Wifi router for an apartment. Which wifi router has the best characteristics?

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BUSINESS TELECOM presents the top 10 best Wi-Fi router ov 2019. We use all routers in our work, which means we have experienced their pros and cons from our own experience.

Choose a good one WiFi router not easy. The main criteria for forming the TOP 10 were the stability of the devices, the provided Internet speed and coverage area.

10. D-Link DIR-825/AC

In 10th place in our ranking is the D-Link DIR-825/AC Wi-Fi router - a rational solution for organizing high-speed wireless in a small office, cafe or retail outlet. The router provides stable connection from any computer or mobile gadget.

The router functions as a base station for organizing access to the Internet network from devices operating according to the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11ac standards.

✔ Benefits:

Speed up to 300 Mbit/s at 2.4 GHz, up to 867 Mbit/s at 5 GHz.
Speed wireless connection- up to 1167 Mbit/s.
Multifunctional USB port.
Supports standards WEP security and WPA/WPA2.
Screens connection requests by MAC address.
Provides access to WPS and WMM technologies.

✘ Disadvantages:

Fixed antennas
Not suitable for large offices and companies, because... has a small coverage area.
Gets very hot
Not a particularly user-friendly web interface.

The router of this model is popular among users due to its extensive functionality. This device will protect your network from hacker attacks and will deny access to users local network to unwanted sites.

9. Asus RT-AC51U

A strong Wi-Fi router that runs on the 802.11ac standard and offers wireless data transfer speeds of up to 733 Mbps. The presence of a USB connector makes it possible to connect printers, external drives and 3G/4G modems, which significantly expand the functionality of the equipment. You can also use it to recharge smartphones, tablets and other gadgets if you don’t have a spare power supply on hand. The developers have created the ASUSWRT interface, which is as convenient and intuitive as possible.

✔ Benefits:

Speeds up to 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz mode and up to 433 Mbps in 5 GHz mode.
Allows you to monitor Internet traffic consumption and limit the speed of the Internet channel for individual applications.
The coverage area is larger than many models. Asus RT-AC51U is equipped with powerful antennas that increase the wireless network coverage by 150% compared to conventional devices.
Ability to configure Internet bandwidth usage priority for various applications.
Possibility of connecting a VPN server.

✘ Disadvantages:

Wireless data transfer speed is slower than other routers.
Small coverage area: thick walls can become a significant obstacle.

Built on 5th generation wireless communications technology, users get access to all the latest features. This is one of the best solutions for offices with a small number of employees.

8. TP-Link Archer C60

Continues rating Wi-Fi routers TP-Link device Archer C60, the speed of which reaches 450 Mbps at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This is absolutely enough for sending emails, loading various web pages and working with audio files.

✔ Benefits:

The 5 GHz channel with speeds up to 867 Mbps provides comfortable viewing of HD video streaming.
Supports the new 802.11ac standard, which is 3 times faster than 802.11n.
5 antennas (three for 2.4 GHz and two for 5 GHz) with alternate installation to optimize simultaneous operation in two bands.
The network remains as stable as possible and practically immune to various interferences.
The ability to create a separate guest network for your company's clients.

✘ Disadvantages:

Not suitable for large offices and companies due to the relatively low data transfer speed.
Cannot be wall mounted due to antenna placement.

7. Wi-Fi Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

Seventh place in the list of the best Wi-Fi routers is taken by Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II. The connection to this router is via a dedicated Ethernet line. The provider can use any connection, in particular PPTP, PPPoE, IPv4/IPv6, etc.

Regardless of the selected type and nature of the load, users receive speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s or up to 1800 Mbit/s for IPoE/PPPoE. The presence of special ports allows you to organize a wireless network using a 3G, 4G, DSL modem, PON terminal with an Ethernet port or a Wi-Fi hotspot (private, from the provider).

✔ Benefits:

The device is equipped with NDMS 2 OS and a managed switch, so you can combine any connections.
Dual-band Wi-Fi access point with signal power amplifiers and rotating antennas.
A convenient interface allows you to configure automatic switching to a backup channel in case of failure of the main network.
The 2-band network is protected according to the WPA2 standard for all used devices (laptops, PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc.).
Ability to create a guest network separate from the main network.
The ability to distribute the load on the channel depending on the application.

✘ Disadvantages:

Not high enough throughput speed wireless network, which makes the model unsuitable for large offices.
The model may become very hot.

Keenetic Ultra II - a router with a large Wi-Fi coverage, which is ideal for medium-sized offices.

6. Asus RT-AC87U

ASUS RT-AC87U is a router with a long Wi-Fi range and high data transfer speeds. In the 5 GHz frequency range it reaches 1734 Mbit/s, and at 2.4 GHz - 600 Mbit/s. In total, the network throughput is 2334 Mbps, which is much faster than using standard routers for 3 channels.

The router is equipped with 4 antennas that provide increased signal amplification.

✔ Benefits:

The device can operate effectively in Multi-user MIMO 4x4 mode.
Connected computers and gadgets receive maximum connection speed.
Powered by a powerful 2-core processor and provides high levels of performance.
An additional processor with 2 cores is used to implement 4x4 Wi-Fi mode, and the overall throughput increases by 50%.
Two USB port- standard 2.0 and high-speed 3.0.
Coverage area - up to 465 m2.
Excellent price-quality ratio.

