Today it is difficult to imagine your life without wireless Internet, or, as it is called in colloquial slang, “Wi-Fi” (Wi-Fi). Special routers are responsible for the possibility of its functioning. When choosing them, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- RAM and processor. It is optimal if the model has at least 32 MB of RAM and a computer frequency of 240 MHz or more. This will allow the router to work without slowdowns and always provide sufficient access speed.
- Operating modes and connected interfaces. These characteristics determine the purpose of the router. Most devices provide for installing an access point, creating a bridge, repeater or client - these modes allow you to connect a router and make it a source of Wi-Fi signal.
- Signal frequency. In most cases, this is 2.4 GHz, but due to the widespread use of these devices in homes, almost all subchannels are occupied, which negatively affects the stability and speed. It is better to choose a dual-band model, where the second channel emits a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz.
- A security protocol that encrypts data and prevents third parties from connecting to Wi-Fi. Most devices support WPA and WPA2 - these are the most reliable protocols.
- Antenna power, which is measured in dBi. The higher this parameter, the greater the range of action the device has. For your home, it is advisable to choose routers with a strong signal.
- Supported protocols. The most common is IPv4, which has an IP address length of 32 bits. But some models are already equipped with TCP IPv6 - the most advanced data transfer protocol.
- Availability of up-to-date software on the official website. It is not a fact that when sold, the router will have the latest firmware installed; however, the existing software may contain errors that prevent the normal operation of the device.
Our rating presents some of the best wifi routers that can be bought in online stores. All models were selected taking into account the above characteristics and parameters. In addition, the selection of devices was carried out taking into account:
- Customer reviews
- Cost of the device (price-quality ratio)
- Expert opinions
The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home: budget up to 1,500 rubles.
4 Tenda N301
Best price
Country: China
Average price: 878 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6
Let's start with the most budget-friendly Wi-Fi router A. The average price tag for this miniature miracle is only 890 rubles. For this money, the user receives a nice, high-quality snow-white case with two antennas with a power of 5 dBi each. It doesn’t take up much space – the case dimensions are 127x90x26 mm. But there are no slots for wall mounting - this is a minus.
The insides are not amazing. The cable speed reaches 100 Mbit/s. Connect viaLAN can be up to three devices. Wireless Internet meets the standard WiFi 802.11 n with theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. In reality, judging by the reviews, the speed reaches 70-75 Mbit/s.
Let us separately note the software part. First of all, I am pleased with the ease of setup - as they say, even a housewife can handle it. Among the interesting things: there is the possibility of remote administration, backup of settings, restricting access by MAC and URL, speed limits.Of course, small problems occur, but they can be easily solved by installing more recent firmware from the official website - the process will not cause difficulties even for beginners.
3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020
Budget router with 3G/4G LTE support
Country: China
Average price: RUB 1,412.
Rating (2018): 4.7
At first glance, the TL-MR3020 is an extremely simple device. Just one LAN port, USB 2.0, miniUSB for power, a couple of switches and indicators. The characteristics also lack the stars from the sky: the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard, which will be enough for tariff plans with a speed of 100 Mbit/s, but no more. But the ability to install third-party firmware and provide distribution mobile internet make this router very versatile. See what use cases users shared in their reviews:
1) A regular router for a home or apartment
2) Backup Internet source (mobile) in case the main provider is disconnected
3) Access point while hiking - the device can be powered by a simple power bank!
4) Internet in the car: connect it to the cigarette lighter, hide the router in the glove compartment, and you can share the Internet with all passengers
And this is just a small list. Installation of OpenWRT firmware, a USB hub and user curiosity allow you to use the router in a huge number of situations.
2 MikroTik hAP lite
Great software capabilities. Router OS
Country: Latvia
Average price: 1,360 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6
The second line of the rating is occupied by a model from a little-known company called MikroTik. First of all, hAP lite stands out for its unusual appearance. This is a compact blue and white box with stylish ventilation slots. But what attracts more attention is the absence of external antennas - here they are internal, in the amount of two. The power is low - only 1.5 dBi, but it will be enough for a small apartment. On the other hand, this allows you to place the device almost anywhere. It is also worth considering that the silver medalist in the rating is capable of delivering speeds of only about 150 Mbit/s.
There are also several unique features. First, use Router OS. This system has simply incredible capabilities that even much more expensive devices cannot provide to the user. Seamless transition between several access points, bridge mode, VPN, tunnels - all this and much more can be found in the router settings. Secondly, hAP lite supports connection to several providers at once. The WAN port can be any of the four located on the case.
