For example, if you have a small apartment and you're not going to overload the network, you can get a relatively inexpensive router.
Best routers for home and office 2023
The Internet is lagging and hanging, but your ISP is doing just fine – it might be time to change your router. Just like the PC and the phone, the router gets old and can't handle new tasks: it doesn't support the latest Wi-Fi standards or the CPU is weak. Sysadmin has reviewed for its readers the best models of wireless routers that you can buy in Russia in the spring of 2023. Let's find out if you'll have to buy anything else.
What does a home or network need other than a router that you can do without?
Let's find out what the user gets with a router. And do not have to spend money on a modem as well. Most current models combine the functions of a modem and a router. Some have Ethernet ports for wired connection of devices – primarily those that need a high-speed connection: gaming PCs, workstations, TVs.
Wi-Fi modem – what kind of device
By a Wi-Fi modem today most often understood as wireless router equipment, which provides a connection to the Internet. It provides a connection between the local network and the Internet provider. Performs additional tasks – for example, accepts an IP address. Router forwards data. The home router transmits data between local devices (PCs, phones, gadgets) and the modem. Router also manages local network settings. Provides wireless radio communication with Wi-Fi devices.
What is a Wi-Fi modem and how does it differ from a router
To provide Internet access, you need both a modem and a router. A router doesn't know how to communicate with an ISP's network. A modem solves this problem. The modem and the router perform different tasks, but for the user it is not as obvious as if the devices were separate. The router allows you to create a local Wi-Fi network. On its own, it would hardly be useful. This is where a modem comes to the rescue – it provides Internet access by exchanging data with the ISP. Through the router a modem "distributes" the Internet to all the devices connected to your home or office network. A modern user is unlikely to buy a modem separately.
Why do you need a Wi-Fi access point?
In a small apartment, you can get by with just one router. In a large, country house or office, it is desirable to add access points in areas where the signal is weak, "floating" or absent. The Wi-Fi access point is connected to the main router with an Ethernet cable. An important nuance – the device that connects to the router via Wi-Fi is called a signal repeater. The access point creates an additional wireless network. Allows you to expand your network coverage. Recommended for installation in areas with "blind spots" as well as in freestanding buildings such as garages and summer kitchens.
WAN port types
At tech support, you should find out which connection method your provider offers you. That is, what type of WAN connector (the connector into which the Internet service provider's cable will be plugged) the future router will have.
Ethernet – is the most common type of connector. To connect the equipment uses a standard RJ-45 network connector. At the moment, almost all models of routers have a similar WAN connector.
ADSL – For the average user router with this type of connection does not differ from the previous ones, except that the connector type here is RJ-11. Routers of this type have low bandwidth and are usually taken for installation in remote settlements where there is no possibility to carry an optical cable.
GPON – less common type of connection, which is incompatible with the previous ones. It is a new and expensive technology, but it allows for maximum data transfer speeds. The optical connector for the end equipment is an APC polished SC connector (usually a light green optical connector).
3G and 4G – these routers do not require a wired connection and work on a cellular network. All you need for such a modem to work is a USB port and a little configuration to be able to distribute the Internet.
Universal – such routers support several ways to connect, but to raise the Wi-Fi network in the apartment is not worth to take such models – most of the functions you simply will not use.
Wi-Fi network and its main parameters
Now let's decide what kind of network will go up in your apartment. Here let's talk about the supported frequencies, data rates, and range of the router.
Supported frequencies Wi-Fi network – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Most inexpensive routers only support 2.4 GHz. In most cases, they do an excellent job of connecting home devices to the network via cable and Wi-Fi. However, some models can not withstand a large number of connections, for example, when simultaneously downloading files from torrent trackers, and crash, i.e. stop transmitting data, hang up or reboot.
The most relevant at the moment is a device that supports 5 GHz frequency. Ideally, choose dual-band Wi-Fi routers. They support more connections and deliver higher speeds. Among the disadvantages are the small range and low signal strength, which does not allow you to transmit data through concrete walls without significant losses.
The data transfer rate in Wi-FiFi network – Typically, inexpensive routers distribute a signal over a Wi-Fi network at speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbit / s. In principle, this is enough for the average user, and the provider often will not be able to offer a speed higher.
Ideally, you can choose a model that will have a 10% margin over the maximum speed available on your ISP's network. The optimal option at the moment are those that can distribute the network at speeds up to 300 Mbps. This is usually labeled as supporting the 802.11n standard.
If you intend to buy a mid-priced model, then 802.11ac support will already be mandatory. However, keep in mind that there is a margin of error with the equipment and conditions that affect speed.
Stability of operation Wi-Fi router – an extremely important point. In an effort to save money, you can make a bad purchase and take a low-quality router, which when working will have long delays in transmitting data packets (lag) and hangs. The most reliable models are those from Keenetic, D-Link, TP-Link and Asus. Routers of these manufacturers have long been known for stability in operation, do not require special settings, have a warranty service and for them often release firmware updates.
Read More:
