NETGEAR - Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band Quad Stream Wi-Fi Router
- Key Specs
- Number Of LAN Ports: 6 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Local Area Network (LAN). LAN ports allow wired connections to other networking devices (wireless access points, range extenders, etc.) in order to share the internet connection received through a WAN port.)
- General
- Product Name: Nighthawk X8 AC5300 Tri-Band Quad Stream Wi-Fi Router
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Model Number: R8500-100NAS
- Security
- Data Encryption: true
- Encryption Type: WPA, WPA2-PSK (The security protocols or certification programs that protect the Wi-Fi network.)
- Firewall Type: NAT, SPI (The method the firewall uses to filter and process data to increase network security, primarily by blocking malicious traffic requests while allowing legitimate traffic through.)
- Security Features: WPA/WPA2—PSK, Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT), Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
- Parental Controls: true (Allows user to block unwanted content, signals, channels, networks, etc. from being received or accessed.)
- Network
- Band Technology: Tri (Refers to the number of frequency bands used to wirelessly transmit an internet signal. For example, dual-band devices may use one 2.4 and one 5 GHz band, while tri-band devices may use one 2.4 and two 5 GHz bands. Multiple bands also provide more flexibility for designating connected devices to specific band use.)
- Ethernet Standard: 10/100/1000 (Each standard is a variation of the IEEE 802.3 set of computer networking technologies known as Ethernet. New versions evolved to include higher bandwidth, different physical media, and other new and improved features. Standards are often denoted by speeds (in Megabits per second). For example, a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port transmits at 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps).)
- Number Of Connected Devices: 20
- Number of Antennas: 4
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz (Bands may be grouped into categories such as low- and high-band VHF (Very High Frequency), low- and high-band UHF (Ultra High Frequency), or certain frequency channels (measured in MHz or GHz). Generally, higher frequencies transmit information faster but have shorter range than lower frequencies.)
- Wireless Networking Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (The wireless networking standard used by the device. Each iteration of the standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance corresponds to an existing IEEE 802.11 protocol; for example, standard 802.11ac (or AC) is termed Wi-Fi 5. Refers specifically to the standard the device is designed to use, but ultimately determines product interoperability and backward compatibility including previous versions.)
- Wireless Standard: AC, N (The wireless networking protocol used by the device. Each iteration of the protocol is based on the 802.11 standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. Denoted by letters following 802.11 (802.11a, 802.11ac, etc.), each version, published in alphabetical order, encompasses all previous versions.)
- Number of 2.4Ghz Streams: 4 (A router's streams are like lanes on a highway. The more streams a router has, the less traffic congestion. Because the 2.4 GHz band is used to transmit wireless signals to a wide variety of devices, there is often high amounts of traffic on that stream. But with multiple streams, each can be designated to a specific device for optimal performance. For example, if one 2.4 GHz stream is assigned to one device, such as a desktop computer, it leaves the remaining streams open for guest users, devices that use more data, or devices with specific band compatibility.)
- Number of 5.0Ghz Streams: 4 (A router's streams are like lanes on a highway. The more streams a router has, the less traffic congestion. The 5.0 GHz band provides high speed, short-range data transmission and typically has less traffic than the 2.4 GHz band. With multiple streams, each can be designated to a specific device for optimal performance. For example, if one 5.0 GHz stream is assigned to one device, such as a streaming media player, it leaves the remaining streams open for guest users, devices that need less data, or devices with specific band compatibility.)
- Ethernet Switch: true (Connects multiple devices to expand the Local Area Network (LAN).)
- Certifications Listings & Approvals
- ENERGY STAR Certified: false (Devices carrying the ENERGY STAR service mark, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards.)
- Features
- App Compatible: true (The product can be connected to a program or software application on a mobile device, which then receives collected data from the product.)
- App Name: NETGEAR genie® App
- Beamforming: true (A signal processing technique that enables a router to focus a Wi-Fi signal in a specific direction. The router determines where a connected device in the network is located and projects a stronger signal in that specific direction. This can result in faster and higher quality data transfer as well as reduced signal interference.)
- Integrated Modem: false
- Auto Detecting: true
- Wireless: true
- Ports
- Number Of WAN Ports: 1 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Wide Area Network (WAN). This type of port may simply be labeled "Internet," and it allows the device to share its internet connection with all devices connected to it via LAN ports.)
- Port Type(s): RJ-45 (USB 2.0 connects external drives, gaming controllers, smartphones, MP3 players and other accessories.USB 3.0 transfers data faster than USB 2.0, but only when used with USB 3.0 devices.USB Type-C provides fast speeds and versatile power, featuring connectors with identical ends that plug in upside down or right side up. Adapters allow for video as well as backward compatibility.Thunderbolt provides ultra-high bandwidth for fast data transfer between devices featuring a Thunderbolt or MiniDisplayPort connection.HDMI allows you to connect a projector or display HD media on your HDTV or monitor.Media card slots allow you to transfer photos from your digital camera or camcorder.)
- Number Of LAN Ports: 6 (Number of devices able to be connected to the Local Area Network (LAN). LAN ports allow wired connections to other networking devices (wireless access points, range extenders, etc.) in order to share the internet connection received through a WAN port.)
