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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →NETGEAR’s June 2026 security advisory marks seven router models as End-of-Support (EoS): the R6400v2, R6700v3, R7000, R7800, RAX20, RAX41 and RAX45. NETGEAR says no security updates are planned for these devices and recommends retiring them. This is a list of seven NETGEAR examples—not a count of unsupported networking devices across all manufacturers. Read NETGEAR’s June 2026 security advisory.
Which NETGEAR routers are officially past support?
NETGEAR identifies these models as EoS in its June 2026 advisory. The model names and product descriptions below are the ones given by the company.
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| Model | Product description |
|---|---|
| R6400v2 | AC1750 Smart WiFi Router |
| R6700v3 | Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router |
| R7000 | Nighthawk AC1900 Smart WiFi Router |
| R7800 | Nighthawk X4S AC2600 Smart WiFi Router |
| RAX20 | 4-Stream AX1800 WiFi 6 Router |
| RAX41 | Nighthawk AX5 5-Stream AX3600 WiFi Router |
| RAX45 | Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX4300 WiFi Router |
NETGEAR defines EoS devices as having reached End-of-Support, with “no security updates planned.” Its advisory strongly recommends retiring the listed devices and upgrading to a newer NETGEAR device for continued security support.
How do I know if my router is end of life?
Look up the exact model in the manufacturer’s support or lifecycle information; don’t rely on how old it looks, when you bought it, or a general age cutoff. On some products, the hardware version matters too. TP-Link notes that its EOL list can change and may apply to a model or a specific version; it advises customers to check the model and hardware version printed on the device label. See TP-Link’s End of Life Products guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
- Find the model number on the router’s label or in its management interface.
- Check for a hardware revision or version, if one is shown.
- Search the manufacturer’s current support or lifecycle page for that exact model and version.
- Confirm whether the listing says end of support, end of service, or only end of sale.
Support status is manufacturer- and model-specific. An EoS designation from one company does not establish the status of other brands’ devices.
Does end-of-sale mean my router is unsupported?
No. End-of-sale means a product is no longer being sold; support can continue after sales stop. Cisco’s lifecycle announcement for its C1112, C1113, C1116, C1117, C1131 and C1161 series lists separate milestones for end of sale, software maintenance, security support and last support. Those are distinct lifecycle events, so check the manufacturer’s stated support status rather than treating a discontinued product as automatically unsupported. See Cisco’s lifecycle announcement.
Rank #2
- Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Ultrafast AX3000 speeds up to 3Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- This router does not include a built-in cable modem. A separate cable modem (with coax inputs) is required for internet service.
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
What does End-of-Support mean for security?
A router may continue to power on and route traffic after support ends. That does not mean it still receives the manufacturer’s security maintenance. For the NETGEAR models above, the advisory specifically says no security updates are planned; NETGEAR also says its End-of-Service products no longer receive firmware updates, including important security updates. That status alone does not prove a router has been compromised, but it does mean you should not count on the manufacturer to issue future fixes for newly found security problems. NETGEAR’s router guidance explains its End-of-Service policy.
Should I replace a router that no longer gets security updates?
Consider replacement when the manufacturer confirms security support has ended, especially if the router is exposed to the internet and handles your home’s network traffic. NETGEAR recommends retiring the seven listed models. Before replacing a router because of performance problems, first check whether the cause is an internet-provider outage, router placement, cabling or an issue with a particular connected device; NETGEAR includes these as troubleshooting considerations in its router guidance.
Rank #3
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to keep up with a growing home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart home devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 THAT KEEPS UP WITH A BUSY HOME: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. MU-MIMO and OFDMA let multiple devices send and receive data simultaneously. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Choose a replacement based on your actual setup, not a model name alone. Check that its support status and security-update policy are current, that its Wi-Fi generation works with your devices, and that its coverage suits your home. A mesh system may help when one router cannot cover the needed area, but it is not necessary for every home. Also verify wired port speed and count, and compatibility with your ISP equipment and internet plan. No single replacement model is established as best for everyone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Coverage up to 2,250 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
- Ultrafast AX3600 speeds up to 3.45 Gbps with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
- NETGEAR devices come with security measures built in as well as enhanced safety features and updates designed to help protect you and your family
- Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1 Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1 G Ethernet ports
Rank #4
- FASTER, FARTHER, MORE RELIABLE WIFI: A dedicated dual-band WiFi 7 router built to deliver the full speed of your internet plan for a whole home of streaming, video calls, gaming, and smart devices.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- WIFI 7 SPEED FOR TODAY'S FASTEST INTERNET PLANS: Up to 5 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, 1.2x faster than WiFi 6. Keeps every device connected at the same time with MU-MIMO and OFDMA. Real-world speeds depend on your devices and plan.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Delivers up to 2,250 sq. ft. of coverage for up to 80 devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
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