✘ Disadvantages:

Quite large dimensions
Models can become very hot, so it is recommended to install them in a well-ventilated area.

The user will be able to evaluate the long-term guarantee period and the ability to be used with a wide range of devices. The router is perfect for large rooms and buildings up to 465 m2.

5. D-Link DIR-890L

In fifth place is the powerful D-Link DIR-890L router - bright representative 2-band gigabit routers. It provides high-quality integration of computers and other devices into a single network that provides access to broadband Internet. A special feature of this router is its support for SmartConnect1 technology, thanks to which the wireless connection speed increases to 3200 Mbit/s.

This equipment will excellent choice for multi-user operation in two independent wireless networks operating in accordance with the 802.11ac standard. The parameters of each network will be up to 600 Mbit/s at 2.4 GHz and up to 1300 Mbit/s at 5 GHz.

✔ Benefits:

Wireless connection speed - up to 3200 Mbit/s.
The developers also took care of expanding the network coverage area by introducing the AC SmartBeam system into the device.
The router operates stably in two bands at once: 2.4 and 5 GHz.
Connecting to the Internet channel requires minimal user intervention.
Smart Connect technology selects the least congested frequency range and connects a new device automatically.

✘ Disadvantages:

High price. In terms of price-quality ratio, there are more interesting models.
The dual-core processor runs at just 1 GHz, while most modern routers have a main processor clocked at 1.4 GHz.

DIR-890L is an impeccable wireless network quality, stable Wi-Fi connection and maximum comfort of accessing the Internet through mobile devices.

4. Asus RT-AC88U

✔ Benefits:

Wi-Fi speed is up to 3167 Mbit/s.
4 antennas in the 4T4R configuration (4 transmit and 4 receive) create a large coverage area.
Asus AiRadar beamforming technology to expand Wi-Fi coverage.
Dual-core 1.4 GHz processor for high data transfer speeds with devices connected via USB.
USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.
Wired network data transfer speeds up to 2Gbps.

✘ Disadvantages:

Covers an area of no more than 180 square meters.
High price.

Ideal for offices and companies that need high-speed Internet that can withstand heavy loads.

3. TP-Link Archer C5400

On the third place top Wi-Fi routers innovative Archer C5400 router with Tri-Band technology. The latter is a real boon for organizing three-channel user networks. This model The router boasts a 25% increase in data transfer speed thanks to NitroQAM support.

This is not just a router, but a real network center with great power, allowing you to perform various tasks: watch HD videos, play online games from multiple devices at once, etc.

✔ Benefits:

Speed up to 1000 Mbit/s in 2.4 GHz mode, 2167 Mbit/s in 5 GHz mode.
High speed ensures the fastest possible response even for the most resource-intensive applications.
Archer C5400 works with integrated MU-MIMO technology, thanks to which 4 data streams operate simultaneously.
8 antennas with Beamforming accurately determine the location of gadgets and send them a powerful Wi-Fi signal.

The main processor of 1.4 GHz and 3 coprocessors allow you to work in multitasking mode.
Equipped with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.

✘ Disadvantages:

There are no shortcomings in terms of speed and performance level.
One of the disadvantages of the model is the rather voluminous body.

This best option router for offices, cafes, Internet centers, etc., providing connection to a large number of computers and other devices without sacrificing performance.

2. Asus BRT-AC828

Asus BRT-AC828 is rightfully considered one of the best WiFi routers for large offices, IT companies and television companies. This is a powerful router with a long range and can withstand very heavy loads.

✔ Benefits:

2 wired Gigabit Ethernet ports with bandwidth up to 2 Gbps.
Bandwidth of 4 wired ports in the local network is up to 4 Gbit/s.
High level of network protection equipped with a content filtering system.
Ability to work with 250 client devices at high speed simultaneously.
8 antennas in a 4x4 configuration.
Wide WiFi coverage area.

✘ Disadvantages:

High price

The Asus BRT-AC828 model is perfect if you have a large company and many devices that need to be connected to the WiFi network.

1. Asus RT-AC 5300

ASUS RT-AC 5300 was recognized as the best Wi-Fi router according to BUSINESS TELECOM in 2017. Equipped with NitroQAM technology, the router provides unprecedented wireless data transfer speeds - up to 5334 Mbit/s! This is one of the most powerful routers you can find on the market today.

✔ Benefits:

Adaptive QoS function that allows you to set the priority of using a network connection.
Capable of serving many client devices without lag. For example, its bandwidth allows you to transmit several video streams in Full-HD format at once.
8 antennas provide a large coverage area.
Data transfer speed in 2.4 GHz mode is up to 1000 Mbit/s, in 5 GHz mode - up to 2167 Mbit/s.
Technology for distributing network load between 3 channels.
The 1.4 GHz dual-core processor can withstand high network load.
USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
The ability to combine 2 wired network ports into one with high speeds of up to 2 Gbit/s.

