A router (also known as a router) is a device that receives the Internet and distributes it to other devices at home - computers, laptops, tablets, phones, etc. It can distribute it via cable and via Wi-Fi wireless connection.

The large number of router brands and models on the market, plus the personal preferences of sellers, can turn the purchase into serious market research. But I don’t advise you to do this, because... It’s very easy to get confused, fill your head and buy an expensive toy stuffed with features you essentially don’t need. This article will just help you figure out what's what.

Let's highlight the main criteria by which you can compare routers with each other:

• Maximum speed data transmission
• Work stability
• Real Wi-Fi signal coverage radius
• Availability of necessary ports
• Support of required network standards and protocols (for example IPTV)
• Convenient management interface and competent manufacturer support

And, of course, the price, because that is what we will start from. In addition, there are a number of specific requirements for the area of ​​use - high-speed work with torrents, the ability to install additional antennas, etc.

Router speed

The speed of a router usually means the maximum theoretical speed of the Wi-Fi interface. It is indicated, for example, like this: 150 Mbit/s. This means that in reality it will be able to send somewhere around 100 Mbit/s via the wireless interface. In megabytes this is about 12 MB/s. This router speed is enough for almost all household tasks. Provided that the manufacturer is not lying and, naturally, must be able to work at such speed.

The characteristics indicate the speed of the LAN ports, i.e. cable connectors. The standard figure is 100 Mbit/s. On expensive models this can be 1000 Mbit/s (gigabit). As a rule, this is completely useless at home, especially if you don’t transfer hundreds of gigabytes between your devices via cable.

There is another very important characteristic that you will not recognize from the product card - this. The problem is that many routers reduce speed. That is, if your provider provides a channel of 100 Mbit/s and you are at a speed of 100 Mbit/s (or even higher), you still will not see your honestly paid 100 Mbit/s on the Internet. At best, it will be 95 Mbit/s and This is fine. You can get the maximum only by connecting the Internet directly to your computer without a router.

You can find out how much the router slows down speed from reviews and forums. But I wouldn’t advise you to read the forums, because... reviews are often very contradictory: from not cutting at all to cutting speed by 10 times! On forums or in reviews, it is enough to catch the general “background” from the real owners. The main thing is that there is twice as much good as bad

The difference in “readings” can be explained by incorrect device settings (crooked hands) or some kind of incompatibility with the provider (more on this below). And in general, this makes sense if you have a channel of 100 Mbit/s or more, and not everyone has this.

Operation stability

You also won’t find out about stability of operation in the specifications, but this is a very important factor. Almost all routers freeze periodically, as you can read about in thousands of posts on forums. It looks like this: everything works, maybe for days/weeks, but at one point the router freezes, and the Internet disappears. You need to unplug it and plug it back in (reboot the router).

To a large extent, such a glitch depends on the stability of the firmware and overheating of the chips. Therefore, it is important that the manufacturer updates its firmware more often. Therefore, it is better that the manufacturer is not “noname”, i.e. no name, unknown. Especially if you constantly keep your torrent client on, you need to take a closer look at devices in at least the mid-price range.

There are various alternative firmwares like DD-WRT on the network that can improve stability, speed, and in addition new functions will appear, but I would not recommend installing them yourself, because... there is a high probability of getting a dead piece of plastic, silicon, and what else is there in routers. The fact is that even identical models can differ greatly in internal filling: processor, memory, wifi module, flash drive, etc. Therefore, the fact that the firmware is on the same The router doesn’t say anything at all!

WiFi for home? Users have been asking this question quite often lately. After all, not only the provider, but also the router is responsible for fast Internet. It is he who provides uninterrupted access to the World Wide Web. What do you need to know and what criteria to focus on before purchasing? The answer to this question, as well as the rating best models, the reader will find in this article.

Large assortment - an advantage or a disadvantage?

WiFi routers (we’ll look at the top best a little later) are available on the modern market in a wide range. This niche is simply overcrowded with a wide variety of devices. The difference between them lies not only in design features and sizes, but also in functionality.

