Review: Synology Routers (Semi-Mobile Routers)

Synology is a Taiwan-based corporation that specializes in Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices, but they also sell routers primarily designed for residential and business use.

Synology rt2600ac router — The Synology RT2600ac router.

When looking for an 'all-around' functional mobile router, we consider the ability to tether via USB a key feature and both current Synology routers support this feature.

Other potentially important features for mobile routers include 12V power support and WIFI-as-WAN capabilities.

Synology routers do run on 12v power, but they only come with A/C adapters - using a 12v source would require an adapter. They do not come with WiFi-as-WAN but that could be added with an additional piece of gear.

Synology routers also come with an intuitive user interface (Synology's SRM) and companion "apps" that provide additional functionality, including:

Parental Controls & access control/scheduling
Traffic monitoring/control
Built-in VPN, media, RADIUS, and storage server
Integration with Synology ecosystem (including remote monitoring/control)
Advanced security features

The routers also come with all the usual features one would expect in a home router.

Synology currently offers two models:

MR2200ac - A mesh router system
RT2600ac - The standard home router (Reviewed in this entry)

Specifications:

Model: RT2600ac
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 100
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-F 5 (802.11ac) Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Wi-Fi Notes: Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 - MU-MIMO
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 800 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1733 Mbps (5 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antennas: 4x Dual-band RP-SMA paddle antennas
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: No
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.1.1 or http://router.synology.com
  Default Password: synology
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (1x WAN, 1x WAN/LAN, 3x LAN)
Cellular Modem Specs: N/A
Dimensions: 3 x 9.9 x 6.7 inches (without antennas)
Other Ports:
- 1x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x SD-card slot
Power Source: 12v, 3.5amp (comes only with an AC adapter)
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Parental Controls, Dual WAN failover/load balancing, NAS Integration, VPN
Retail Price: $199

News, Videos & Status

We tested the RT2600ac model over the summer in 2019. Our detailed assessment is available to our members below.

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Content included in the member area below:

Thoughts & Analysis
Deep Dive
- Hardware Features and Capabilities
- Router Features
- Software & User Interface
- Other Features
- Comparison to Mobile Routers
Conclusion

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Further Education on Mobile Routers The Central Conductor of a Local Area Network

Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.

But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in: