Powerful router. Choosing a router for your home. How a Wi-Fi router works

The Internet is everywhere. We can’t do without it at work, on the subway, and at home, how could we live without it. The Internet allows you not only to have fun, learn something new, communicate, but also to work without leaving home. Technologies do not stand still - a device appears that can provide several computers with Internet access at once. The wireless router added comfort to use, eliminating wires and constant disputes between those who want to access the Internet. For many, choosing a router comes down to simply going to an electronics store and buying a cheap model - the main thing is that it works. Soon the cheap router is sent to service center or gather dust on a shelf. How to choose a good router that will last for years? This is exactly what we will talk about today.

Well, before we start, here's a little theory for you. What is a router? Router (or router) - a special device, based on certain rules and network topology, forwards packets network layer between network segments. Don't understand anything? No problem. Speaking more in simple language, a router is a small device to which the cable of the provider (who provides you with the Internet), computers, and other devices that need access are connected.

Its hardware is very similar to old computers. It also has a processor, RAM and so on. Today, routers with a Wi-Fi module are common, but we will talk about the varieties below. I think there is no need to explain the main purpose of routers. Based on their purpose, they can be divided into two categories:

Amateur. Inexpensive routers that are perfect for home use.
Professional. Expensive models with enormous functionality and capabilities that provide entire enterprises with the Internet. I do not recommend choosing such routers for home use.

So what should we take away from this point? A router today is useful to any person who can, throughWi-Fi access the Internet from anywhere in your home.

Price

Now let's move on to a more important parameter of any thing - cost. Many experts on various forums will advise you to choose Wi-Fi router, the price of which is as low as possible, supposedly like the difference between an expensive box and a cheap one. There is only one goal – distribution of the Internet. That's right. But there is one big problem.

A router, in fact, is a small computer with all the inherent features: processor, memory, operating system. As you might have guessed, these devices are no strangers to computer “diseases”: overheating, freezes, virus attacks, and so on. Therefore, the cheaper the hardware, the greater the chance of getting a slow thing that will constantly hang. The result is a dusty shelf and the purchase of a more expensive model. As they say, the miser pays twice.

No, don't think, I don't want to slander the models from budget segment. At the right approach and here you can choose a good router that will have a good signal and become an excellent friend. However, as practice shows, it is better to overpay a little than to suffer later with, albeit minor, problems.

Well, now we can give several price categories into which models on the market are divided.

Up to 2000 rubles. This is the so-called lower or primary class. It is presented in budget models, usually with a minimum set of functions. It is in great demand, despite the many shortcomings of the product. With the right approach, you can choose a good model, but you will have to try.
2000-5000 rubles. The middle segment, which is represented by more expensive and high-quality solutions. The devices are equipped with more modern hardware and have a number of additional “goodies”. If you want to get a decent router, then direct your attention to this segment.
More than 5000 rubles. The more expensive the better. However, there is a limit. You shouldn’t go to great lengths and start overpaying for functions that are absolutely not needed for your home router. This segment contains solutions for professional tasks, but for an ordinary user who just needs to distribute the Internet, it’s better not to meddle here.

What's the final price? I advise you to choose a router for your home in 2018 in the middle segment. There is no money or desire to part with it - carefully look through the lower class. It’s stupid to go into the higher segment unless you want to get the most out of the device.

I think many users will be interested in who rules the roost among routers. But it’s difficult to single out an absolute leader. Every manufacturer has bad as well as good models. Each brand has both admirers and opponents, who organize virtual battles in the open spaces thematic forums. There is no ideal option - some routers have problems with hardware, others with firmware, others with signal quality, and so on.

Wi-Fi routers from D-Link, which is very popular in the market, often encounter software and wireless errors. There are quite a few simply defective batches with a whole bunch of problems. TP-Link and Netgear are better in this regard, but that doesn't mean their products are without flaws. Zyxel, Linksys and Asus offer the most reliable devices today. However, again it all depends on specific model.

