Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Hello! Short version up here! If you are experiencing 1-5 second dropouts on your wireless network like clockwork (every 5-10 minutes) then you need to Roll back your FIRMWARE VERSION. You probably have a version ending in .58 or .60. You need the 1.0.2.52 firmware version. Long review, details, and explanation below. If you are playing a game using the wireless network (not LAN) and every 5 to 10 minutes your connection drops for 2-10 seconds, or you are watching a stream on twitch/youtube and it regularly cuts out LISTEN UP. It is your FIRMWARE. To be clear, I am not talking about a spotty connection. I am talking about a full on 50-300mbps constant wireless communication that has practically no latency EXCEPT, every 5-10 minutes, it cuts out like someone turned off the wireless transmitter. This makes any online gaming UNPLAYABLE as just about every server will drop you since your computer essentially disconnects for those 1-5 seconds like a wifi plug was pulled. If that is the case, you probably have 1.0.2.58 or 1.0.2.60. You can check by logging into the router (Default 192.168.1.1) and checking to see in the upper right corner what version number you are on. If it ends in a .58 or .60 or higher, that is 99% your problem. You need to go to Netgear's website and download 1.0.2.52 for the X4S R7800. The .52 version is the latest STABLE WIFI build. Upload it (maybe hard reset) and reconfigure your router and BAM, problem solved! Netgear customer support is less than useless and won't admit fault regarding the firmware update. Period. They will constantly ask you to hard reset your router and blame interference in your environment over acknowledging the router is the issue. I have not done networking and IT for long, but I know how to use network analysis tools and watch ping/turnaround time and monitor when throughput drops. To verify this issue, I tested with the AC frequencies and channels, and the B/G/N frequencies and channels as well. All still suffered a regular 1-10 second dropout every 5-10 minutes like clockwork. Different devices (Note 8 streaming twitch, 3 different desktops playing games/streaming, TV streaming, Steamlink streaming, etc) all behaving the EXACT same. To help reinforce the point that this was the router, I dug out a DECADE old Relic (the D-Link DSL-2640T) and set it up in the same spot, and fired up its "Deluxe dual channel B/G wireless network" and my signal was rock solid consistent. I was capping out around 50 Mbps all over my house in connection with the router, but I could stream live videos, have Skype calls, and game for HOURS without any drops whatsoever. A DECADE old B/G 54mbps router was beating the pants off of this B/G/N AC 2600mbps powerhouse in terms of reliable steady internet connection. Nobody wants a sports car you have to push start every 5-10 miles if their Grandma's station wagon will actually get you around town. Once I rolled back the firmware to the 1.0.2.52, the signal issue evaporated. No more inconsistency issues, no latency spikes, all smooth sailing, my old D-Link can go back in its dusty coffin. In all, Netgear Customer Support won't help you since that involves admitting they made a mistake they have yet to fix. Do yourself a favor and roll back to 1.0.2.52 and disable auto updates under Advanced>Administration>Firmware Updates and choose the "I disagree" option. Thanks for reading!