Zyxel NBG2105 Review | 77 Data compared
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Zyxel NBG2105 Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£35
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 150 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 100 Mbps
  • Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Zyxel NBG2105 review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.5

Wireless

20.0%

3.9

Ports

18.0%

7.8

Networking

14.0%

8.5

Security

12.0%

6.1

Hardware

10.0%

5.7

Management

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 8.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    ?

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    ?

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    ?

    Maximum connected devices

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Weight

    30.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    4.0

    SIM slot

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £35

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Zyxel NBG2105 is a compact Wireless Mini Travel Router designed for portability, featuring Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) technology with data transfer rates up to 150 Mbps and a single 10/100M WAN/LAN port. Its versatile design includes a physical switch to toggle between Router, Client, and WISP modes, alongside security features like WPA2-PSK encryption, SPI intrusion protection, and a built-in firewall. Its primary advantages are its ultra-portable form factor (roughly 3 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches), lightweight build (0.07 lbs), and the inclusion of a micro-USB power connector for flexible charging. However, it is limited by aging Wi-Fi 4 standards, a lack of dual-band support, and slow 10/100 Mbps Ethernet speeds compared to modern Gigabit standards.

Technical Specifications of router Zyxel NBG2105

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

?

Wireless

20.0%

?

Ports

18.0%

?

Networking

14.0%

?

Security

12.0%

?

Hardware

10.0%

?

Management

5.9
Zyxel NBG2105 has a technical score of 5.85 points, which is lower than that of 93.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Zyxel NBG2105 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.1
Zyxel NBG2105 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is lower than 92.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Zyxel
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Zyxel NBG2105 uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is less advanced than 60.8% of routers and equal to 37.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz
Zyxel NBG2105 supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are less versatile than 75.4% of routers and equal to 22.4% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

150 Mbps
Zyxel NBG2105 delivers 150 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 91.5% of routers and equal to 7% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz
Zyxel NBG2105 supports 20 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 95.6% of routers and the same as 1.2% of routers.
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Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

WPA2, WPA, WEP
Zyxel NBG2105 supports WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 40.9% of routers and equal to 17.7% of routers.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
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IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not support IPv6. 88.7% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 supports dynamic routing. 47.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: LOW

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 supports VLAN tagging. 38.2% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
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N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 4 ports

1
Zyxel NBG2105 has 1 LAN ports, which is fewer than 95.1% of routers and the same as 4.4% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

100 Mbps
Zyxel NBG2105 offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 73.2% of routers and on par with 26.4% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Zyxel NBG2105 has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 1 USB port

1
Zyxel NBG2105 has 1 USB ports, which is more than 39.5% of routers and the same as 39.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: LOW

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
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Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI
Zyxel NBG2105 uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 72.2% of routers and equal to 27.3% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI, Automatic
Zyxel NBG2105 supports Web UI, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 35.4% of routers and equal to 37.8% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: LOW

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not include traffic monitoring. 82.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: LOW

yes
Zyxel NBG2105 offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 8.6% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: LOW

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
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CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 MB

?
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=8 GB

0.007812 GB
Zyxel NBG2105 has 0.007812 GB of internal storage, which is less than 72.7% of routers and the same as 20.6% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer hardware acceleration. 68.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 3 antennas

0
Zyxel NBG2105 has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 59.6% of routers and the same as 40.4% of routers.
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Zyxel NBG2105 vs the average router

  • 6.1 W lower power consumption
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses less power than the average router (2 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    What it is: The amount of electrical power the router draws during normal operation, usually measured in watts.
    When it matters: When the router stays on all day and you care about heat output and long-term electricity cost.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <6 W

    Zyxel NBG2105 uses less power than the average router (2 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.2 W vs 8.1 W
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Zyxel NBG2105 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Zyxel NBG2105 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • 125 mm narrower width
    Zyxel NBG2105 is narrower than the average router (77 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
    What it is: The side-to-side size of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When shelf space is tight and you need the router to fit cleanly beside other equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <165 mm

    Zyxel NBG2105 is narrower than the average router (77 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.77 mm vs 202 mm
  • 93.2% lighter weight
    Zyxel NBG2105 is lighter than the average router (30 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
    What it is: Measures the router's weight in grams. This affects placement, mounting, and space planning.
    When it matters: When you mount the router on a wall or lightweight bracket, lower weight reduces strain and gives more placement options.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <300 g

    Zyxel NBG2105 is lighter than the average router (30 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.30 g vs 440 g
  • 29 mm thinner design
    Zyxel NBG2105 is thinner than the average router (16 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.
    What it is: The front-to-back depth of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When the router must fit behind furniture, inside a cabinet, or on a narrow wall bracket.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <35 mm