The Asus RT-AC5300 Wi-Fi router has no significant drawbacks. It is ideal for providing wide and stable WiFi zones in buildings, large offices, large television and IT companies. We give it first place in the ranking of the best WiFi routers for business.

Results

The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home: budget up to 1,500 rubles.

4 Tenda N301

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 878 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Let's start with the most budget Wi-Fi router. The average price tag for this miniature miracle is only 890 rubles. For this money, the user receives a nice, high-quality snow-white case with two antennas with a power of 5 dBi each. It doesn’t take up much space – the case dimensions are 127x90x26 mm. But there are no slots for wall mounting - this is a minus.

The insides are not amazing. The cable speed reaches 100 Mbit/s. Connect viaLAN can be up to three devices. Wireless Internet meets the standard WiFi 802.11 n with theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. In reality, judging by the reviews, the speed reaches 70-75 Mbit/s.

Let us separately note the software part. First of all, I am pleased with the ease of setup - as they say, even a housewife can handle it. Interesting thing: there is the possibility of remote administration, Reserve copy settings, access restrictions by MAC and URL, speed limits.Of course, small problems occur, but they can be easily solved by installing more recent firmware from the official website - the process will not cause difficulties even for beginners.

3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020

Budget router with 3G/4G LTE support
Country: China
Average price: RUB 1,412.
Rating (2018): 4.7

At first glance, the TL-MR3020 is an extremely simple device. Just one LAN port, USB 2.0, miniUSB for power, a couple of switches and indicators. The characteristics are also missing from the stars: the Wi-Fi 802.11n standard, which will be enough for tariff plans at a speed of 100 Mbit/s, but no more. But the opportunity to put third party firmware and provide distribution mobile internet make this router very versatile. See what use cases users shared in their reviews:

1) A regular router for a home or apartment

2) Backup Internet source (mobile) in case the main provider is disconnected

3) Access point while hiking - the device can be powered by a simple power bank!

4) Internet in the car: connect it to the cigarette lighter, hide the router in the glove compartment, and you can share the Internet with all passengers

And this is just a small list. Installation of OpenWRT firmware, a USB hub and user curiosity allow you to use the router in a huge number of situations.

2 MikroTik hAP lite

Great software capabilities. Router OS
Country: Latvia
Average price: 1,360 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

The second line of the rating is occupied by a model from a little-known company called MikroTik. First of all, hAP lite stands out for its unusual appearance. This is a compact blue and white box with stylish ventilation slots. But what attracts more attention is the absence of external antennas - here they are internal, in the amount of two. The power is low - only 1.5 dBi, but it will be enough for a small apartment. On the other hand, this allows you to place the device almost anywhere. It is also worth considering that the silver medalist in the rating is capable of delivering speeds of only about 150 Mbit/s.

There are also several unique features. First, use Router OS. This system has simply incredible capabilities that even much more expensive devices cannot provide to the user. Seamless transition between several access points, bridge mode, VPN, tunnels - all this and much more can be found in the router settings. Secondly, hAP lite supports connection to several providers at once. The WAN port can be any of the four located on the case.

1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N

Optimal balance of cost, functionality and simplicity
Country: China
Average price: 1,290 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

First place in the ranking of the best budget Wi-Fi routers for the home is occupied by TP-LINK TL-WR841N. The device can be used as an access point and simultaneously distribute a signal to 6 receivers. Among all inexpensive routers, it has the highest potential operating speed - 300 Mbit/s. The router is equipped with a modern WPA2 data encryption system, which ensures high reliability of transmitted data. Model supports tunnel PPTP protocols, L2TP and IPSec, which are the most common with most providers.

The advantages of this router in user reviews include low cost, ease of setup and a good stable signal. The latter is achieved thanks to two antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The transmitter power is 20 dBM, which allows the signal to “pierce” even the thick walls of an apartment. Weaknesses include poor case material and a low-quality power adapter, which makes unnecessary sounds during operation.

The best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price segment: budget up to 7,000 rubles.

3 ASUS RT-N66U

Popular Wi-Fi router. Speed up to 900 Mbps
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: 6,105 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

High speed ASUS model RT-N66U is in third place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers for the average home price segment. This model is more expensive than its TOP neighbors, but its functionality fully justifies the cost. The device has as many as 3 antennas, and emits a signal in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which can significantly improve the quality of communication and use it over large areas. The router includes 4 switch ports, so you can connect 3 devices to it and organize their operation using wired Internet.

In numerous positive reviews, customers talk about fast operation, ease of setup and excellent synchronization with USB modems. Moreover, this model provides data transfer of up to 900 Mbit/s simultaneously, which allows it to be used to “distribute” Wi-Fi to several devices at once. If necessary, this router is capable of downloading files without using a computer. Among the disadvantages are strong heating during operation and problems with some firmware versions.

2 TP-LINK Archer C7

Best wireless speed
Country: China
Average price: 6,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The second line of the rating is occupied by the already respected Archer C7. Externally, the model is distinguished by the presence of three antennas with a power of 5 dBi each and an impractical glossy surface. It looks good - there’s no shame in leaving the router in a visible place. The set of ports is standard for this class: power supply, a pair of USB for connecting a printer or external drive, and five Ethernet ports.

