The best router for an apartment. Choosing a wifi router for home

Consultants in hardware stores can rarely give sensible advice, and often they simply sell the most expensive models, which, at the same time, do not always cope with their tasks.

In order not to overpay for a brand and unnecessary characteristics, you need to have at least a minimal idea of ​​​​what the operation of the device depends on. Therefore, today we’ll talk about which router is better to buy, depending on your needs and needs.

What do you need to ask your provider?

Some characteristics are strictly dependent on your Internet service provider and the features of your tariff.

First of all, call your ISP and find out what type of WAN port they are using. WAN is a connector to which a cable is directly connected to the apartment. There are only 3 types of connection:

• across telephone line(for this you need a router with a port or VDSL);
• dedicated internet channel (Ethernet/FTTB);
• over a modern fiber optic network (CPON, CEPON, PON).

There are also 3G routers on the market - they are specially adapted to work with mobile internet. If the budget allows, you can take a universal router that supports several formats (for example, Ethernet + DSL or Ethernet + 3G).

The second point is speed. Which one to buy to make the Internet work faster? To get started, check what tariffs the provider itself offers, and figure out what suits you. Based on this, we will choose a model with suitable characteristics.

V technical specifications routers always indicate the maximum data transfer rate. Remember: this number shows only the theoretical capabilities of the device, without taking into account interference and distance. In reality, the Internet will work 2.5-3 times slower.

The signal speed depends on the standard that the WiFi router supports:

• 802.11ac - the most modern version, theoretically capable of delivering up to 1.3 Gb / s;
• 802.11n - most common, provides speeds up to 600 Mbps;
• 802.11g is an outdated standard that limits connections to 54 Mbps.

However, do not rush to buy the latest "fancy" router. After all, the capabilities of your technology also matter. The vast majority of gadgets now work with 802.11n, and therefore simply cannot process a faster signal.

Main characteristics

We turn to the parameters that no longer depend on the provider, but on your personal preferences and needs. It is impossible to say which Wi-Fi router is better to buy if you do not consider how and what the device will be used for. What do you need to pay attention to?

Number of LAN ports

Usually, stationary equipment that needs a stable Internet connection (computers, TVs, consoles, etc.) is connected to the router via a cable. This ensures maximum speed, which is independent of interference and distance.

Most standard routers have 4 LAN connectors. But if you have a lot of equipment, it makes sense to choose a model with additional ports. For example, ASUS RT-AC88U and TP-LINK TL-R860 allow you to connect up to 8 devices, and the new MikroTik RB2011UiAS-IN - up to 10.

Pay attention to the type of LAN ports. Fast Ethernet connectors are designed for 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet provides data transfer at speeds up to 1 Gbps.

frequency range

Another important feature. WiFi routers can operate at 2.4 or 5 GHz. More modern models support both channels, and can distribute data between ranges.

What should be taken into account? First, what equipment will be connected to the router:

• 2.4 GHz is optimal for smartphones, tablets and office equipment;
• 5 GHz gives a faster and more stable connection, so it is recommended for devices that work with heavier content - TVs, set-top boxes, etc.

Please note that not all gadgets can receive a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz. But if there are a lot of routers around your apartment that can interrupt the signal, this channel is preferable. Switch to more high frequency increase the data exchange rate, but slightly reduce the coverage radius wireless network.

Transmitter power

Buyers rarely pay attention to this parameter, but it is much more important than the theoretical maximum speed.

In budget models, the power rarely exceeds 17 dBm. And this means that the signal of the device will be able to "break through" a maximum of two walls. But not everything is so simple: in almost all countries there are legislative restrictions on the maximum permissible power. The upper threshold for the frequency of 2.4 GHz is considered to be 20 dBm - it is from these models that you should choose if you have a spacious apartment.

Radius of action

Often on the box and in the technical documentation they write the distance over which the network operates. Separately, the radius is indicated indoors and outdoors. But if we talk about which WiFi router is better to buy, then this indicator is very relative. A couple of thick reinforced concrete walls "kill" the signal of even the most powerful routers. At 70%, everything depends not on the device itself, but on the premises.

