Product Showcase XR500 Gaming router

Product Showcase

So let us have a closer look at the product, packaging first of course. As stated, this is a stand-alone router review, however, we'll test the Mesh setup as well as the 10 Gbit Switch, ergo multiple boxes. 

So the kit we received is threefold, let's focus on the Netgear XR500 Gaming router first. Included are a CAT6 Gigabit Ethernet cable, power adapter, a manual, instruction CD and no less than four antennas.

Everything is packaged rather nicely there, hardly any chance of damage during transport and unboxing it is quite an experience all by itself. Interestingly enough, the router cannot be wall mounted, so there are no brackets or plugs to attach the router to the wall. 

Above, you can see an overview of the hardware included. And yeah, that's a nostalgic spacy / stealthy design alright. The router has been equipped with powerful hardware (for a router) such as a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor, 256 MB flash memory and two USB 3.0 ports. The Netgear XR500 Gaming router comes with 512MB of DRAM memory and allows for AC2600, Wi-Fi Certified for 802.11a,b,g,n and ac with dual band. 

Liek many 802.11ac routers the new unit is equipped with four adjustable and removable antennas. The separate antennas are located on the outside of router. Above, a picture with the antennas in complete harmony all bringing you a pretty powerful consumer router. Not only the hardware though, the software features are extensive as well. You can direct the antennas in any angle, to squeeze out that last bit of performance in an upper floor corner.