Synology Planning on a New WRX560 WiFi 6 and 2.5GbE Router for 2022/2023
Update (10/10/22 UK) – This Router has been confirmed to carry the Model ID/Name RTX560 (not RT3000ax) and will be released towards the end of November 2022
Yes, Synology is working on a new WiFi 6 and 2.5G router – The Synology RT3000ax (also known as the WRX560). Before I go any further though,a little bit of background. I think it would be safe to say that Synology has been quite successful in their range of prosumer routers. When they first introduced the RT1900ac 6 years ago, it was seen as something of an experiment to see if they could bring the same level of software, design and experience that they had learned in network attached storage to one of the most common devices in all our homes and offices worldwide. Fast forward to now and they are on the 3rd Generation (technically, a little bit of overlap) and we have seen both the standard of Synology Router and the functionality of Synology Router Manager (SRM) evolve considerably – with the router arm of their portfolio getting stronger all the time. Which brings us to the newly revealed RT3000ax router, a more compact 802.11ax router that seems destined to serve as the refresh for the MR2200ac or (more likely) the RT2600ac at some point in the future. With a new and intriguing design (definitely looks like what the most recent star wars trilogy did to stormtrooper helmets, but ok) and borrowed elements of the recently released RT6600ax router, the RT3000ax would appear to be designed to be in a tier of their router portfolio serving as the middle-ground (when the OTT RT6600ax seems a bit pie in the sky). Let’s discuss this new router, the hardware we know about, the software and whether this device is worth waiting for.
Hardware Specifications of the Synology RT3000ax / WRX560 Router
The Synology RT3000ax router is quite comparable to the RT6600ax in a number of ways when it comes to it’s general hardware specifications (those the details on the qualcomm processor and on board RAM remain a mystery at the time of writing), with the system supporting 2.5GbE on a WAN/LAN port (as well as 4 more 1GbE LAN ports, with one being dedicated WAN), failover support, WiFi 6 support and USB storage compatibility that allows the use of applications (modified Synology DSM NAS apps) to be used on the system with SRM. However, there is always clear build choices here that show that the RT3000ax is designed for slightly more modest deployments. It’s a dual-band (2.4/5G design), uses internal antennae, is more verticle in it’s shape, is wall mountable and I have yet to hear if mesh support is available (assume yes, but still TBC). Here are the specifications that I know about so far:
Synology RT3000ax Router |
|
Wireless Standards | 2.4GHz: 802.11 b/g/n/ax
5GHz: 802.11 a/n/ac/ax |
Frequency/Bandwidth | 802.11ax (2.4GHz): Up to 600 Mbps
802.11ax (5GHz): Up to 2400 Mbps |
5.9Ghz Support | TBC |
WAN | Gigabit WAN x 1
2.5G WAN / LANx 1 (Dual WAN) |
LAN | Gigabit LAN x 3 and 2.5G LAN x 1 |
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) x 1 |
File System | EXT4, EXT3, FAT, NTFS, HFS+ (Ext Drive) |
Physical Buttons/Switches | • Power • WPS • Wi-Fi On/Off • Reset |
Wireless Modes | Wireless Router
Wireless AP (Access Point) |
Antenna | Internal 2T2R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (2.4GHz)
Internal 4T4R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (5GHz) |
Size | 233 x 194 x 66mm |
Setup of the Synology RT3000ax router is largely the same as that of the rest of the RT and MR series from the brand, with it being usable as a primary router point or as an additional access point. The dual WAN design allows users to connect their ingoing/outgoing internet connection to an upto 1GbE (1000Mb/100MMB) connection, or use the 2.5GbE connection for greater than gigabit external connections. This also means that the support of failover is available, with the option to connect more two internet connections to the system (either both via WAN connection and/or with use of a 4G/5G LTE SIM connection via a supported USB device). Something I tested (along with other recovery features of SRM and the RT6600ax) in the video lower in the article.
