Zoom’s X-series modems have been around for a while, but this latest top-of-the-range model introduces a couple of new features. The X6 is the first Zoom product to support ADSL 2/2+, and it also includes a full wireless-G router with ‘Prism Nitro’ (a special chipset feature), for improved performance.

The design is quite simple, matching the rest of the Zoom family: all black, only a single curved edge at the front to take away from the boxy looks. There’s an internal and external antenna (the latter isn’t removable), and a power switch at the back. There’s also a grand total of 13 LEDs, but unfortunately some are on the front of the unit, some at the back, so problems may not be obvious.

Printed documentation is a strong point and Zoom has produced the best manual here. You get over 30 pages of genuinely helpful information that emphasises all the right points. There’s also Help available in the browser-based setup tool, but it still doesn’t compete with the best of the competition. Navigation is clumsy, with most of the interesting options hidden behind buttons. Implementation is poor; who wants to specify maximum DHCP lease time as 86,400 seconds? Although the software strong in some areas, such as WAN configuration or intrusion detection, it lacks the more advanced features that you’ll find elsewhere.

The X6 managed 28Mbps at best when setup was optimised for Prism Nitro. So if you’re just setting up a basic home network, the X6 may be all you need.