1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N
Optimal balance of cost, functionality and simplicity
Country: China
Average price: 1,290 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
The first place in the ranking of the best budget Wi-Fi routers for the home is occupied by TP-LINK TL-WR841N. The device can be used as an access point and simultaneously distribute a signal to 6 receivers. Among all inexpensive routers, it has the highest potential operating speed - 300 Mbit/s. The router is equipped with a modern WPA2 data encryption system, which ensures high reliability of transmitted data. The model supports PPTP, L2TP and IPSec tunnel protocols, which are the most common among most providers.
The advantages of this router in user reviews include low cost, ease of setup and a good stable signal. The latter is achieved thanks to two antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The transmitter power is 20 dBM, which allows the signal to “pierce” even the thick walls of an apartment. Weaknesses include poor case material and a low-quality power adapter, which makes unnecessary sounds during operation.
The best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price segment: budget up to 7,000 rubles.
3 ASUS RT-N66U
Popular Wi-Fi router. Speed up to 900 Mbps
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: 6,105 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7
The high-speed model ASUS RT-N66U is in third place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers for the home in the middle price segment. This model is more expensive than its TOP neighbors, but its functionality fully justifies the cost. The device has as many as 3 antennas, and emits a signal in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which can significantly improve the quality of communication and use it over large areas. The router includes 4 switch ports, so you can connect 3 devices to it and organize their operation using wired Internet.
In numerous positive reviews, customers talk about fast work, ease of setup and excellent synchronization with USB modems. Moreover, this model provides data transfer of up to 900 Mbit/s simultaneously, which allows it to be used to “distribute” Wi-Fi to several devices at once. If necessary, this router is capable of downloading files without using a computer. Among the disadvantages are strong heating during operation and problems with some firmware versions.
2 TP-LINK Archer C7
Best wireless speed
Country: China
Average price: 6,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7
The second line of the rating is occupied by the already respected Archer C7. Externally, the model is distinguished by the presence of three antennas with a power of 5 dBi each and an impractical glossy surface. It looks good - there’s no shame in leaving the router in a visible place. The set of ports is standard for this class: power supply, a pair of USB for connecting a printer or external drive, and five Ethernet ports.
The router is dual-band – 2.4/5 GHz. The maximum speed “over the air”, as stated by the manufacturer, is 1750 Mbit/s. The indicator is rather theoretical, because the providers present on our market are unlikely to be able to provide such speed. This will only be useful when creating a home local network. Among the pleasant features, it is worth noting the ability to work in two bands at once, support for LTE modems, file server, guest service, firewall and much more.
1 MikroTik RB951G-2HnD
The most reliable Wi-Fi router
Country: Latvia
Average price: 4,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
In first place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price category is the MikroTik RB951G-2HnD model. This device is a strong average in terms of reliability, performance and cost. It is used as an access point and can simultaneously “distribute” wireless Internet to 5 devices. Provides a maximum speed of up to 300 Mbps. As a nice addition, the router has MIMO support, which allows it to transmit data over several independent channels at once. A bridge mode is provided to connect wired networks to wireless ones.
In reviews, buyers talk about high-quality assembly, smooth operation and wide customization options as the strengths of the model. At the same time, the router boasts 128 MB random access memory. Thanks to Telnet support it is possible remote control device and its settings. The transmitter power is 30 dBM, and the internal antenna amplifies 2.5 dBi, which has a positive effect on the range. The disadvantages of this model are the difficulty of playing 4G networks and incompatibility with some USB hubs.
The best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment: budget from 8,000 rubles.
3 HUAWEI B525
LTE support
Country: China
Average price: 8650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7
The third line is occupied by a router with a somewhat non-standard design. B525 is designed for vertical installation. The front panel is made in black and gold colors, Wi-Fi antennas are built-in. The set of connectors is standard, with the exception of two SMA ports for connecting external 3G/4G LTE antennas. There is also a slot for a SIM card. Signal reception is more than reliable. In reviews, users claim that the router “sees 3 bars” where the smartphone does not find the network at all. The speeds are accordingly excellent.
You can distribute mobile or cable Internet through three gigabit LAN ports or dual-band Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, simultaneous operation at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz is not announced. The theoretical speed of the wireless network can reach 1300 Mbps.