These are still questions surrounding some SRM supported features and recent Synology router services that are available on the RT6600ax router and whether they will be available on the RT3000ax, such as:
- Will the RT3000ax Router use/access the 5.9Ghz Band, allowing larger 160Mhz connections? Almost certainly yes, but still TBC
- Will Mesh connectivity with other Synology Routers (RT6600ax, RT2600ax, MR2200ac) be available, and at launch? Again, almost certainly yes, but still TBC
We will update this article and the larger Synology 2023 Hardware Page as soon as we know more. You can visit the BIG Synology 2023 Page HERE
How Does the Synology RT3000ax Compare with the RT6600ax Router?
Many users who are considering buying the Synology RT6600ax right now in Autumn 2022 might hear the news of a new RT3000ax WiFi6 router coming at some point in the future and be thinking about whether to buy now or wait. It’s a very good question! However, the more you look into the specifications (even based on the few we know right now comparatively) it is clear that the RT6600ax router is the more powerful and capable price. So, if you were already about to buy the RT6600ax as it sounded ideal for your needs, then waiting for the release of the RT3000ax will not be worth it for you. However, if you were only considering the RT6600ax for its WiFi 6 and 2.5G capabilities and you were not looking to upgrade your setup until the end of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023 (when this new outer is likely to arrive realistically), then here are how the Synology RT3000ax and RT6600ax compare:
Model | Synology RT3000ax | Synology RT6600ax |
Price | TBC | $309 – £260 – €299 |
Wireless Standards | 2.4GHz: 802.11 b/g/n/ax
5GHz: 802.11 a/n/ac/ax |
2.4GHz: 802.11 b/g/n/ax
5GHz: 802.11 a/n/ac/ax |
Frequency/Bandwidth | 802.11ax (2.4GHz): Up to 600 Mbps
802.11ax (5GHz): Up to 2400 Mbps |
802.11ax (2.4GHz): Up to 600 Mbps
802.11ax (5GHz-1): Up to 1200 Mbps 802.11ax (5GHz-2): Up to 4800 Mbps |
5.9Ghz Support | TBC | YES |
WAN | Gigabit WAN x 1
2.5G WAN / LANx 1 (Dual WAN) |
Gigabit WAN x 1
2.5G WAN / LANx 1 (Dual WAN) |
LAN | Gigabit LAN x 3 and 2.5G LAN x 1 | Gigabit LAN x 3 and 2.5G LAN x 1 |
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) x 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) x 1 |
File System | EXT4, EXT3, FAT, NTFS, HFS+ (Ext Drive) | EXT4, EXT3, FAT, NTFS, HFS+ (Ext Drive) |
Physical Buttons/Switches | • Power • WPS • Wi-Fi On/Off • Reset | • Power • WPS • Wi-Fi On/Off • Reset |
Wireless Modes | Wireless Router
Wireless AP (Access Point) |
Wireless Router
Wireless AP (Access Point) |
Antenna | Internal 2T2R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (2.4GHz)
Internal 4T4R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (5GHz) |
2T2R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (2.4GHz/5GHz-1)
4T4R Omni-directional high-gain dipole (5GHz-2) |
Size | 233 x 194 x 66mm | 65 x 280 x 180 MM |
So, as you can see, the main difference here is the scope of bandwidth, coverage and distance that is covered between the RT6600ax and RT3000ax – with the RT6600ax clearly being the larger (thanks to that tri-band support and larger external antenna coverage. But if you are looking for a smaller deployment and are not in a big rush right now, the RT3000ax router will provide most of the other features on offer!
Software and Security of the Synology RT3000ax Router
The Synology RT3000ax router will arrive with Synology Router Manager (SRM), as well as a range of client applications, Synology DSM-built tools that have been modified to work on their router platform and compatibility/support of all the usual OS’. You can find out more on the latest release of SRM (version 1.3) in my FULL SRM REVIEW HERE on YouTube and in my long written review of SRM1.3 here on NASCompares, but the highlights are:
SRM Features | LAN/WAN management
– Port forwarding Monitoring – Live view per device Synology Safe Access – User & network profiles Add On Apps (Requires a USB Drive) – VPN Plus Server QuickConnect and DDNS for Encrypted/Secure Remote Management |
Supported Clients (for SRM) | Windows 7 onwards, Mac OS 10.12 onwards |
Security | WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE), WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Enterprise, WPA2/WPA3-Persona |
Find out more on the automated recovery of connectivity in wired/wireless configuration, how the system handles failover, mesh self healing and more in my Synology Router Experiments video below:
When Will the Synology RT3000ax Router Be Released?