In general, returning to the topic of price, it’s worth saying that if you buy a low-end router from any manufacturer, then be prepared for various problems. In case of a very limited budget, it is better to give preference to the flagships of lesser-known companies. For example, Tenda and Upvel are Chinese routers with good functionality and affordable prices.

Criterias of choice

Well, now let’s move on directly to the features of choosing a good router in 2018. There are a lot of recommendations on this difficult issue, so please be patient.

In 2018, store shelves are filled with routers with a variety of characteristics, shapes and additional features. However, just select the wrong type of WAN port through which the cable connects to the Internet, and you will have to buy a new router. Therefore, before going to an electronics store, you should find out what type of connection is used in your case. To make it easier, here are the most popular:

ADSL. This type gives access to the Internet via a telephone cable. It was especially widespread in the era of the birth of the Internet. Today it is used less and less, and electronics manufacturers do not install it often.
FTTB. The most popular type today. Access requires a twisted pair fiber optic cable. You can find it in almost every home, and it is also common in modern routers.
Docsis. Not the most common type, which is based on coaxial cable. It does not have high throughput, and therefore is not particularly popular.

Before choosing a router for your home, you should check the typeWAN port, which will be required for work in the future.

Necessary to connect computers to the router via cable. There are no varieties, so you won’t get confused. You just need to decide on the speed of work. For home use, as a rule, so-called FastEthernet ports (100 Mbps) are sufficient. There are also faster options, but there is no particular need for them.

WiFi
Today, a Wi-Fi module is installed in almost any model. The wireless interface provides convenient and high-speed access to the Internet with various devices. You should pay attention to the implementation of Wi-Fi in the router Special attention. There are several points that we will now quickly go over.

Antennas
Wi-Fi routers have antennas in their design. They can be divided into two types: internal and external. The first, despite the attractive appearance, suffers from a number of problems. The main one is a weak signal. As a rule, internal antennas have a gain of no more than 2 dBi. This may be enough for a small room, but hardly for a whole apartment. The disadvantages include the impossibility of replacing antennas with more powerful ones. Therefore, external antennas on routers are more preferable, providing good signal. In addition, they can often be replaced.

Standards
Wi-Fi standards determine the speed of data transfer. There are 5 of them in total, but today only 2 are actively used: 802.11n and 802.11ac. Home routers are most often equipped with the first standard, which is capable of operating at speeds of up to 600 Mbit/s. There is only a caveat - this speed is available when using 4 antennas (that is, 150 Mbit/s for each). Manufacturers trying to save money on everything often install only one labeled Wireless 150 (up to 150 Mbit/s). However, one can often only dream about this figure. Therefore, I advise you to choose Wi-Fi routers with two antennas (up to 300 Mbit/s). You will have to overpay a little, but the speed is significantly higher.
Many users are worried that their old laptop(or phone) that works with 802.11b and 802.11g will not work with 802.11n. There is no need to be afraid. The new standards support backward compatibility, which ensures normal operation.
Recently, routers with support for the new standard – 802.11ac – have gone on sale. It supports operation at speeds up to 7 Gbps. So far, these models are very expensive, and the average user does not have any particular need for them. In a year or two they will become cheaper, and then there will be relevance in purchasing them.

Radius of action
An important parameter that many manufacturers like to brag about. Typically, modern routers promise to work within a radius of 100 meters. In fact, this value is reduced several times. The manufacturer does not take into account walls in the apartment and other obstacles to the signal. In fact, many budget routers work fine within a radius of 20-30 meters.

As already mentioned, a Wi-Fi router is a small computer. Even in home solutions, both a processor and memory are installed. However, many manufacturers, trying to save money, often install outdated filling. Therefore, when choosing a router for your home, you should pay attention to the characteristics. The power of the components determines how much load the device can pull.
It is advisable that the router model has 64 MB random access memory, or better yet 128 MB. The processor is preferably 240 MHz (again, around 500 MHz is better). Flash memory for normal operation about 32 MB required. You can find out about the router specifications in the documentation or on the manufacturer’s website.
Here I will tell you about the software. The basic software in almost every router is the same. The differences only represent additional features that are most often found in expensive models. You should go deeper into this issue if you want to get a certain set of capabilities.