The B525 can also be used as a home file server: connect an external hard drive and you can make backups or send movies to your TV.
2 Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)
Wide range of customization and modification options
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 8,190 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
Keenetic network equipment is little known to the general public, but is popular among enthusiasts. The Giga model is not the top one, but its capabilities are enough for even the most demanding users. The case is not only cute, but also functional. On the rear edge there are 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN and SFP for connecting via fiber optic cable. Very few competitors can offer the latter. On the side there are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The distance between them is large, which allows you to freely use even bulky mobile Internet modems. There are also two physical buttons, each of which can be configured with up to three functions.
The router supports the 802.11ac standard and can operate simultaneously in two bands. The maximum theoretical speed reaches 1267 Mbit/s. Real tests showed results of about 600 Mbit/s, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users.
Thanks to the range of ports and excellent software, the router can be used in a wide variety of scenarios.
1 ASUS RT-AC88U
3167 Mbit/s
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: RUB 18,568.
Rating (2018): 4.8
The leader in the rating of the best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment is the ASUS RT-AC88U model. The main feature of this device is the ability to ensure simultaneous operation of several dozen devices, thanks to a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3167 Mbit/s. Wide coverage and good signal level are provided by four antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.
As the strengths of the device in reviews, buyers note fast operation, pleasant appearance and a clear Web interface. In addition, the model has 512 MB of RAM, which allows it to quickly process data from different receivers. The router is equipped with one USB port version 2.0 and one version 3.0, which allows you to connect third-party devices to it. The disadvantages include insufficiently developed software and an average signal level at a frequency of 5 GHz.
The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers
3 Huawei E8372
Connection via USB port. The most compact Wi-Fi router
Country: China
Average price: RUB 2,843.
Rating (2018): 4.4
The portable model Huawei E8372 takes third place in the ranking of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers. This device, with its fairly small dimensions, can provide full Internet access to any smartphone or computer. The device is powered from any USB port. With the help of Huawei E8372 you can organize effective LTE Internet in your car, apartment or house. The router operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which allows you to use its wireless network over an area of up to 50 square meters. The device has built-in support for 3G and LTE, meaning access can be achieved using a SIM card.
Among the strengths of the device in reviews, users note operation without connecting to a computer (via a USB cable), reliable connection retention and lack of lag. The device has a slot for microSD memory cards and two connectors for external antennas, which can potentially significantly increase the range of the router. Among the weaknesses of this model are uninformative instructions and poor case materials.
Video review
2 Alcatel Link Zone
The most budget standalone router
Country: USA-France
Average price: RUB 3,291
Rating (2018): 4.7
The next device is more versatile and autonomous than the previous one. Inside the compact and pleasant-to-touch case there is an 1800 mAh battery, which provides 7 hours of active Internet distribution and about 35 hours of standby time. The battery compartment also contains slots for SIM and SD (up to 32 GB) cards and a pair of connectors for connecting external antennas. I'm glad that a dead battery won't be a reason to stop surfing the Internet - just connect the included charger to the MicroUSB connector and continue using the device.
Wireless Internet standards are not the most modern - only 802.11n. In practice, users experience speeds of up to 70-80 Mbit/s. Not all providers can boast of such results even over cable! The signal level is also good: it will even penetrate a couple of solid walls. The only drawback is the ill-conceived mobile app. But the problem is solved by software, which means there is hope for a quick correction of the shortcomings.
1 TP-LINK M7350
Best functionality
Country: China
Average price: 4745 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8
The leader of the rating is the most expensive and functional device in the category. The appearance is simple: a parallelepiped with rounded corners and a combination of matte and glossy plastic. The only detail that catches the eye is the 1.4’ TFT display, which displays information about the operator, signal level, transmission speed, etc. The screen also allows for basic setup. For more advanced settings you will have to go to the web interface. In most cases, you only need to change the name of the wireless network - the router will do the rest itself, you just need to install a SIM card.
Like the previous participant, the M7350 has a removable battery. The capacity is noticeably higher – 2550 mAh. There is a slot for a Micro SDHC card up to 32 GB. Thanks to support for the SMB and FTP protocols, any connected device can use files from a flash drive. This solution can be useful, for example, when traveling with the whole family - everyone can take photos and videos and upload them for public access.
The best Wi-Fi routers with built-in file storage
1 Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router HD
Router with built-in 1 TB hard drive
Country: China
Average price: RUB 14,440.
