Although a fiber optic network seems to be a rarity today, still check the interface of the cable left by the provider. We believe that the standard RJ45 Ethernet is well known. This is a transparent patch, all 8 positions are occupied by highly visible brass contacts. The multi-colored sheaths of the twisted pair cores are visible through the housing; the tip is equipped with a plastic latch. The master uses a crimper, creating reliable contact.
The name RJ45 is incorrect, it comes from telephony, due to its external similarity. A truly transparent plug should be called 8P8C (8 positions - 8 pins). Finally, readers can, if they have any doubts, ask a search engine to show what a true RJ45 looks like. You should choose a router for your apartment that is compatible with the provider’s equipment. Let’s repeat, more often than not the master throws copper twisted pair, crimped RJ45. Fiber optics are considered very rare.
Internet source
For the most part, the provider will provide good old twisted pair copper cable topped with an RJ45 connector, or optical fiber. Today, worthy competition comes from modems for country houses that can connect to the network of cellular operators. Using a marketing trick, managers rush to call these 4G. In reality the situation looks a little different. The commission (developer of standards) initially called the current speeds the fourth generation, but later they grabbed it, significantly raising the bar (up to 1 Gbit/s for stationary objects). However... the word is not a sparrow, and businessmen began to exploit the emerging gap.
Three pillars of modern communications
Individual reviews increase the set of these three pillars with one more – ADSL. We believe that such old stuff will be offered by a rare nostalgist. Although the peak speeds of the latest versions of the standard have reached an acceptable level of 25 Mbit/s. In fact, we have reached the lower limit of Ethernet. Today's realities force dealers to consider at least Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit/s) as a minimum. Let’s list the three pillars again in order to firmly remember the presented options:
- Ethernet (100 Mbit/s, or 1 Gbit/s). Twisted pair, which has become familiar (the cord includes 4 pieces of different colors, the gamma is chosen according to the purpose of the core).
- The name itself hints: gigabit speeds are present. The downdraft is usually twice as fast as the downdraft, for example, 2.488 and 1.244, respectively. There are more powerful versions of optical technology that transmit 10 Gbps.
- SIM card. A modem that distributes a cellular network via Wi-Fi is ideal for a dacha. There are compact portable options equipped with a battery. It is this option that merchants rush to call 4G (the actual speed is below the standard).
External differences
Many will try to buy hardware based on information from numerous bulletin boards. The absence of consultants imposes on the purchaser the need to study at least the general external features of the equipment. Instructions are often missing.
We believe that manufacturers quickly noticed an increase in people confused by the choice. Therefore, the port letters on aging Ethernet routers are different from GPON. Previously, the following picture dominated:
- External port (provider) – WAN, or Internet.
- Local pins – LAN1, 2, 3, 4.
- Optionally, there is a set of additional interfaces, such as USB for drives or a printer.
Fiber optic equipment radically changes the set of familiar letters. Now we see the following:
- External port (provider) – GPON or OPTIC.
- Local outputs – LAN (plus number), or ETH (plus number).
- Optionally add other interfaces. Most often the phones are POTS (plus number).
So, an external examination of the model will allow you to correctly identify and select hardware. As for cellular models, some are more reminiscent of a flash drive and are equipped with a single Ethernet output connector. Others distribute Wi-Fi, the appearance is more reminiscent of the typical options described above. However, there is often a distinctive feature:
- Availability of an alternative input for universal models. These, in addition to the cellular network, can distribute the usual wired Ethernet. Then one port acts as a combined port. Depending on the mode, it can be input (WAN) or output (Eth4).
Two criteria serve as a reliable sign of cellular models:
- Mobility, built-in power supply.
- SIM card slot. It is impossible to confuse.
The shape of compact models is often smooth, round, or oblong. However, the factor cannot be considered an iron-clad criterion.
Set of selection criteria
Cellular providers like to impose their own equipment. Moreover, many will offer to rent the module almost free of charge (typical case of MTS). The real benefits of wasteful marketing policies are known only to company managers. But the intelligence services definitely win. It is much easier to track Internet visitors. Each router is equipped with a unique BSSID, there are even online services that help track... the location of the “criminal”. Then, when purchasing, there is literally no choice in terms of parameters.
Note! Take the trouble to check whether your equipment supports the provider's protocol (for example, PPPoE).
Speed
We examine together the capabilities of the input and output interfaces.
Entrance
Optical fiber today is powerless to become a bottleneck, a bottleneck. It transmits traffic stably at good speed (above 1 Gbit/s). Ethernet can be (take, for example, the classification of the official TP-Link website):
- Fast (100 Mbit/s).
- Gigabit (1 Gbit/s).
Choose a model according to your own tariff plan (see provider agreement). A high-speed cellular router is not yet available. The best, peak indicators (center of Moscow) depend on the operator, rarely exceeding 150 Mbit/s. This combination eliminates the need to inspect output interfaces completely. Even the implementation of the IEEE 802.11n standard will ensure full consumption of incoming traffic. The newest models are more likely to sport ac, ad, where the performance will be higher (more than 346 Mbit/s).
Exit
Traditionally, the characteristics of Ethernet input and output ports are identical. Therefore, let's focus on the wireless part. Here, each manufacturer is unique. The TP-Link mentioned above use a simple system for marking the catalog assortment:
- Protocol letters: N, AC, AD.
- Speed expressed in Mbit/s: 150, 300, 600, 3200…
Here you can only be amazed. Here's a live example. The Archer C60 router looks strange, to put it mildly, but has a powerful wireless interface and is equipped with a low-performance input part:
- WAN 10/100 Mbit/s.
- 4 LAN 10/100 Mbit/s.
- Full spectrum IEEE 802.11: b, g, n, ac.
The error is immediately visible. Wi-Fi pleases users with peak performance:
- 2.4 GHz – 450 Mbit/s.
- 5 GHz – 867 Mbit/s.
People will say: many wireless clients can share access... To what? The input stream speed is 100 Mbit/s. Probably for games. We intend to complete the local version of Diabolo II with the whole school. Stock up on Wi-Fi adapters. Attention! The power of the forces of evil increases in proportion to the number of characters.
The second aspect is the IEEE protocol version. Today, n remains the de facto standard, so actual specified peak throughputs are unattainable. You will also have to select compatible adapters.
In addition, let us remind you: wireless interfaces are harmful to health and should be used as carefully as possible.
Price
Fans of “high-quality” branded equipment will be unpleasantly annoyed. An inexpensive number with a router will not work. There are models: good (prices are high - above 3,000 rubles), better (unaffordable to many), top-end (unreasonably high cost). It is more advisable to take it from the bulletin board.
When purchasing, try to get a set of documents. Take the trouble to reset the settings immediately, try changing the BSSID (often impossible to do). It's rare that a hacker exploits a home router, but testing the seller's trustworthiness is unnecessary. Just reset the settings (primarily DNS) using the Reset button.
After resetting, the information indicated on the label (login, password, IP address) becomes current.
Wall mounting
The lion's share of what is commonly called a router for home Internet is equipped with suspension sockets. Wall mounting can hardly be called an undeniable advantage. The use cases are varied. Hang it in the hallway, diverting the attention of households, and distribute the network wirelessly. The absence of cables catching your feet will quickly be appreciated.
However, the access point certainly causes harm to households. Although the Russian Federation standards (radiation levels) are relatively strict, a number of countries today have noted the danger of proximity to cell towers. There is a similar threat with Wi-Fi. Foreign experts are just beginning to consider the issue, however, observations made after 2015 fully confirm the development of states of overstrain of the body’s defenses, up to the development of cancer. Beware of working with a laptop on your lap.
In other cases (besides organizing an access point), we call the convenience of the wall-mounted option controversial.
USB port
The new squeak of fashion is the presence of a port for connecting a printer or storage device. Consider Smart Box Beeline. The provider mentions the ability to share files stored on a flash drive, omitting details. The settings snap-in menu (browser) offers three options (see Wikipedia):
- A specialized folder that is visible to home multimedia devices. For example, TV. By enabling the option in the router settings, you can watch movies using the standard functions of the equipment.
- Cross-platform application that manages reading network drives (SMB/CIFS protocol).
- FTP server. Organizes secure access via a browser (Explorer) using a protocol. Type: ftp://address, enter login/password, download or upload content.
Usage: in the Windows Explorer network environment, a corresponding workgroup will appear (set by the router settings, usually WORKGROUP), containing the connected drive.
Apple models (AirPort) offer to connect a network printer (wireless printing). For a cottage this is a dubious advantage; production will appreciate it. Apple complements the new products with proprietary AirPlay technology, which allows you to share iTunes media resources from any mobile gadget to your home equipment. Prices are steep...
Business options
The difference is limited to a set of factors determined by the scope of application. For a private client, the design of the case is indifferent; corporate clients sometimes require a secure option. Equipment is often placed outside and exposed to precipitation. It is useful to pay attention to the inferiority of technical characteristics. Caused by a sharp rise in prices - the West values durable, reliable things. Professional equipment is traditionally expensive.
Office options are easy to install. The equipment supports power over cable (PoE) and has minimal functionality. At the same time, it allows you to create several wireless networks (according to the existing divisions of the enterprise). The administrator is free to set (EAP115-Wall) speed limits, avoiding the sole occupation of the channel by angry clerks. Finally, there is a schedule to prevent unauthorized use of equipment by dining staff (online gaming).
Office equipment will allow management to show any degree of tyranny and fully implement the points of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the device control system. Attempts to change settings are stopped; the administrator may be notified via email. Often, the display of settings is carried out externally, since it is not appropriate for the system administrator to visit each workplace personally.
Guests are registered by a separate network that requests a list of identifying information. Industrial espionage (or the right of free access to information) is completely suppressed.
A router or router is a device that provides access to the Internet to high-tech (Hi-Tech) devices (computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) via a wired (cable) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection.
The choice of a router for your home will depend directly on the activities that you plan to perform on the Internet.
How to choose a Wi-Fi router?
For viewing websites, short videos from Youtube and for transferring small files, medium-priced routers with a connection speed of 300–500 Mbit/s are suitable.
If your goal is to watch movies via the Internet by connecting a computer, laptop and TV, i.e., creating a multimedia studio, then you will need a powerful Wi-Fi router with a connection speed of 600 Mbit/s. When choosing a router or any other device, you must pay attention to the following criteria:
- company manufacturer
- Main characteristics
- warranty from the manufacturer and real reviews about the selected model on the Internet
Internet connection type
The main criterion for choosing any device is its characteristics, but one should not forget about the manufacturer, which, when producing a product, values its reputation. And the leaders in this area will be such companies as Apple, Asus, TP-Link, D-Link, Zyxel, etc.