Type and number of antennas

A common mistake buyers make is to think that energy from multiple antennas will be summed up. But if there are three of them, this does not mean that the network will operate 3 times further or “break through” more walls. This can only make the connection more stable and the coverage even.

But what is worth paying attention to? First of all, antennas - built-in or external. As practice has shown, in a city apartment the difference between them is almost imperceptible. But if we are talking about a large room, it is advisable to choose a model with external antennas. This will provide a more stable coverage, and if necessary, you can replace them with more powerful ones.

In many ways, the quality of the antenna depends on which chip it uses. Therefore, another parameter worth looking at is the gain. To increase the radius and quality of the signal, several types of antennas can be used:

• standard - amplification up to 2 dBi;
• omnidirectional (9 dBi);
• panel (19 dBi);
• parabolic (24 dBi).

Which router is better to buy? On sale there are models with the number of antennas from 1 to 4. For a one-story house or a city apartment, a router for 2-3 antennas with a gain of about 5 dBi is optimal. It is desirable to position the antennas vertically or at a slight angle to each other.

Availability of USB

Models with one or more USB ports are more expensive, but open up a lot to the user additional features. By connecting a drive to a WiFi router, you can create a shared data storage that all devices on the network can connect to. In addition, if cable Internet stops working, you can go online using

Additional "chips"

Many manufacturers produce routers that, in addition to their main function - "distributing" the Internet - have other useful functions.

It is very important if you often work in different places, including outside the city. The built-in 3G modem allows you to connect to the Internet through the networks of cellular operators.

Also on sale you can find specialized routers. Let's briefly talk about which mobile router is better to buy.

The most practical option is multi-standard models that can work with any operators. To select a different network, just change the SIM card or switch through the device's web interface.

Pay attention to which standards the router supports. EVDO Rev.B can deliver up to 14.7 Mbps, while UMTS/HSDPA are considered faster and can operate at speeds up to 42 Mbps.

If the router will be used in places with poor signal strength (for example, in countryside), it is recommended to choose a device with the ability to connect its own antenna.

Among popular models we can note the routers Pantech MHS291L, Novatei MiFi 6620L Rev.B, ZTE AC30.

Which router is better to buy? In 2014, there was a real "boom" - people began to massively switch from conventional cable to IPTV. Digital television provides much more quality sound and image. At the same time, you can watch any channels from around the world, as well as use additional features such as rewind and transfer recording.

Multiple hotspots

A useful feature is the ability to use one router to create not one, but several wireless networks. First of all, this is relevant for offices and retail premises, when there is a need to divide traffic between employees and visitors. For example, you can restrict clients' access to various network equipment (computers, servers, etc.).

Torrent client

If you often download high-quality movies, games, and other content, it makes sense to choose a WiFi router with a built-in torrent client. In this case, the router can background download the necessary files to the connected drive instead of loading the computer or laptop itself.

Many people who decide to create a wireless network in their apartment are faced with the problem of choosing a router. Now on the market there is a huge selection of different routers (aka router). And if an ordinary PC user could independently configure the router, then choosing it introduces a person into difficulty. Often people rely on the opinion of the seller, not realizing that basically, selling the router is not his main occupation and he relies on the opinion of the masses. Therefore, after buying and configuring the router, there are problems with loss of speed, frequent interruptions in the Internet connection, and you have to periodically turn off and on the router. As you probably already understood, the whole point is that the router was chosen incorrectly. Therefore, as a master involved in the repair and configuration of digital equipment, I decided in this article to help you with choosing a router. We will look at what you should pay attention to and what you should beware of. I will make a reservation right away that the information is relevant for the period of the end of 2013 and I think that everything will remain unchanged until at least mid-2014.
Content:

Router cost

First, let's talk about the most interesting What should be the cost wifi router? On many forums, people write that you need to take the cheapest router possible, motivating this by the fact that all their functions are the same and the cheapest router is enough for private use. I don't agree with this. I, as a master in installing and repairing routers, most often go to repair cheap routers. The main problems are commonplace: the torrent does not work well, the connection disappears, very low speed. This does not mean that cheap models are made of poor quality, they were simply created for other purposes, not those that an advanced user is now pursuing. If we always had instructions, we would immediately understand this. Having analyzed the market offers, I advise you to choose the most expensive of the budget models. Price category a normal router for an apartment - $ 25-50. Having bought a router in a normal store for such a price, you can save yourself from minor problems.