Rating (2018): 4.8
The only representative of the final category is a device from the popular Chinese company Xiaomi. Of course, the Mi Router HD has competitors, but they are sold in single copies at exorbitant prices, and therefore we cannot recommend them for purchase.
The design of the router is consistent with other Xiaomi products - a minimalist metal body with four antennas looks harmonious in almost any interior. This is important, because such a large “box” (195x146x96mm) is difficult to hide from view. Inside is a fairly powerful Qualcomm processor, 512 MB of RAM and, most importantly, a 1 TB hard drive. On the back cover there are 3 LAN and 1 WAN ports, as well as USB. Wireless Internet complies with the 802.11ac standard and can operate in two bands at once: 2.4 and 5 GHz, there is support for MIMO. Maximum speed “over the air” is up to 2533 Mbit/s.
Thanks to the built-in HDD, the router can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a file storage for convenient backup from all home devices, storing movies for later playback on a TV, downloading torrents without a PC, and much more. The only drawback is that you will have to be patient and time to set everything up correctly.
Everyone has several gadgets in their home: TV set-top box, tablet, smartphone or laptop. To distribute the Internet you will need a router for your home. There are various types of routers on the market, and the number of models is in the hundreds. Not everyone knows how to choose a router or which specific modem is best to buy. We will tell you in more detail about the technical characteristics, main parameters, and present several popular devices for home use.
Selecting the router type
Before considering which modem is better, you need to find out which device is suitable. There are several connection types, depending on which you should select a device. Check with your provider what connection is used (PPTP, PPPoE, L2Yp, IPsec, and so on). Not all models support specific operating protocols. It will be extremely disappointing if you order a device that is incompatible with the provider’s connection.
Then you should decide whether you need a router only for a computer/laptop or whether you intend to use mobile gadgets. In the latter case, you will have to consider a line of Wi-Fi routers for computers, which have a number of additional characteristics. For a PC, laptop and set-top box, a regular router will be sufficient, of course, provided that you run cables to each of the gadgets. Remember that a wired connection provides faster data transfer speeds as well as stability. If possible, of course, connect to your home network via wire, since the signal when transmitted over the air weakens with every meter. Having decided on this, it is necessary to move on to the second important characteristic.
Types of WAN ports
When choosing a router for your apartment (including Wi-Fi), check the type of VAN port. In English, the abbreviation WAN stands for Wide Area Network. WAN is a global network, i.e. the Internet. It is into this connector that the cable “from the outside world” is inserted, with the help of which you will be connected to the global web. The following types of WAN ports are distinguished:
- ADSL – connection via telephone line. The RJ11 connector is used. Outdated technology, but carried out by many in private homes due to the lack of alternatives.
- Ethernet is a typical connector (also called RJ45). Twisted pair is used.
- USB 3G is a router that receives the Internet from a portable 3G modem with a SIM card. 4G modems for the Internet can be used (depending on the model). The classic USB port (2.0/3.0) serves in this case as a WAN port.
- SFP is a separate group of routers to which optical fiber is directly connected.
If the operator offers Internet via telephone cable, only devices with an ADSL port will suit you. There is no point in buying a gigabit router if the data transfer speed of the technology used does not exceed this indicator, for example, as for ADSL (maximum 25 megabits per second).
Main technical characteristics
Once everything has been decided with the key parameters, you should analyze the available assortment according to technical characteristics. Next, the main parameters that we recommend paying attention to will be discussed in detail.
Number of LAN ports
This parameter determines how many devices you can directly connect. Typically, typical models have 4 LANs. This is enough for a couple of computers, a set-top box and one more device. More expensive models have 6-8 LANs. Focus on the number of computers you are going to connect to the network.
Data transfer rate
The important thing to understand here is that your wired connection speed is limited by the port type or metric your ISP provides. An inexpensive router for home has FAST-Ethernet 100 Mbps ports. When transmitting packets from a provider over 100 Megabit/s, it is recommended to buy more advanced devices with Gigabit Ethernet ports. They have a limit of up to one gigabit.
If we talk about a wireless connection, a common solution is a router with a speed of up to 150 Mbit/s. From the average price category you can choose a router up to 300 Mbit/s, but with real Internet speeds of 50-100 megabits you will not feel the difference. You should not chase expensive models with indicators of 1000 or more.