The way devices connect to the internet through a router is through cable or Wi-fi. First, the Internet network cable is connected to the router, and then the computer, laptop, tablet and other devices.
You can find out what type of connection is used on your home’s Internet network from your provider. The main connection types used are:
- using a twisted pair Ethernet cable that comes from a switch located in the building
- via the telephone network using xDSL subscriber line
- using an optical GPON cable (this technology uses special equipment from the provider, which configures and maintains it, but the choice of routers with GPON support on the market is very limited)
It would be a good idea to ask your provider about the Internet connection protocol they provide: PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP. Then you need to look in the documentation for the router to see if it supports one of the provider’s protocols.
Connection speed between the router and your provider's Internet network
Nowadays, most providers provide Internet access at a speed of about 100 Mbit/s. If your provider provides high speed, then it makes sense to select a router with gigabit connection speed.
Currently, two standards for network connection of Wi-Fi routers are popular:
- 802.11n (supports data transfer rates from 100 to 600 Mbps, operating at a frequency of 2.4–5 GHz)
- 802.11ac (supports connection speeds from 400 Mbps to 4 Gbps, operating at 5 GHz)
It is important to know that if the speed provided by the provider is 100 Mbit/s, then when working on the Internet this speed will remain, despite a powerful router with a gigabit data transfer speed, but to create a local network when working with several computers, the data exchange speed will be much higher.
Ability to operate in multiple frequency ranges
New Wi-Fi routers with gigabit data transmission and reception speeds are capable of operating in several frequency ranges. They can create several networks with different data transmission and reception speeds.
So, a Wi-Fi router with a connection speed of 1700 Mbit/s can work on two networks: one at 1000 Mbit/s, operating in the 5 GHz band, will be for watching movies and downloading large files, and the other at 700 Mbit/s s, operating in the 2.4 GHz band, will be used for browsing websites and working on social networks. Both networks can operate simultaneously and will not conflict.
Availability of internal and external antennas
Wi-Fi routers have internal (typical for pocket routers) and external (for home routers) antennas. They are characterized by a gain factor, which affects the range of the Wi-fi network.
For internal antennas the gain is usually 2–3 dBi, for external antennas it is 5–7 dBi. Internal antennas are built into portable and pocket Wi-Fi routers, but for large rooms with many floors and walls, routers with external antennas are needed.
External antennas are divided into removable and non-removable. You need to choose a router with removable antennas and the possibility of replacing them with more powerful ones with a higher gain.
Availability of ports for connecting external devices and storage devices
The presence of ports expands the functionality of the Wi-Fi router. Using USB ports, you can connect an external memory drive, printer, TV and other devices to the router.
If the router does not have a 4G modem built in advance, then when you connect it via a USB port, data will be sent and received via the mobile network. This is convenient when you are outside the city within reach of mobile communications.
Port speed
Port speed will play an important role when connecting external wired devices and modems. To work with websites on the Internet, 100 Mbit/s will be enough, i.e. the speed provided by the provider. If the provider provides a higher connection speed, then it is better to choose a router with 1167 Mbit/s so that data transfer over the local network occurs faster.
Supports multiple Internet connection methods
There are routers that support several methods of connecting to the Internet: Ethernet, xDSL, 4G (LTE). They support three connections at once, choosing one as the main one. If two connections fail, the third one, via a 4 g modem, will automatically replace the remaining faulty ones.
The 4G LTE connection is a 4th generation communication standard that replaced 3G. With the help of new technology in wifi routers with 4g, the speed of receiving and transmitting data has increased from 5–10 Mbit/s to 20 Mbit/s or more, which means it is possible to transfer large amounts of data and normal video viewing via the mobile Internet. When choosing a 4 g-modem, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics: manufacturer, data reception and transmission speed and the presence of a connector for external antennas.
Pocket Wi-Fi routers
This type of router can be useful for people who are constantly on the go: businessmen, travelers and vacationers. The attractiveness and convenience of such a device lies in its small size, the ability to operate on a stand-alone battery, and support for standard mobile communications.
They have a module for protecting against network attacks, a built-in router, several users can connect to them and be used as storage for various content. With their help, you can create a small wireless network in an office, apartment or car.
The disadvantages of pocket routers include low signal transmission power and short battery life. When choosing a compact router, you need to immediately decide what is important: the size of the device or its autonomy, i.e. the ability to work without recharging for a long time.
For short trips, you can choose a compact router, but for long trips, it is better to choose a router with a larger battery and a higher data transmission speed to be able to create a local network.
Setting up a Wi-Fi router
To configure the router you will need to follow a few simple steps. Before setting up the router's connection to the Internet, you need to connect the provider's wire to the WAN port of the router. Next, you can connect a computer, set-top boxes and TV to the router via a wired connection to the LAN ports, and a laptop, tablet and smartphone will be connected via a Wi-Fi network.
Now you need to go to the web interface for the settings of the router itself. To do this, you need to open the Google Chrome browser and type the IP address of the router in the address bar, which is usually printed on its back side or on the box.
At the next stage, to connect to the Internet, you need to go to the “WAN” or “Internet” section in the Web interface and to connect to the provider you need to specify its protocol for connecting to the network: L2TP, PPPoE, IPoE, PPTP. The protocol can be found on the provider’s website in technical support. To connect using these protocols, you may also need to ask your provider for login and password in order to log in to the site. Next, on the tabs “Enable Wan Service”, “Enable NAT”, “Enable Firewall” you need to check the boxes. To complete the network connection settings, you need to click the “Apply” or “Save” button.
On the “Local Network (LAN)” tab, by default, the IP address of your router should be entered and a DHCP server should be enabled to connect computers, laptops, and tablets to your local network. You don’t need to change anything here, just check whether the DHCP server is enabled. If external devices do not connect to the network, then you need to register additional ones in the DHCP server settings and finally click on the “Apply” or “Save” button.
After connecting to the Internet, you need to connect to the Wi-Fi network. To do this, you need to change the network name to SSID and insert your password, i.e. data from the Wi-Fi network. This is located in the Web interface section in the Wi-Fi or Wireless tabs.
The Wi-Fi network configuration is divided into two parts: the first part is in the “Basic WIreless Settings” section, and the second in the “Wireless Security” settings. In the first part, you need to specify the name of the wi-fi network - SSID, select the country of use (Russia or Europe), user mode (mode) and channel (channel). It is better to use a mixed mode - 802.11 b/g/n, channel - 1, 6, 11 or auto.
In the second part, you need to select the type of security certificate, for example, WPA2-PSK. Then, in the Network Key or PSK Password tabs, write the Wi-Fi network security key. This is an alphanumeric sequence of 8 or more characters. Finally, to save, click on the “Apply” or “Save” button.
Selection and purchase of wi-fi routers
The most powerful wifi routers with a good rating, as a rule, have their own RAM and processor and are not cheap. Making a rating out of wifi routers is a purely personal matter, given the fact that models and prices for them change every month, but in order to choose the right router for your home, you need to take several models from different manufacturers and compare them. For our rating, let's take as an example models from different manufacturers with the same price category, which can be bought on the Yandex market.
Apple Time Capsule 2TB MD032
Wireless standard connections: 802.11n, frequency 2.4 / 5 GHz, simultaneously operates in two bands
MIMO: There is
Max. speed wireless connection: 108 - 450 Mbit/s
Information protection: WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x
Power transmission: 20 dBM
Switch: 3xLAN
Gesture volume disk: 2048 GB
Guest network: There is
NAT: There is
DHCP server: There is
Dynamic DNS: There is
VPN-tun-li: There is
SNMP: There is
Number of internal antennas: 6
Price: 14,500 rub.
1. 1) Very easy to set up, connect the internet cable and power plug, do the step-by-step setup and that’s it. One detail: you need to insert the login, as well as the password from the provider, and everything is fine 2) The signal strength remains the same as that of a standard router, but the signal is uninterrupted, the Internet is stable. 3) There is access to a 2000 GB disk from any device.
2. Very nice appearance, high-quality assembly, incredibly simple setup and very convenient control. You can control the device from your iPhone or iPad. I can only add one thing to the above: the device is worth the money. I have been using it for 5 months, I use it very intensively. So far there are no complaints.
TP-Link Archer C3200
Wireless standard connections: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, frequency 2.4 / 5 GHz, simultaneously operates in two bands
Max. speed wireless connection: 3200 Mbit/s
Information protection: WEP, WPA, WPA2
Power transmission: 20 dBM
Switch: 4xLAN
Port speed: 1000 Mbit/s
Number of USB 2.0 Type A connectors: 1
Number of USB 3.0 Type A connectors: 1
Guest network: There is
NAT: There is
SPI: There is
DHCP server: There is
Dynamic DNS: There is
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): There is
VPN-tun-li: yes (10 tunnels)
PPTP: There is
L2TP: There is
IPSec: There is
Number of ext. antennas: 6
Type ext. antennas: non-removable
Price: RUB 14,190
Reviews:
- The signal passes through 3 walls, 60 megabits out of 100 on a 2.4 channel, other models of routers from Tp link gave a maximum of 25 megabits. With this model you can play games with low ping, just like over a cable. Maintains stable speed when torrenting :)
- Very fast, reboot takes ~25–30 seconds. The speed of data reception and transmission is excellent. Excellent Wi-Fi coverage. Simple and intuitive interface. I give the tp-link router a solid A for its impeccable performance.
So, both models are at the same level in terms of their characteristics. The model from TP-Link has a higher connection speed, but we must not forget that purely Chinese manufacturers often sin in the direction of increasing the frequency characteristics of devices. This often leads to questions like: “Why did I buy a Wi-Fi router at a high price, but it’s unstable?” Therefore, you should not pay special attention to the numbers 3000, 5000 Mbit/s and more.
In my opinion, it is better to buy a model from Apple if you have an Internet speed of about 100 Mbps at home, plus an additional 2000 GB hard drive. For those who have the fastest Internet at home, a model from TP-Link is suitable, although judging by the reviews, both models deserve equal attention.
Consultants in hardware stores can rarely give sensible advice, and often simply sell the most expensive models, which do not always cope with their tasks.
In order not to overpay for a brand and unnecessary characteristics, you need to have at least a minimal understanding of what the operation of the device depends on. Therefore, today we’ll talk about which router is better to buy depending on your needs.
What do you need to ask your provider?
Some characteristics strictly depend on your Internet service provider and the features of your tariff.
First of all, call your provider and find out what type of WAN port they use. WAN is a connector to which the cable routed into the apartment is directly connected. There are only 3 types of connection:
- via a telephone line (for this you need a router with a port or VDSL);
- special Internet channel (Ethernet/FTTB);
- over a modern fiber optic network (CPON, CEPON, PON).
There are also 3G routers on the market - they are specially adapted for working with mobile Internet. If your budget allows, you can take a universal router that supports several formats (for example, Ethernet+DSL or Ethernet+3G).
The second point is speed. Which one should I buy to make the Internet work faster? First, check what tariffs the provider itself offers and figure out what suits you. Based on this, we will choose a model with suitable characteristics.
The technical specifications of a router always indicate the maximum data transfer speed. Remember: this number shows only the theoretical capabilities of the device, without taking into account interference and distance. In reality, the Internet will work 2.5-3 times slower.
The signal speed depends on the standard that the WiFi router supports:
- 802.11ac is the most modern option, theoretically capable of delivering up to 1.3 Gbit/s;
- 802.11n - most common, provides speeds up to 600 Mbit/s;
- 802.11g is a legacy standard that limits connections to 54 Mbps.
However, don't rush to buy the latest fancy router. After all, the capabilities of your technology also matter. The vast majority of gadgets now work with 802.11n, and therefore simply will not be able to process a faster signal.
Main characteristics
Let's move on to the parameters that no longer depend on the provider, but on your personal preferences and needs. It is impossible to say which Wi-Fi router is best to buy if you do not take into account how and for what the device will be used. What should you pay attention to?
Number of LAN ports
Typically, stationary equipment that needs a stable Internet connection (computers, TVs, consoles, etc.) is connected to the router via a cable. This ensures maximum speed that is unaffected by interference and distance.
Most standard routers have 4 LAN connectors. But if you have a lot of equipment, it makes sense to choose a model with additional ports. For example, ASUS RT-AC88U and TP-LINK TL-R860 allow you to connect up to 8 devices, and the new MikroTik RB2011UiAS-IN - up to 10.
Pay attention to the type of LAN ports. Fast Ethernet connectors are rated at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet provides data transfer at speeds up to 1 Gbps.
frequency range
Another important characteristic. WiFi routers can operate at a frequency of 2.4 or 5 GHz. More modern models support both channels, and can distribute data between bands.
What to consider? First, what equipment will be connected to the router:
- 2.4 GHz is optimal for smartphones, tablets and office equipment;
- 5 GHz provides a faster and more stable connection, so it is recommended for devices that work with heavier content - TVs, set-top boxes, etc.
Please note that not all gadgets can receive a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz. But if there are many routers around your apartment that can interrupt the signal, this channel is preferable. Switching to a higher frequency will increase data transfer speeds, but will slightly reduce the wireless network coverage range.
Transmitter power
Buyers rarely pay attention to this parameter, but it is much more important than the theoretical maximum speed.
In budget models, the power rarely exceeds 17 dBm. This means that the device’s signal can “break through” a maximum of two walls. But not everything is so simple: in almost all countries there are legal restrictions on the maximum permissible power. The upper threshold for the 2.4 GHz frequency is considered to be 20 dBm - these are the models you should choose from if you have a spacious apartment.
Radius of action
Often the distance covered by the network is written on the box and in the technical documentation. The radius indoors and outdoors is indicated separately. But if we talk about which WiFi router is better to buy, then this indicator is very relative. A couple of thick reinforced concrete walls “kill” the signal of even the most powerful routers. 70% of everything depends not on the device itself, but on the room.
Type and number of antennas
A common mistake buyers make is to think that the energy from multiple antennas will add up. But if there are three of them, this does not mean that the network will operate 3 times further or “break through” more walls. This can only make the connection more stable and the coverage even.
But what should you pay attention to? First of all, antennas - built-in or external. As practice has shown, in a city apartment the difference between them is almost invisible. But if we are talking about a large room, it is advisable to choose a model with external antennas. This will provide a more stable coating, and if necessary, you can replace them with more powerful ones.
In many ways, the quality of an antenna's performance depends on what chip it uses. Therefore, another parameter that is worth looking at is the gain. To increase the range and quality of the signal, several types of antennas can be used:
- standard - gain up to 2 dBi;
- omnidirectional (9 dBi);
- panel (19 dBi);
- parabolic (24 dBi).
Which router is better to buy? There are models on sale with the number of antennas from 1 to 4. For a one-story house or city apartment, a router with 2-3 antennas with a gain of about 5 dBi is optimal. It is advisable to place the antennas vertically or at a slight angle to each other.
Availability of USB
Models with one or more USB ports are more expensive, but open up many additional possibilities for the user. By connecting a storage device to your WiFi router, you can create a shared data storage to which all devices on the network can connect. In addition, if the cable Internet stops working, you can access the network using
Additional "chips"
Many manufacturers produce routers that, in addition to their main function - “distributing” the Internet - have other useful functions.
This is very important if you often work in different places, including outside the city. The built-in 3G modem allows you to connect to the Internet through the networks of cellular operators.
You can also find specialized routers on sale. Let's briefly talk about which mobile router is best to buy.
The most practical option is multi-standard models that can work with any operator. To select a different network, just change the SIM card or switch through the device’s web interface.
Pay attention to which standards the router supports. EVDO Rev.B can deliver up to 14.7 Mbps, while UMTS/HSDPA are considered faster and are capable of speeds up to 42 Mbps.
If the router will be used in places with weak signal levels (for example, in rural areas), it is recommended to choose a device with the ability to connect its own antenna.
Among the popular models are the routers Pantech MHS291L, Novatei MiFi 6620L Rev.B, ZTE AC30.
Which router is better to buy? In 2014, there was a real “boom” - people began to switch en masse from regular cable to IPTV. Digital television provides much better sound and picture. At the same time, you can watch any channels from all over the world, as well as use additional functions such as rewinding and recording a program.
Multiple access points
A useful feature is the ability to create not one, but several wireless networks using one router. This is primarily relevant for offices and retail premises, when there is a need to divide traffic between employees and visitors. For example, you can restrict clients' access to various network equipment (computers, servers, etc.).
Torrent client
If you often download high-quality movies, games and other content, it makes sense to choose a WiFi router with a built-in torrent client. In this case, the router will be able to download the necessary files to the connected drive in the background instead of loading the computer or laptop itself.
A Wi-Fi router allows several devices that support data exchange using Wi-Fi technology to access the Internet at once. In other words, a router is a network device that connects to the Internet and distributes a similar capability to other devices using either Wi-Fi or LAN.
Which Wi-Fi router is better: choosing a router
The main role in choosing a router, of course, is played by its characteristics. However, an equally important indicator of its quality and reliability is the manufacturer. Based on this, you should purchase a device manufactured by companies such as: TP-LINK, ASUS, D-link, HP. These companies produce some of the best router models.
Today, there are several types of network standards.
- 802.11 a – speed up to 54 Mb/s
- 802.11 b – speed up to 11 Mb/s
- 802.11 g – speed up to 54 Mb/s
- 802.11 n – speed up to 600 Mb/s
- 802.11 ac – speed over 1Gb/s
When choosing a Wi-Fi router, you should pay attention to models of the 802.11 n standard and higher.
Our Top Wi-Fi routers:
1. Wi-Fi router Zyxel Keenetic 4G III
It is used in conjunction with more than 70 variants of USB modems, which are among those especially popular for working with 3 and 4G mobile Internet formats. The router is capable of operating in 4G LTE using CDC-Ethernet and NDIS mode.
There is no need to install special firmware or additionally adapt the device. You just need to connect the device to the USB port by selecting the mobile network. This will provide access to the Internet for all computers and devices that are connected to the router: via Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
If a failure occurs or the modem freezes, the device automatically restarts the connection: for this we can reboot in terms of power.
Thanks to the Mediatek MT7620N 580 MHz processor, which has a hardware network accelerator and the new NDMS 2 operating system, the router can operate in mobile networks at speeds below 100 Megabits per second.
2. Wi-Fi router TP-LINK TL-WR841N
The device is designed for use in small office spaces and at home. 2T2R MIMO technology makes it possible to form a network with ultra-high information transfer speed. This allows you to continuously stream video online: the quality remains high. You can run online games. In addition, IP telephony operates at a high level.
The device supports the IEEE 802.11n standard, thanks to which you can establish wireless connections, the speed and signal range of which are fifteen and five times greater than those of conventional devices operating according to the 11g standard.
With the help of a router, the information transfer speed reaches 300 Megabits per second. Thanks to SSA technology, the likelihood of conflicts occurring during the transfer of information is eliminated. This gives an increase in connection performance. The use of WPA/WPA2 encryption technologies allows for increased security of information.
The device is capable of supporting Wi-Fi Protected Setup. The device has a button that allows you to quickly configure the protection – QSS. Protect your wireless network with just one click. Then WPA2 security is automatically installed. This is an additional convenience: you don’t need to remember your password.
Thanks to the IP QoS function, the network has the best throughput, and traffic is streamlined depending on the user’s tasks. This limits applications that are currently of lesser importance so that they do not overload the network.
Installing the device and setting up the network is possible even if you do not have the relevant experience: the router package includes a disk that contains detailed, clear instructions on how to perform these manipulations.
3. Wi-Fi router Asus RT-N12 VP
The purpose of the multifunctional wireless router Asus RT-N11P is to work in home networks and in small office spaces.
With its help, it is possible to ensure high speed information transfer via a wireless connection. This speed allows you to comfortably play games online, stream video, and use Internet telephony.
The device is easy to configure, even if the user does not have relevant experience.
4. Wi-Fi router TP-LINK TL-WR941ND
The tasks of the Zyxel Keenetic III Internet center include providing reliable and convenient connection of home devices to the Internet, IP television, the services of which are provided by providers through dedicated lines with any type of connection: IPoE, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, 802.1X, VLAN 802.1Q ,IPv4/IPv6.
The device provides full high-speed mode within tariffs below 100 Megabits per second, the type of connection and the nature of the loads do not matter.
Thanks to the use of proprietary Link Duo and TV Port technologies, it is possible to simultaneously access the Internet and local services.