Providers today work with a variety of protocols, but router manufacturers also take this into account. Modern models usually support the most common ones: PPTP, L2TP and PPPoE. The exception is older routers. In this case, you should check with your provider what protocol they use to provide you with services.
Please note that Wi-Fi standard is not tied to the provider. He carries out the distribution independently. It is better that Wi-Fi supports as many encryption protocols as possible (WEP, WPA, WPA2, and so on). It would be a good idea to check whether the devices that will connect to the router work with these protocols.

I decided to make this point separately. Some router models have one or more USB ports. What are they for in this device? And they will be useful for those who want to make a small file server from their home router by connecting HDD or other storage device. In general, the possibilities are seriously expanding. However, not every factory version will be able to satisfy user requests. Often you have to do a flashing (we'll talk about it below) by a specialist.

IPTV
Another one interesting feature modern routers - digital television. It is provided by your ISP. Its distribution is growing every year, so you should think about choosing a router with IPTV support. The fact is that not every model has enough power and capabilities to fully work with digital television.

Firmware
A very important point that you should definitely pay attention to. You can find out about firmware, updates and other information about a specific router model on the manufacturer’s website. The more and more often updates are released, the better. This means that the company is still working on a specific model, and you will not be left without the latest versions.
I recommend checking the Internet for alternative firmware developed by third-party manufacturers. Very often they can correct the errors of the original ones, increase the speed of operation and significantly expand the functionality of the router. However, before installing, read reviews about them and detailed description, in order to avoid errors during firmware.

These seem to be all the criteria by which you should choose a Wi-Fi router for your home in 2018. I tried to include everything about modern models, but you may still have questions, given the rapid growth of the market. In this case, I advise you to visit our forums. While writing the article, I highlighted a couple more tips that will protect you from choosing a bad router.

When buying a router, most PC users rely on sellers, wanting to find a middle ground between cost and quality. At the same time, from several proposed options, the choice will fall on the manufacturer, whose supporters are the buyer’s friends. It is important to take into account not only the functional component, but also the motivation of stakeholders, be it the hasty sale of a product or the force of habit. Also, you should not count on solving the issue when purchasing a router from the highest price range, since you will have to overpay not only for quality, but also for the brand, advertising campaign, and customer service. It is more advisable to compare reviews on the Internet about models that have proven themselves to perform flawlessly.

Why do you need a router?

Routers are designed to exchange data among devices and connect network segments. They allow you to simultaneously use the Internet from any device that has access to it: laptops, smartphones, tablets, TVs.

To organize local network from several computers with each of them connected to the Internet, using network equipment. Two PCs can be connected via a crossover cable; if there are more machines, a switch (switch) is used, which allows you to exchange information with each recipient individually. But it’s easier to use a router that will “distribute” the Internet to other devices. This will save you from having to keep your desktop computer turned on if you want to access the network through them and will save you from purchasing additional network cards.

How does a router work?

The router establishes a connection to the Internet and evenly distributes data flows between connected devices. In his internal memory contains a routing table with paths to all network participants. The table allows you to determine the optimal route to each recipient by periodically sending out test data packets in order to calculate the time required for information delivery. The router, as a connecting link, monitors the current state of the network map, and the user does not need to configure the software for full operation.

Rating of the most popular routers

What kind of list is this?

If you're just here for a recommendation on specific models, here's a short list that's worth considering. We provide a list for those people who want to get an answer about good devices quickly and without going into details.

These routers were popular in 2016, but in 2017 they have not lost their attractiveness in terms of price/quality ratio. A home router is a fairly simple technique, but at the same time, a lot depends on it in terms of the comfort of using the Internet. Therefore, if you have absolutely no understanding from which to build, the rating can help.