Update (10/10/22 UK) – This Router has been confirmed to carry the Model ID/Name RTX560 and will be released towards the end of November 2022. As more information on this device becomes available, I will update this article, the Synology 2023 SUPER ARTICLE and comparisons with the current generation of Synology Routers as information arrives. Subscribe to the NASCompares blog OR just chuck your email in the notification box below (no sign-up needed, you just get the alerts to updates to this article) to stay informed on the Synology RT3000ax router Have a great week!
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I really love Synology’s UI. Similar to my NAS. I wonder if the MR2200ac mesh system will be compatible with Wifi-7 or if you need a Wifi-7 version to be able to use Wifi-7 features. I suspect the latter. I guess I’ll wait for Wifi-7 release to get one.
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Thanks for you work, but can you tell for the regular user if it will be relevant for me to spend much money for the expensive modem or it will be enough to use MR2200ac Mesh? 🙂
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Would the failover work with 2 internet connections (ethernet 1 and ethernet 2)? Does the router support Openreach connections (without needing WAN port).
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Does it have outbound firewall? To block malware from connecting back home?
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I was wondering if VLAN will work for example when using Synology and Unifi AP. I presume at that point VLAN’s are setup on AP/Unifi?
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I can’t figure out why it doesn’t redirect to the custom block page or allow the access request when I try to visit sites in the block list. Any tips?
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When setting up mesh nodes, what’s the preferred setting: AP or Router?
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I’d be interested to see a video about the long term stability of SRM 1.3
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Isn’t a wifi network using standard AP’s (wired, same sidd) the same thing as a wifi mesh (wired, same sidd) network? In 2009 i tested a “mesh” network concept using linksys AP’s that were wired to the network and the sidd name was the same. This setup was spread out over 52 square miles. I would drive around and watch my laptop connect to each AP as i approach it. The explanation of wifi mesh i have found states that it can have wireless backhauls or wired backhauls, same sidd name on each node (AP) and sometimes automatically config all the nodes. The only thing here that seems different is the automatic config of the nodes…
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While using the USB tethering how to make sure the phone won’t run out of battery?
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to my surprise 1.3 SRM is still not an option when trying to upgrade the RT2600AC and MR2200AC using the automatic upgrade. However, if you go to the Synology download centre enter your current model number, and DSM version you can install the relevant PAT files manually. Long winded, but I now have 1.3 running on both devices.
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MR2200ac are the absolute WORST experience I’ve ever had with routers. I wouldn’t touch this shit again for anything.
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ah the R0000ter fan boy. WHY don’t you compare it to other wifi 6 roooooters ? how much are they paying you ?
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There is no more Cloud Station (= Synology Drive) with rt6600ax which was very useful from previous model rt2200ac. No reviewers mentioned about it.
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There is no more Cloud Station (= Synology Drive) which was very useful from SRM1.2
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I have a 1gb connection and looking to upgrade to wifi 6 from a single wifi netgear device. Think star wars) Any way I am torn between the orbit 86x series or this new synology mesh system. What are your thoughts I can’t find a single review for this new mesh router. Orbi is getting a lot of positive reviews as the fastest but the price is painful 1,000 dollars US. Thoughts. Do you have a review yet?
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Anyone have any idea on what you upgrade first? Have existing Mesh with 2600 and 2200 running SRM 1.2.
Do I Upgrade the 2600 first or the 2200 please? Surely upgrading the 2600 to 1.3 would render the 2200 unable to connect and incompatible?
Any help appreciated.. 🙂
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They also removed features like wireless repeater mode and didn’t say nothing. That mode was one of the reasons I purchased the router and now you can’t go back to 1.2. Never again will I buy from Synology.
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Can you tell us which dongles are compatible with failover tethering? Synology only lists mobile phones which seems mad to me.
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21:50 You have this section labelled as “Safe Search”, I think it should be “Safe Access”.
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for what is the advanced option under wifi settings called key rotation?
it looks like some devices deconnect in the same interval as the time that is set in key rotation.