The router is dual-band – 2.4/5 GHz. The maximum speed “over the air”, as stated by the manufacturer, is 1750 Mbit/s. The indicator is rather theoretical, because the providers present on our market are unlikely to be able to provide such speed. This will only be useful when creating a home local network. Among the pleasant features, it is worth noting the ability to work in two bands at once, support for LTE modems, file server, guest service, firewall and much more.

1 MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

The most reliable Wi-Fi router
Country: Latvia
Average price: 4,650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

In first place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price category is the MikroTik RB951G-2HnD model. This device is a strong average in terms of reliability, performance and cost. It is used as an access point and can simultaneously “distribute” wireless Internet to 5 devices. Provides a maximum speed of up to 300 Mbps. As nice addition The router has MIMO support, which allows it to transmit data over several independent channels at once. A bridge mode is provided to connect wired networks to wireless ones.

In reviews, buyers talk about high-quality assembly, smooth operation and wide customization options, like strengths ah models. At the same time, the router boasts 128 MB of RAM. Thanks to Telnet support, remote management of the device and its settings is possible. The transmitter power is 30 dBM, and internal antenna enhances 2.5 dBi, which has a positive effect on the range. The disadvantages of this model are the difficulty of playing 4G networks and incompatibility with some USB hubs.

The best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment: budget from 8,000 rubles.

3 HUAWEI B525

LTE support
Country: China
Average price: 8650 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The third line is occupied by a router with a somewhat non-standard design. B525 is designed for vertical installation. The front panel is made in black and gold colors, Wi-Fi antennas are built-in. The set of connectors is standard, with the exception of two SMA ports for connecting external 3G/4G LTE antennas. There is also a slot for a SIM card. Signal reception is more than reliable. In reviews, users claim that the router “sees 3 bars” where the smartphone does not find the network at all. The speeds are accordingly excellent.

Give away a mobile phone or cable internet possible via three gigabit LAN ports or dual-band Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, simultaneous operation at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz is not announced. The theoretical speed of the wireless network can reach 1300 Mbps.

The B525 can also be used as a home file server: connect an external hard drive and you can do backups or send movies to your TV.

2 Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

Wide range of customization and modification options
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 8,190 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Keenetic network equipment is little known to the general public, but is popular among enthusiasts. The Giga model is not the top one, but its capabilities are enough for even the most demanding users. The case is not only cute, but also functional. On the rear edge there are 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN and SFP for connecting via fiber optic cable. Very few competitors can offer the latter. On the side there are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The distance between them is large, which allows you to freely use even bulky mobile Internet modems. There are also two physical buttons, each of which can be configured with up to three functions.

The router supports the 802.11ac standard and can operate simultaneously in two bands. The maximum theoretical speed reaches 1267 Mbit/s. Real tests showed results of about 600 Mbit/s, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users.

Thanks to the range of ports and excellent software, the router can be used in a wide variety of scenarios.

1 ASUS RT-AC88U

3167 Mbit/s
Country: Taiwan (China)
Average price: RUB 18,568.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The leader in the rating of the best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment is the ASUS RT-AC88U model. The main feature of this device is the ability to ensure simultaneous operation of several dozen devices, thanks to a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3167 Mbit/s. Wide coverage and good signal level are provided by four antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

The strengths of the device in reviews from buyers note its fast operation, pleasant appearance and intuitive Web interface. In addition, the model has 512 MB of RAM, which allows it to quickly process data from different receivers. The router is equipped with one USB port version 2.0 and one version 3.0, which allows you to connect to it third party devices. The disadvantages include insufficiently developed software and an average signal level at a frequency of 5 GHz.

The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers

3 Huawei E8372

Connection via USB port. The most compact Wi-Fi router
Country: China
Average price: RUB 2,843.
Rating (2018): 4.4

The portable model Huawei E8372 takes third place in the ranking of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers. This device, with its fairly small dimensions, can provide full Internet access to any smartphone or computer. The device is powered from any USB port. With the help of Huawei E8372 you can organize effective LTE Internet in your car, apartment or house. The router operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which allows you to use its wireless network over an area of up to 50 square meters. The device has built-in support for 3G and LTE, meaning access can be achieved using a SIM card.

Among the strengths of the device in reviews, users note operation without connecting to a computer (via a USB cable), reliable connection retention and lack of lag. The device has a slot for microSD memory cards and two connectors for external antennas, which can potentially significantly increase the range of the router. Among the weaknesses of this model are uninformative instructions and poor case materials.

Video review

2 Alcatel Link Zone

The most budget standalone router
Country: USA-France
Average price: RUB 3,291.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The next device is more versatile and autonomous than the previous one. Inside the compact and pleasant-to-touch case there is an 1800 mAh battery, which provides 7 hours of active Internet distribution and about 35 hours of standby time. The battery compartment also contains slots for SIM and SD (up to 32 GB) cards and a pair of connectors for connecting external antennas. I'm glad that a dead battery won't be a reason to stop surfing the Internet - just connect the included charger to the MicroUSB connector and continue using the device.