The list of these models is compiled based on user surveys:

Features and types of routers

Routers vary in size, Internet connection, and power supply. Stationary routers used in homes and offices may provide connections for an analog telephone and connectors for external antennas with increased signal amplification. Powered by electrical network, provide Internet access to several dozen devices.

Mobile routers can operate autonomously on batteries. Receiving a signal from operators cellular networks, convert it and provide communication via the Wi-Fi protocol. They can be compact, fit in your pocket, and at the same time save you from financial expenses: buying SIM cards and paying for the traffic of each device makes it difficult to spend time together. Besides Wi-Fi technology saves charging on portable devices. Meet mobile routers with an external modem, 3G-4G modules are connected to them via a USB connector or a fiber optic cable with a standard RJ-45 socket.

USB Wi-Fi routers

The most common routers are those with an internal modem, particularly those connected to a laptop or other power source. They are made in the form of a USB stick and have a tray for a SIM card. However, they can only work in tandem with the device turned on. They beat their analogues in cost.

Which routers are suitable depending on the provider?

Before purchasing a router, you should first check with your provider about the services provided. network protocols: PPPoE, PPTP or L2TP. Further, the choice will depend on the type of Internet connection, since it is accessed through the WAN port of the router. The most common types of connections include:

FTTB - connection via optical fiber using the Ethernet standard - modern technology data transmission for local networks;
DOCSIS - connection using a coaxial cable with a resistance of 50 Ohms for cable television;
ADSL – provision of Internet via analogue telephone line;
3G and WiMAX – wireless communications from cellular operators;
Wi-Fi is a popular wireless connection technology via radio channels.

It would be a good idea to check with your provider for the maximum speed on your current network. tariff plan, since the router is capable of limiting the speed of the Internet connection at times.

What functions does a Wi-Fi router have?

Modern routers have a number of auxiliary functions:

Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password and enable encryption mode.
Blocking other devices from accessing certain sites.
Restricting access to the router according to a specified list of Mac addresses.
Ability to hide the network from detection.
Simplified network connection thanks to WPS and QSS technologies.

Routers with a built-in Wi-Fi module provide Internet access without cables and wires at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. However, as the load on radio frequencies in the apartment increases, the speed of data exchange decreases (the presence of routers among neighbors, signals from other devices, walls). For a comfortable stay on the vastness of the global web, antennas were provided: standard with a gain of about 2 dBi, omnidirectional with a gain of 9 dBi, panel (19 dBi) and parabolic (24 dBi). Factory router models can have up to four antennas installed. When transmitting a data array, it is divided into several streams and duplicated, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors and increasing speed. It is important to consider that the more antennas are installed on the receiving device, the more efficient the network activity will be.

Connecting USB devices

Using USB ports, peripheral devices are supported: printers, modems, flash drives, disk storage devices. The latter are used to create an FTP server that allows access to users of the local network and the Internet. Exchanging a large amount of data via a hard drive, even when the desktop computer is turned off, will sometimes save time. You can also connect a printer, the printing of which will be controlled by the router itself. The functionality of the USB port is limited only by available devices. You can set up a webcam for public viewing, view multimedia files on TV from a flash drive, download files from a torrent to external media without a computer, connect an IP phone or modem mobile operator, which will help out at home if there is no Internet connection.

Data transfer rate

Mostly on sale are Wi-Fi routers that support data transfer standards 802.11g (at speeds up to 54 Mbit/s) and 802.11n (up to 600 Mbit/s, depending on the number of antennas and frequency channels used). If you need to copy large files inside the network, expensive routers with WAN ports supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s will be useful, while the speed of cheaper models with LAN ports reaches a maximum of 100 Mbit/s. When using a 3G connection, the speed varies up to 3.6 Mbit/s, with 4G - depending on the operator and place of residence. In theory, the speed can exceed 100 Mb/s, but in practice it does not even reach 20 Mb/s.