Power
One of the key indicators for a Wi-Fi router that affects the range. Typical models have a 17 dBm transmitter, which is relatively easy to "pierce" one or two walls. Such models are suitable for one-room and two-room apartments. For a private house with 4+ rooms, it is recommended to buy a router with 20 dBm. In many countries, this figure is limited by law, so even if you find a more powerful model, it will be programmatically reduced.
Keep in mind that the signal weakens with distance. The speed in the other room will be half the desired speed due to insufficient power. Walls and other obstacles also affect the signal. It is recommended to place the router on the open top shelf of a table or cabinet to ensure better signal propagation.
Frequency
Most of the models produced operate at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Five gigahertz routers have the following advantages:
- they, thanks to shorter waves, are capable of high-speed transmission;
- the 5 GHz frequency provides more channels;
- ideal for long distance transmission;
- are less common, which means there won’t be similar devices in the area interfering with your router.
There are a number of disadvantages. Models at 5 gigahertz are more expensive, and many smartphones are not capable of receiving a signal at such frequencies. In stores you can find special devices that, through settings, allow you to select the frequency to use. Top routers provide a signal at both frequencies.
RAM and processor
Almost no one pays attention to these parameters, and manufacturers do not focus on them. When purchasing, you should choose a modem with a minimum amount of RAM of 64 megabytes. The processor must operate at a frequency of 500 MHz. Devices with characteristics lower than those listed can be “stupid”, while regularly slowing down. Also pay attention to flash memory. It allows you to perform flashing, which can be extremely useful in some situations.
Antennas
One antenna is installed on the most budget models. For an apartment, it is recommended to buy a router with at least two antennas. One antenna will work for incoming traffic, and the other will distribute the signal. On the market you can find devices with 3, 4, 6 antennas, but for an apartment their purchase is unreasonable. Typically, they are used in offices and public places such as cafes, eateries and so on.
Light indicators
It is much easier to configure and diagnose a device if there are LEDs on the case that indicate the status of the Internet or other functions. This is not exactly a priority parameter, but we do not recommend taking a device without any light indicators. As a rule, a classic router should have lights for LAN ports, Internet, power and Wi-Fi signal (for Wi-Fi models).
Additional functions
Also (depending on the cost) the following additions may be included in the router:
- VPN. Allows you to create a virtual private network through the router settings. Its traffic will be impossible to track.
- IPTV. Support for television provided by the provider. With this feature, you can watch TV on your computer or laptop.
- WPS. Technology for quick pairing of devices. With its help, the user can connect a smartphone or tablet to Wi-Fi without entering a password.
- Repeater mode. The modem will amplify the signal from another router.
- Parental control. The function can block access through the router to specific sites or IP addresses. This is especially true for parents who want to restrict their young children’s access to the Internet.
- Access control. Allows you to set a number of restrictions, including blocking access to the network by MAC address.
Most of these settings are intended for advanced users, but for home use they do not play a significant role.
Popular manufacturers
Let's find out which brand is the best. About ten manufacturers of network equipment are active in the market and have home devices in their line. The choice of brand rests solely on your shoulders. Some companies are giants in the industry, and accordingly, they are already increasing the price for the label, for example, ASUS. Other companies are just exploring this segment, so they offer relatively high-quality products at an affordable price. Before purchasing, read reviews on forums to evaluate the success of a particular model.
We will present a list of common companies whose products can be found in stores:
- Cisco (Linksys) is a leader in the production of network equipment. Almost all enterprises and company offices are equipped with Cisco products. Relatively recently, the company began producing home modems under the Linksys brand. High quality, functionality, above average price.
- D-Link – famous company with a wide range of routers. The products manufactured strictly comply with standards and specifications, therefore they are reliable and do not cause problems. The cost depends on the characteristics.
- TP-link is a direct competitor of the previous company. The focus is on producing budget devices. There is a chance of encountering a problematic model, but unlike D-Link, the products are 10-20% cheaper.
- ASUS is a company that produces high-quality products and offers premium solutions for any need. The price is quite high, and many routers are too sophisticated for residential use.
- Huawei is a newcomer to the market, which is fiercely storming the rankings thanks to the affordability of its routers. Routers do not always have firmware with Russian language, connection problems are possible, but in general the products are high-quality and affordable.
- MikroTik is a little-known company from Latvia. They produce reliable and functional devices with fine tuning. If you find products from MikroTik, do not hesitate to buy.
Each company’s line may have successful and problematic models, so when choosing, look at the device.