What parameters should I pay attention to

1. Price- as I said above, the cost of a normal router should be at least $ 25. This will immediately mark a number of problems.
2. Manufacturer company (Brand)- There are a lot of companies producing routers, but there are also the most popular manufacturers of budget routers, such as D-Link, Asus, TP-Link. Each of these companies is popular in its own way, each has its own advantages. But there are also downsides. The Dlink company (which is considered the most popular in the CIS) has frequent disconnections in some models. Also, one of the new firmware had a problem with Wifi, but they fixed it in the shortest possible time (but there was a problem). We draw our own conclusions.) ASUS still hasn't solved the problem with iptv (IP TV), Wai Fay doesn't work. Tp link had problems connecting to the Internet, but now everything seems to be fixed. The conclusion suggests itself, the choice of brand is not so important. Each has both positive and negative sides. It is also not worth choosing some little-known company, in case of marriage or breakdown, you are tormented to look for a service center.
3. Desired specifications“Choosing a router with quality hardware will also help us use it without occasional problems. So, what parameters should you pay attention to. RAM (should be at least 32 MB, preferably 64 MB, but ideally 128 MB) - RAM affects the speed of the router and, indirectly, the number of devices connected to it. The processor must be at least 300 MHz. Flash memory 16 MB or more. For a good signal, one antenna is enough, but I advise you to choose a router with two antennas, this will increase the radius of not only the transmitted signal, but also the receiving power of the router.
4. Support various types internet connection- this is not worth talking about much, because modern routers support all types of connections currently used by providers (the most popular connection types are PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE, VPN). For a 3g connection, you need to use special routers, their distinguishing feature is the presence of a USB port (but this is a topic for a separate article).
5. WiFi standard 802.11n is the most popular wireless connection standard. It should be in any model of routers.

That, in principle, is all that you should pay attention to when choosing wifi router a.

The best Wi-Fi routers

I will present to your attention those models of routers that I consider the most suitable for an apartment.

TP Link TL-WR841ND

Excellent model, over the years of work, there have never been problems with the configuration and operation of this model.

General characteristics

• A type wifi hotspot access
• MIMO support is
• Information security WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x
• Transmitter power 20 dBM
• Switch 4xLAN
• Port speed 100 Mbps
• There is a router
• NAT is
• SPI yes
• DHCP server is
• Support for Dynamic DNS is
• Number of external antennas 2
• Type of external antenna is not removable
• There is a web interface
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 192x33x130 mm

ASUS RT-N12

Excellent model, no failures in work. But there is one significant disadvantage: ASUS will not solve the problems with working iptv over WiFi. It is possible in the settings to select one of the LAN ports for IP television and that's it. If you are not interested in this type of television, the model will suit you.

General characteristics

• Type Wi-Fi hotspot
• Wireless standard 802.11n, frequency 2.4 GHz
• MIMO support is
• Max. speed wireless connection 300 Mbps
• Information security WEP, WPA, WPA2
• Transmitter power 19.5 dBM
• There is a router
• Firewall (FireWall) yes
• NAT is
• SPI yes
• DHCP server is
• Support for Dynamic DNS is
• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) yes
• Static routing is
• Number of external antennas 2
• Type of external antenna detachable
• There is a web interface
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 179x37x119 mm
• Weight 300 g

So far, this is all I can say about choosing a router. I hope the information will help you and you will make the right choice.

I advise you to watch the video: What is the difference between a router and a WiFi access point?
.

I think that even a reader far from technology has ever heard of wireless routers, or as they are called in another way - routers. This device allows you to organize a local wireless network in your home or office, which connects several devices on the network and provides Internet access. Such devices in home network can be desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, NAS, smart TVs and other equipment with wireless connectivity, up to a multicooker. It is worth bearing in mind the fact that demon wired connection, I do not exclude the possibility of using wires when operating the router.

It is quite difficult to choose the necessary model of a wireless router, because there are many models of routers, and their cost can differ by several orders of magnitude. In this article I will talk about what characteristics you should pay attention to in this type of equipment so that the model has a minimum cost and meets your requirements.