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Is it possible to add USB as network drive in windows using network.
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is this replace the 6600ax or is this a mesh for the 6600ax
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The WRX560 is the model submitted to the FCC for testing, likely release is 2023 Feb.
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For a company that make NASes, Synology really has no interest in going for higher GbE. While the argument is that the 2.5 GbE port on the router is for high speed wifi, they totally disregard the fact that people who buy it are really those who have NASes, otherwise any other high-end routers on the market will do an equal job.
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Who do you always show off your chest? Do you shave it or naturally smooth?
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They need to release it wifi 7 be here soon
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It’s a prosumer router, 1GB is ample of speed. Only hobbyists whine about the 2.5GB speed. If you really want a fast LAN and have the hardware jump straight to a 10GB network switch that can handle all the traffic.
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WHERE do I click “Buy”
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WHERE do I click “Buy”
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Why does Synology hate fast LAN connections? Only one 2.5GbE and it’s for the WAN? Do they think no one needs 2.5GbE on their LAN (e.g. for connecting to a *NAS*)? And no Wifi 6E for a late 2022/2023 model? Why? These seem like table stakes for a premium (but not extreme) router in 2023
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Again only one 2.5Gb port! Just like the RT6600 I wont be touching it because of this as I cant then pass more than 1Gb’s to anyone device over wired connection such as a 10Gb switch I have. Seriously as a company they get it so wrong on their NAS’s and Router’s that it shocking.
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is there any apps like adblock that i can add to this router? that would make it an easy win!
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what is the problem with the sale of the rt6600ax? I can’t find it in any seller. and on the other hand, what happens with the stable version 1.3 for the rt2600ac? what is in RC?
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I would like to know the RT6600ax will it compatible with Linksys velop? RT6600ax act as router and link with velop act as the mesh… I got the velop mesh already but sinology have great SRM 1.3…Thanks
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Hi
You test for failover was rather simple. I’ve got my router connected to carrier modem (setup as a bridge) and when internet is down physical connection is still present.
Can you check how long it takes synology to notice that WAN is down in this situation and switch to back up?
My current router sometimes don’t see that WAN is down and won’t switch to backup and sometimes switch but after long period of time. Thanks.
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Great review thank you. Picking one up now 🙂
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Thank you testing out the SRM 1.3 mesh capabilities. With the general availability of SRM 1.3, I plan on updating my RT2600ac and MR2200ac mesh network. I would love to see a YouTube about the best way to set up VLANs for the guest network, IoT network (smart house type connections that rely on PSK) and an internal VLAN with wifi EAP using DSM Radius server and hard wired Ethernet connections. This would entail using the firewall rules and bridge to connect between the VLANs (especially for anything on the internal network that needs to manage the IoT devices, etc), port forwarding, etc. Just an idea. Thanks!
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please istall Version: 1.3.1-9346 mesh system works betes and more stabile then Version: 1.3.1-9316 – first realase of srm 1.3.1 works as crap – I know this becouse I have RT2600ac + MR 2200ac as mesh network. Version: 1.3.1-9316have to more bugs – probably becouse Qalcom wi-fi modukle fimware is bugy on that version of srm
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Robbie great demo, is it able to shoot off an email if the primary wan drops and fails to the alternate connection ?
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I’m happy that I have returned 2600ac.. advertised as small office router device wasn’t able to set static routes for connected vpn clients… which was confirmed by support…
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I hoped you would show updating the MR2200ac. I’ve tried several times and just as it says it’s “Transferring data to the server. Please wait”, the screen momentarily goes white and returns to the SRM desktop. It never updated. Any tips?
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Would like to see synology introduce a client mode on the MR2200AC firmware for ethernet only devices for situations where the RT6600AX delivers the needed wireless coverage by it self.
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I still feel that they abandoned their first system. I expected more from synology. I just removed 1 main router and 4 mesh routers for a dream machine pro, should have gone that route in the first place.
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Satellite router feature (using legacy synology router) is not available yet I think?
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Great video … as usual. Based on your previous review of Synology’s RT6600ax, I recently bought one (yeah… tough to locate one in Spain) and have been THOUROUGHLY impressed. So my comments are really directed at both reviews. As I work my way through all the rich features of SRM 1.3, this deep dive has been wonderful and helped me close down a few missed security holes.