Estimated cost
The choice of a router for your home depends on another important indicator, which will be decisive for many - cost. No matter how sophisticated the product is, if the price does not satisfy you, then high performance is useless. Three categories can be distinguished:
- Initial – up to 2000 rubles. In the category you can find products with 2 antennas and speeds up to 300 Mbit/s.
- Average - from 2000 to 5000 rubles. They are distinguished by increased quality, transmitter power, and a wide range of additional settings.
- Top - 7000-14000 rubles. Best models on the market with maximum performance. As a rule, they are designed for distribution over large areas while withstanding high loads.
For an apartment, you should choose a modem from the first two categories.
Rating of the best routers for home
Let's move on to the most interesting part, namely, what inexpensive router choose for home use. The rating will feature several routers that have received many positive reviews from users and have the best price/quality ratio.
TP-LINK TL-WR841N
One of the most popular routers. It has wide functionality, 2 antennas, ergonomic design and a theoretical transfer speed of up to 300 megabits. Typical solution for home. An important advantage is the low price.
TP-Link has minor disadvantages: 100 Mbit LAN ports and lack of USB input.
D-link DIR-300S
Stylish, compact and cheap. Designed with support in mind IPTV applications. Also supports all types of connections, including Dual Access. 300-S is relevant for small apartments where a couple of mobile gadgets are used. Built-in content filtering from Yandex is available.
It's hard to pinpoint any shortcomings at this price. Users note the glossy body, which retains fingerprints and the lack of a function for creating a guest room.
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G
Powerful router for USB modems. Maximum speed up to 300 megabits, support for IPTV in hardware and VPN, 4 LAN ports. Users note the compact size and easy setup without “dancing with a tambourine.” Works with most portable 4G modems.
The disadvantages include a small coverage area. Also, the router may slightly “cut down” the Internet speed, but this can be eliminated through finer tuning.
Asus RT-N56U
High-quality router with built-in antennas. Capable of operating in 2 frequency ranges: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Supports modern communication protocols, IPTV function and high-speed 3G Internet. All this is complemented by a magnificent view, thanks to which the device will fit perfectly into the most sophisticated interior. The only thing that may confuse you is its price, since it belongs to the “4 thousand plus” category.
Linksys E3200
Router with six built-in antennas. Light weight, support for USB modems and current protocols, four Gigabit Ethernet ports. All this makes the device from Linksys one of the best solutions. Its cost is about 6,000 thousand rubles, and this figure can be called the maximum for home use. Buying more expensive and sophisticated routers does not make sense.
Who and why might need a reserved Internet channel at home? For example, if you have a “smart home” installed in your house or apartment, or simply a server and video surveillance cameras, security and engineering sensors (water leaks, gas leaks), a status report on which you would like to receive is guaranteed, regardless of whether at the moment, your Internet provider, or unexpectedly decided to carry out routine maintenance.
Seamless Wi-Fi roaming
The technology is slowly starting to appear in home devices after becoming an integral part of enterprise wireless networks. It is important when to ensure large zone coverage (multi-room apartment with “impenetrable” walls or large a private house) not one wireless router is used, but several. One router is designated as the “master” (usually the one that is connected to the provider), and the rest are switched to access point mode, and the “master” constantly monitors the state of the entire network, distributes uniform settings and connection rules to all routers, and can transfer clients from loaded points to a less busy one, provides a transparent transition from one point to another, and so on. If you have big house or apartment, and you are faced with the problem of stable reception with one wireless router, this may well be your way. One has only to take into account that prerequisite The way such a scheme works is to use routers from the same manufacturer, and those models in which this technology works. And one more “but”: you should not expect that this technology will work flawlessly on home routers - it is just emerging and is unlikely to be ideally implemented in the home segment in the near future.
Ethernet port speed
Gigabit ports are gradually becoming something that is simply a must-have in a home router: providers are offering increasingly higher speeds, and all of our stationary devices have switched to the Gigabit Ethernet standard. So there’s not much to discuss here - soon there will simply be no devices left with 100 Mbit/s ports.
Hello, dear visitors! Have you decided to buy a new Wi-Fi router? Great idea! In this publication, we will tell you how to choose a WiFi router for your home, what to look for when choosing a router, and how not to be disappointed in your purchase. We have already told you what to pay attention to and how not to make a mistake when choosing. We even wrote an article on how to get into the car correctly. The time has come for a home Wi-Fi router.