It's no secret that hardware is a combination of a hardware platform and a software shell, and the most effective interaction between them can make a particular router an ideal purchase. To the greatest extent, the article will focus on devices with an Internet connection using Ethernet technology, that is, when using a standard network cable ( twisted pair), but most of the information will be useful for DSL and optical users as well.

Specifications

Choosing a router: wired connection

Almost every router carries LAN ports on board for connecting both wired devices and the operator's Internet cable, with the exception of mobile routers with the support cellular networks(3G or 4G) and Wi-Fi. For example, if you see the designation 1 × WAN + 4 × LAN, then this inscription indicates the presence of one LAN port for connecting to a provider (WAN) and four ports for connecting devices that will be used on your home network.

If you are faced with a lack of LAN ports when using a wired connection of devices to a router, then you can use network switches. They will expand the capabilities of your router: one port of the router will be able to receive two, four or more devices. The only thing to consider is that each wired client on the network needs its own port, as well as the limitation of the cable length from the router to the network client - 100 m.

As for such an important parameter as the data transfer rate when devices are connected to the router by wire, everything is quite transparent here: 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). When used at home NAS networks servers and powerful PCs, a wired connection at a speed of 1 Gb / s will be a priority.

A wired connection has an important advantage over wireless - it is a constant and maximum data transfer rate that does not depend on the activity of the wireless equipment of neighboring networks and does not react so sharply over long distances, as well as other nuances of work. The obvious downside is the cabling.

Choosing a router: wireless connection

most important characteristic wireless router are the parameters of the access point installed in it:

• number of bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz;
• supported standards (today 802.11n and 802.11ac are relevant);
• maximum connection speed.

Router ranges

There are currently two Wi-Fi bands in use: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. In a city environment in the 2.4 GHz band, you will encounter dozens of neighboring networks, which affects both the speed and stability of your connection, so I recommend dual-band devices (supporting two bands at once - 2.4 + 5 GHz), since the 5 GHz band is still relatively free. It should be noted that buying a dual-band router only makes sense if your customers have 5 GHz support in your home network. If you explain on your fingers, then a dual-band router carries two independent radio modules on board, creating two independent access points. Clients, in turn, are able to connect to any of them, but only to one at a time.

WiFi standards

Today we have two Wi-Fi standards:

• 802.11n, which is in mass demand and capable of operating in two bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz;
• 802.11ac, a growing trend supported by flagship devices, but only using the 5GHz band.

The 802.11ac standard boasts faster connection speeds. Note that, as with range, clients on the home network must support these standards.

If you pay attention to the connection speed of the router in the technical specifications, you will see numbers that are about two times lower in practice. Do not forget that the wireless router shares all its speed between all connected clients in the home network. Thus, the more clients exchange data simultaneously, the more the speed drops for each. Plus, there is a direct dependence of the connection speed on the distance and the presence of obstacles.

It is possible to estimate the connection speed when using the 802.11n standard by the number of antennas:

• 1 antenna - maximum speed 150 Mbps (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz);
• 2 antennas - 300 Mbps;
• 3 antennas - 450 Mbps.

And as always, we should not forget about consistency with the characteristics of the client - the receiving device. Considering the fact that most smartphones have only one antenna, a 450 Mbps router can only be useful for them in terms of improved coverage, and not in terms of formal connection speed.

There is one more small nuance - some models of clients and routers have restrictions in the 2.4 GHz band. As a result, 150 Mbps are provided only when operating on a “wide channel” (it is designated “40 MHz” or “HT40”, the equipment uses two channels at once, and not one with an increased bandwidth), but some devices, in the presence of neighboring networks, are capable of provide only a 20 MHz channel, resulting in a connection speed of 65-72 Mbps per antenna.

The use of 802.11ac in a home network has the advantage of being able to operate four channels simultaneously (“80 MHz”, “HT80”), thereby providing 433 Mbps per antenna (867 Mbps per two antennas, 1300 Mbps /s to three antennas). As a result, on smartphones, you may well get 200 Mbps of real speed for data exchange.

