How to choose a good WiFi router for home? This question has recently been asked by users quite often. Indeed, not only the provider, but also the router is responsible for the fast Internet. It is he who provides uninterrupted access to the worldwide network. What you need to know and on what criteria to focus before buying? The answer to this question, as well as the rating of the best models, the reader will find in this article.
Large assortment - advantage or disadvantage?
WiFi router (we’ll consider the top of the best a little later) in the modern market is represented by a wide range. This niche is simply crowded with a wide variety of devices. The difference between them is not only in design features, sizes, but also in functionality.
Having decided to purchase a router, an unprepared buyer is quickly lost and most often leaves without a purchase or acquires the first model he comes across. In order to avoid rash consequences, we recommend considering devices that are considered the best for 2017. However, we advise you to start your acquaintance with routers with the rules of choice. After all, they will help to choose the most suitable option for all criteria of characteristics.
How to choose a good WiFi router? Professional Tips
The role of the router cannot be underestimated. It can often be read in reviews that when using an Internet cable directly to a PC, the transmission speed is high. However, when connected to a network via a Wi-Fi access point, it drops sharply by half, and sometimes even more. So what does the buyer need to know?
In order to help in this matter, it is necessary to seek the advice of 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. Let's look at them.
- Specifications. Before buying, it is important to study the hardware "stuffing". It's about the processor. It should operate with a frequency that equals 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 the 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 precisely the speed. Let's look at an example. The user is provided with Internet at a speed of 300 Mbps. However, it has a router with a bandwidth of 100 Mbps. Naturally, using the service in full will not work and you will have to experience restrictions.
- Brand Of course, the manufacturer’s reputation is important when choosing a device. But not always the price and functionality of renowned companies optimally correspond to each other. For example, there are companies that produce only budget models. These include D-Link, TP-Link. In their assortment range, inexpensive, but high-quality models are presented. 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 became no less popular in Russia.
- Connection method. Each device is equipped with a special port designed for Internet cable. It is called WAN. Before buying, it is recommended to carefully check it.
- Wi-Fi standard . Modern routers work with innovative technology. 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. Optimum devices are those labeled 802.11b / g / n.
- Protocol. After the purchase, just connecting the device will not be enough, you will need to configure it. It is important to find out which access protocol the provider is using. If it does not match, then creating a home wireless network will fail.
Rating of the best. Define the criteria
Of course, you can create a universal rating of routers taking into account all the characteristics. But to choose from a wide 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 ranking of the best will be based on the price of the device, 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 opened in full, only having 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 user's requirements. Also determining factors are the size of the room, building materials used in the construction of the house, and the features of load-bearing structures. As you know, thick concrete walls greatly suppress the signal. Such nuances must be taken into account. The top 3 models presented below are ideal for both private homes and apartments.
Asus RT-AC87U
This model rightfully bears the title of “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 Mb / s. In today's market, RT-AC87U is leading in this setting. Together with high productivity, developers provide an original design. The router will fit perfectly into any interior style.
Wireless signal coverage extends to an area of 465 m 2 . Such results are beyond the power of standard devices. Signal amplification up to 20 dBi is due to the presence of four antennas. This model is perfect for people living in large private houses on two or three floors. But to buy it for a small apartment is unprofitable.
The best Asus RT-AC87U WiFi router has another undeniable advantage - the ability to support up to 300 simultaneous connections. Due to this, when connecting a large number of devices, the transmission speed does not decrease, even if several users download heavy files in one period of time. The device is equipped with Time Machine technology. It is useful to those people who work with gadgets from Apple. Backing up from any device is no longer a problem.
The price starts at 6,800 rubles.
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
TP-Link is a trademark that is in demand by a domestic buyer. The company supplies high-quality devices to the market 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 able to accelerate to 1300 Mbps. And in a 2.4 GHz network, the throughput is 450 Mbps.
The developers made sure that users had the opportunity to control the router from gadgets running on iOS and Android. For this, a special utility Tether is provided.
You can connect a scanner or printer to the Archer C7 AC1750 router, since the case has two USB ports. Antenna output power is 20 dBi.
Approximate cost - 5000 rubles.
ZyXEL Keenetic DSL
It’s easy to choose 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 at 5 dBi each. The operating frequency is 2.4 GHz. With a wired connection, the transfer rate is 100 Mbps. This model by type is mono-channel. There is the possibility of increasing throughput, thanks to MIMO technology.
Starting price - 3000 rubles.
The best "state employees"
If it is not possible to purchase a router sold in the middle category, do not get upset ahead of time. The best WiFi router for home can be selected in the segment of budget devices. The assortment range is represented by products from different manufacturers. According to the 2017 rating, such brands as TP-Link and D-Link are 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 customer. In 2017, the TL-WR841N model got out on top. According to experts, this is the best WiFi router for a home in the price category up to 1,500 rubles.
Despite the cost, the characteristics are enough to provide a high-quality home wireless network. The maximum speed via WiFi is small - 300 Mbps. However, it is enough for three to four connections. The manufacturer worried about network security using the WPA2 system. Encryption allows you to regenerate a key consisting of letters, numbers, signs and other characters.
Advantages also include support for the most popular tunneling protocols. These are IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP. The network signal is steady. Power is 20 dBi. There are two antennas. The device operates in the frequency range of 2.4 GHz.
Cost - from 1000 rubles.
D-Link DIR-300 / A / D1
In order to understand which is the best WiFi router in the budget segment, you need to consider the products of D-Link. The model, although simple, but 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 2.4 GHz is 802.11n. These characteristics are fully consistent with modern requirements. To protect the access point, the user can choose one of three protocols: WPA, WEP or WPA2 (the introduction of an individual key). There are four LAN ports. The speed of the wired network is 100 Mbps.
Unfortunately, this model has two significant drawbacks. The first is limited functionality. It can only be used at home. The second is low bit rate. Users who are connected to the services of providers that provide bandwidth above 150 Mbit / s will not be able to fully enjoy the capabilities of high-speed Internet. The router will cut speed very much.
The price is about 1000 rubles.
Netis WF2419E
The third place in the ranking of “state employees” is occupied by the best WiFi router of the Netis trademark. It is produced in China. It works in the 2.4 GHz band (frequency). Supports 802.11n wireless standard. Two fixed antennas are installed on the body, which amplify the signal by 10 dBi. The speed of the Internet via Wi-Fi is 300 Mbps.
Build quality is excellent. The firmware provides an uninterrupted connection. The device is functional. Great for small offices or living quarters. The transmission speed 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 manufacturers of routers
In the Russian market, more than one brand is popular. Such manufacturers can safely include D-Link (good quality at a low cost), TP-Link (devices with high performance and excellent build) and, of course, Asus. The latest brand has released many models that can rightfully be called the best. Consider the most successful instances.
D-Link:
- The DIR-880L is a good WiFi router with high performance.
- DIR-850L - the model stood out due to high-quality hardware filling.
- DIR-300A is a device with an optimal 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 the smooth operation of the network, thanks to advanced functionality and easy setup.
- Arcer C2 - a device that combines the most innovative developments.
Asus:
- RT-N56U - used to create access points with large coverage.
- EA-AC87 - advanced hardware, high build quality and materials.
- RT-AC66U is a powerful router that can provide up to 10 gadgets connected at the same time without speed reduction.
Mobile router: choosing the best model
Currently, there are many providers that provide access to the Internet. However, there are situations when there is no technical ability 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 cause a denial of 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 for installing a SIM card. In order for the coverage of the zone to be of high quality, you need to choose the best mobile WiFi router. In 2017, two models released under the brands of Huawei and TP-Link became the clear leaders.
Huawei E5330
Surprisingly, a device that measures 92.8x60x13.8 mm can provide the user with high-speed Internet. The service is provided by a mobile operator. Huawei's famous E5330 is a good mobile-type WiFi router. You can connect to the access point anywhere: whether at home or for 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 at the same time concise and original. The surface of the panels has an anti-slip coating, which provides 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. In the on state, the lights on it light up. It 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 via Wi-Fi any digital device that supports wireless connection. Antenna one, built-in type. An external socket is not provided by the developers.
An important parameter for a mobile device is the battery life. In the E5330, it is provided with a battery of 1,500 milliamps per hour. Without recharging, the user can count on 6 hours of operation of the device in the on state.
The approximate cost is about 6,000 rubles.
TP-Link M5250
The popularity of TP-Link products is unlimited. 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 body 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 indicate the status of the battery, active Wi-Fi connection and Internet status. In working condition, the latter are disabled. 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. For autonomy, a 2000 mAh battery is responsible. This is about seven hours of work without recharging. Antennas are only built-in. Wi-Fi transfer rate is 150 Mbps. To change the settings of the router, the standard address is used - 192.168.0.1. An adapter is not provided for charging the battery. You can restore the battery resource using the USB cable (when connected to a PC) or the charger from any smartphone.