Not a week goes by without a new custom component for a line of devices. The newest custom component to have come to my attention is one that allows you to integrate Netgear's WA access points with Home Assistant. This integration is completely and doesn't need access to any cloud services, making it a no-brainer for Home Assistant users with Netgear access points.
This custom component has been tested with the WAX-610, WAX-620, and WAC-510, though it is possible that further access points from Netgear's WA line are compatible. If you happen to be able to test this custom component, the creator would surely be grateful for any feedback.
How to install the Netgear WAX/WAC custom component
The easiest way of adding this custom component to your Home Assistant is by using the Home Assistant Community Store (HACS). After you have set it up, you can add the Home Assistant Netgear Integration repository, and install the custom component with just one click of a button.
Once installed, the integration can be enabled using the integrations option in Home Assistant's web dashboard menu. The only details from your access point needed for the integration setup are the following:
- Username (usually
admin) - Password
- IP Address
- Port (usually 443)
Repeat the same process for each Netgear WAX and WAC you have on your network, and the integration will be complete.
What the Netgear WAX/WAC integration with Home Assistant does
This integration will give you access to a number of sensors and switches. You can view the number of connected clients and the amount of traffic going through the wired and wireless connections. Furthermore, you get to see the utilization of the Wi-Fi, giving you an insight in to when it is time for an upgrade.
The various switches allow you to deactivate individual SSIDs. This is useful if you have a network for guests you don't want enabled at all times, or if your kids are on their separate SSID.
About the Netgear WAX/WAC routers
The Netgear Wireless Access Point (WAX620) is a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) capable, dual-band AX3600 access point with MU-MIMO technology. It supports up to 256 clients and is connected to the network using a 2.5GBASE-T port (up to 2.5 Gbit/s), which also supports Power over Internet (PoE+) to power the device. Using the WAX620, you can create up to eight SSIDs with load balancing, band steering, and assisted roaming.
The cheaper and slightly downgraded The Netgear Wireless Access Point (WAX610) is a Wi-Fi 6 capable, dual-band AX1800 access point MU-MIMO technology. It supports a maximum of 250 clients and 50 concurrent clients. Just like its more expensive sibling, it has a 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet port with support for PoE+.
The older Netgear Wireless Access Point (WAC510) is only capable of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) but does feature MU-MIMO technology. It supports a maximum of 200 client devices, and can be powered using the 1 GigE port. In terms of security, it only supports up to WPA2, while the WAX models support WPA3.