Review: Netgear Nighthawk X10 R9000 WiFi Router

Update 2018: For over a year, the R9000 performed reliably. However, subsequent firmware updates introduced regressions, leading to persistent issues despite replacing two units. These included DHCP malfunctions and, ultimately, a non-functional WiFi radio. While our assessments are based on the product’s performance at the time of testing and we cannot anticipate future improvements or deteriorations, we maintain our original evaluations to prevent external bias. Consequently, this review (and its rating) remains unchanged. Nevertheless, the R9000 is no longer a reference model for us. For those seeking a high-performance router, we recommend considering Netgear’s new WiFi 6 router AX12.

“A Wi-Fi router for 5,000 SEK?!”. This was the initial reaction upon receiving the Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 test unit. The Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 (Model # R9000) is Netgear’s flagship router in the Nighthawk line, offering exceptional performance, the fastest speeds via 802.11AD, and a robust media server capability suitable for hosting a Plex Server without a dedicated NAS. But does it justify its premium price point?

Beyond the packaging’s substantial weight, the initial impression is one of quality and design. The box’s internal structure evokes imagery of Professor Xavier’s X-Men academy. The router itself is a substantial piece of hardware, similar in size to a compact laptop, featuring ventilation grids, a fan, and four prominent antennas that convey a sense of power. Connectivity options include six LAN ports, a 10Gb/s port for NAS connectivity, and the ability to aggregate two ports for increased bandwidth.

Netgear’s digital setup guide and online documentation are comprehensive and user-friendly, providing clear, step-by-step instructions. While the Genie software encountered initial difficulties when configuring the router with an existing modem bridge, it’s worth noting that two firmware updates were released during our testing period. We anticipate continued improvements to the Nighthawk X10 through future firmware releases.

The inclusion of 802.11AD is noteworthy, although its practical utility is currently limited due to the scarcity of compatible devices. AD augments AC technology by utilizing the 60GHz band, offering potential relief from the congested 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. While AD theoretically doubles AC performance, achieving up to 7 Gb/s, practical limitations exist. Currently, few devices can fully utilize even 3 Gb/s, and broadband connections exceeding 1 Gb/s are uncommon. Furthermore, AD is susceptible to interference, necessitating close proximity to the router (approximately 20-30 centimeters, according to other tests) for optimal performance, which then depends on the AC speeds.

Network performance
While features and support are important, the core question is: How does it perform, both via LAN and Wi-Fi? The answer: exceptionally well. With a 250 Mbit fiber connection, tests using PSN, Xbox, Fast.com (Netflix), Bredbandskollen, and internal stress tests consistently achieved speeds at or slightly above the rated capacity. While wired LAN connections generally offer superior reliability, the Nighthawk X10’s Wi-Fi performance is remarkably stable. The signal strength is excellent, providing coverage for approximately 100 square meters, and its ability to penetrate concrete walls is impressive, surpassing competitors and enabling connectivity even at a distance (dependent on specific conditions).

The router’s triple-band capability, combined with four dual-band antennas, MU-MIMO, and QoS (Quality of Service) functionality, allows it to effortlessly manage 17 devices simultaneously via both LAN and Wi-Fi connections. The Nighthawk’s robust internal hardware handles this load with ease for modern devices supporting 802.11AC.

NAS Replacement?
While a dedicated NAS excels as a 24/7 server for backup and media streaming, repurposing older PCs with power-hungry PSUs for this purpose can be inefficient. The Nighthawk X10 presents a viable, more energy-efficient alternative for basic NAS functions.

The Nighthawk X10 includes two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external hard drives for backup or media serving. While initial setup required some configuration, particularly with ReadySHARE, the X10 supports the local installation and execution of Plex Media Server. Its quad-core 1.7Ghz processor and 512MB of DDR3 RAM provide ample resources for traffic management and running services like Plex Media Server and Amazon Cloud Backup concurrently. An experimental torrent client is also available for direct download to connected hard drives.

Nighthawk X10 has built-in support for running a Plex Media Server, which is very nice.

Plex is a useful tool for organizing digital film and TV libraries. While not flawless, it offers reasonable stability, automation, and ease of use. The Nighthawk X10’s Plex Media Server implementation performs well overall, handling 1080p streaming and even 4K content (in mp4 format) with on-the-fly transcoding adequately. However, the growing size of 4K files necessitates large storage capacities. File format compatibility between the router, Mac, and PC required some experimentation, with FAT32 proving to be a reliable option. We anticipate further refinement of these aspects through ongoing firmware development.

Verdict and summary
The Netgear Nighthawk X10 is a formidable and high-performing Wi-Fi router. At approximately 4,990 SEK, it represents a significant investment for a Wi-Fi router. Compared to alternatives from Asus and TP-Link, comparable (though not identical) performance can be achieved at a lower cost. However, as with top-tier products, the Nighthawk X10 delivers exceptional performance and versatility for demanding users. Its ability to handle high data traffic from numerous devices simultaneously, combined with extensive coverage, sets it apart. The integrated Plex Media Server adds further value. While not ideal for users with basic needs, it is well-suited for online gamers requiring a reliable, low-latency connection and for medium-sized offices. Premium performance comes at a premium price, analogous to high-end TVs and speakers.

The Nighthawk X10’s ability to seamlessly manage traffic distribution and provide excellent performance for nearly 20 devices while simultaneously running a Plex Media Server for Full HD video streaming is a notable achievement. The Netgear Nighthawk X10 can be considered the router equivalent of a Tesla Model S: a powerful machine with comprehensive features, future-proofed with 802.11AD and 10 Gb/s fiber support. While software refinements are desirable and its price point is substantial (perhaps 2995 SEK would be more psychologically palatable), top-tier performance demands a corresponding investment.

Ultimately, superior performance comes at a cost.