Does NETGEAR Armor slow down internet?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

NETGEAR Armor can potentially slow down your internet connection. When Armor is activated on certain NETGEAR routers, such as the R6700v3, it functions as a security feature that inspects packets and adds an extra layer of protection to your network. This inspection process can introduce some latency and processing overhead, resulting in slower speeds.

The reason behind this slowdown is that Armor is designed to analyze each packet passing through the router to identify and block potential threats. This inspection process requires additional computational resources, which can impact the router’s performance and reduce its overall throughput.

In my personal experience, I have noticed a decrease in internet speeds when enabling Armor on my NETGEAR router. While the exact impact may vary depending on your specific network setup and internet connection, it is not uncommon to experience a noticeable reduction in speed.

However, it is worth noting that the extent of the slowdown will depend on various factors, including the router model, the speed of your internet connection, the number of devices connected, and the level of network activity. For example, if you have a high-speed internet connection and only a few devices connected to the network, the impact of Armor on your internet speed may be less noticeable compared to a scenario with slower internet speeds and multiple devices consuming bandwidth.

If you find that the slowdown caused by Armor is significant and negatively impacts your internet experience, you can consider disabling Armor on your router. To do this, you need to access the router’s web interface and navigate to the settings related to NETGEAR Armor. From there, you can deactivate Armor and save the changes.

Keep in mind that by disabling Armor, you will be compromising the additional security features it provides. If you decide to disable Armor, it is recommended to have alternative security measures in place, such as using a separate antivirus software on your devices or implementing a firewall.

While NETGEAR Armor offers enhanced security, it can potentially slow down your internet connection due to the additional processing required for packet inspection. The extent of the slowdown will vary depending on various factors, and if the impact is significant, you can consider disabling Armor on your router.