The device is capable of connecting to the network via dozens of types of USB modems in 3G/4G formats. A DSL modem, a provider's PON terminal with an Ethernet port, a provider's Wi-Fi hotspot, or a personal one can be used.
5. Wi-Fi router Apple AirPort Express (MC414RU/A)
This device can eliminate issues related to the formation of wireless networks for home or small office premises.
The router works best with Wi-Fi. This opportunity is provided by support for modern Wi-Fi standards: 802.11 n in two frequencies at once - 2.4 and 5 GHz. Both ranges can be used simultaneously. The device allows you to create a separate guest network: the password for the main network will be known only to the owner.
It is possible to organize shared access and a network printer. You just need to connect the desired device to the built-in connector.
Shared access is possible, combining computers on tables, network drives and digital media.
What to look for when choosing a Wi-Fi router
2. Router and DHCP server. The router provides access to the Internet for all connected devices. In this case, for each of them the DHCP server determines its own internal IP address. This allows several connected devices to access the Internet at once using one external IP address.
3. Range. When choosing a router, special attention should be paid to its range. This is what determines the distance from which devices can access the Internet. However, it must be taken into account that the data regarding the range of the device indicated by the manufacturer are far from accurate and may differ from its actual capabilities several times. This is due to the fact that manufacturers indicate the capabilities of the router, focusing on ideal external conditions, which in reality are almost impossible to achieve. There are many factors that influence the range of a router, ranging from partitions and walls in the apartment to home furniture. It is necessary to take them all into account for the most successful location of the device.
4. Antennas. The efficiency of a router directly depends on the number of antennas installed on it. The more antennas, the higher the Internet speed. So, a router that has only one antenna uses it to both receive and transmit data. At the same time, when connecting third-party devices, the transmission speed will inevitably drop in order to ensure normal operation of the router. The presence of two antennas allows the device to use one of them for reception and the other for data transmission. At the same time, the speed of the Internet connection remains consistently high. If the device has three antennas, then two of them are aimed at data transmission, and one at reception. The maximum number of antennas in a device can be up to 6. It is advisable that the selected router has the ability to replace antennas with more powerful ones. In this way, you can make your Internet connection better and better by purchasing more powerful types of antennas.
5. Data encryption. Data encryption is a critical part of keeping your Internet connection secure. An unauthorized connection to the network can significantly reduce Internet speed. Almost all modern routers use 2 data encryption methods: WPA and WEP. WPA is considered the more reliable of them.
6. USB slot. This feature is not required. It can be used to connect various devices to the router, such as a printer, flash drive, or hard drive. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to share files available on these devices with other users connected to Wi-Fi.
7. Connecting a 3G modem to a Wi-Fi router. The USB interface does not yet guarantee the ability to connect to the router; the ability to connect a G-modem to the router. Not all routers have this feature. The need for its presence lies in the inability of some users to connect to a landline provider. In addition, 3G is a safety option in case of problems with a standard connection.
8. ADSL connection. If you have an ADSL Internet connection, you should choose a router that supports this type of connection. In this case, there is no need to use an ADSL modem to obtain additional functionality.
9. Number of ports in the router. The largest number of access points include 4 Ethernet ports. This makes it possible to connect several devices to the Internet via a wired network. Such devices can be a receiver, a desktop computer, or a TV. At the same time, it remains possible to use a wireless connection. However, you need to remember that connecting via cable is more reliable and faster. Therefore, for stationary devices it is better to use this type.
10. Port speed. Providers generally provide Internet speeds of up to 100 Mb/s. However, the times are not far off when this figure will be several hundred Mb/s. That is why it is better to purchase a device that will support gigabit networks. So, you should choose a router whose port speed is 1000 Mb/s. This will allow him to remain in demand and relevant for a long time. This recommendation applies only to those users who use the Internet to the maximum. The rest can be content with a quite good 100 Mb/s. Web interface With its help, you can configure the device using a browser. This means that the settings menu will look like a website.
11. Router firmware. The ability to flash firmware is available in almost all router models. This feature allows you to eliminate existing errors in operation, as well as improve the efficiency and ease of use of the device. Therefore, when asking which router to choose, you should pay attention to how easily it can be flashed and how often new firmware is released for it. When choosing any router, you must strictly adhere to the selection criteria listed above. Even the top router models may simply not be suitable for the specific environment in which they will operate. It is also important to remember that it is better to buy an inexpensive router, no matter what speed it has (usually it is enough for normal work on the Internet), but one that provides stable and reliable operation. The best router must certainly meet the criteria of quality and security against unauthorized connection to the network.
Video on how to choose the right Wi-Fi router:
Wi-Fi routers are one of the most common devices used to connect multiple devices to a network. The main advantage that Wi-Fi networks have over analogues is the ease of setup, as well as the absence of the need to use a large number of cables.
In contact with
The stability of the connection, as well as the list of available functions, is directly affected by the model of the router used. In view of this, it is necessary to think in advance which options will be in demand when using wi-fi every day, and which ones will be frankly unnecessary. In addition, it will be useful to study reviews to know some of the hidden features of the devices.
What is a Wi-Fi router?
Under the term router, refers to a special device used to route a wireless network and provide devices connected to it with Internet access at home or in the office. Among manufactured gadgets, such as laptops, smartphones, and other types of electronics, the vast majority already have a wifi signal receiving module in their design, which allows you to access the created network.
