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At CES 2023, Netgear unveiled its latest flagship mobile hotspot based on the Qualcomm SDX65 chipset. This is basically the same device that has already been announced in the US and is featured on his website at Netgear US.
I was briefed on the device in advance, but was given a full press release much later. Some of the information below is written from notes/memory and may not be 100% accurate. However, based on my briefing, this is a great choice if you need mobile broadband when working from home or remotely.
Technical specifications:
- Next Level 5G Performance: Strong, reliable, and secure 5G internet at speeds up to 6 Gbps. Perfect for work and play while traveling.
- Ultra-fast WiFi speeds with WiFi 6E: Wi-Fi speed up to 3.6Gbps Supports up to 32 devices for fast downloads, gaming and streaming.
- Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SDX65 chipset: Advanced Qualcomm modems support 5G’s Sub-6 band, offering a range of technologies and extreme power efficiency.
- Intuitive touch screen interface: Easily set up, manage, share and monitor your WiFi with the 2.8 inch LCD touch screen.
- Secure and Trusted Network: Save mobile data and avoid the dangers of connecting directly to public WiFi. Nighthawk M6 offers a built-in firewall for private WiFi connections and features additional password security for the web UI and LCD.
- Unlocked Possibilities: Accepts nano SIM cards from major 5G/4G network operators.
- Home performance mode: Extend your WiFi coverage up to 1,000 square feet in your home. Just remove the battery and use the power adapter.
- USB-C port: Charge your devices or access super-fast wired connections up to 5Gbps.
- Mobile accessories: Increase 5G cell reception by connecting an external 5G antenna (sold separately) to any available antenna port.
- Powerful 5040mAh Battery: Stay connected longer. The battery lasts up to 13 hours on a single charge.
- HPE support: Enable better 5G coverage. Receive 5G signals at the outer edge of the 5G coverage area where other devices cannot.
There are two variations of routers. One works in mmWave and the other in sub 6Ghz.
Qualcomm SDX65 chipset supports WiFi 6E, but only two bands are available, 2.4GHz (2×2) + 5GHz (2×2) or 2.4GHz (2×2) + 6GHz (2×2) can only be selected from ×2).
The Ethernet port is 2.5Gbps and works in LAN or WAN mode. This allows the router to be used as the main source of the Internet or as a failover if the primary source such as fiber goes down.
The M6 Pro has a 2.8-inch color touchscreen display that lets you control its functions, but you can also pair this with an app and remotely control it via your phone.
It will then charge from the USB 3.1 Gen 2 port. It can also be used for data and is compatible with data rates up to 5Gbps.
It also has two TS-9 external antenna connectors, and Netgear plans to sell its own antenna specifically tuned for this hotspot. There are also many alternatives such as the Poynting PUCK-5.
It is designed for use in the home as well. Unlike his ZTE MU5001, which requires the battery to be on all the time, the Nighthawk M6 Pro can be put into home performance mode by removing the battery and using the power adapter. This mode increases WiFi power and increases range by an additional 92.5 square meters (1000 square feet).
It is also possible to use this in offroad mode. If you are in a location that offers a wired or wireless data connection, you can connect to it. Nighthawk M6 Pro uses this connection as the primary source of data and mobile data as backup. The advantage here is that all your devices stay connected to Nighthawk, and the hotspot acts as an intermediary that provides an extra layer of security.
Just like the M5 that drives this forward, the Nighthawk M6 Pro is a flagship device at a flagship price. The Nighthawk M5 (MR5200) he has been on the market for over two years now with a suggested retail price of £780 and a current price of £750.
The M6 Pro Mobile Router (MR6450) is available now from Netgear.com in the UK. MSRP: £899.99. I would like a review sample as soon as possible.