How to choose a good WiFi router for your home? This question has been asked quite often lately by users. After all, not only the provider, but also the router is responsible for fast Internet. It is he who provides uninterrupted access to the worldwide network. What do you need to know and what criteria to focus on before buying? The answer to this question, as well as the rating of the best models, the reader will find in this article.
A large assortment - an advantage or a disadvantage?
WiFi-router (we'll look at the top of the best a little later) on the modern market is represented by a wide range. This niche is simply overflowing with a wide variety of devices. The difference between them lies not only in design features, sizes, but also in functionality.
Having decided to buy a router, an unprepared buyer quickly gets lost and most often leaves without a purchase or buys the first model that comes across. In order to avoid rash consequences, we advise you to consider devices that are considered the best for 2017. However, we advise you to start your acquaintance with routers with the selection rules. After all, they will help you choose the most suitable option for allperformance criteria.
How to choose a good WiFi router? Pro Tips
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 a network through a Wi-Fi hotspot, it drops sharply by half, and sometimes even more. So what should a buyer know?
In order to help in this matter, you need to seek advice from professionals. In their opinion, a 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 seeks to find a model that will meet the requirements both in terms of quality and price. But there are other criteria as well. Let's take a look at them.
- Characteristics. Before buying, it is important to study the hardware "stuffing". It's about the processor. It must operate at a frequency that is 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. No less important criterion. Providers offer a large number of packages for connecting to the Internet. Their main difference is their speed. Let's look at an example. The user is provided with Internet at a speed of 300 Mbps. However, he has a 100 Mbps router installed. Naturally, you will not be able to use the service in full and will have to experience limitations.
- Brand. Of course, the reputation of the manufacturer is important when choosing a device. But not always the price and functionality of eminent firms optimally match each other. For example, there are companies that produce only budget models. These include D-Link, TP-Link. Their product range includes inexpensive, but high-quality models. But not every domestic buyer can afford a really good WiFi router from Apple. Therefore, in this matter, it is necessary to be guided by financial capabilities individually. Trademarks Asus, ZyXEL, Linksys have become no less popular in Russia.
- Connection method. Each device is equipped with a special port designed for the Internet cable. It's called WAN. It is recommended to check it carefully before buying.
- Wi-Fi standard. Modern routers work with innovative technologies. Currently, the newest standard is 802.11n. If the router is designed only for 802.11b or 802.11g, then the network will not work. Optimal devices are those that are marked 802.11b/g/n.
- Protocol. After the purchase, only connecting the device will not be enough, you will need to configure it. It is important to find out which access protocol the provider uses. If it does not match, then you will not be able to create a home wireless network.
Ranking of the best. Defining criteria
Create a universal rating of routers, taking into account all the characteristics, of course, you can. But it will be quite difficult to choose from a large assortment which model is better. Therefore, for an objective assessment, it will be necessary 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 Home Routers
It is difficult for a modern user to imagine life without the Internet. And since manufacturers currently offer a variety of gadgets, the potential of which can be fully opened only with access to a wireless point. Therefore, for maximum convenience, you must use a router.
Which one? A good WiFi router for the home is selected taking into account the characteristics of the device based on the requirements of the user. Also determining factors are the size of the room, the building materials used in the construction of the house, and the features of the load-bearing structures. As you know, thick concrete walls greatly jam the signal. Such nuances must be taken into account. The top 3 models below are ideal for both private homes and apartments.
Asus RT-AC87U
This model rightfully bears the title of "The 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 Mbps. In today's market, RT-AC87U is the leader in this parameter. ATTogether with high performance, developers provide an original design. The router will perfectly fit into any interior style.
Wireless signal coverage covers an area of 465 m22. Such results are beyond the power of standard devices. Signal amplification up to 20 dBi occurs due to the presence of four antennas. This model is perfect for people living in large private houses on two or three floors. But buying 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 is useful to those people who work with gadgets from Apple. Making a backup from any device is no longer a problem.
Price starts at 6800 rubles.
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
TP-Link is a trademark that is in demand among the domestic buyer. 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 overclocking speeds up to 1300 Mbps. And the 2.4GHz network bandwidthis 450 Mbps.
The developers have made sure that users can manage the router from gadgets running on IOS and Android. A special Tether utility is provided for this.
You can connect a scanner or printer to the Archer C7 AC1750 router, as there are two USB ports on the case. The transmit power of the antennas is 20 dBi.
Approximate cost - 5000 rubles.
ZyXEL Keenetic DSL
It's easy to find a good WiFi router for your home, the main thing is to study its characteristics. The top 3 included the Keenetic DSL model from ZyXEL. This device is simple. Its wireless network speed is limited to 300 Mbps. There are two antennas that amplify the signal by 5 dBi each. The operating frequency is 2.4 GHz. With a wired connection, the transfer speed is 100 Mbps. This model is by type monochannel. It is possible to increase throughput, thanks to MIMO technology.
Starting price - 3000 rubles.
The best state employees
If it is not possible to purchase a router that is sold in the middle category, do not get upset ahead of time. The best WiFi router for the home can also be chosen in the segment of budget devices. The product range is represented by products from different manufacturers. According to the 2017 ranking, brands such as TP-Link and D-Link were among the leaders.