Having decided to purchase a router, an unprepared buyer quickly gets lost and most often leaves without purchasing or purchases the first model he comes across. In order to avoid rash consequences, we advise you to consider the devices that are considered the best for 2017. However, we recommend starting your acquaintance with routers with the selection rules. After all, they will help you choose the most suitable option according to all the characteristics criteria.

The role of the router cannot be underestimated. You can often read in reviews that when using an Internet cable directly to a PC, the transfer speed is high. However, when connected to the network via a Wi-Fi hotspot, it drops sharply by half, and sometimes even more. So, what does a buyer need to know?

In order to help in this matter, you need to seek advice from professionals. In their opinion, a high-quality device does not always have to be expensive. The issue of cost is especially relevant when the router is purchased for home use. Naturally, the buyer strives to find a model that will meet the requirements both in terms of quality and price. But there are other criteria. Let's look at them.

• Characteristics. Before purchasing, it is important to study the hardware “filling”. It's about about the processor. It must operate at a frequency of at least 300 MHz. The higher this indicator, the more efficient the device will work. It is also important to pay attention to the amount of memory. A good WiFi router should not have less than 64 MB of RAM. But the minimum value of native memory starts at 16 MB.
• Speed. An equally important criterion. Providers offer a large number of packages for Internet connection. The main difference between them is speed. Let's look at an example. The user is provided with Internet at a speed of 300 Mbit/s. However, he has a 100 Mbps router installed. Naturally, you won’t be able to use the service in full and will have to experience restrictions.
• Brand. Of course, the manufacturer's reputation is important when choosing a device. But the price and functionality of famous companies do not always optimally correspond to each other. For example, there are companies that produce only budget models. These include: Their product range includes inexpensive but high-quality models. But not every domestic buyer can afford a truly good WiFi router from Apple. Therefore, in this matter it is necessary to be guided by financial capabilities individually. The brands Asus, ZyXEL, Linksys have become no less popular in Russia.
• Connection method. Each device is equipped with a special port designed for an Internet cable. It's called WAN. It is recommended to check it carefully before purchasing.
• StandardWi-Fi. Modern routers operate based on innovative technologies. Currently, the newest standard is 802.11n. If the router is only designed for 802.11b or 802.11g, then the network will not work. The optimal devices are those that are labeled 802.11b/g/n.
• Protocol. After purchase, just connecting the device will not be enough; you will need to configure it. It is important to find out what access protocol the provider uses. If it does not match, then you will not be able to create a home wireless network.

Rating of the best. Defining the criteria

Of course, it is possible to create a universal rating of routers taking into account all the characteristics. But choosing from a large assortment which model is better will be quite difficult. Therefore, for an objective assessment, you will need to highlight certain criteria for comparing devices such as a WiFi router. The rating of the best will be based on the price of the devices, as well as their functionality.

Top 3 multifunctional routers for home

It is difficult for a modern user to imagine life without the Internet. And since manufacturers currently offer a variety of gadgets, the full potential of which can be unlocked only by having access to a wireless point. Therefore, for maximum convenience, you must use a router.

Which? Good WiFi router for the home is selected taking into account the characteristics of the device based on the user’s requirements. Also determining factors are the size of the room, the building materials used in the construction of the house, and the features of the supporting structures. As you know, thick concrete walls greatly dampen the signal. Such nuances must be taken into account. The top 3 models presented below are ideal for both private houses and apartments.

Asus RT-AC87U

This model rightfully bears the title “Best Router (4G+WiFi)”. Users call it not only stylish, but also the fastest. The speed at which information is transmitted by the device is 2334 Mbit/s. In the modern market, RT-AC87U is a leader in this parameter. In combination with high performance, the developers also provide an original design. The router will fit perfectly into any interior style.

The wireless signal coverage covers an area of ​​465 m2. Such results are beyond the capabilities of standard devices. The signal is amplified up to 20 dBi due to the presence of four antennas. This model is perfect for people living in large private houses with two or three floors. But purchasing it for a small apartment is unprofitable.

The best WiFi router RT-AC87U from Asus has another undeniable advantage - the ability to support up to 300 simultaneous connections. Thanks to this, when connecting a large number of devices, the transfer speed does not decrease, even if several users download heavy files at the same time. The device is equipped with Time Machine technology. It will be useful to those people who work with Apple gadgets. Making a backup from any device is no longer a problem.