It's no secret that today there are a lot of manufacturers of wireless routers and access points: ASUS, D-link, Huawei, Linksys, MikroTik, NETGEAR, TP-LINK, TRENDnet, Ubiquiti, Upvel, ZyXEL and others. And each manufacturer can have several dozen models of routers and Wi-Fi access points. Which router should you choose for your home among all this variety? Do you need to overpay for famous brands, modern innovations and progressive features? Let's figure it out together!
What are the best parameters to choose a router for at home?
In one of our articles, we have already described what the basic principle of its operation is. We would like to immediately clarify the difference between a Wi-Fi router and a Wi-Fi access point. Otherwise, in stores, routers can be called access points, and vice versa. The first difference between a router and an access point is the presence of network ports on the router. And this is not easy, since the task of a simple access point is to expand the network coverage area, and not to distribute the Internet to devices.
All WiFi access points are designed to increase network coverage. That is, it will not be possible to organize a full-fledged network using an access point (there are no necessary ports). A WiFi router (also known as a router) is the same wireless access point, but with the ability to organize a network. Any router can act as a switch, since it has LAN ports for connecting a laptop or computer via network cable(). We will now show you what these network ports are. This is what a standard Wi-Fi router looks like from the back:
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about it. First of all, you need to understand for which Internet connection you want to choose and buy a Wi-Fi router. After all, there are several connection technologies and here you need to know exactly what type of Internet you have installed. Or what type do you plan to use in the future. We have already talked about different types of Internet connections in our article. Here are the three main connection protocols: Ethernet, ADSL And 3G/4G.
Advice! Many providers post recommended router models on their websites. It would be a good idea to go in and check the compatibility of the router with your Internet connection.
First protocol Ethernet(the main three varieties of this protocol in Russia are PPPoE, L2TP or VPN) works over a network cable, if a cord from the provider is connected to the network card of your home computer or laptop, then your connection uses this communication protocol. The most popular providers providing Ethernet access is Beeline (Beeline), Rostelecom (Online), Dom.ru (Dom.ru), NETBYNET Akado, ByFly, TTK, Ukrtelecom and others. In fact, there are a great many of them, it’s just that many of the providers buy the channel from larger ones. This is what the RJ-45 connector looks like on a router:
The second common communication protocol is ADSL. In Russia, a provider works with it MGTS. This is what a WiFi router looks like for the ADSL protocol (the connector looks like a telephone connector):
The third popular type of connection is 3G/4G. Such mobile operators work with it as MTS, Beeline, Megaphone And Skylink. On the router intended for distribution 3G/4G Internet there is a special USB connector:
The first thing a buyer always pays attention to is the price. Why does one router cost a thousand rubles, and another four or five thousand? In many ways, it's all about its characteristics. But before we look at them, a few words about the price and pricing market for routers.
Very often you can hear two opposing points of view. Some users of home WiFi routers claim that there is no point in overpaying for expensive router models, while others say that cheap routers are defective, break down quickly, are glitchy and unstable. As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle. The vast majority of routers are produced in China, but this does not mean that they are all of poor or the same quality. Here's what affects the price of a router:
- What hardware is installed in the router (processor, flash memory, etc.).
- Router brand.
- Hardware and software capabilities of a particular model.
For example, WiFi routers from one of the leading manufacturers Dlink, especially cheap models, are often released with crude firmware, and the hardware of cheap routers and access points from Dlink is not designed for high performance. Eminent Asus has a diverse lineup, which includes both expensive router models and relatively budget options. The latter may not be the most best choice. Linksys- relatively expensive, but mostly reliable and high-quality routers. TP-Link is a budget manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers; the quality of this company’s products is highly controversial. You may end up with a low-quality product. Zyxel- produces a range of home models that are quite proven and suitable for home use. True, the prices of this company are not the most affordable. Routers from NETGEAR And TRENDnet They are also of fairly high quality and relatively cheap.
In general, you can run into a low-quality model from any manufacturer. But if you pay attention to the reviews and specifications, then this probability can be greatly reduced. Hardware and software capabilities are what you need to know if you want to choose a decent wifi router for your home. In many ways, the price of a particular model depends on the capabilities that the router can provide. But are advanced features really needed in everyday home use of a WiFi router? Let's look at the question of how to choose a router for an apartment, from the point of view of its technical characteristics.
