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Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000P)

 & John R. Delaney Contributing Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Meet the Netgear Nighthawk AC2300 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000P)

The black cabinet of the new Nighthawk measures 1.9 by 11.2 by 7.2 inches (HWD) and has three removable, adjustable antennas.

A Stealth-Fighter Sleekness

The ominous, wedge-shaped Nighthawk R7000P looks similar to the Nighthawk R7000 that we reviewed back in 2016. There's a USB 3.0 port on the front edge of the router, just below the numerous LED indicators.

The Port Array

The rear panel is home to four gigabit LAN ports, a WAN port, a USB 2.0 port, a reset button, and a power button.

App Features

The mobile app offers plenty of management settings.

Checking Out the Router Dashboard

Installation was a breeze, thanks to the web-based Netgear Genie Setup wizard.

A Peek at the Basic Settings

In addition to basic Wireless, Internet, and Guest Network settings, you can view a list of attached devices with their IP address and current status, as well as turn off wireless access for one or all devices.

Dynamic QoS

The Dynamic QoS setting lets you determine your internet upload and download bandwidth speed, but it lacks the ability to assign bandwidth to specific devices and gaming applications.

Tweakers Only, Please

Advanced settings include a Setup wizard, Security settings (access control, site blocking, scheduling), Administrative settings (system logs, password changes, firmware updates), and settings for Port Forwarding, Static Routing, Web Services Management, VPN Services, and Internet Traffic statistics and metering.

Meet the Parental Controls

In the Parental Controls menu, you can choose to use the Circle With Disney controls, or the standard OpenDNS parental controls.

About Our Expert

John R. Delaney

John R. Delaney

Contributing Editor

My Experience

I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). I spent more than 14 years on staff, most recently as the director of operations for PC Labs, before hitting the freelance circuit as a contributing editor. 

The Technology I Use

I do all of my writing on my aging but trusty Lenovo Thinkpad T460.

At home I have two wireless networks running: one for streaming, gaming, and other day-to-day networking tasks, and another for testing all sorts of smart home devices including smart plugs and switches, lighting, indoor and outdoor security cameras, home security systems, air conditioners, smart grills, robotic lawn mowers, pool cleaners, and whatever else finds its way to my door.

It’s not uncommon to find people standing in front of my house taking video of a robotic lawn mower traversing my lawn during the summer months. Now if only someone would come up with a robotic snow blower, I’d be all set. 

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