10 - Keenetic Start
9 - Tenda AC6
8 - Mikrotik HAP ac2
7 - ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II
6 - Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi 4
5 - Huawei B525
4 - Keenetic Giga KN1010
3 - LinkSys EA8500
2 - ASUS RT-AC86U
1 - TP-LINK Archer C3200

The extreme degree of equipment of apartments and offices with intelligent systems designed to make our existence easier, life as comfortable as possible, and work productive, requires the indispensable organization of a high-speed communication center inside the premises.

This device must aggregate a maximum of digital streams, process the information coming to it quickly and without mutual detrimental influence - the quality of communication should not degrade due to an increase in the number of hosts. In this case, the number of wire connections should be minimal. Wireless routers for broadband access to Network resources cope with this task, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and “sores”.

We present to your attention the best routers for the home of the 2019 model year. Go!

8.2 Evaluation

Non-marking body
Convenient application
Easy initial setup
High frequency antennas
Ability to connect multiple providers

Supports frequencies only in the 2.4 GHz range

The last line of our router hit parade is occupied by a very high-quality development from Keenetic, which is part of the triad of routers released this year - this Start model– the cheapest and smallest router for rapid deployment Wi-Fi networks.

You won’t be able to make any significant claims regarding build quality, performance or reliability on this “baby”:

The design is well thought out;
Antenna 5 dBi devices of the latest generation;
Safety on high level(there is even support for IPSec and 802.1x encryption).

Its main problem is that the communication standards on which the consumer is asked to work are slowly “sinking into oblivion” - this is 2-channel communication exclusively in the 2.4 GHz range at the maximum achievable speed of 300 Mbit/s - indicators 5-7- years ago. And the switch offers only 100-megabit ports - there is no reason to bring “optics” into the apartment.

This is indeed a high-quality product, but among its target audience, most likely, there will be only university students - cheaply and in 5 minutes, distributing Wi-Fi in a dorm room - that’s the destiny of the Start KN1110.

7.4 Evaluation

Interesting design
Possibility to place both on the table and on the wall
Clear installation wizard
Parental controls via app
Signal support in the 2.5 and 5 GHz bands
Low price

Small range

It’s not entirely clear how this happens, but... the developments of little-known Chinese companies over the past couple of years have literally burst into the wireless router market and taken leading positions there. The same “dark horse” continues in our 2019 rating of Wi-Fi routers for an apartment or office - Tenda AC6 is in 9th place.

Here everything is already grown-up: simultaneous support for two frequency bands 2.4 and 5 GHz, terrestrial throughput up to 1200 Mbit/s and good quality coverage - this is facilitated by a powerful RF transmitter of 30 dBm.

Four removable antennas along the perimeter of the case, coupled with active Beamforming algorithms, form radiation in the direction of the consumers furthest from the router - these are “premium habits”.

The cool Russified configuration interface adds advantages to this device - thanks to the developers.

If everything is so wonderful, why only 9th position? Yes, because no one is interested in the maximum speed of the radio channel if the provider’s service is limited to a 100-megabit WAN port - they somehow forgot about it... But for that the price is simply super.

6.2 Evaluation

Powerful modern processor
Wide range of options
Trouble-free dual-band operation
PoE power supply capability
Small size and wall mounting

Marky, not informative corpus

At the very beginning of the summer of this year, the Mikrotik company began selling its new product under the “hAp” policy - routers for home use. They had been waiting for it for a very long time, since the previous model of the family had already set the majority of workgroup administrators of small offices and branch networks on edge - and bad luck - the new gigabit Mikrotik hAp ac2 could not meet all expectations - therefore only 8th place.

There are many original technical and design solutions - the efforts of the developers should not be underestimated:

Protective coating of the housing;
New dual-band antennas;
4-core processor from Qualcomm coupled with 128-256 MB of RAM;
Separate radio control chipset supporting MIMO up to 4x4 modes.

And the traditionally sophisticated RouterOS software offers a crazy range of options for interacting with backbone networks.

But this is where the dog “buries itself”, due to shortcomings software the speed “over the air” is unlikely to exceed 500 Mbit/s even at a frequency of 5 GHz, and for a market price of more than $50, no microcircuits will cover such an oversight.