Main technical characteristics when choosing a Wi-Fi router
If you choose a home router based on price and do not pay attention to its characteristics, then you may make a mistake with the purchase. Some cheap wireless devices are not designed for high power and the network coverage area can be several meters. In addition, low-power routers do not allow the signal to reach through walls or other obstacles. If you have an apartment with concrete walls or a country house with brick walls, you should take a closer look at the chosen model.
There are a lot of negative reviews from owners of cheap routers who complain that their router cuts down the incoming and outgoing Internet speed via WiFi. This is due to the cheap and low-quality hardware of Wi-Fi routers. For example, if your provider provides access via a 10-megabit channel, and the measured file download speed is less than 1.25 megabytes, then it may not be a problem of poor-quality service, but the operation of Wi-Fi.
In addition, cheap router models can freeze, glitch and simply turn off. Agree that constantly rebooting the router is a very nerve-wracking task. Sometimes a device can be saved from such behavior by flashing it, that is, replacing the internal firmware with a newer one (the latest firmware can be found on the manufacturer’s website). However, you may not be lucky with an expensive analogue, but the likelihood of such troubles is lower.
Now we will look at the main characteristics of routers that you need to pay attention to when using WiFi at home. If you are choosing a WiFi router for the first time, then most likely you do not understand the specific parameters. In fact, it's not that complicated. We have already found out above that any router has a port for connecting a channel from the provider, LAN ports for connecting to network card computer and the ability to distribute the Internet via wireless Wi-Fi technology. These are the characteristics a modern router should have; if you don’t know which WiFi router to choose, then these will be sufficient:
- The ability to encrypt the channel with all available encryption types - WEP, WPA, WPA2.
- Ability to work on all wireless communication standards - 802.11b, 802.1g, 802.11n. N mode provides the fastest wireless connection speed. It is advisable that the router be able to work with mixed modes 802.11b/g And 802.11b/g/n . This will allow you to connect those devices that I can use 802.11n and those older gadgets that only work on 802.11b or 802.1g. Some models support the standard 802.11ac, which theoretically allows you to work over a wireless gigabit channel. But in practice, a gigabit channel is not needed at home, and you need to look for a provider who can provide such bandwidth.
- The router must be able to work with protocols PPPoE L2TP And VPN. The first is usually included by default in all models, but not all have the second and third protocols. Even if you don’t have a VPN or L2Tp connection at home now, it’s not a fact that you won’t need it in the future.
- It is advisable that the router have a removable antenna. This will increase the WIFI coverage area if it turns out to be insufficient.
- Number of external antennas - the more, the better. However, for a small apartment or a small country house, a Wi-Fi router with one antenna may be enough. If the apartment or private house is large enough, then you may have to install a wifi router in the middle of the house or apartment, or buy an additional access point.
- Volume . It is advisable to buy a router with at least 64 megabytes of RAM. 32 megabytes of RAM may not be enough when using WiFi with a large number of devices.
- It is advisable to find a router with not the weakest one. A powerful wifi router for your home is the key to stable operation in the future. The maximum Wi-Fi data transfer speed and signal stability during device operation depend on the processor.
- - how to connect a Wi-Fi router using the example of a router Trendnet.
- - even more detailed instructions on setting up and connecting a Wi-Fi router.
- — what to do if WiFi still doesn’t work.
Typically, for home use, you do not need a router with a print server (with software that allows a group of users to share the printer by connecting it via USB). However, if this function is necessary, do not forget about it when choosing and purchasing the model you like. In the next chapter, we have compiled a rating of routers for the home based on their characteristics, which in our opinion are the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio.
What is the best Wi-Fi router for home?
So, if your eyes wander and you just can’t decide which wifi router to choose, then here are several popular models that have all the necessary functions for using them at home. To begin with, routers cost up to 1000 rubles. We warn you that these devices have weak hardware and can reduce the outgoing and incoming speed from the provider. Such routers are suitable for use with a slow channel in a small house or apartment:
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| 730 rub. | 1030 rub. | 949 rub. | 990 rub. | 780 rub. | 955 rub. |
Here are a few router models that you can buy within from 1000 to 2000 rubles:
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| 1118 rub. | 1540 rub. | 1811 rub. | 2150 rub. | 1540 rub. | 1310 rub. |
Popular router models from 2000 to 5000 rubles. In addition to advanced functionality, such routers allow you to operate over a channel from 600 Mbit/s to 900 Mbit/s, as well as use the 2.4/5 GHz bandwidth of Wi-Fi devices (except for ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II).