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NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104) - WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 Speed | 3 x 1G Ethernet Ports | Up to 64 Devices | WPA2 Security | Desktop | 802.11ax
NETGEAR

NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104)

Bottom line: The NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point ($65.93 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): AC1200 dual-band WiFi 5 hits up to 1.2Gbps combined throughput; main trade-off: wiFi 5 only, despite the 802.11ax mention in the product title.

$65.93

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Buy on Amazon — $65.93 Compare to similar networking

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For home networking and Wi-Fi gear, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ AC1200 dual-band WiFi 5 hits up to 1.2Gbps combined throughput
  • ✓ Handles up to 64 simultaneous devices on one access point
  • ✓ Three 1G Ethernet ports for wired desktops, printers, or a NAS
  • ✓ External antennas cover about 1,000 sq ft of office or dorm space
  • ✓ 880MHz processor keeps throughput stable under multi-client load

Cons

  • ✗ WiFi 5 only, despite the 802.11ax mention in the product title
  • ✗ WPA2 security with no WPA3 support listed
  • ✗ 1,000 sq ft ceiling means larger spaces need a second unit
  • ✗ No PoE - the included power adapter needs an outlet at each mount point

Manufacturer description

The NETGEAR WAC104 is a dual-band 802.11ac wireless access point built for offices, dorm rooms, and small businesses that need a dedicated WiFi network without a full router deployment. AC1200 WiFi 5 speeds move data at up to 1.2Gbps across both bands, and external antennas push a stable signal across roughly 1,000 square feet of coverage. An 880MHz processor keeps throughput steady when the network fills up, and the access point supports up to 64 connected devices at once, enough for a coffee shop, a dental office, or a floor of staff laptops and phones. Three 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports let…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. NETGEAR's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NETGEAR WAC104 WiFi 6?

No. Despite an 802.11ax reference in the listing title, the WAC104 is a WiFi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band AC1200 access point rated up to 1.2Gbps. Treat it as a WiFi 5 device when planning your network.

How many devices can the WAC104 handle at once?

NETGEAR rates the WAC104 for a maximum of 64 connected devices. That covers a small office, dorm room, or coffee shop, but a busy multi-floor deployment will want additional access points.

How much area does the WAC104 cover?

Coverage is rated at 1,000 square feet using its external antennas. Walls, metal shelving, and floor separations reduce that in practice, so plan on one unit per 1,000 sq ft zone.

Does the WAC104 have Ethernet ports for wired devices?

Yes, three 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Plug in desktops, a printer, or a NAS to get full wired speed and keep those devices off the wireless airtime budget.

Will older laptops and phones still connect to it?

Yes. The WAC104 is backward compatible, so legacy 802.11n and 802.11g clients connect at their own fastest supported rate. Security is WPA2; check the product listing for current firmware and warranty terms.

Key Features

  • Maximum Range : 1000 Sq Ft
  • Easy to install in a home office, dorm room or any location where you want a dedicated, secure WiFi network with 1,000 sq. ft. coverage.
  • WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 speed supports 64 maximum # of devices.
  • Plug wired devices into the three 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for maximum speed.
  • Simplified deployment using the included power adapter.

Full Specifications

BrandNETGEAR
Colorblack
Weight1g
Voltage12 volts
Coverage1000 square feet
Frequency5 GHz
Model NameWAC104-100NAS
Unit Count1 Count
Antenna TypeFixed
ConnectivityWireless, WiFi
Model NumberWAC104-100AUS
Maximum Range1000 Sq Ft
Built-In Media802.11ac Wireless AP (WAC104), Ethernet cable, Installation guide, Power adapter, Warranty/support information card
Control MethodApp
Item Type NameNETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104) - WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 Speed | 3 x 1G Ethernet Ports | Up to 64 Devices | WPA2 Security | Desktop | MU-MIMO | Supports 3 SSIDs | 802.11ac
Connection TypeWired
Controller TypeApp Control
Mfr Part NumberWAC104-100NAS
Number of Ports4
Special FeatureAccess Point Mode, WPS
Full listing titleNETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104) - WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 Speed | 3 x 1G Ethernet Ports | Up to 64 Devices | WPA2 Security | Desktop | 802.11ax

Ready to buy?

NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104) - WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 Speed | 3 x 1G Ethernet Ports | Up to 64 Devices | WPA2 Security | Desktop | 802.11ax is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $65.93

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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NETGEAR Wireless Desktop Access Point (WAC104) - WiFi 5 Dual-Band AC1200 Speed | 3 x 1G Ethernet Ports | Up to 64 Devices | WPA2 Security | Desktop | 802.11ax
$65.93
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