NETGEAR A6100 AC600 USB WiFi Adapter: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR A6100 is a small USB adapter that adds dual-band WiFi to a Windows desktop or laptop. It suits a computer that has no wireless card, or one whose built-in WiFi is older or unreliable. You plug it into a USB port, install the software and connect to your router.

What AC600 means

AC600 is a label for a class of WiFi 5 (802.11ac) adapters with a combined top speed of up to 600 Mbps. NETGEAR splits that into 150 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 433 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. These are maximum link speeds under ideal conditions. Actual throughput is lower and depends on distance, walls, interference and your router.

Dual band, and why it matters

2.4 GHz travels farther and passes through walls better, but it is crowded with other devices. 5 GHz is usually faster and less congested at shorter range. A dual-band adapter can use either, and NETGEAR says the second band reduces interference for better connections. The adapter works with 802.11a/b/g/n and ac routers, so it should connect to most networks in use today.

Mini design

At about 0.7 x 1.4 x 1.4 inches (1.8 x 3.6 x 3.6 cm) and 0.2 lb, it is small enough that NETGEAR says it won't block neighbouring USB ports. That is useful on a laptop with limited ports. A tiny adapter that sticks out may be knocked loose when a laptop is moved, so it suits a computer that mostly stays put.

USB 2.0 and the WPS button

The adapter uses USB 2.0, which has plenty of bandwidth for the speeds of this class of adapter. It needs no faster port. A WPS button helps you connect to a router that supports WPS by pressing a button on each device instead of typing a password. The router must support WPS and have it enabled.

Software and system support

NETGEAR says the adapter comes with its genie software for easy installation, and that it supports Windows only. It does not list support for macOS or Linux, so check the manufacturer's driver page if you use something else.

What it's meant for

NETGEAR lists video conferencing, gaming and streaming, and says it allows smooth HD streaming and online gaming. No separate network card or internet plan is needed, as the adapter connects to the router you already have.

Who it suits

It suits a Windows desktop with no WiFi, an older laptop whose wireless has failed, or anyone who wants a simple way to move a PC onto 5 GHz. It is less suited to people whose router uses a newer standard and want to take advantage of its top speeds.

What to check before you buy

• Operating system: it is listed for Windows only; check your version.
• Router: it works with WiFi 5 routers and older 802.11 standards. A newer router will still connect, but at WiFi 5 speeds.
• Range: a USB port on the back of a desktop tower may be further from the router than you expect. A USB extension cable can help.
• Ports: check that you have a free USB port.
• Expectations: AC600 figures are maximums, not what you'll see day to day.

The short version

• A mini dual-band AC600 (WiFi 5) USB 2.0 adapter from NETGEAR.
• Up to 150 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz.
• WPS button for quick connection to a router.
• Works with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac routers.
• Windows only, with genie software for installation.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.