- Speed
- Wired Speed: 1000 megabits per second (The maximum rate at which data is transferred between a network device and router using an Ethernet cable.)
- Gigabit Ethernet Speed: true (Supports the gigabit Ethernet networking standard, which has a data rate of at least one gigabit per second, or 1,000 Mbps.)
- Auto Speed Sensing: true
- Compatibility
- System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux; Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 Web browser; active Internet connection; electrically connected power outlets (The software that a product must have for it to be able to integrate with another product.)
- Bluetooth Enabled: false (The device is capable of communicating with another device via Bluetooth, provided they are within the required range of each other. A Bluetooth-enabled device must also be the same Bluetooth version or higher than the accessory it is intended to pair with.)
- Dimensions
- Product Height: 2.4 inches (The out of box height of the item. Height is measured as the vertical distance from the bottom of the item to the top as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Length: 10.39 inches (The out of box length of the item. Length is measured as the longest dimension of the item.)
- Product Width: 12.44 inches (The out of box width of the item. Width is measured as the horizontal distance from one side of the item to the other as it would be primarily used or placed.)
- Product Weight: 3.7 pounds (The out of box weight of the item.)
- Warranty
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts: 1 year limited
- Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor: 90 days
- Other
- UPC: 606449109474
No matter where you are, bedroom to backyard, you’ll experience a stronger, faster connection with this tri-band NETGEAR router. Get rid of lag, freezing, and buffering while you game, stream and more on multiple devices. 
- Tri-band Wireless-AC: Game, stream and enjoy blazing fast combined data speeds of up to 5.3 Gbps on a tri-band 2.4GHz/5.0GHz/5.0GHz frequency. Plus, Smart Connect selects which Wi-Fi bands to send to each device.
- MU-MIMO technology: Work and play online simultaneously. You won’t have to worry about slowdown or interference, even when multiple devices are in use.
- Beamforming technology: Get clearer coverage. Separate signals are sent to different devices for a more reliable Wi-Fi connection. 4 external active antennas expand your network’s range, even in a very large house.
- DLNA® certified: Access and share videos, music, and other files on any DNLA TV, game console, or device that’s connected to your network.
- QoS (Quality of Service): Upstream and downstream QoS can optimize your Wi-Fi. Maintain a strong connection during any task by prioritizing HD streaming, gaming and more.
- ReadySHARE Vault and ReadyCLOUD USB Access: Schedule automatic PC backups to ensure that your photos and files are stored safely, and share them across devices with 1 USB 3.0 port and 1 USB 2.0 port.
- Built-in Ethernet connections: Connect a printer or other wired devices. This router has 6 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN port.
- NETGEAR genie ® app: Make the most of your home network. Monitor, connect, and control your router from anywhere, plus share files, repair issues, and more. Download for iOS and Android devices.
- Internet security: Protect your information with WPA/WPA2-PSK, Double Firewall (SPI and NAT) and DoS protection. Plus, manage parental controls, create guest networks, and securely access your Wi-Fi connection from anywhere.
- System requirements: Microsoft Windows 7, 8, Vista, XP, 2000, Mac OS, UNIX, Linux, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.4, or Google Chrome 11.0 browsers or higher.
Q: What is the range on this router? I need WiFi in a shed 150 feet from my home...
A: Not sure I've gone 150 ft but based on what I've seen in performance so far I feel that it will be able to handle it.
A: I recently reviewed the same routers and saw the same reviews as you did. However i saw the date they posted their review and the went to netgear's website and from there you can see when they patched the bugs with firmware updates. They have since patched them. I bought mine last month and have never had any problems and have never had to reboot it. The main reason i went with the X8 was that it had faster data transfer rates for WiFi and really to best reason was that it had 6 switching ports. I ran Cat 5e cables through my house because if you truly want the fastest possible speeds, you need to run ethernet cable. WiFi will never be able to beat the data transfer rates of ethernet and since i ran cable, i went with the 6 port to give my more wires to run.
Q: Does this work with Comcast?
A: The answer is yes. I have comcast and just set up this very router and it works great. However check with Comcast to make sure your modem is compatible with the Nighthawk X8. I'd recommend a DOCSYS 3.0, but should be at least DOCSYS 2.0 modem and buy your own modem. The rental fee on a modem from Comcast is more per year than the fastest and best modems on the market you can buy out right. Hope this helpful...good luck.
Q: Hotspot
A: Although I don't know the specific Hotspot device you have nor the specs on it I did a quick Internet search of sprint hot spot devices. I didn't find any that had ano ethernet port to pass service on to the router. It also requires modem configuration and the hotspot devices can't be configured for pass through and shutting off WiFi on them which is required so the two don't conflict. So the short answer is No.
Q: How many wireless devices can connect with this router
A: ...a lot. I know I've had over 15 devices running at once. I'm not sure the technical answer, but that has been my experience.
A: Yes, you will need a modem with this product.
Q: Can i connect this router to a century link DSL moden?
A: yes it works great with centurly link DSL/Fiber
Q: Does this work with spectrum?
A: Yes it does! I have spectrum myself and it maximizes my internets performance as I see fit. Very easy to set up as well in place of the router provided by spectrum.