To fully cover the topic of ranges and wireless standards wi-fi, it is worth mentioning the consistency of the characteristics of the router with wired ports. With 100 Mbps available on the WAN and LAN ports, using 802.11ac is not advisable, since it will not be able to fully “open up” on mobile device when accessing the Internet or computers local network. It is no less curious that among the top routers there are devices with a not very correct name -. In fact, the router has one access point with a 2.4 GHz band and a pair at 5 GHz, in turn, the latter two operate on different sets of channels and do not interfere with each other, which theoretically can provide an increase overall performance with the correct distribution of clients across different access points.

Choosing a router: antennas

An important characteristic that affects the quality of a wireless connection is the design of antennas. Most router models have external antennas, and only a few devices differ in the use of internal ones in the design. In the conditions of a city apartment or a private house, you will not notice any clear advantage for routers with external antennas, so you can freely choose a router according to the case design. A construct using external antennas can be useful if you need to replace antennas with better ones or to move away from the router case, but no one will give guarantees that the situation will improve.

If we talk about restrictions on the maximum number of simultaneously served clients, then home models of routers usually do not have them. In practice, it is realistic to use up to 20 devices, but a lot will depend on the clients used and on their requirements for speed and traffic volumes. Feel the difference between connecting five smartphones to browse sites, and five IP cameras with high resolution and bitrate.

USB ports

As you probably already know, mid-range routers and most high-end routers have USB ports with versions 2.0 and / or 3.0.

USB ports in routers are needed for:

• connecting USB drives (for file sharing);
• printers or MFPs (for network printing from PCs and mobile devices);
• cellular modems with 3G or 4G (for a backup or main channel for connecting to the Internet).

You can also use USB hubs (preferably active, with additional external power) to increase the number of simultaneously connected devices.
Possible extensions of the range of connected USB devices are determined by the firmware of the router. Availability of USB 3.0 is only needed to work with big files on the corresponding version of USB-drives - for other devices, USB 2.0 is enough.

Hardware platform

The hardware specifications include the processor model and the amount of RAM and flash memory, and to evaluate them, it is better to focus on the performance test results shown by the device. So it’s usually worth paying attention to them only from the point of view of installing alternative firmware versions on the router. And in this case, you need to focus on the presence of these firmware for a specific router model, and not on the installed microcircuits. The most famous hardware brands are Broadcom, Mediatek, Qualcomm and Realtek.

Other Options

In some cases, it will be useful to pay attention to the overall dimensions, the presence of a wall mount, the presence of power off and Wi-Fi buttons, the location of the ventilation holes, the design and power of the power supply.

Choosing a router: firmware

The firmware built into the router no less than the processor or radio module affects the operation of the device. As a rule, each manufacturer has some basic set for all models and expands it depending on their hardware features and the seniority of the router in the line (for example, the presence of USB ports). In practice, the situation rarely arises when new firmware from the manufacturer at some point significantly expanded the functionality of the router, so only alternative firmware can come to your aid.

What new new firmware can bring to your router? For example, support for new ways to connect to the Internet. Especially given the number of providers in Russia, the correct operation of the router with the operator's equipment is a frequent stumbling block. Standard types connections such as IPoE, PPPoE, PPTP or L2TP are supported by most models, you can check with your ISP for details.

IPoE is the simplest and fast way connecting to the Internet, when the WAN port of your router simply receives an IP address from the provider's equipment. PPPoE is a little more complicated and requires specifying a username and password in the router, which are issued by the ISP. These two types of connection are the least resource intensive for the router and provide the highest speed.

PPTP and L2TP are becoming less common these days. For them, in addition to the name and password, you must also specify the address of the provider's access server. These modes create heavy load on router processors, and may also have certain compatibility issues. Some manufacturers implement special assistants in routers to simplify setting up an Internet connection for certain providers.

IPTV

The provision of television viewing services through Internet operators is in great demand on the Russian market. The configurations encountered involve connecting an IPTV set-top box to a dedicated port of the router (including using VLAN technology to separate traffic), broadcasting TV channels using technology, installing a set-top box behind a router without a dedicated port, using a computer program (without a set-top box) and others.

If you want to use the IPTV service of your Internet provider, you must first clarify the details of the provision of this service and the recommended connection scheme. In the case of working on a dedicated port for the set-top box, you will need a direct network cable from a router to a TV that will work exclusively for the set-top box. I also note that wireless communications are not very well suited for this type of traffic, but in some situations they can still be used. Some providers provide for a fee wireless bridges to connect IPTV set-top boxes without wiring a cable around the apartment or you can use.