7.8 Evaluation

Stylish design
Possibility to mount the device on the wall
Dual range operation
Convenient KeenDNS service

Small signal transmission radius

On the seventh line of the TOP is a very attractive router - Zyxel Keenetic Extra 2. Potentially, it shouldn’t be here at all – after all, routers with ports supporting a gigabit connection should be closer to the middle of the rating (here only 4xLAN 100Base-TX).

But rave reviews from ordinary buyers and a great price left us no choice - this is indeed almost the most powerful Wi-Fi router for the home in 2019 with the widest functionality.

Using it to organize a home Internet center is the most correct decision. The router is capable of providing uninterrupted Wi-Fi coverage thanks to 4 5 dBi antennas and a competent approach to the use of MIMO diversity of data streams.

When both proposed frequency ranges are loaded, a bandwidth of up to 1160 Mbit/s can be achieved.

The router is also “tailored” to pass traffic from a small telephone network in DECT or even ADSL formats, that is, it is also suitable for small offices.

For starters, Extra 2 offers the most complete set of options for building a VPN and FTP servers, setting via mobile app and dynamic restructuring of route tables. What else do you need for 4000r?

8.2 Evaluation

Pleasant harmonious design
Gigabit Ethernet ports
MIMO Channel Separation
Remote access from a smartphone
The lowest price

No USB port
No mountings for vertical position

Functionality similar to the previous representative, but for less money and already with two Ethernet ports capable of operating at a speed of 1 Gbit/s, is being brought to the masses by the Chinese giant Xiaomi. This time this is a continuation of the line of high-performance Mi WiFi Router 4th generation routers.

Xiaomi engineers did a great job on the appearance of the router: 4 non-removable antennas, a flat body and a single LED look quite harmonious.

There is also a “Mi” button for quick pairing with the manufacturer’s gadgets.

Performance is at a good level - after all, 128 MB of RAM, support for all known 802.11 bgn/ac standards and a fast processor do their job - the air speed reaches 1167 Mbit/s. The only disappointment is the missing USB port - earlier versions had it.

The more than modest price of this “hard worker” makes Mi WiFi Router 4 one of the most popular developments in the field of building reliable and fast wireless networks. At home or in the office, you will probably completely forget where it is - fortunately, the dust on the white case will be almost invisible.

8.4 Evaluation

Stylish design
Connect up to 32 devices
4G+ support
Works with both built-in and external antennas
Long range

Can't be hung on the wall

The TOP routers for home 2019 continues with the monster from Huawei, the B525 router, in fifth position. The development is designed to satisfy a wide range of requests from both ordinary consumers and corporate groups and even communication service providers. For these purposes, there are two SMA connectors on board the B525 for connecting external 4G antennas.

The maximum data transfer rate available to the user via wireless protocols is 1300 Mbit/s - this is a completely different class of devices. It goes without saying that this requires high noise immunity at working together in two frequency ranges at once - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Encryption is carried out using WEP and WPA(2) algorithms.

Among the interesting “bells and whistles” is the presence of an RJ-11 port for connecting an analog phone – a strange anachronism.

One way or another, its main function is to support combined computer networks on high speeds– B525 performs better than many others, and its cost ranges around $100.

8.2 Evaluation

Improved radio characteristics
SFP module slot
Work with MU-MIMO technology
New user-friendly interface
Low price among "classmates"

Average (as of today) bandwidth
Design from previous generations of Keenetic

In addition to supporting simultaneous two frequency bands and a switch group on 4 gigabit LAN ports, which is relevant for routers with a claim to leadership, this router offers a direct fiber connection.

Of course, you will need an SFP module for this.

The work of Keenetic engineers in constructing antenna-feeder paths deserves special praise. Their slogan, obviously, was “Fewer joints - less losses” - it is true, although the antennas are not removable, but the quality of the coverage is simply excellent.

Beamforming algorithms help to target the resource use of wireless networks.

