3-Pack ARRIS SURFboard mAX W121 AX6600 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router System

neatwords

2d ago

277 Posts

Joined Oct 2007

2d ago

neatwords

2d ago

277 Posts

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I got this from the previous sale. It does not connect to the internet with the iOS app. I just returned it yesterday. The recent reviews this year have stated that the setup software isn't working. Otherwise, it is nice looking hardware.

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ash78

2d ago

10,317 Posts

Joined Sep 2014

2d ago

ash78

2d ago

10,317 Posts

Quote from neatwords

:

I got this from the previous sale. It does not connect to the internet with the iOS app. I just returned it yesterday. The recent reviews this year have stated that the setup software isn't working. Otherwise, it is nice looking hardware.

Does it work via PC browser, though? Apps are nice to have, but for this price I don't mind doing things as if it were 10 years ago Smilie

1

kdesgais

2d ago

103 Posts

Joined Aug 2010

2d ago

kdesgais

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Quote from ash78

:

Does it work via PC browser, though? Apps are nice to have, but for this price I don't mind doing things as if it were 10 years ago Smilie

Unfortunately, the set up is app only. I got these the last time they were on sale. I'll share my experience. The trouble I found was that you have to be connected to the router's temporary WiFi network during setup, but my phone didn't want to stay on the network because it isn't connected to the internet. So my phone kept wanting to switch back to my cellular network. Once I figured that out and forced my phone to stay on the router's temporary network, I was able to complete the setup. For basic internet connectivity, these routers work well and have excellent range. The app is limited, so do not expect to be able to get into a lot of the settings other than being able to change the SSID name or password. There is an option to change the brightness of the LED, which I found useful. I was able to get this set up on my Google Pixel phone, so I don't know what the experience is like using iOS. Hope this helps.

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michaelm6730

2d ago

734 Posts

Joined Mar 2014

2d ago

michaelm6730

2d ago

734 Posts

There is a reason it's 40 now… stay away…. Run….

3

KikiK4065

2d ago

442 Posts

Joined Oct 2013

2d ago

KikiK4065

2d ago

442 Posts

Is not expandable, and no 6ghz

1

me4tux

2d ago

549 Posts

Joined Sep 2004

2d ago

me4tux

2d ago

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Quote from ash78

:

Does it work via PC browser, though? Apps are nice to have, but for this price I don't mind doing things as if it were 10 years ago Smilie

Apparently No, according to PCMag review. It says that it doesn't NOT have a web based management console.

See: (error posting the web link) ; Quote:……The Surfboard system doesn't offer a web-based management console. Instead, everything is managed using the mobile app, and your options are limited. General settings allow you to enable/disable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), put the router in Bridge mode, enable/disable IPv6, and create Port Forwarding rules, but there are no firewall, port triggering, or VPN settings, nor are there any of the advanced wireless settings that you get with the Asus ZenWiFi AX XT8 that let you separate the radio bands, change channels, or configure things like RTS Threshold, Beacon Interval, and TX Bursting settings.

Last edited by me4tux July 19, 2025 at 11:56 AM.

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Only1KW

2d ago

394 Posts

Joined Jun 2016

2d ago

Only1KW

2d ago

394 Posts

Quote from ash78

:

Does it work via PC browser, though? Apps are nice to have, but for this price I don't mind doing things as if it were 10 years ago Smilie

I insist on doing things as they were 10 years ago. It's stupid in my mind that I'm required to have an Internet connection to configure a router. And then as soon as they app or server is unavailable for any reason (e.g. my device is too new, the app doesn't meet Google new arbitrary rules) my router is obsolete.

Last edited by Only1KW July 19, 2025 at 12:47 PM.

9

mlriley43

2d ago

218 Posts

Joined Nov 2004

2d ago

mlriley43

2d ago

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Believe what you read. Got these a few weeks ago. Worst setup experience of my 56 year life. Couldn't with a pixel tablet. Couldn't with my pixel 9. Couldn't with an iPhone 15. Finally got it set up with an iPhone 13. Off and on attempts over two days. Completely understand the fire sale. That being said, they do work well. Four people. Twenty pieces of equipment connected. Not a hiccup yet. 🤷🏼 ♂️🤦 ♂️

9

2

ophir

2d ago

399 Posts

Joined Apr 2008

2d ago

ophir

2d ago

399 Posts

Yeah the poor reviews steered me away from this system the last time around, but someone referred me to the upgraded AX7800 2-pack that was also on sale at the time through Woot, and in my experience the setup process worked fine with my iPhone. I took my time and made sure to do the steps in order, and the system has been pretty rock solid and the range is good. I would recommend not using these but keep your eye out for AX7800 if they become available again.

1

ash78

2d ago

10,317 Posts

Joined Sep 2014

2d ago

ash78

2d ago

10,317 Posts

Quote from epuentes

:

Not sure how accurate this is but ChatGPT says the w121 series requires the app for initial set up.

ChatGPT would most definitely say something like that Smilie

1

BlueNarwhal5991

2d ago

77 Posts

Joined Aug 2022

2d ago

BlueNarwhal5991

2d ago

77 Posts

Quote from kdesgais

:

Unfortunately, the set up is app only. I got these the last time they were on sale. I'll share my experience. The trouble I found was that you have to be connected to the router's temporary WiFi network during setup, but my phone didn't want to stay on the network because it isn't connected to the internet. So my phone kept wanting to switch back to my cellular network. Once I figured that out and forced my phone to stay on the router's temporary network, I was able to complete the setup. For basic internet connectivity, these routers work well and have excellent range. The app is limited, so do not expect to be able to get into a lot of the settings other than being able to change the SSID name or password. There is an option to change the brightness of the LED, which I found useful. I was able to get this set up on my Google Pixel phone, so I don't know what the experience is like using iOS. Hope this helps.

How did you force your phone to stay on the router network? I'm having the same problem

qwert1234

2d ago

582 Posts

Joined Jun 2008

2d ago

qwert1234

2d ago

582 Posts

For $40 with tri-band I'm willing to try and play around with app. I'll report back, expected delivery is early Aug.

2

pitch4pd

2d ago

806 Posts

Joined Oct 2007

2d ago

pitch4pd

2d ago

806 Posts

Quote from BlueNarwhal5991

:

How did you force your phone to stay on the router network? I'm having the same problem

On android, turn off mobile data, should be an option on the quick pull down menu.

NikoZ

2d ago

1,548 Posts

Joined Nov 2011

2d ago

NikoZ

2d ago

1,548 Posts

Quote from ophir

:

Yeah the poor reviews steered me away from this system the last time around, but someone referred me to the upgraded AX7800 2-pack that was also on sale at the time through Woot, and in my experience the setup process worked fine with my iPhone. I took my time and made sure to do the steps in order, and the system has been pretty rock solid and the range is good. I would recommend not using these but keep your eye out for AX7800 if they become available again.

Do those have a bridge mode if you want to put them downstream of your main router? Or are these only able to be used as a router?

3-Pack ARRIS SURFboard mAX W121 AX6600 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router System

$40

$170

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