The price starts at 6800 rubles.

TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750

TP-Link is a brand that is in demand among domestic buyers. The company supplies the market with high-quality devices at a relatively low price. The Archer C7 AC1750 model is the best WiFi router for an apartment according to the results of 2017. The wireless network operates according to the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standard. At a frequency of 5 GHz, the router is capable of accelerating speeds to 1300 Mbit/s. And on a 2.4 GHz network the throughput is 450 Mbit/s.

The developers made sure that users have the opportunity to control the router from gadgets running on IOS and Android OS. For this purpose it is provided special utility Tether.

Starting price - 3000 rub.

The best "state employees"

If you can’t purchase a router sold in the middle category, don’t get upset ahead of time. The best WiFi router for home can also be chosen in the budget device segment. The product range includes products from different manufacturers. According to the 2017 rating, brands such as TP-Link and D-Link became leaders.

TP-Link TL-WR841N

The leader in the rating of budget models is a router manufactured by TP-Link. Its products are designed for any buyer. In 2017, the TL-WR841N model took first place. According to experts, this is the best WiFi router for the home in the price category up to 1,500 rubles.

Despite the cost, the characteristics are quite sufficient to provide a high-quality home wireless network. The maximum speed via WiFi is small - 300 Mbit/s. However, it is enough for three or four connections. The manufacturer took care of network protection by using the WPA2 system. Encryption allows you to regenerate a key consisting of letters, numbers, signs and other symbols.

The advantages also include support for the most popular tunnel protocols. We are talking about IPSec, L2TP and PPTP. The network signal is stable. The power is 20 dBi. There are two antennas. The device operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range.

Cost - from 1000 rubles.

D-Link DIR-300/A/D1

In order to understand what is the best WiFi router in the budget segment, you need to consider D-Link products. The model, although simple, is deservedly a bestseller. Through the Wi-Fi channel, the throughput is only 150 Mbps. This is enough for two users to work simultaneously. The communication standard at 2.4 GHz is 802.11n. These characteristics are fully consistent with modern requirements. To protect the access point, the user will be able to choose one of three protocols: WPA, WEP or WPA2 (introduction of an individual key). There are four LAN ports. Wired network speed - 100 Mbit/s.

Unfortunately, this model has two significant drawbacks. The first is limited functionality. It can only be used at home. Second - low speed transfers. Users who are connected to the services of providers providing a bandwidth of over 150 Mbit/s will not be able to fully enjoy the capabilities of high-speed Internet. The router will greatly reduce the speed.

Price - about 1000 rubles.

Netis WF2419E

Third place in the ranking of “state employees” is occupied by the best WiFi router of the Netis brand. It is produced in the Middle Kingdom. Operates in the 2.4 GHz band (frequency). Supports 802.11n wireless connection standard. The body has two non-removable antennas that amplify the signal by 10 dBi. Internet speed via Wi-Fi is 300 Mbit/s.

The build quality is excellent. The firmware ensures an uninterrupted connection. The device is functional. Perfect for small offices or residential premises. Transfer speed for a wired connection is 100 Mbit/s. The communicator is designed for 4 LAN connections. According to users, the indisputable advantage of this model is its easy setup, which does not require special knowledge.

The cost varies within 1000 rubles.

Rating of router manufacturers

On Russian market More than one brand is popular. These manufacturers include D-Link (good quality for a low cost), TP-Link (devices with high performance and excellent assembly) and, of course, Asus. Latest brand has released many models that can rightfully be called the best. Let's look at the most successful examples.

• DIR-880L is a good WiFi router with high performance.
• DIR-850L - the model stood out due to its high-quality hardware.
• DIR-300A is a device with an optimal combination of price, functionality and quality.

• The TL-WR740N is an excellent budget option for those who live in small houses or apartments.
• TL-WA901ND - offers the user to enjoy uninterrupted network operation thanks to advanced functionality and easy setup.
• Arcer C2 is a device that combines the most innovative developments.

• RT-N56U - used to create an access point with large coverage.
• EA-AC87 - modern hardware, high quality build and materials.
• RT-AC66U is a powerful router that can provide Internet access to up to 10 gadgets connected simultaneously without reducing speed.