Wireless Internet standards are not the most modern - only 802.11n. In practice, users experience speeds of up to 70-80 Mbit/s. Not all providers can boast of such results even over cable! The signal level is also good: it will even penetrate a couple of solid walls. The only drawback is the ill-conceived mobile app. But the problem is solved by software, which means there is hope for a quick correction of the shortcomings.

1 TP-LINK M7350

Best functionality
Country: China
Average price: 4745 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The leader of the rating is the most expensive and functional device in category. The appearance is simple: a parallelepiped with rounded corners and a combination of matte and glossy plastic. The only detail that catches the eye is 1.4’ TFT display, which displays information about the operator, signal level, transmission speed, etc. The screen also allows for basic setup. For more advanced settings you will have to go to the web interface. In most cases, you only need to change the name of the wireless network - the router will do the rest itself, you just need to install a SIM card.

Like the previous participant, the M7350 has removable battery. The capacity is noticeably higher – 2550 mAh. There is a connector for Micro card SDHC up to 32 GB. Thanks to support for the SMB and FTP protocols, any connected device can use files from a flash drive. This solution can be useful, for example, when traveling with the whole family - everyone can take photos and videos and upload them for public access.

The best Wi-Fi routers with built-in file storage

1 Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router HD

Router with built-in 1 TB hard drive
Country: China
Average price: RUB 14,440.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The only representative of the final category is the popular device Chinese company Xiaomi. Of course, the Mi Router HD has competitors, but they are sold in single copies at exorbitant prices, and therefore we cannot recommend them for purchase.

The design of the router is consistent with other Xiaomi products - a minimalist metal body with four antennas looks harmonious in almost any interior. This is important, because such a large “box” (195x146x96mm) is difficult to hide from view. Quite powerful inside Qualcomm processor, 512 MB of RAM and, most importantly, a 1 TB hard drive. On back cover 3 LAN and 1 WAN port, as well as USB. Wireless Internet complies with the 802.11ac standard and can operate in two bands at once: 2.4 and 5 GHz, there is support for MIMO. Maximum speed “over the air” is up to 2533 Mbit/s.

Thanks to the built-in HDD, the router can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a file storage for convenient backup from all home devices, storing movies for later playback on a TV, downloading torrents without a PC, and much more. The only drawback is that you will have to be patient and time to set everything up correctly.

When choosing the best router for your home, you should pay attention to its characteristics, the requirements for which largely depend on the tasks the router performs. So, for online game players, the main parameter is the speed and stability of the connection.

For those who exclusively surf the Internet, a budget model is more suitable - especially since any modern router meets the requirements of the average user.

For a large family it is advisable to provide maximum amount connections and high speed access to information. And if wired Internet in this region is unstable (especially when the router is installed in the private sector or outside the city), an equally important parameter is the ability to connect a 3G modem.

Main selection criteria

Parameters you should pay attention to when purchasing home router, are:

the number of LAN ports to which you can connect a computer, laptop or switch using a cable;
data transfer speed using a wired connection;
presence of a USB port for connecting a flash drive.

Rice. 1. Router with a connected 3G modem.

The speed of data transfer over wireless channels also matters. However, for modern routers it is at least 300 Mbit/s. This figure is higher than that of most domestic providers, offering access at speeds of up to 100–200 Mbit/s.

Wired communication

Most modern routers have several LAN ports - usually at least 4. Their tasks include distributing information at a speed of 100 or 1000 Mbit/s using a wired connection. The advantage of this method of data transfer is stability; the disadvantage is lower speed and relatively short distance, where the router and the connected device can be located apart from each other.

A device called a switch is used to increase the number of wired connections to a single router. At the same time, the maximum number of computers simultaneously connected to the router is practically unlimited. It’s just that as their number increases, the connection speed will drop in proportion to this value.

You should know: The maximum distance that can be achieved using a cable is 100 m. But most cords are no more than 10 m long. And their use is limited by the configuration of the premises.

Wireless connection

For wireless communications, an important factor is the Wi-Fi standard, the frequency at which information is transmitted, and the number of bands. It is most convenient to use dual-band routers that support 802.11ac technology. While models that transmit signals only using the 802.11n protocol are cheaper, although they provide lower quality communications.

The speed of information transmission and the distance over which it is transmitted are related to the number of antennas. Budget router models have only one such amplifier. More expensive devices are equipped with two, three or more antennas.

The advantage of this option is the high speed, exceeding even that of a cable, and a large number of connections provided simultaneously. The disadvantage is the need to configure and protect the wireless network with a password.

Rice. 2. Router with a large number of antennas.

USB ports

Some router models are equipped not only with standard ports, but also with USB connectors. Using these ports you can:

connect a printer to the network;
provide a connection between the router and an external storage device (for example, a USB flash drive);
install a 3G/4G modem that allows you to get a backup channel for Internet access.

If you need a regular network connection for browsing websites and working with email, the presence of a USB port on the router does not matter. Therefore in budget models There is no such option. And in expensive ones there may even be two connectors.