    Zyxel NBG2105 is thinner than the average router (16 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.16 mm vs 45 mm
  • 31.5 mm lower height
    Zyxel NBG2105 is shorter than the average router (16 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.
    What it is: The vertical size of the router body, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When clearance above or below the router is limited and airflow or placement space is tight.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <35 mm

    Zyxel NBG2105 is shorter than the average router (16 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.16 mm vs 47.5 mm
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Zyxel NBG2105 is cheaper than the average router (£35 vs £90).
    Zyxel NBG2105 is cheaper than the average router (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 1 more internal antennas
    Zyxel NBG2105 has more internal antennas than the average router (1 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.
    What it is: Measures how many internal antennas the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
    When it matters: When antenna design is internal, the internal antenna count helps indicate how well the router can handle multiple streams.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2 antennas

    Zyxel NBG2105 has more internal antennas than the average router (1 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.1 vs 0
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Zyxel NBG2105 supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
  • 6.1 W lower power consumption
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses less power than the average router (2 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • 125 mm narrower width
    Zyxel NBG2105 is narrower than the average router (77 mm vs 202 mm). The average router is 202 mm wide.
  • 93.2% lighter weight
    Zyxel NBG2105 is lighter than the average router (30 g vs 440 g). The average router weighs 440 g.
  • 29 mm thinner design
    Zyxel NBG2105 is thinner than the average router (16 mm vs 45 mm). The average router is 45 mm thick.
  • 31.5 mm lower height
    Zyxel NBG2105 is shorter than the average router (16 mm vs 47.5 mm). The average router is 47.5 mm tall.
  • 1 more internal antennas
    Zyxel NBG2105 has more internal antennas than the average router (1 vs 0). The average router has 0 internal antennas.

Total
Overall
Security
Hardware
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    Zyxel NBG2105 supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
  • 89.8% slower Wi-Fi speed
    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (150 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
  • Narrower channel widths
    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
  • 2 fewer spatial streams
    Zyxel NBG2105 has fewer spatial streams than the average router (1 vs 3). The average router has 3 spatial streams.
  • No band steering
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • No VPN server support
    Zyxel NBG2105 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • No PPTP server
    Zyxel NBG2105 cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
  • No IPv6 support
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
  • No DNS relay
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support DNS relay, while the average router does. 92.2% of routers support DNS relay.
  • 3 fewer LAN ports
    Zyxel NBG2105 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (1 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
  • Slower LAN ports
    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Zyxel NBG2105 includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Zyxel NBG2105 supports the firmware update methods Web UI, Automatic, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
  • Weaker management tools
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
  • No traffic monitoring
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • No DLNA support
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
  • No hardware acceleration
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
  • 93.8% less internal storage
    Zyxel NBG2105 has less internal storage than the average router (0 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    Zyxel NBG2105 has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
  • Fewer power options
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses Micro-USB power input, while the average router uses DC barrel.
  • 3 older release date
    Zyxel NBG2105 is an older model than the average router (2012 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
    December 2012
  • 3 fewer LAN ports
    Zyxel NBG2105 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (1 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
    When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: 4 ports

    Zyxel NBG2105 has fewer LAN ports than the average router (1 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.1 vs 4
  • Slower LAN ports
    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
    When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 Gbps

    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Zyxel NBG2105 uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
    When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

    Zyxel NBG2105 uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • No hardware acceleration
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
    What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
    When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Zyxel NBG2105 does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    Zyxel NBG2105 supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
    When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

    Zyxel NBG2105 supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No IPv6 support
    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
    What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
    When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Zyxel NBG2105 does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
  • 89.8% slower Wi-Fi speed
    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (150 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
    What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
    When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2700 Mbps

    Zyxel NBG2105 has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (150 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.150 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps
  • No VPN server support
    Zyxel NBG2105 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
    What it is: The ability to host the router’s own VPN server so you can connect back into your network securely from outside.
    When it matters: When you want secure remote access to your home or office network while you are away.

    Importance: LOW

    Zyxel NBG2105 cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
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What customers like about Zyxel NBG2105?

  • Ultra-compact and highly portable design for travel use
  • Easy to switch between Router, Access Point, and Client modes via a physical switch
  • Generally affordable budget-friendly price point
  • Includes basic security features like SPI firewall and MAC address filtering
  • Supports Quality of Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization
  • Can be powered via USB, adding flexibility for travelers

What customers dislike about Zyxel NBG2105?

  • Outdated Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) technology with a maximum speed of 150 Mbps
  • Lacks 5GHz band support (2.4GHz only), making it prone to interference
  • Limited range, not suitable for larger homes or apartments
  • Interface and software can feel clunky or dated compared to modern alternatives
  • Single LAN/WAN port limits connectivity for wired devices
  • Prone to stability issues or requiring occasional reboots under heavy load

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