Mobile router: choosing the best model

Currently, there are many providers providing Internet access. However, there are situations when it is not technically possible to connect a certain house or area. Most often, a similar problem can be encountered in villages or small towns. But even this should not be a reason to refuse access to the World Wide Web.

You can connect to the Internet using mobile communications. Manufacturers produce special devices that are equipped with a port for installing a SIM card. To ensure high-quality coverage of the area, you need to choose the best mobile WiFi router. For 2017, two models released under the Huawei and TP-Link brands became the clear leaders.

Huawei E5330

Surprisingly, the device, which measures 92.8x60x13.8 mm, is capable of providing the user with high-speed Internet. The service is provided by the mobile operator. The E5330 model from the well-known manufacturer Huawei is a good mobile WiFi router. You can connect to the access point anywhere: be it at home or while walking in the forest. The manufacturer focused not only on the powerful hardware, but also on the design. Beautiful body with streamlined edges, a classic combination of black and white flowers- all this looks simultaneously laconic and original. The surface of the panels has an anti-slip coating, which ensures maximum comfort during use. The weight of the router is only 120 g, so the level of mobility is quite high. You can carry the device not only in your purse, but also in the pockets of shirts and trousers, without fear that it will fall out.

In the center of the front panel there is an LCD-type display. When turned on, the lights on it light up. Works with almost all popular mobile operators. The signal coverage radius is 10 m. The gadget is compatible with Android, Windows, Mac OS, Linux and iOS. Using this router, you can connect any digital device that supports a wireless connection via Wi-Fi. There is one antenna, built-in type. The developers do not provide a socket for an external one.

For mobile device An important parameter is the battery life. In the E5330 model, this is provided by a 1500 milliamp per hour battery. Without recharging, the user can count on 6 hours of device operation when turned on.

The approximate cost is about 6,000 rubles.

TP-Link M5250

The popularity of TP-Link products is limitless. In the ranking of the best mobile routers, the leading position is occupied by the model of this brand - M5250. It works with most SIM cards mobile operators. The body of the device is made of plastic that imitates rubber. There are glossy inserts. They are quite easily soiled, with a weak level of resistance to mechanical damage. The power button is located on the front panel. There are also indicators here that notify you about the battery status, active Wi-Fi connection and Internet status. In working condition the latter are switched off. The back cover is removable. It allows you to access the battery. Under the battery there are slots for a micro-SD flash drive and a SIM card. Recognizes external storage up to 32 GB. Two encryption protocols are available to the user: WPA2-PSK/ WPA-PSK. A 2000 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy. This is about seven hours of work without recharging. Antennas are only built-in. Wi-Fi transmission speed is 150 Mbps. To change the router settings, the standard address is used - 192.168.0.1. An adapter for charging the battery is not included in the kit. You can restore the battery life using a USB cable (when connected to a PC) or a charger from any smartphone.

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Today, perhaps, you will no longer meet a person who does not use a computer or does not have a PC at home. In addition, more and more services and programs necessary for work and leisure work when connected to the Internet.

Also, recently the situation has become increasingly popular when an apartment, house or office has not one device, but several (PCs, tablets, communicators, smartphones, etc.), each of which requires its own separate connection to the network.

The ability to connect several devices to the internet, while having one input signal point from the provider, is currently achieved using a router or router.

Photo – Networking with multiple paired devices

The router itself is a network device, the purpose of which is to transmit packet data between devices paired with it and the access point - the service provider. In addition, more expensive routers are equipped with a number of additional features, including:

• the ability to set restrictions on access to sites that are potentially dangerous for software;
• ability to connect a firewall;
• the ability to encrypt network access and traffic distribution;
• ordered distribution of traffic across access points, etc.

A standard router, which can often be found both in a private home and in a company office, public places ah, is a small-sized equipment consisting of a hardware unit, an antenna for transmitting a Wi-Fi signal, a power supply for connecting to the mains, patch cords (patch cords).

Photo – Equipment and connection of the router

A standard router is capable of organizing a network by connecting 4 PCs via a wired connection, as well as 5-10 devices for which Wi-Fi signal channels will be allocated. However, experts do not recommend completely loading the router, especially if it is not an expensive model of this device. Otherwise, the router may freeze and cannot withstand heavy loads.