The most budget-friendly high-speed model: Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini

A stylish-looking Xiaomi router with the ability to transmit data using the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac protocol provides an overall connection speed of 1167 Mbps. In addition, the manufacturing company supplies this model with two types of firmware - regular and intended for developers, that is, with extended functionality. The router has the following advantages:

USB input for connecting storage devices;
affordable price for a model supporting the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac protocol (RUB 2,200);
high speed network access;
a wide range of router configuration options.

Disadvantages of the equipment include the presence of instructions only for Chinese. A slight inconvenience may be the presence of only two LAN ports. And if you need to connect 3 computers, you will have to buy a switch.

Rice. 3. Xiaomi Mi model WiFi mini– affordable price for its capabilities.

The fastest: TP-Link Archer C7

The main advantages of the model TP-Link Archer The C7 boasts impressive internet speeds. Maximum value its throughput reaches 1.75 Gbit/s – 1300 Mbit/s for the 5 Hz band and 450 Mbit/s for 2.4 GHz. The device has wide coverage and provides a wireless network to both a large apartment and a private house. By the way, in order to correctly choose which Internet is best for you, read our material Which Internet is better to connect to at home. Review of all possible options.

The router is equipped with 2 USB ports through which a scanner or printer is connected to it. And when you connect an external storage device (portable hard drive or flash drive) to Archer C7, information from it can be available to all users of the wireless network.

To make it easier to work with the router, it has a special software, which allows you to check the number of connections and configure individual access for them to the network as a whole or to individual pages. Thus, the router can be used to prevent children from accessing unwanted information.

Rice. 4. Archer C7 model with the highest speed - almost 2 Gbps.

Netgear N750: model with setup from a smartphone

Among the capabilities of the N750 model from the manufacturer Netgear, it is worth noting the high speed of network access using wireless (at 750 Mbit/s for two bands) and wired (1000 Mbit/s for LAN) connections. This speed is more than enough for each family member to watch videos in FullHD quality without degrading the signal quality.

An external drive can be connected to the router, with the help of which the device turns into a mini-server. And thanks to the Time Machine function, the drive allows you to create backup copies of Apple computers. At the same time, a user with a phone running Android or iOS can manage the network directly from their mobile device. The same application allows you to parental control children using mobile devices.

Rice. 5. N750 router with setup from a smartphone.

Router TP-LINK TL-WA901ND: maximum range

The advantages that a user who chooses the Tp-Link TL-WA901ND router model receives include:

three amplifier antennas, thanks to which the signal is amplified by several dBi and reaches even remote areas. The maximum range is about 270 m.
support for the PoE standard, thanks to which power can be supplied to the device not only using a special cord, but also through a wired connection (using an adapter);
ease of setup.

In addition to its advantages, the router has a small drawback - the lack of wired connections. In order to provide Internet access to a desktop PC, you will need purchasing Wi-Fi adapter. At the same time, the equipment is quite affordable and is excellent for installation in a house or apartment, where only mobile devices – laptops, tablets or smartphones – need to be connected to the network.

Rice. 6. Router Tp-Link TL-WA901ND is a model with a high level of signal amplification.

ASUS RT-N56U: high speed and functionality

The ASUS RT-N56U model has an original and immediately eye-catching design and is capable of operating in two bands and a wireless connection speed of 300 Mbps that is quite decent for most tasks. Two USB ports provide connection to the router for external hard drives and flash drives, as well as 3G/4G modems. Other quite important characteristics of the device include:

high data transfer speed via cable: up to 1000 Mbit/s;
data transfer to the connected HDD at 10–12 Mbit/s for writing and 14–16 Mbit/s for reading;
the price is about 5,000 rubles, depending on the place of purchase.

Hard drive sizes can reach 1 TB. However, it is not recommended to leave this connection permanently. The router gets relatively hot even in normal mode. And when working together with a drive, it can even overheat.

Rice. 7. ASUS router RT-N56U – a good option both for home and office.

TL-WR841N6 is a budget analogue of expensive TP-LINK models

At its budget price, the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router has a convenient and clear interface equipment settings that match the menu of more expensive models of the same brand. The advantages of the device include its low cost, which suits most users.

Among the disadvantages is the presence of only a 100-megabit wired connection and a 300-megabit wireless connection. This would hardly be enough for an office, but in an apartment or private house the router will allow you to simultaneously connect up to 4 computers and more than ten mobile gadgets with a speed of 20–30 Mbit/s.

Rice. 8. TP-LINK TL-WR841N

D-link DIR-300/A/D1 – regular price and parameters for home

Among the few advantages D-link router DIR-300/A/D1 – low price and support for the WPS option, which ensures the creation of a wireless network in semi-automatic mode. At the same time, the technical characteristics of the model are not impressive - although they are not too upsetting. 150 Mbps is enough for 3-4 simultaneous high-speed connections at home. It is not of great importance for an apartment or house and has a relatively small range of action, within 10–20 meters.

Rice. 9. D-link DIR-300/A/D1

Netis WF2419E – budget Chinese router

The Chinese router Netis WF2419E can be classified as budget segment. And its price is the lowest among all models available on the market. The build quality of the device corresponds even to the more expensive segment. And the data transfer speed is quite suitable for home use– up to 300 Mbit/s over a wireless network and up to 100 Mbit/s over a wired network.

