NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500 WiFi 7 Tri-Band Router – Up to 12 Gbps, 3,000 sq ft, 120 Devices

Meet the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS500, a router-only powerhouse built for modern homes and dedicated workspaces. Harnessing WiFi 7, it aims to deliver crisp visual clarity for 8K streaming, ultra-responsive conferencing, and real-time gaming on busy networks.

Next-gen speed and capacity

With three bands, including the new 6 GHz spectrum, the RS500 partitions traffic to reduce congestion and keep devices moving. When you are using many gadgets—from smartphones and wearables to PCs and consoles—the router's total throughput can reach up to 12 Gbps with compatible devices, while maintaining smooth performance across the home.

Coverage extends up to 3,000 square feet, supported by a refined antenna design that blends performance with a compact form factor. The 2.5 Gbps LAN port provides a fast wired option for compatible modems and high-demand devices, while the three 1 Gbps LAN ports handle everyday connections with ease.

This is a router, not a modem, so you’ll need a separate cable or fiber modem to access your internet service. For setup and optimization, NETGEAR offers free expert help to get you started and keep things running smoothly.

Practical benefits you can expect

• Real-time gaming with responsive latency across multiple devices
• Fluid 4K/8K streaming and smooth video calls in busy homes
• Stable wired connections to desktops, consoles, and network-attached storage
• Expandable coverage through advanced antenna design for larger living areas

Smart network planning

• Tri-band design with 6 GHz spectrum to reduce interference
• 320 MHz channels to maximize capacity across devices
• Easy setup and ongoing optimization with the included support

Why choose a router-only design? If you already own a compatible modem or plan to upgrade to faster fiber or cable services, RS500 offers a modern control plane and policy-driven features to optimize traffic. It is built to sit alongside your preferred modem and integrate with the rest of a connected home.

In everyday use, you can rely on the RS500 to keep work calls steady, gaming sessions consistent, and family movie nights free from buffering. The design pairs a sleek footprint with high-performance antennas that balance aesthetics with performance in most rooms.

Designed with a compact footprint, the RS500 sits neatly on a shelf or desk, freeing space for your devices while delivering robust performance.

To get started, connect a cable or fiber modem to the RS500 using the 2.5 Gbps port for faster wired access, then distribute wireless speeds across your home with three bands. The router is designed as a pure networking device, so you will need a separate modem for internet access.