TP-Link TL-WR841N
The leader in the ranking of budget models is a router manufactured by TP-Link. Its products are designed for any buyer. In 2017 onthe first positions were taken by the TL-WR841N model. According to experts, this is the best WiFi router for home in the price range up to 1500 rubles.
Despite the cost, the performance is enough to provide a quality home wireless network. The maximum speed via WiFi is small - 300 Mbps. However, it is enough for three or four connections. The manufacturer took care of network security by using the WPA2 system. Encryption allows you to regenerate a key consisting of letters, numbers, signs, and other symbols.
The benefits also include support for the most popular tunneling 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 frequency range of 2.4 GHz.
Price - 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, though simple, but quite deservedly is a bestseller. Through the Wi-Fi channel, the bandwidth is only 150 Mbps. This is enough for two users to work simultaneously. The communication standard at a frequency of 2.4 GHz is 802.11n. These characteristics are quite consistent with modern requirements. To protect the access point, the user will be able to choose one of three protocols: WPA, WEP or WPA2 (introducing a private key). LAN ports - four. Wired network speed - 100 Mbps.
Unfortunately, this model has two significant drawbacks. The first -limited functionality. It can only be used at home. The second is a low transfer rate. Users who are connected to the services of providers providing a bandwidth of more than 150 Mbps will not be able to fully enjoy high-speed Internet opportunities. The router will greatly cut 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 made in China. Operates in the 2.4 GHz band (frequency). Supports the 802.11n wireless standard. Two non-removable antennas are installed on the case, which amplify the signal by 10 dBi. Internet speed via Wi-Fi is 300 Mbps.
The build quality is excellent. The firmware ensures an uninterrupted connection. The device is functional. Perfect for small offices or residential areas. The transfer rate for a wired connection is 100 Mbps. 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
More than one brand is popular on the Russian market. These manufacturers can safely include D-Link (good quality for a low cost), TP-Link (devices with high performance and excellent assembly) and, of course, Asus. Latest brand released a lotmodels that can rightly be called the best. Consider the most successful instances.
D-Link:
- DIR-880L is a good WiFi router with high performance.
- DIR-850L – the model stood out due to the high-quality hardware stuffing.
- DIR-300A is a device with the best combination of price, functionality and quality.
TP-Link:
- TL-WR740N is a great budget option for those who live in small houses or apartments.
- TL-WA901ND - Offers the user to enjoy uninterrupted network performance with enhanced functionality and easy setup.
- Arcer C2 is a device that combines the most innovative developments.
Asus:
- RT-N56U - Used to create a high coverage hotspot.
- EA-AC87 - State of the art hardware, build quality and materials.
- RT-AC66U is a powerful router that can provide Internet access to up to 10 gadgets connected simultaneously without speed reduction.
Mobile router: choosing the best model
Currently, there are many providers providing access to the Internet. However, there are situations when it is not technically possible to connect a particular 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 through mobile communications. Manufacturers produce special devices that are equipped with a port forSIM card installation. In order for the coverage of the area to be of high quality, you need to choose the best mobile WiFi router. For 2017, the clear leaders were two models released under the brands Huawei and TP-Link.
Huawei E5330
Surprisingly, the device, which has dimensions of 92.8x60x13.8 mm, is able to provide 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-type WiFi router. You can connect to an access point anywhere: whether at home or on a walk in the forest. The manufacturer focused not only on the powerful hardware "stuffing", but also on the design. A beautiful case with streamlined edges, a classic combination of black and white colors - all this looks concise and original at the same time. 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 is an LCD-type display. When it is on, the lights will turn on. 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. Through this router, you can connect via Wi-Fi to any digital device that supports wireless connection. Antenna one, built-in type. External socket not provideddevelopers.
For a mobile device, an important parameter is the battery life. In the E5330 model, it is provided by a 1500 milliamp per hour battery. Without recharging, the user can count on 6 hours of device operation in the on state.
Approximate cost - about 6,000 rubles.
TP-Link M5250
The popularity of TP-Link's products is boundless. In the ranking of the best mobile routers, the leading position is occupied by the model of this brand - M5250. It works with SIM-cards of most mobile operators. The case of the device is made of plastic imitating rubber. There are glossy inserts. They are quite easily soiled, with a weak level of resistance to mechanical damage. The power button is displayed on the front panel. There are also indicators that notify about the battery status, active Wi-Fi connection and Internet status. In working condition, the latter are turned off. The back cover is removable. It allows you to access the battery. Under the battery are slots for a micro-SD flash drive and a SIM card. Recognizes an external drive up to 32 GB. Two encryption protocols are available to the user: WPA2-PSK/ WPA-PSK. Responsible for autonomy is a 2000 mAh battery. That's about seven hours of use on a single charge. Antennas are built-in. The transmission speed via Wi-Fi is 150 Mbps. To change the settings of the router, the standard address is used - 192.168.0.1. An adapter is not included to charge the battery. Reestablishbattery life can be used using a USB cable (when connected to a PC) or a charger from any smartphone.
