wireless speeds up to 800Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz bands
• Dual-band WiFi for separate 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks to avoid interference
• External antennas provide stronger and more reliable WiFi coverage

Ports and Connectivity

• 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports to connect wired devices like desktops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles
• 1 Gigabit WAN port to connect the router to a modem or Internet source
• 1 USB 3.0 port to connect external storage devices or printers

Security and Parental Controls

• Advanced firewall protections and intrusion prevention system
• Content filtering and SafeSearch to block adult and inappropriate content
• Parental controls to manage device time and filter age-appropriate content

Setup and Management

• Easy setup using the NETGEAR genie mobile app for iOS and Android
• Intuitive browser-based dashboard for advanced configurations
• Firmware updates to keeps router secure with latest features

Setting Up the Netgear A6210 Router

Setting up the Netgear A6210 router is fairly simple and can be done in under 15 minutes. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1. Unbox and Hardware Setup

• Remove the router, power adapter, and external antennas from the box
• Connect the power adapter to the router and plug it into a wall outlet
• Connect one of the WAN ports on the router to your internet modem using an Ethernet cable

Step 2. Install the NETGEAR Genie Mobile App

• Download the NETGEAR genie app from App Store or Google Play
• Create a GENIE account if not already registered

Step 3. Run through Guided Setup

• Launch the genie app and select “Setup a new device”
• Select your router model (A6210) from the list and follow on-screen steps
• Set a WiFi network name and password

Step 4. Configure Advanced Settings

• Open the router’s web interface (myrouter.local/192.168.1.1) on a device
• Customize additional options such as port forwarding, guest access etc.

Step 5. Connect and Enjoy High-Speed WiFi

• Connect your devices to the new WiFi network name
• You’re now ready to browse, stream, game and use the internet freely!

Performance and WiFi Coverage

For its price, the Netgear A6210 delivers surprisingly good wireless performance. Some key aspects:

Speeds

Real-world wireless speeds on 5GHz band average between 500-650Mbps close to the router. 2.4GHz band speeds average 150-200Mbps. Wired speeds are close to the theoretical Gigabit limits.

Coverage

The dual external antennas provide strong and reliable WiFi coverage of up to 1500 sq. ft area. Concrete walls or ceilings may reduce the range slightly.

Connections

The router can handle up to 15-20 devices connected simultaneously with minimal drop in speed. It has no issues streaming HD videos or online gaming on multiple devices.

Firmware Updates

Regular firmware updates from Netgear keep improving speed, security and feature set of the router. It is recommended to keep the firmware updated for best performance.

Benefits and Use Cases

The Netgear A6210 proves to be a versatile router perfect for:

• Mid-sized homes with 3-5 bedrooms and 1000-1500 sqft area
• Small homes/apartments with 10-15 connected devices
• Remote working professionals and small home offices
• Homes with smart home devices like cameras, locks, lights etc.
• HD streaming and online gaming for 1-3 users simultaneously
• Basic WiFi requirements without intense bandwidth needs

Some key advantages of choosing the Netgear A6210 include:

• Affordable price without compromising on quality or performance
• 802.11ac WiFi for future-proof connectivity
• Reliable coverage for most ordinary home/office needs
• Easy setup process using the genie app
• Regular security and feature updates from Netgear
• Content filters and parental controls for safer web access

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Netgear A6210 WiFi router:

Q. Can the router support a whole smart home setup?

A. While the A6210 can handle basic smart home gadgets, an extensive setup with 20+ devices may cause WiFi congestion issues. It’s ideal for 10-15 devices in average sized homes.

Q. Is the router dual-band or tri-band?

A. The Netgear A6210 is a dual-band router with separate WiFi networks on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It does not support newer tri-band technology.

Q. Can I use my own external antennas?

A. No, the antenna ports are proprietary to Netgear. You need to use the external antennas provided with the router only.

Q. How many SSIDs can it broadcast?

A. The router can broadcast up to 3 SSIDs simultaneously – one each for the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band and a guest network.

Q. Can I use my existing NETGEAR account on it?

A. Yes, if you already have a NETGEAR account, you can use the same login credentials while setting up the A6210 router via the genie mobile app.

Q. Does it support VPN pass-through?

A. Yes, the router supports VPN pass-through which allows your devices to connect to a VPN server located remotely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Netgear A6210 dual-band WiFi router is a superb and cheap networking device for small sized home and office.It offers rock-steady 802. Faster 11ac WiFi speed along with the useful inclusive of content filter and online security.

 It also provides that it receives regular firmware updates for it to enhance its performance. For small to average Wi-Fi needs up to 15 connected devices at once, the is an outstanding budget-friendly option that will meet users’ needs for years (2-3).