NETGEAR R6400 V1 vs. V2 – A Comprehensive Review

NETGEAR Wireless Routers are some of the popularly used and most preferred network devices by gaming enthusiasts, homeowners, and business owners alike. They are packed with industry-leading performance, features, and value-adding aspects that have been consistent for over 20 years.

Today, I received my first ever NETGEAR router – the NETGEAR R6400. When I checked at the back of the router, I came across a label that identified my new router as the R6400v1, meaning that it is an older model. Later, I decided to research through the NETGEAR website for the R6400 router models, and I came across another, which was identified as the R6400v2 and was considered the newer model. This made me question whether there are any significant changes or improvements on the R6400v2 or whether the R6400v1 had any issues that were later resolved in the v2 model. In this write-up, I have collated all my findings and have extensively discussed the differences between the two router models.

What are the differences between the NETGEAR R6400v1 and the NETGEAR R6400v2?

Comparison Features	NETGEAR R6400v1	NETGEAR R6400v2
Device Type	Wireless Router	Wireless Router
Ideal for	Medium to Large-Sized Homes	Medium to Large-Sized Homes
Wi-Fi technology	802.11 ac	802.11 ac
Frequency Bands	2.4 and 5 GHz	2.4 and 5 GHz
Theoretical Throughput Speeds	Up to 1,750 Mbps	Up to 1,750 Mbps
Chipset/ Processor	Broadcom BCM4708A0 (800 MHz, 2 cores)	Broadcom BCM4708A0 (1 GHz, 2 cores)
Wi-Fi Range Coverage	Up to 1,500 square feet	Up to 1,500 square feet
USB Connectivity	2 USB Ports  (USB 3.0 and USB 2.0)	2 USB Ports (USB 3.0 and USB 2.0)
Number of LAN Ports	4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports	4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Availability	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

NETGEAR R6400 V1 vs. V2 – How do they compare?

Speed and Performance

In terms of speed, the NETGEAR R6400 V1 and V2 are equals. They are both designed to deliver theoretical throughout speeds of up to 1,750 Mbps. This amount of speed is enough to accommodate high bandwidth applications such as 4K video streaming, online gaming, and file sharing across your network.

When it comes to performance, the NETGEAR R6400v2 is more efficient and better performing than the NETGEAR R6400v1. While they both run on Broadcom chipsets, they differ when it comes to their processors. The R6400v2 has a powerful 1 GHz processor, which has 20% more power than the 800 MHz processor found on the R6400v1.

Design and Model Features

The NETGEAR R6400 V1 and the V2 do not differ much when it comes to their design and build structure. They are both black in color and have 3 external antennas to increase Wi-Fi coverage around your home. Besides that, they both have status LEDs in their structure that help you keep up with your connection status.

When it comes to the model, the NETGEAR R6400v2 is a newer and more advanced model than the R6400v1. In simpler terms, the R6400v2 is the successor of the R6400v1. While they share a lot of commonalities and compatibilities, the R6400v2 offers better technical support than its opponent and it runs on an upgraded firmware, meaning that you will not experience too many firmware issues with this router.

Ports and Connectivity

The NETGEAR R6400 V1 and V2 are also equals when it comes to the number of ports they have in their structure and the connectivity options they offer. They both feature 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports in their structure, through which you can establish fast, stable, and reliable wired connections to your PC, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and laptops. Along with that, they both have 2 USB ports- a USB 3.0 port through which you can file share and a USB 2.0 port through which you can connect other compatible devices.

NETGEAR R6400 V1 vs. V2 – A Comprehensive Overview

NETGEAR R6400v1 Review

The NETGEAR R6400v1 wireless router was designed with the video streaming and HD gaming junkier in mind. Also, it is the most ideal option for medium-to-large sized offices and homes. Its performance is optimized through the simultaneous dual-band technology that supports the 2.4 GHz band with throughput speeds of up to 450 Mbps and the 5GHz band with bandwidth speeds of up to 1300 Mbps. This comes along with the smart beamforming, signal-focusing technology that significantly increases internet speeds, reliability and ensures improved Wi-Fi coverage around your home and office.

It runs on an efficient Broadcom BCM4708 dual-core 800 MHz processor that seamlessly meets your need and it comes with 4 Gigabit LAN ports through which you can establish wired connections to your various network devices. Besides that, it has a USB 2.0 port for your printer and a USB 3.0 for network storage. Through the NETGEAR Genie interface, you can control access to your network locally or remotely.

Pros

• Decent networking performance
• Easy to set up and install
• Durable and aesthetically pleasing build
• Multiple connectivity options

Cons

• Experiences firmware issues

Check Price on Amazon

NETGEAR R6400v2 Review

The NETGEAR R6400v2 is considered one of the most capable and high-performing 802.11ac routers in its class. While it isn’t the fastest one, it offers an extensive range of great features such as network-attached storage, parental controls, and remote access. Besides that, the R6400v2 was designed to replace NETGEAR’s old/original R6400v1 802.11ac router. It simply offers all the features that the previous model did not have and solves any problems associated with the previous model.

When it comes to its design structure, it features a USB 3.0 port towards the front panel and a USB 2.0 port towards the rear, so that you can seamlessly share a USB storage device and a printer over the network. Along with that, it comes with permanently affixed antennas to ensure complete coverage around your home.

In terms of performance, it is designed to support 3 spatial streams with the beamforming technology to deliver maximum theoretical throughput speeds of up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz frequency band and up to 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. To manage your router locally or remotely via the internet, you can log into the NETGEAR Genie app, which is very user-friendly and effective.

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing and durable design structure
• Great NAS/Storage performance
• Fast, strong, and reliable internet connection
• Offers OpenVPN support

Cons

• Permanently affixed antennas

Check Price on Amazon

Conclusion

The R6400 model is considered NETGEAR’s new mid-range 802.11ac router and is preferred by most people who are invested in high bandwidth applications. Following a few technical issues with the first version (the R6400v1), the second version (the R6400v2) was created.

Verdict: So, which is better – the NETGEAR R6400v1 or the NETGEAR R6400v2?

Simply because the NETGEAR R6400v2 is a newer and more advanced model than the R6400v1, it is the better wireless router. It offers more advanced features, runs on an upgraded and lag-free firmware, and runs on a more powerful processor to ensure that you have a seamless and more immersive online experience.

FAQs

1. How can I know whether my R6400 router is a v1 or v2 model?

You will have to check on the label found at the back of the router.

2. How many devices can I connect to the NETGEAR R6400 router?

Up to 64 devices.