Cool Internet center for more than reasonable money. In addition to the listed GIGAbit capabilities, users will receive an updated web interface for quickly setting up the router, as well as 3 hardware control keys that can be reassigned at your discretion.

8.0 Rating

Cool build quality and design
Easy to set up and operate
Brilliant performance
Four-channel traffic diversity
Complete and remote control from a smartphone

High cost of the device
Lack of indication of ports and modes

The podium is opened (or rather, “kicks down the door”) by the powerful and uncompromising LinkSys EA8500 router. Possessing a typical appearance for the manufacturer and amazing functionality, seasoned with high reliability, for some reason this router failed to reach the top step of the rating - we’ll figure it out.

Inside the strict and very well-ventilated (for cooling) case hides a powerful processor from Qualcomm with 2 cores of 1400 MHz clock, as well as as much as 512 MB of RAM - you can’t find it anymore.

In addition to the built-in gigabit switch, there are two USB ports, one of which is combined with SATA, and the second is necessary for connecting 3G/4G modems.

Full support for MU-MIMO all possible types encryption and two independent coprocessors for RF signal conditioning - it's all here! The device complies with speed class AC1300.

So why answer the question “Which Wi-Fi router is best for home?” you won’t even think to answer: “LinkSys.” Yes, because few people will allow you to invite a router to their home for $700! The price doesn’t just bite, it devours you whole, but you have to pay for pleasure.

7.8 Evaluation

Cool design
All necessary interfaces on board
Ease of use
High-quality fast hardware
Modern AIR technologies
Quick control from a smartphone

High price
Impossibility of wall mounting

Every administrator knows - the most best router This is the one that stands unknown where. This trick will not work with the Asus RT-AC86U - it should be given the most prominent place in your home. The design of the router is simply gorgeous! The combination of scarlet inserts and black gloss looks just like the picture. But, of course, an attractive appearance is not all that helps it gain a foothold in second place in our rating.

RT-AC86U is one of the fastest existing routers for home use - it is assigned the AC2900 class. Three powerful antennas form a dense Wi-Fi coverage around the router, which can be intelligently shared between dozens of gadgets.

No one will experience “air hunger” - the load will be distributed between subscribers in an optimal way, based on the range, frequency of access to the router and the frequency range in which the consumer operates.

It is possible to connect in the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands and use WEP or WPA(2) encryption.

Having a good router in a private home in our computer age is not a luxury, but a household necessity along with a well-appointed bathroom and a reliable fence.

However, installing a Wi-Fi router at home is significantly different from creating a miniature wireless network in a city apartment: here the distances between devices are greater and there is much less external interference.

And in this article we will tell you which wifi router is best to buy for a private home, as well as how to choose the right router, and which manufacturers are included in the top 2016.

Choosing a wifi router for your home: main criteria

A “classic” Internet user, faced with the need to add a good router to his collection of “smart” consumer electronics, approaches this issue according to the well-known principle: “to love the queen, to buy the best router,” and immediately rushes to storm the stores in search of new products 2016 and “quality at an affordable price.”

Of course, such demand gives rise to a solid offer, and “competent” sales consultants in each salon are ready to offer the trusting client the “best router for the home”, which will not only distribute the Internet, but also bring slippers to the owner, and brew tea in the morning...

At the same time, many functions of this gadget are listed (which for a beginner are akin to ancient Egyptian ciphers) and an equally solid and obscure list of its “unique” characteristics. The price of the new product is significantly higher than the cost of a similar model from last year, but this issue modestly remains “behind the scenes”...

So, how to choose a Wi-Fi router for your home and not overpay for the fleeting rating of a dubious device?

Firstly, you need to buy a router based on technical considerations, and not its rating or propaganda of advertising companies.

Buy a router for country house should be done only after concluding an agreement with the provider, having previously agreed with the service provider on the type of router being purchased. Otherwise, it is very likely that expensive equipment will remain lying around “until better times”, and you will have to urgently go to the store for a new router.