Some router models may be equipped with USB port mi to connect a flash drive to them or hard drive. This feature will allow you to use the equipment as a file server, print server, etc. In addition, some models also boast support for 3G modems.

What you should pay attention to

When choosing a router, you should consider the following features and operating parameters of this equipment:

• to organize a home connection or a network for a small office, a regular (non-professional) router from the mid-price range will be sufficient;
• device support for IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n standards is required will provide data transfer speeds via Wi-Fi up to 600 Mbit/s;
• installation must support PPTP or L2TP, which will provide access to Internet communications from almost any provider.

How a wireless Wi-Fi router works

The principle of operation of the equipment is based on receiving and converting the recipient's address, which is “written” in the header of the information packet for its transmission, then the path along which the information is addressed is determined using the routing table. If the routing table does not provide any address, the information is not accepted and discarded.

Photo - Example of a user network working with a router

In practice, there are some other systems for transmitting data to devices paired with the router. For example, the use of the sender address or upper-level header protocols. There are also cases when the router’s operation is based on the transmission of addresses of both the sender and the recipient, as well as filtering the transit stream of transmitted data.

How to install a Wi-Fi router: step-by-step instructions

In order to connect and configure the router yourself, you need to do the following:

1. The first thing they do to install the equipment is to connect all communications from the router to the PC and to the Internet signal transmission unit from the provider. To do this, insert an Internet cable into the connector called WAN, and insert the cable that comes with the router into one of the remaining ports; its other end is intended for the Ethernet connector on the back panel of the PC. After this, turn on the power to the device.
2. Next move on to configuration software router. The equipment setup is not standard and may differ depending on the router model and connection settings from the provider. Configuration can be done through any browser installed on your computer (Google Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer, etc.). To do this, you need to go to the administrative interface of the device by entering the combination of numbers in the address bar of the browser: 192.168.1.1. After pressing the Enter key, the equipment administration window should pop up. If this does not happen, then you should check the cable connection, make sure that the connection is running, and then try again.
3. The next step is to directly configure the Wi-Fi connection. If the router is equipped with a quick setup function, then you need to start the “Quick Setup” service and follow the prompts of the installation wizard. Among the setup steps there will be a selection of the following parameters: - type of preferred connection;

   — type of Internet connection;

4. Next, you need to connect the Wi-Fi module itself directly. To do this, the installation wizard offers the following menu.

Photo - Module Wi-Fi connections signal

After these steps, the Internet connection should already be working. However, if the Internet speed is low or constant signal loss occurs, experts recommend choosing a specific channel (from 1 to 13), saving the settings. It is also worth taking care of the access password to the signal of the router you are connecting. Otherwise, unauthorized connections are possible, which will also reduce traffic and make the router work slower.

After the router is connected and configured, all that remains is to connect the network card to your PC or laptop and use the device’s internet connection. On a laptop, you need to make sure that the special key that turns on Wi-Fi mode is pressed. If this operation is completed, you must connect the device to the network.

Photo – Network indicator

To do this, right-click on the network icon on the desktop toolbar, select the name of the installed network from the menu that opens, and click the “Connect” button.

Photo – Context menu with installed Internet networks on the device

The connection is made in a similar way for Windows 8; for other systems, the device is put into operation according to a similar scheme.

How much does a router for a computer cost?

Today the electronics market and computer equipment offers its customers a wide selection of routers, differing from each other both in the manufacturer and in some of the functional features of the device. These could be routers for home network with a few connected devices or industrial equipment to provide access to the Internet for public places and large offices. Accordingly, taking into account the functionality of the device, the cost of the devices will vary significantly. By visiting a store or online store of electrical goods, the client can choose the appropriate equipment that will meet the requirements for it. At the same time, he will need to deposit an amount of money ranging from 1 thousand rubles. behind standard model up to more than 25 thousand rubles. for professional multifunctional devices.