The easiest and most guaranteed way to connect IPTV is to use the operator's equipment, but you can use other equipment to work with this service.

USB ports for extended functionality

The presence of USB ports allows you to implement many additional functions in the router, but this requires the appropriate firmware.
Their most common use is connecting hard disk or flash drive for organization public access to files by SMB protocols (windows network) and FTP. The second protocol also allows you to provide files for remote users through the Internet. Depending on USB version, wired port speed and platform performance this service can be used to store work files, create backups, organizing a media library and solving other problems.

In most router models with USB ports implemented and , which allows you to broadcast multimedia to SmartTVs and other devices on your wireless home network. True, there may be subtleties of compatibility with devices and formats. On some fast devices, you can implement a system for offline downloading files from the Internet using various protocols that does not require a constantly turned on computer.

Another great opportunity to use the USB port is to connect a 3G / 4G modem to provide Internet access. This can be either the main channel, for example, for giving, or a backup channel, which is used in case of failure of the main wired connection. This is where support comes into play. specific models cellular modems. The compatibility list is usually given on the router manufacturer's website. USB port on the router can also be used to connect your printer to your home network. In the firmware, in this case, at least the print function is implemented, but working with a scanner in an MFP is not always possible.

Additional features of the router

• built-in DDNS client;
• IPv6 protocol support;
• bandwidth control (QoS);
• the ability to create multiple connections to the Internet;
• IGMP protocol support and/or udpxy service for IPTV operation
• the ability to organize guest networks without access to local resources of the wireless network;
• restriction of access and organization of Wi-Fi work according to the schedule;
• firewall, installation of additional filters, creation of port translation rules to allow external access to services (for example, for a home server);
• parental control;
• access filters to sites by category (SkyDNS and Yandex.DNS);
• VPN server for organizing secure remote access to the local network via the Internet;
• functions network diagnostics and extended event logs.

Router web interface

The web interface is used to configure the router by (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the browser. Often, this page is automatically redirected when trying to access the Internet through a router or when setting up the device after purchase, as well as after resetting the settings. Read recommendations for setting up a router. While using the device, you will not need access to the web interface, unless you want to use the additional services that I wrote about above.

Mobile applications

Today, several companies, in addition to the web interface (router control from a browser), offer branded ones as an alternative to launch the router and control its operation. mobile applications. This may be useful for initial setup from a tablet or smartphone, which are not always convenient for a “full-fledged” web interface. In addition, through these programs, you can quickly change some settings - for example, turn on guest network or allow certain clients to access the internet. Usually these utilities work only "from the inside" - when you connect your smartphone to the router's wireless network. But sometimes there are cloud options that do not require this. This option is interesting if you need to remotely (for example, from work or while on the road) control the operation of the router.

Alternative firmware

Most users, after purchasing a router, use it with factory firmware, but I recommend installing it on a router alternative versions firmware if you need to get new functionality or malfunctions, because in custom firmware router, some shortcomings of the original version can be corrected or the set of its capabilities can be expanded.
Depending on the router model, installing alternative firmware can be either elementary (for example, downloading a file downloaded from the Internet using standard tools) or complex, including disassembling the device and connecting a console cable. Either option violates the terms warranty service router installed by the manufacturer, but if the router is physically functional, then you can always return the original firmware version to it.

Other Options

By the way, the availability of lists of recommended router models from Internet providers is worth special attention, since focusing on them will minimize connection problems, especially additional services, but it is worth considering that the models from this list are not very functional.

Conclusion

As you can see, a wireless router solves a rather meager set of basic tasks, but when choosing a router, you need to take into account many factors, because you can buy a router for both 1000 and 20,000 rubles.
When choosing a router, clearly define the requirements for the device and the range of tasks it solves, and then you can already make an approximate list of applicants for the purchase and study them in more detail on the manufacturers' websites and on the website.

Top 10 Best Routers of 2016

For dessert, I prepared a selection of the best wireless routers in terms of price and quality. In addition to high performance, easy setup and operation in the router, equipment and functionality are equally important. You may well need the ability to connect external drives or "smart" distribution of data transfer rates between all clients in.

