Mixed mode WPA3/2 on Netgear RXA45 from Costco

[Smokindog]

Sorry if I caused any confusion. After posting a reply in another RXA45 thread I thought this best as it's own topic.

Does the Netgear RXA45 router sold by Costco support mixed mode WPA3/WPA2? I've got a couple WPA3 AX capable clients and was going to use this as a replacement for 2 aging Asus AC68's I'm using as access points that I'll repurpose. I need to continue to support the WPA2 clients in the area (streaming devices, cameras, ...). Well OK, at least one but I'm hoping the coverage of this router will allow me to take down 2 AC68's, they are relatively close to each other because of the layout of the house. One AC68 is almost good enough but 2 just provide better coverage.

It's taking a lot for me to consider a Netgear product again but I'm willing to give it a go. I already bought it on sale at Costco ($170) but haven't broken the shrink wrap!!!!

https://www.costco.com/.product.1390215.html

 

[Smokindog]

The answer to this question is as expected, no, it does not support mixed mode WPA3/2.

I'm also sad to report that after so many years of not using one of their products, Netgear still has a rather clumsy UI and the overall wireless coverage of this router is no better than an AC68 (obviously for AC clients).

It's still not a terrible device at $170 but the ASUS RT-AX3000 is on sale at Newegg for $149 and I may just get one for my stated purposes. Yes it's only 4 streams vs 6 and the stated theoretical speeds are lower but at least it will be a recognizable interface!

ASUS RT-AX3000 Dual Band WiFi Router, WiFi 6, 802.11ax - Newegg.com

Buy ASUS RT-AX3000 Dual Band WiFi Router, WiFi 6, 802.11ax, Lifetime Internet Security, support AiMesh Whole-home WiFi, 4 x 1Gb LAN ports, USB 3.0, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, VPN with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

Is there a "testing review" of the RT-AX3000?

 

[L&LD]

The RT-AX3000/RT-AX58U is a two-stream device. It is a Frankenstein build of a router with 4 antennae but not 4 streams. Still a good router. But prettier than its muscles have the strength for, past 'posing'.

 

[Smokindog]

The RT-AX3000/RT-AX58U is a two-stream device. It is a Frankenstein build of a router with 4 antennae but not 4 streams. Still a good router. But prettier than its muscles have the strength for, past 'posing'.

Ya, I've decided to muddle through with my existing hardware for awhile. I've boxed up the Netgear and it will return to Costco on the next visit. Sometimes the old workhorses just keep providing pleasant surprises

 

[Deleted member 22229]

The RT-AX3000/RT-AX58U is a two-stream device.

True but on 5GHz it uses all 4 antenna for RX.

 

[L&LD]

True, but it is the only router to be so. Silly to have 4 antennae and only 2 TX.

 

[Smokindog]

I apologize for any controversy

I also learned my lesson (again) about recapping things "on the quick" with little attention to proof reading/message conveyed. However my intent was to point out the loss in advertised "horse power" between the 2 that may or may not be all marketeering

What I probably SHOULD have posted was the ASUS AX3000 is advertised

• AX3000 ultimate AX performance : 2402 Mbps+ 574 Mbps
• Standards :
  • 2.4 GHz 2 x 2
  • 5 GHz 2 x 2

and the Netgear RAX45 is advertised as 6 streams

• Nighthawk® 6-Stream Dual-Band WiFi 6 Router (up to 4.3Gbps)
• Standards :
  • 2.4GHz AX: 2x2 (Tx/Rx) 256-QAM 20/40MHz, up to 480Mbps
  • 5GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 3840Mbps

REGARDLESS, thanks as always for keeping me and everyone honest on the details!!!!!