While the RT6600ax didn’t provide as good of a range boost over my ISP’s LiveBox 6+ as I hoped nor did it fix the intermittent service problems I have (which Orange tech support keeps claiming is how and where I have the router it installed), the control and security of SRM has more than made up for it. It is the proverbial light years ahead of what Orange offers in their residential router.
I know this is a review and comparison channel and less a “how to”. However, I’d love to see a more in-depth connection/setup/security video as I did have a little trouble trying to connect and set up the RT6600ax. Not Synology’s fault but the limitations introduced by my ISP and their router limitations. Initially, I was hoping I could connect it directly to the ONT but it seems I don’t have the technical wherewithal to figure that out. I hoped the LiveBox could be set up as a bridge, but that option is not immediately available. I then tried connecting to the LiveBox router and setting up as an Access Point. That sort of worked but was pissed that I couldn’t use all the features of SRM. I then tried connecting to the ISP’s router using the Wireless Router operating mode but, as to be expected, ran into double NAT issues. I finally had to set up a DMZ on my LiveBox and pointed it to the RT6600ax. This seems to work as I have not had problems so far. However, I am not yet sure if opening a DMZ is an inherent risk (I would love feedback on this option). However, one would assume using a router with firewall rules enabled in a DMZ is probably one of the safer options.
So my next comment is with regards to the Threat Prevention feature of SRM. To see the attacks and where your vulnerabilities lie is both a blessing and a curse. Of course, with my ISP’s router, there is nothing of this reporting. I guess the average person just assumes and accepts that they are safe behind the router provided the ISP… and maybe they are. However, when you can actually see the types of “Malicious Events” available in the Threat Prevention app (e.g. Network Trojans, Attempted Information Leaks), where they are coming from, and the intensity/frequency, I am left a little shell shocked and worried. It is like watching the news… the more bad things you see happening around you, the more anxiety and fear you feel. If I just play naive and ignore that there are bad elements out there, as happens with your ISPs router, I can just live happily in my little bubble and not worry about bad things until there is a problem. So, a more deep dive on how to handle the threat reporting in SRM and steps you can take to harden your system would be much appreciated.
So again, great video and if anyone has references, advice and help for points raised above, I would love to hear about it.
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That network/port overview that is missing, would be great as a widget. That way when you go to the router address it is imediatly visible
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Does the dns package support local network dns entries? I currently use ddwrt and have local dns records configured for a few server IPs…that way my desktop and mobile clients can connect to files and emails using those fqdn names locally
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Please share the wallpaper haha
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50 minutes of bobbing and weaving.. What’s the difference between 1.2 and 1.3 …. None of that was even touched on.
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Amazing review. Thanks a lot for your effort. It’s almost like we’re dealing with a Nas Station here. In terms of user experience anyway. I think if they added Plex, a lot of basic users wouldn’t have bought a Nas Station anymore, so I think is is a selling strategy here. Anyway, great review, I am considering buying an unit after watching your video. Well done mate! Keep up the good work!
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Looks fantastic. As mentioned previously, I am using a net gear R9000 which to be fair has been working brilliantly. I flashed it with DDWRT recently using my iPad Pro, it took an absolute age to login but finally it worked. I am registered as a blind person but enjoy fiddling around with technology. I am waiting for your video next week for The router shootout vid but, am quite taken with the RTÉ 6600.
Thank you for all of your videos they are very helpful
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Would be nice if a usb hub worked with it.
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Does this router support VIP?
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I just want to know if I connect a 2.5GB NAS to that 2.5GB LAN port of the Synology, I get speeds between the NAS and the client above 1GB over WIFI6E, thanks.
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too long and boring
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When the videos get this long ( which I do very much appreciate ), I head straight to the conclusion. If you conclusion is positive, I generally go back to the beginning. That’s what I’m doing here. Your opinion at the end is exactly what some of us need. I currently have an RT2600ac but now I will buy a new 6600 model and use the 2600 as an access point in the upstairs of my home. Many thanks for all of the time that you put into these reviews.
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Didn’t need the chapters. Watched straight thru. Great video.
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