Synology Router: RT6600ax First Impressions
- Synology Router Specs & Features
- Synology Router Installation
- The Synology RT6600ax Offers Speed and Expansion Possibilities
- Design of the RT6600ax
- Initial Verdict
- Quad-core 1.8GHz processor
- 1GB DDR3 RAM
- 6 antennas
- Synology Router Manager operating system
- Tri-band frequencies at 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac
- 2.5GbE port
- Parental controls
- Create up to five separate networks
- Pre-installed VPN server capabilities with remote desktop and site-to-site tunneling
- Pre-installed anti-malware tools
- Multiple security protocols
- 1 USB port
- 4 LAN ports
- 1 WAN port
Photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals need reliable internet to get work done. Heck, no matter what your occupation, reliable internet is a necessity.
Unfortunately, many of us make do with equipment that just isn't up to par anymore. I know I've held on to routers, modems, and even laptops for far too long, just because it seemed easier.
But it isn't easier!
I know using new technology can be intimidating. It can be difficult to set up, get you out of your workflow, and make you wonder why you tried to upgrade in the first place. But when you finally find gear that is reliable, easy to use, and fast, it's a total game-changer.
The latest game-changing gear I've added to my home office is a Synology Router, the RT6600ax to be exact. Below are my first impressions.
Table of Contents
Synology Router Specs & Features
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this first impressions review, let's have a look at the essential specs and features of the Synology RT6600ax:
So, as you can see, this Synology router is packed full of features.
The quad-core processor offers plenty of power for fast connection speeds, even when you have tons of devices connected simultaneously. And with the three-band Wi-Fi, all your devices are evenly distributed between the Synology router's radios, thereby maximizing range and performance. This also helps prevent bottlenecks and maintain high download and upload speeds.
You also get the capability of establishing five separate networks. This is a crucial feature because it allows you to separate vulnerable devices from the rest. Likewise, you can have a "home" network, a "kids" network, a "work" network, and more to keep your devices segregated based on task.
Add in a pre-installed VPN, multiple WPA2 and WPA3 security protocols, malware tools, and parental controls, and you have the makings of the ideal router for your home and work needs.
Synology Router Installation
While this isn't a plug-and-play router, it is very easy to set up.
Simply download the accompanying app to your phone, fold out the antennas, power it up, and connect the ethernet cable.
Next, you press the power switch, give it a minute or so to do its thing, and then you can access the installation guide on your phone using the default WiFi password.
The install guide is thorough, easy to follow, and provides detailed, step-by-step instructions. It couldn't be easier!
The Synology RT6600ax Offers Speed and Expansion Possibilities
I've had excellent luck with fast download and upload speeds with the Synology RT6600ax. With six antennas operating on Wi-Fi 6, that's just what you'd expect!
I get great coverage throughout my home, with speeds obviously faster nearest the router. For example, I see consistent download speeds in my office (where the router is) above 80Mbps and upload speeds in the upper 30s. Likewise, latency is negligible at around 4ms.
Further afoot in my house, the download and upload speeds go down and latency goes up. For example, in the kitchen, the download and upload speeds are closer to 40Mbps and 30Mbps, respectively. Latency is at around 6ms.
When using a wired connection, the data transfer rate is blazing-fast at about 2Gbps.
This router also offers expansion possibilities.
Though you get good coverage with the router, a larger home or office application would benefit from a mesh Wi-Fi setup. Simply add another RT6600ax to the mix (or more, as needed), and you can extend the network to all corners of the property.
Design of the RT6600ax
I know that aesthetics aren't hugely important when discussing routers, but if your router sits on top of your desk like mine does, it doesn't hurt for it to look cool!
The black plastic casing and six antennas give it a futuristic look. It isn't enormous at about 6.89 inches tall, 12.6 inches wide, and 8 inches deep and weighs just over three pounds, but it isn't exactly tiny, either.
On top are seven LED status lights. The ethernet ports and USB port are located on the back. On the side are two buttons: one to enable or disable Wi-Fi and another for adding devices using WPS.
Initial Verdict
So far, so good!
This router offers tons of features, gives me lots of flexibility and control, and was easy to install. Add fast speeds to the mix as well!
It's been everything I need and more for my day-to-day needs for working from home, as well as home-based tasks like streaming movies and music.
At more than $400 on Amazon, this isn't the cheapest router in the world. But...it's been worth every penny thus far. In terms of the long list of routers I've had over the years, including those from Linksys and Netgear, this one is proving to be the cream of the crop.
Stay tuned for a long-term update on the Synology RT6600ax sometime next year.