So, in order to choose the right router for your home, first stock up on a notepad and write down the following data there:

1. Type of Internet connection (from the agreement with the provider). The following options are possible here:

- ADSL connection By telephone line;
- Ethernet connection via network cable;
- 3G, 4G cellular connection;
- GPON/GEPON/PON connection via fiber optic.

2. Maximum speed Internet provided to you by your ISP.

3. Additional router functions necessary to provide Internet services connected to the provider (for example, IP-TV).

4. The maximum distance from the future location of the router to the point of connection to the wireless network. (For example, if you plan to install a router at the front door and are considering the prospect of relaxing with friends in a gazebo and visiting an online cinema, then measure the distance from the gazebo to the house).

These numbers will be a “dry squeeze” of the main characteristics of your router:

Internet connection method – the type of router you need;

Internet connection speed - the maximum throughput of the router at wireless connection from PC;

Additional Internet services - the necessary functionality of the router;

The maximum distance of a device connected to the network from the router is the Wi-Fi coverage area of this router.

Of course, a router for a house with concrete walls should be more powerful than for a light wooden structure, but it’s still not worth trying to “pierce” concrete with radiation: you still won’t be able to significantly improve the signal, and the “microwave effect” will be harmful to your health. secured.

In the resulting data range, you need to choose a good home router.

- Secondly, the reliability of the manufacturer plays a big role when purchasing a modem..

Here, pay attention to indicators such as:

- “Experience” of the company in the global high-tech electronics market;

Availability of the company’s official website with 24/7 support service;

Availability of warranty and post-warranty service for products;

Availability of regularly updated firmware (beta versions, outdated software, etc. should be suspected here)

- And finally, when choosing a wifi router for your home, consider these factors, How:

The router has external antennas (two/three such antennas provide omnidirectional radiation of the device, but at the same time its power increases proportionally);

The presence of ventilation holes on the case (violation of the thermal regime during constant use of the router will affect the quality of the device’s operation - it is possible that if the device overheats, it will begin to “freeze”);

Availability of Russian-language firmware version;

The router has a repeater function (in case you need to temporarily increase the router’s coverage area).

Rating of wifi routers for home

Here we’ll immediately make a reservation that this review is dedicated exclusively to router manufacturers, and the choice of a specific model depends on the required technical characteristics and the optimal cost of the device for you.

So, with a “classic” Ethernet connection It is worth paying attention to such manufacturers as:

This company remains virtually uncompetitive to this day. The undoubted advantage here is not only the quality network equipment, but also its “availability” in configuration and maintenance: beautiful, intuitive interface, 24/7 support service and regular firmware updates.

However, prices for routers here remain very respectable: from $80 to $150.

More affordable here price range: from 30 to 60 $, while the quality of TP-LINK routers fully justifies the cost of this equipment.

Among the leaders here we can note:

TP-LINK TL-WA901ND,

TP-LINK TL-WR841N Wireless N300,

TP-LINK TL-WDR3600 Wireless N600 Dual Band

This is already a “classic” bronze medalist of user trust, earned over two decades of impeccable work.

Here you can choose DIR-300A or D-Link DIR-880L Wireless AC1900 as a router for your home.

Among budget models, it is also worth paying attention to the products of Zyxel or Tenda.

When connecting to the Internet via a telephone line you will need a quality ADSL modem. At the same time, the WiFi routing function (the ability of a device to create a wireless local network) is additional for modems and is not present in all models on the market.

Leaders here also include TP-LINK routers (for example, TP-LINK TD-8616 or ADSL TP-LINK TD-W8970 for a larger coverage area) and Zyxel (for example, Zyxel Keenetic DSL).

When connecting to the Internet via 4G standard or PON technology It is best to choose a router for a private home based on a “guide” from your provider, since the main importance here is the compatibility of the device with the equipment of your Internet provider.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the price of a router and the “promotion” of a brand are not always a guarantee of the quality of the equipment, however, the well-known saying that “the miser pays twice” has still not been canceled...