Older computers may now access Wi-Fi 6E speeds thanks to a clever solution from Netgear. With the help of Netgear’s Nighthawk AXE3000 USB 3.0 adaptor, a computer can be converted to Wi-Fi 6E and use the new standard.
In recent years, Wi-Fi 6E has been gradually becoming available, enabling devices to access the 6GHz frequency in addition to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The standard permits “faster speeds, more connections, and less congestion interference.” However, the number of gadgets and accessories that support Wi-Fi 6E is still quite small, which restricts its use. You can retrospectively add Wi-Fi 6E connectivity to laptops and desktop PCs that lacked native capability with the Nighthawk AXE3000(opens in new tab).
Features
The AXE3000 is available as a USB dongle that may be connected directly to USB ports on computers. NETGEAR claims that it will automatically identify the Wi-Fi bands on your router so that the device may connect to the appropriate one, whether it be the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, or 6GHz. From a peak of 1200Mbps on 6GHz to 600Mbps (megabits per second) on 2.4GHz, connection speeds vary. The business asserts that users will benefit from smoother data transfers and “reduced lag [while] gaming” as a result of these speeds.
Those with long memories may recall that we once added basic Wi-Fi to some PCs by plugging in USB-based Wi-Fi antennas, which explains why this idea seems a little dated.
Additionally, you’ll see a stand for the AXE3000. According to NETGEAR, using this cradle provides an alternative to inserting the dongle directly into a computer. The AXE3000 may be unfolded to serve as a Wi-Fi 6E antenna after the dongle is connected into the cradle. There is a USB cable for connecting to your computer on the cradle’s opposite end. Additionally, the AXE3000 has the Wi-Fi Alliance’s WPA3 protocol installed to protect your devices if you’re concerned about security.
Obtaining entry
Be advised that a Wi-Fi 6E router, which can be fairly pricey, is still required. You won’t have to landlock yourself to a NETGEAR device because the AXE3000 is merely an adaptor that enables you to reach such speeds. It is compatible with any Wi-Fi router and mesh network. To reach those high speeds, the business does advise purchasing a 6E router and mesh system that supports it, such as the Orbi 960 Series.
Additionally, you will require a computer running Windows 11 because, as of the time of this writing, only this version of Windows natively supports Wi-Fi 6E. (and its promised speeds). According to the official specs sheet(opens in new tab), the AXE3000 does function with Windows 10 machines, but you won’t get those fast speeds.
Only the United States, one of the few nations in the world that supports Wi-Fi 6E, will be able to purchase the AXE3000 adaptor when it comes at the end of September for $89.99. As additional nations embrace 6E, a firm spokesperson informed us that the dongle might be released overseas, but he declined to specify which nations.
We suggest looking at TechRadar’s most recent list of the top routers if you’re looking for a new Wi-Fi 6 router. Be ready to spend a few hundred dollars on the 6E entry, though.