The advantages of the gadget include simple setup and good functionality. There are practically no disadvantages, taking into account such a low cost. The only noticeable disadvantage is the reduction in the information transmission range to 20 meters or less if there are concrete walls or reinforced interior partitions in the apartment or house. In the absence of serious obstacles, the equipment provides high-quality reception at a distance of up to 30 meters.

Rice. 10. Netis WF2419E is one of the most budget routers on the market.

Tenda N301

The advantages of the Tenda N301 model are its compact body size and low price. These advantages are complemented by the ease of setting up the operation of the equipment, which makes it easy to put the router into operation even for inexperienced users. By the way, on our website you can read detailed instructions for setting up this router: Tenda n301: setting up and working with the router

The setup menu interface is in Russian, and clear instructions are included with the router. When the device operates, it provides a good connection speed to the network - up to 300 Mbit/s over a wireless network and up to 100 Mbit/s over a wired network.

The disadvantages of the Tenda N301 model include the presence of only 3 LAN ports instead of the standard four and a not very powerful signal. In fact, after 10 meters it may not be enough to fully surf the Internet. Although for the conditions of an ordinary apartment such characteristics are usually sufficient, it is advisable to install the equipment closer to the center of the home.

Rice. 11. Tenda N301 – router for undemanding users.

ZyXEL Keenetic Start – not too fast, but stable connection

Model ZyXEL Keenetic Start is a simplified version of the Kinetic router from the same manufacturer. The functionality of the device is limited compared to a more expensive router. However, for a small house and a two- or three-room apartment, its capabilities are sufficient.

At the same time, the device has a favorable price, does not overheat too much during operation and provides a real 150 Mbit/s speed - while some models from other manufacturers (especially budget ones) do not always correspond to the declared parameters.

Rice. 12. ZyXEL Keenetic Start - a simplified version of an expensive router.

Results

The routers presented in the list are among the most popular and most frequently purchased models. There are many reasons for this - affordable cost, high speed, easy setup. Buying one for your apartment, private home, or even a summer house (if you have a USB connector and a 3G modem) will provide a high-quality signal over a considerable distance around the router. And it will allow you to access the Internet using wired or wireless wired connection.

Video:

A Wi-Fi router is one of the most popular devices among Internet users today. The market offers a wide range of routers for every taste. Which router is better to choose for home use? It is quite difficult to give a definite answer to this question. In this article we will look at Various types routers, we will discuss the main factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing a home Wi-Fi modem, and also present to the reader a rating of the five best routers that are presented on our market.

Basic rules for choosing a home router

A router or router is a device with which a computer, smartphone, tablet or other equipment is combined into a common wireless network and then connected to the Internet. Choosing a good and at the same time inexpensive router is quite difficult, since it is necessary to take into account several criteria for choosing a modem. The main criterion that is usually advised to be taken into account when choosing a router is the price.

The reason for this is often the fact that almost all modern routers are practically the same, and accordingly, if there is no difference, then why pay more. But in reality, such reasoning is a widespread misconception. Cheap routers are equipped with cheaper components that have a shorter service life, lower key parameters, etc. Therefore, the best wi-fi router, by definition, cannot be the cheapest. But here, too, there are exceptions to the rules, when even among routers in the lower price range there are decent models.

When choosing a router, of course, you need to pay attention first to the brand. There are several brands whose routers are time-tested. However, even among proven brand models there are modems that are not always different good quality. So, for example, the D-Link brand is widely known, producing a large number of budget modems. However, not all routers in its line can boast of impeccable quality and reliable operation. Unlike D-Link, very good and high-speed routers are produced under the Linksys brand. But for the quality provided by this brand, you will have to pay a significantly higher amount.

Have proven themselves very well Zyxel routers(not the cheapest routers, but with highest quality and reliability) and TP-Link (engaged in the production of inexpensive, but very high-quality modems). It’s up to you to decide which Wi-Fi router is best to buy for your home, but before making a decision you also need to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the modems.

Technical characteristics of routers

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the modem’s RAM, it must be at least 64 Mb and a processor with a speed of 300 MHz or more. The router's FLASH memory must be at least 16 Mb. In addition, you should pay attention to the power of the modem and the number of available antennas. Next, you should take a look at the protocols supported by the modem (PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE). The main thing is that it supports the protocol that your provider will use. The best high-speed routers support most of the protocols used.

In addition, routers differ in the WAN port through which they connect to the network: Ethernet, ADSL, USB 3G. Be sure to pay attention to this parameter when choosing a router, because if you fail to connect the cable to the router, then your money will be wasted.

Which Wi-Fi router is better also depends on what Wi-Fi standard it supports. Latest standard Currently it is Wi-Fi 802.11n. This standard supports the maximum connection speed, unlike the 802.11b or 802.11g standards.