A wireless router is an indispensable attribute of almost any home, apartment or office. It allows you to connect several devices into a single network and provide them with access to the Internet. Our new rating best wifi routers 2018 – 2019 will help you purchase the most optimal device based on your requirements and financial capabilities. The TOP 10 presents both budget and expensive models with useful additional functions. Thanks to detailed analysis With each of them you can easily choose a good quality Wi-Fi router for use at home or at work.

D-link DIR-615S

Our rating opens with a budget home router from D-link. For its price, the device offers a pair of antennas, port and wireless module speeds of up to 100 and 300 Mbit/s, respectively, as well as the 802.11n communication standard at 2.4 GHz. There are no additional functions here, which not all buyers will like. The most annoying feature here is the lack of USB, especially considering the space available to install it. This element alone would not make the cost Wi-Fi router and much higher, but was able to provide users with significantly more convenience. However, this does not prevent the D-link DIR-615S from remaining one of the best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers in our rating.

Advantages:

• Price
• Operation stability
• Range
• Convenient firmware interface

Flaws:

• In wireless mode, the speed is slightly reduced
• Missing USB

ZyXEL Keenetic Start

When choosing a good router for your home, you must definitely consider devices from ZyXEL as suitable candidates. This famous brand offers customers very interesting solutions at a fairly low cost. One of these is Keenetic Start. Reviews about the router note its high stability and reliability. When working through wireless modules, the speed is not “cut,” which is an important advantage. Unfortunately, there is no USB port and there is only one antenna. Moreover, the latter is non-removable, and therefore an inexperienced user will not amplify the signal on his own. The need for amplification may well arise, especially if a Wi-Fi router is purchased for a large house or apartment.

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Operation stability
• Easy to set up
• User-friendly software

Flaws:

• Short signal transmission range
• No USB
• Just one antenna

D-link DIR-506L

Next up in the ranking is one of the best compact solutions on the market. The D-link DIR-506L Wi-Fi router offers the buyer a fairly impressive list of features at a very attractive price. In particular, you can optionally connect both 3G and LTE modems to it. The security and wireless communication standards here are classic. The latter is represented by 802.11n with a frequency of 2.4 GHz, which is a completely justified solution for its price. Among the pleasant features are the presence of a USB port and a built-in battery, through which you can even charge your smartphone. You should choose this compact router if you travel frequently and need a stable and reliable access point on the go.

Advantages:

• Easy to set up
• Quality and stability of work
• Built-in battery
• Support for 3G/4G modems

Flaws:

• None

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3

Usually, when buying electronics, a person has to choose only two among the three criteria “beautiful”, “functional” and “inexpensive”. However, Xiaomi constantly violates such features of the modern market, and with its Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 apartment router, the manufacturer again managed to surprise absolutely all of its fans. First of all, it is worth noting, of course, the design. Traditionally, for all Xiaomi brand products it is laconic, but in the case of this model, minimalism can be seen in all elements.

In terms of price-quality ratio, the router from Xiaomi leaves the best impression even after reading the characteristics. There are 4 antennas, support for the 802.11a/b/g/n/acn standard, as well as work with frequencies of 2.5 and 5 GHz. The maximum data transfer speed over the air is more than a gigabit, but via LAN it is only 100 Mbit/s. However, this is not as critical as having only two Ethernets and the absence of any other language in the software other than Chinese.
Advantages:

• Price
• Decor
• Separate antennas for all bands
• Convenient mobile application
• Functionality

Flaws:

• Just a couple of LANs
• Built-in USB port is limited in capabilities
• The web interface shell is available only in Chinese

ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II

Another representative of the ZyXEL company is a more advanced device for demanding customers. This popular Wi-Fi router for the home has absolutely everything you need, including the ability to simultaneously operate 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. In terms of the number of additional options, this model surpasses most solutions available on the market at a similar price. So there is SkyDNS and Yandex.DNS, as well as support for Keenetic Plus modules, which opens access to other features.

Real owners of a Wi-Fi router on forums speak extremely positively about it. Separately, users note the presence of a proprietary mobile application to control ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II, available for installation on smartphones running iOS and Android. It also couldn’t do without its own file server and USB port, and the presence of 4 antennas at once ensures excellent quality and high signal transmission range.