However, a powerful Wi-Fi router can also serve to organize a home network without access to the Internet, which allows computers to communicate with each other. This feature allows you to share some peripheral devices, such as printers, and also play computer games.
Since when connecting in this format there is no need to connect all devices using a cable, it is noticeably more convenient to use. Besides, to one access point An impressive number of devices can be connected, which significantly expands the user's capabilities.
In order for the wi-fi router to work correctly and have the necessary functions, when choosing it, you should focus attention to technical parameters of the purchased product.
What to look for when choosing a router?
To choose good Wi-Fi routers for your home or office, it is recommended to study the maximum data transfer speeds of a particular model. The most budget-friendly solutions require a channel bandwidth of 8 to 35 Mb/s, which allows you to access the Internet from several devices relatively comfortably. Expensive analogues allow you to transfer data at speeds of up to 1 Gb/s, however, such values for the home are only needed if the terms of the Internet provider's tariff plan require such a high actual connection speed.
As a rule, the access speed of most providers is relatively low, which is why purchasing expensive models sometimes makes no sense. In addition to speed, you should take a closer look to the following parameters:
- Connection standard used;
- Device memory capacity;
- Built-in processor speed.
The connection standard directly determines the speed of access and its support from connected devices. Standards such as IEEE 802.11b seem outdated and allow data transfer at speeds of no more than 11 Mb/s. Later variations, such as 802.11g and 802.11n, have much higher channel capacity, but are only in demand in cases where when is the internet speed from the provider side corresponds to these values.
The power of the processor determines how quickly the router will respond to commands and interact with the hardware. In view of this, you should not purchase products with a clock speed of less than 240 MHz. If we consider RAM, then 64 MB seems to be sufficient, which is enough for comfortable use of the router.
An important parameter The number of antennas is presented, as well as the signal strength. After all, if such indicators are small, devices will not be able to detect the connection or it will be unstable when moving away from the router. The brand of the device is not decisive, but the highest quality products are produced by well-known corporations such as TP-Link, Zuxel, Asus and others. The price of budget devices is $10-15, which makes them affordable for consumers.
Portable varieties
If there is a need to place a Wi-Fi network in any non-standard place, such as a car or while traveling, it is recommended to use special portable routers. Similar type of routers, allows you to deploy your network anywhere, as it supports leading mobile data standards such as 3G and 4G, which is also reflected in the price.
Among the obvious advantages of this category of devices are: it is advisable to highlight:
In addition, this type of router is autonomous, which allows them to work for a certain time, powered by a battery. At the same time, mobile routers also have a number of significant disadvantages. These, first of all, include a relatively weak signal, which does not allow access to the network over a long distance, as well as a short battery life.
Similar disadvantages are somewhat leveled out if you give preference to more expensive models from well-known brands. As a rule, they are somewhat larger than their budget counterparts, but have more advanced characteristics.
Despite the fact that this characteristic is not one of the main ones, it also does not deserve neglect from users. After all, some of the device’s capabilities directly depend on their varieties and number. As a rule, any device for the home that costs $10 has at least 1 LAN port, through which Internet access is provided.
However, to use 3g Wi-Fi, USB ports will be required, which are not found in the most budget models. When connected to a flash drive like this, users will be able to share files on a hosted network, which is very convenient in a number of situations.
As part of an office network, it will be useful to connect the printer using a USB cable to the router, which will allow you to organize a kind of print server that can be accessed by all network participants. This will significantly simplify the printing process and increase overall productivity.
Popular budget models
Considering the devices on the market, we can identify a kind of rating of the most preferable options for different conditions of use. If the room in which you plan to use the router is small, and the speed of Internet access leaves much to be desired, Netis WF2411 or Tenda N3 may be a good solution. They can boast relatively good performance and low cost, however, their functionality is minimal.
From the budget lines of well-known manufacturers, you can take a closer look at the leaders in the rating: TP-Link TL-WR740N (ND), TP-LINK or TL-WR720N. They are somewhat more expensive than their analogues, which is explained by the high popularity of the manufacturer, as well as high stability of operation. In addition, these devices are relatively easy to operate, and there are many manuals on the Internet that will allow you to quickly become familiar with the most basic parameters.
Models of the middle and expensive segment
If planned use a router in a large apartment e or office, it is recommended to study models of a more expensive segment. After all, they usually have a long signal range and also boast impressive throughput. In addition, they usually have a much larger number of ports, which allows for more opportunities to be realized in comparison with budget analogues.
The Asus RT-N line from models 10 to 12 seems to be a rational choice for medium-intensity Internet use. Such a router can cope with downloading large amounts of data, but with simultaneous intensive load from several devices, it may exhibit stability problems. This, of course, does not apply to surfing the Internet and everyday tasks.
There are a number of good routers, which are able to cope with fairly heavy loads:
- TP-LINK TL-WR841N (ND) and 842 model;
- ZyXEL Keenetic Start
- Linksys E1200;
- D-link DIR-615.
Such powerful wifi routers, being kind of leaders in the rating, are suitable for everyday provision of Internet to several PCs, as well as mobile gadgets, which seems to be the best option for a home or small office. When choosing a specific model, it is recommended to study reviews, which will allow you to choose the most suitable model for the buyer's needs.