Below are three modems that have different types of network connections:

Router with ADSL port

Router with Ethernet port

Router with USB 3G port

Consequences of choosing the wrong router

For the average user, it is difficult to understand all the characteristics of the router, so he simply goes to the nearest store and buys a modem after consulting with the seller. This approach is fraught with disastrous consequences: after all, a consultant in a store cannot know all the parameters of your network and the provider whose services you plan to use. Therefore, even if you buy the best wifi router, you do not guarantee yourself an ideal connection to the Internet. Moreover, there is a danger that this router will not be able to work at all on the network of your chosen provider. For example, a modem may not have enough power if it is designed for use within one room. Consequently, the signal will not pass into the next room, which is behind the wall. One simple piece of advice, don’t skimp on power, even if this moment you don't need a 100 meter radius coverage area. The best router is one that has sufficient power reserves.

An incorrectly chosen router can underestimate Internet speed indicators. Your ISP can provide speeds of up to 10 Mbps, and the router can support a maximum speed of 8 Mbps. Therefore, be sure to check what speed the router you are planning to buy can provide. In addition, a low-power router tends to constantly freeze or reboot.

In any case, if you don’t know which Wi-Fi router is better, and there’s no one to get advice from, look through the forums on the Internet and compare user reviews. Do not trust reviews in online stores too much, which often sin by adding messages on behalf of users in order to increase the number of sales of a particular router model. Now we present to your attention a rating of the best routers. The WiFi router rating was compiled based on the results of a user survey for 2012.

Rating of the three best Wi-Fi routers

The Zyxel Keenetic router opens the “best Wi-Fi routers” rating:

Zyxel Keenetic router

WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G
Availability of interfaces: RJ-45 (10BASE-T/100BASE-T) – 5 ports; USB 2.0 type A – 1 connector; RP-SMA (connection of external Wi-Fi antennas) – 2 sockets
Supported protocols: PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE.
IPTV support: +
Number of antennas: 2 pieces (removable)
Security features: built-in firewall (SPI) with DoS protection and DDoS attacks. Ability to block Internet access by MAC address, IP address, URL, TCP/UDP port.

The average price of Zyxel Keenetic is 2000 rubles. According to numerous expert estimates, in terms of price-quality ratio, Zyxel Keenetic is the most best router for home use at the moment.

Linksys E3200

Availability of interfaces: 1 WAN – port; Gigbit Ethernet – 4 ports; USB 2.0 – 1 port
Wireless standard: IEEE 802.11n
Number of antennas: 6 (built-in)
VPN function: VPN pass through
Security feature: WEP, WPA, WPA2 data encryption
Firewall functions: built-in firewall, NAT
Additional functions: ability to connect a 3G modem.

The average price is 4500 rubles. It’s hard to say which Wi-Fi router is better; an individual approach is required here, but in terms of characteristics and functionality, the Linksys E3200 has no competitors today.

TP-Link TL-WR841ND

WAN port: Ethernet.
Availability of interfaces: RJ45 – 4 ports, 10/100M WAN (RJ45 type) – 1 port
Wireless network standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n.
Supported protocols: PPPoE.
Number of antennas: 2 (removable)
VPN tunnel support: +
Additional functions: maximum signal radius up to 270 meters.

The average price is 1000 rubles. TP-Link TL-WR841ND completes our router rating, being the cheapest of the list, it is of course slightly inferior to its more expensive counterparts. However, its functions are quite sufficient for the average user, and in the price range up to 1 thousand rubles it has practically no competitors.

Wifi router for an apartment. Which wifi router has the best characteristics?

10. D-Link DIR-825/AC

9. Asus RT-AC51U

8. TP-Link Archer C60

7. Wi-Fi Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

6. Asus RT-AC87U

5. D-Link DIR-890L

4. Asus RT-AC88U

3. TP-Link Archer C5400

2. Asus BRT-AC828

1. Asus RT-AC 5300

Results

The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home: budget up to 1,500 rubles.

4 Tenda N301

3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020

2 MikroTik hAP lite

1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N

The best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price segment: budget up to 7,000 rubles.

3 ASUS RT-N66U

2 TP-LINK Archer C7

1 MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

The best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment: budget from 8,000 rubles.

3 HUAWEI B525

2 Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

1 ASUS RT-AC88U

The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers

3 Huawei E8372

Video review

2 Alcatel Link Zone

1 TP-LINK M7350

The best Wi-Fi routers with built-in file storage

1 Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router HD

Main selection criteria

Wired communication

Wireless connection

USB ports

The most budget-friendly high-speed model: Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi mini

The fastest: TP-Link Archer C7

Netgear N750: model with setup from a smartphone

Router TP-LINK TL-WA901ND: maximum range

ASUS RT-N56U: high speed and functionality

TL-WR841N6 is a budget analogue of expensive TP-LINK models

D-link DIR-300/A/D1 – regular price and parameters for home

Netis WF2419E – budget Chinese router

Tenda N301

ZyXEL Keenetic Start – not too fast, but stable connection

Results

Basic rules for choosing a home router

Technical characteristics of routers

Below are three modems that have different types of network connections:

Router with ADSL port

Router with Ethernet port

Router with USB 3G port

Consequences of choosing the wrong router

Rating of the three best Wi-Fi routers

The Zyxel Keenetic router opens the “best Wi-Fi routers” rating:

Linksys E3200

TP-Link TL-WR841ND

Wi-Fi router Huawei EC 5321u-1 Intertelecom

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