Advantages:

• Design
• Number of antennas
• Additional options
• Radius of action
• Operation stability
• Availability of USB
• Network management using a smartphone or tablet

Flaws:

• None

Huawei B315S

If you want to access the Internet not only via cable, but also via SIM cards, then the Huawei B315S router is just perfect for you. The cost of this router is not the lowest, but it is fully justified by its capabilities. There is a USB 2.0 port and connectors for connecting 2 external additional antennas. Wireless modules are represented by the maximum supported standard 801.11n and a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Reviews of the Huawei B315S router note its excellent performance with cards from any cellular operator, as well as high data transfer speeds over 3G and LTE networks. Buyers are offered two color options to choose from – black and white.

Advantages:

• Nice appearance
• Excellent performance in all Wi-Fi/4G bands
• Long range
• Operation stability
• Possibility of installing additional antennas

Flaws:

• Not available for the price

Apple AirPort Express MC414RS

AirPort Express MC414RS from Apple is one of the most reliable Wi-Fi routers from this manufacturer. For a very attractive price, this device offers a chic design, a huge number of functions and stable operation. Among the supported standards, the only one missing here is the new 802.11ac standard, but not everyone needs it today. But the ability to work in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands (and simultaneously) is an important advantage of the router. The router also has additional ports, including not only the now familiar USB, but also a 3.5 mm jack, with which you can listen to music via AirPlay.

Advantages:

• Design
• Operation stability
• Easy to set up
• Availability of a powerful transmitter
• Availability of 3.5 mm jack for music

Flaws:

• Small signal distribution area

ASUS RT-AC66U

Our next representative of the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers of 2018 is represented by one of the best solutions from ASUS. At its core, the RT-AC66U model is an improved version of another popular router from the company, the name of which had the letter “N” instead of “AC”. Just from this nuance you can understand the key difference between the updated device – support for the 802.11ac standard. The design of the device is similar to most of the company's Wi-Fi routers, aimed at the middle and high consumer segments. All ASUS RT-AC66U connectors are located on the rear panel, and in addition to 4 LAN outputs, there is also a pair of USBs, which significantly expands the functionality. The manufacturer's use of 3 antennas at once guarantees excellent signal quality. There is also support for the 5 GHz frequency, providing high transfer speeds.

Advantages:

• Appearance
• Position Setting
• Intuitive software
• Possibilities
• Fast and reliable operation

Flaws:

• Perceptible heating
• Problems with 5 GHz in older revisions

TP-LINK Archer C7

In the router market, TP-LINK is one of the leaders, regularly taking first positions in the number of devices sold. Archer C7 model Once again proves the manufacturer’s ability to create interesting and functional devices. This is a high-speed solution that is perfect for home and office use. At a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the router can output up to 450 Mbit/s, and at 5 GHz the figure rises to 1.3 gigabits. The presence of a USB pair and three removable antennas in the router is also an important advantage. Unfortunately, external modems cannot be connected through the ports available on the device.
Advantages:

• Operation stability
• Radius of action
• Availability of USB ports
• Ease of setup

Flaws:

• Lack of support for 3G/4G modems

ASUS RT-AC88U

ASUS has always been able to surprise with the design and capabilities of its devices. Everything about the ASUS RT-AC88U model is perfect, starting from appearance, which shares similarities with the popular ROG product line, and ends with characteristics. This router surpasses many of its competitors in terms of signal power and range, which is ensured by support of all modern wireless standards, including 802.11ac, as well as frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Some of the router's capabilities may seem redundant at first glance. So the need for gigabit LAN is often justified, but wireless connection speeds over 3 Gbit/s will be unnecessary for many. However, for an office or home, it is better to buy a router with power reserves for many years, and in this case, the RT-AC88U from ASUS is the ideal choice.
Advantages:

• Operation speed
• Power reserve
• Ease of setup
• Functional
• Number and set of ports

Flaws:

• Minimal gaming support WTFast
• Firmware dampness
• High price

Conclusion

If you want to organize high-quality and reliable access to the Internet at home, in the office, or even on the go, then this TOP router will help you choose the most suitable solution for yourself. Our rating of the best Wi-Fi routers of 2018 for home and apartment includes both expensive models with a huge number of additional functions, and inexpensive options that can be used to connect to the network via a cable or an external USB modem.