Rock Space AC1200 – A reliable, powerful, and cost-effective router that serves well for day-to-day internet needs. Its performance may not reach the absolute peak of what’s available on the market, but its balance of features, affordability, and user-friendly design make it a standout option.
Setting the Stage
In the sea of routers vying for our attention, the Rock Space AC1200 emerges as a humble yet potent choice for both beginners and intermediate users. Not without its pros and cons, this router can indeed be a rock-solid anchor in your daily internet browsing, streaming, or even light gaming scenarios. This review, crafted by our experts at Coreceptive, takes a deep dive into the specifics of the device.
What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
---|---|
Affordable and provides value for money | Not the fastest in its category |
Easy to set up and use | Lacks advanced features for gamers |
Compact, modern design | No USB port for shared network storage |
Design: Small but Mighty
The Rock Space AC1200 is notably sleek, with a minimalistic design that effortlessly blends into any setting. Its subtle LED indicators are not too bright to be distracting but clear enough to provide the necessary status updates. The device’s compact size makes it easy to place in tight spaces, demonstrating thoughtful design considerations for homes or offices with limited space.
One of the device’s standout design elements is its integrated antenna. This allows the router to maintain a clean aesthetic without compromising on signal quality. It gives the unit a certain sophistication, making it as much a piece of decor as a functional piece of technology.
Despite its modern design and clean lines, some might find the lack of external antennas a negative point if they want to manually adjust them for better signal directionality. However, given the power of the built-in antennas, this isn’t a major drawback for the average user.
Build: Lightweight Yet Robust
The build quality of the Rock Space AC1200 is commendable. The unit feels solid and robust, implying durability and long-term usage. Its lightweight design, combined with its sturdy build, gives a reassuring impression that it can withstand the occasional bumps and scrapes.
The device’s ports and buttons are firmly built and easy to access. They give a satisfying click when used, implying their quality. This, coupled with the overall excellent build, confirms that the Rock Space AC1200 was made with care and attention to detail.
Despite this, the device lacks a degree of ruggedness that some may desire. For example, it might not hold up as well in tougher conditions or if subjected to frequent movement or travel. However, for stationary use – its primary intended purpose – it’s more than capable.
Software: User-friendly, Yet Powerful
The software running on the Rock Space AC1200 is intuitive and user-friendly, making setup and daily usage simple for users of all skill levels. It provides a detailed but easy-to-navigate interface, allowing you to control and monitor your network effectively.
Advanced users will appreciate the range of settings available to tweak, such as Quality of Service (QoS), guest networks, and parental controls. The software also offers a real-time network map, showing you all the devices connected to your network – a convenient tool for managing your WiFi.
However, while the software is overall a strong point, it lacks some advanced features found in the best gaming routers on the market. This may not be an issue for casual users, but it might not suffice for gamers or tech enthusiasts looking for extensive customization options.
The Guided Journey of Setup
Setting up the Rock Space AC1200 is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for those who may be setting up a network for the first time. The step-by-step instructions provided are easy to follow, reducing the intimidation factor that can come with new tech products.
After powering on the device, you’ll be guided through the process of establishing your network, including setting your SSID and security settings. Additionally, the router’s software features a built-in setup wizard, further easing the process for beginners.
One minor criticism might be that the device requires a reboot when major settings are changed, which can disrupt internet connectivity momentarily. However, this is a small inconvenience in an otherwise smooth and efficient setup process.
Performance: A Jack of All Trades
When it comes to performance, the Rock Space AC1200 punches above its weight. It might not compete with the absolute powerhouses in terms of raw speed, but for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light gaming, it performs admirably. For most users, wondering “is 100 Mbps fast” this router comfortably answers that question with its consistent performance.
This router’s impressive range ensures a good connection throughout small to medium-sized homes. This range performance, paired with its capability to handle multiple connections simultaneously, makes it an excellent choice for households with several internet users and devices.
However, keep in mind that it is an AC1200 device. This indicates that the maximum theoretical speed it can provide is 1200 Mbps, divided between its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For those with high-speed internet connections or demanding gaming requirements, it might not be the optimal choice. If you’re unsure, checking out the internet speed for gaming guidelines might be helpful.
Connectivity: More Than Meets the Eye
On the connectivity front, the Rock Space AC1200 is equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for direct wired connections to devices like computers, game consoles, or smart TVs. These Ethernet ports come in handy when you need a stable, high-speed internet connection for activities like streaming or gaming where WiFi might not be optimal. For those debating between “Ethernet vs WiFi”, this router offers the flexibility to choose.
The device also supports the latest wireless standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Its dual-band functionality lets it simultaneously communicate on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering versatile and reliable WiFi connectivity.
The only potential drawback here is the absence of a USB port, which might disappoint users hoping to share a printer or storage device over their network. Nevertheless, the Rock Space AC1200 provides solid connectivity for everyday usage.
Facing the Titans: Comparing with the Competition
There’s no denying that the Rock Space AC1200 faces stiff competition. With alternatives like the Netgear – Nighthawk X6 AC2200, Link AC2600 RE650, and Google Nest WiFi in the market, one might wonder if it holds up.
However, when considering factors like affordability, user-friendliness, and consistent performance, the Rock Space AC1200 holds its own. It serves as a great entry point for those new to the world of routers or those looking for a cost-effective solution for their home network.
In comparison to some of the best WiFi extenders, the Rock Space AC1200 may not provide the same range or maximum speeds, but it shines as a standalone router for small to medium-sized homes.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Rock Space AC1200 is a reliable router that balances affordability, design, and performance. It might not be the absolute top performer in any specific category, but its overall package makes it a great choice for the average user.
Whether you’re considering it as your main router or as a cost-effective upgrade from your ISP’s default router, it’s a worthy contender. However, if you have more demanding network needs or require advanced features, it might be worth exploring other options in our selection of best small business routers.
FAQs
- Does the Rock Space AC1200 have a USB port? No, it does not have a USB port.
- Is the Rock Space AC1200 suitable for gaming? While it can handle light gaming, serious gamers might want to look at gaming-specific routers for the best performance.
- Can the Rock Space AC1200 cover a large house? It is best suited for small to medium-sized homes. For larger spaces, you might want to consider a mesh network or WiFi extender.
- How much should I pay for internet to make the most of the Rock Space AC1200? Considering the AC1200’s maximum speed, an internet package offering between 100-300 Mbps should be sufficient.
- Is it safe to use this router in public spaces? Yes, the router comes with security features like WPA/WPA2 encryption. However, for more insights on security, it’s recommended to follow standard guidelines for using public WiFi safely.
Specification
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Wireless Standards | IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz |
Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 1200 Mbps (300 Mbps 2.4 GHz, 867 Mbps 5 GHz) |
Antenna | 4 x 5dBi External Antennas |
Ethernet Ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports, 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN port |
USB Ports | None |
Security | WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption, SPI firewall |
Guest Network Support | Yes |
Quality of Service (QoS) | Yes |
Parental Controls | Yes |
VPN Pass-through Support | Yes |
Setup and Management | Web-based setup wizard, Rock Space App |
Dimensions | 9.1 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches (231 x 144 x 37 mm) |
Weight | 8.5 ounces (240 grams) |
Power Supply | DC 12V/1A |