The title of the best router can rightfully be ASUS RT-AC88U(overview previous model ASUS RT-AC87U you can read). This model demonstrates excellent throughput - up to 700 Mbps and equipment: 6 gigabit LAN ports and 2 USB (versions 3.0 and 2.0). Of the shortcomings, one can note only the absence of a DSL modem.

Best WLAN Router with DSL Modem - ASUS DSL-AC68U. This wireless router delivers excellent performance and has four gigabit LAN ports with USB 3.0 for connecting a printer or external hard drive.

Router model with the best value for money - D-Link DIR-850L, which is able to offer everything you need from a modern wireless router, with support for the 802.11ac standard and carries 4 gigabit LAN ports on board.

TOP 10 WLAN routers

1. Asus RT-AC88U
2. Asus RT-AC5300
3. Asus RT-AC87U
4. Netgear R7800
5. Synology RT1900AC
6. Netgear R6400
7. Asus DSL-AC68U
8. Zyxel NBG6816
9. Asus RT-AC3200
10. D-Link DIR-890L

Before proceeding to the rating of Wi-Fi routers for an apartment, we would like to note that, unlike the same smartphones or cars, these devices do not have a direct connection newer = better. Therefore, our today's top of the best routers will primarily consist not of the newest devices, but of the most relevant ones, which, even after a long time since entering the market, remain the best solutions in their price segment. The explanation is done, and now it's time to finally choose the best Wi-Fi router for home in 2018-2019!

No. 10 - TP-Link TL-WR841N

Price: 1200 rubles

A living classic, this device is by far the most popular router in Russia, and it's no wonder. The gadget can distribute a signal to 6 receivers and has a potential speed of 300Mbps, which its competitors in the budget price segment cannot boast of. Supporting all major protocols and having a good encryption system, this router is a perfectly balanced device for home use.

The cons relate to the assembly and materials from which the device is made. You need to handle it with care, otherwise it will fail much earlier than you expect. The router does not support the 5GHz frequency, which every day is becoming an increasing disadvantage for such equipment. But low cost and ease of setup continue to bribe domestic buyers, which means that this model will not fall out of various ratings for several more years.

TP Link TL-WR841N

No. 9 - Mikrotik HAP Lite

Price: 1600 rubles
A device from a lesser-known brand is quite different from its competitors, at least in design – we see a pretty stylish blue and white box equipped with interesting ventilation slots around the perimeter. The device does not have external antennas, which can be a plus for someone, but two internal babies of 1.5 dBi each for a spacious apartment with an abundance of partitions are definitely not enough. Max speed modest, but sufficient for everyday needs - 150 Mbps.

The most interesting thing is sewn into the software heart of the device, namely the Router OC system. With its help, you can implement a seamless transition between access points, bridge mode, and even VPN - you will not find such a wealth of functionality among much more expensive competitors. By the way, the device can be connected to several providers at once - great option for those who prefer to have a second internet for insurance.

Mikrotik HAP Lite

#8 - Zyxel Keenetic START II

Price: 1500 rubles
Perhaps the best budget router for the home at the beginning of 2018. It is worth noting the excellent ergonomics and ease of use - the power button is located on the upper surface, so no traditional gymnastic exercises are required to reboot the device, and all the signatures are in Russian - everyone can handle it. Let's immediately reduce the laudatory degree - the device has only two Ethernet ports, which is often not enough for comfortable use by all family members.

The device has a good performance for its cost and is easy to set up, and it is updated completely automatically. If you are wondering which budget Wi-Fi router is best for your home, the answer is in front of you.

Zyxel Keenetic START II

#7 – Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3

Price: 2000 rubles
Soon, the products of this Chinese concern will probably start to appear in the ratings of plumbing and space stations. But you can’t argue against the truth, Xiaomi has again entered an unfamiliar market by opening the door wide with its foot, or rather with a great router at a very affordable price.

Judge for yourself - support for both operating frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz, more bandwidth - 1 Gb / s, four good external antennas that can easily cover a fairly solid space, as well as its own proprietary firmware that allows the device much more compared to competitors. Such a router could look good at the top of our rating, but there are still questions from the owners about the quality, and therefore we will wait for the new generation of routers from Xiaomi and there we will give them what they deserve.

Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 3

#6 - Asus RT-N66U

Price: 4900 rubles
Representative of the middle price segment, able to impress even sophisticated users. Three powerful external antennas, support for 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, there are 4 switch ports that allow you to establish a wired connection of three devices - a very good introduction.

The main thing is the rave reviews from consumers, vying with each other reporting excellent performance and speed, as well as the incredible ease of setup of this device. Oh yes, it can sync with USB modems. Bandwidth- 900 Mbps, which means that even if you have a large family, each member of which has 2-3 gadgets, there should be no problems with connection speed if you have a decent service package from the provider. Of the minuses - the device heats up, it is impossible to say how much it is fraught with total overheating and failure based on reviews. WITH software you will also have to sweat, not all firmware are optimally suited for this model. Despite this, it is a well-deserved sixth place in our ranking of the best routers for the home of 2018-2019.

#5 - TP-Link Archer C7

Price: 6600 rubles
Very stylish, which is unusual this species technology, this router it pays for a pretty look with not the highest practicality - it is better not to touch the glossy surface of the case with greasy fingers, and you will have to wipe the dust regularly if it is in a conspicuous place. Now about the good - three antennas of average power 5 dBi are included in the kit, not enough for an aircraft hangar, but for a three or four room apartment - quite. There are five Ethernet ports, which means that you will avoid the agony of choosing which device to connect to the router.

The device is dual-band, which means that residents of high-rise buildings will not face a situation where the channel is completely clogged with neighbors. There is support for LTE modems, a firewall and a host of other useful things. The declared speed is 1750 Mbps, but providers who are ready to provide a package of services at such a speed do not come to my mind, and therefore you should not focus on this figure when choosing a router. A good serious router, which is still better suited for an apartment than for a private house or office.

TP Link Archer C7

No. 4 - Mikrotik RGB951G-2HND

Price: 4400 rubles
An almost ideal model in terms of price, quality and reliability. There are no inflated numbers in the characteristics, but all available ones are real. The speed of 300 Mbps is far from the maximum figures of competitors, but in fact the gigabit stream is still something mythical in Russia and is available only to the elite, so the developers were able to find a balance between the indicator and the cost of implementation. Bridge mode is supported, and up to five devices can be legalized at the same time.

We do not forget about the excellent assembly, stable operation and the widest functional settings common to all models of this brand. The antenna signal and the filling of the router are on top. Sadness is poor compatibility with a number of USB hubs and 4G networks, but in practice one out of a hundred users will be able to experience this inconvenience.

Mikrotik RGB951G-2HND

#3 - Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

Price: 9000 rubles
Comparison of routers of the highest price segments is pure taste, and therefore the location of the top three in our rating is based solely on the personal preferences of the authors, these models practically do not differ functionally. Dual band, support for the latest 802.11ac standard, maximum available speed of 1Gbps - what more could you ask for?

Everything available methods encryption, full set goodies like VPN or downloading files to a connected external drive. You can even connect a printer or an LTE modem - complete freedom of choice for the owner. negative feedback owners this device not found, and therefore, if you have the required amount, you can safely answer the question of which router is better for home today by going to an electronics store for this model.

Zyxel Keenetic Ultra II

#2 - Apple Time Capsule 2TB ME177

Price: 17 500 rubles
Did you notice how the appearance of the word Apple in the model name changed the order of prices? But the point here is not only the promotion of the brand. The main thing is that such a router can be used as a file server, because it is equipped with a built-in drive for as much as 2 terabytes! Now the owners of macbooks with a modest volume and incredible price of SSD licked their lips and began to hastily google where you can buy such a miracle of technology.

Great design is another hallmark of Apple technology. Otherwise, we have a standard router upper class– dual band, great antennas, incredible data rates available. And the minus is clear - the price is still the main drawback of products with a logo in the form of a bitten apple.

Apple Time Capsule 2TB

#1 - Asus RT-AC88U

Price: 15,000 rubles
The router of the future that can power dozens of devices with an incredible 3167Mbps dedicated channel. Today, especially at home, such indicators look like a whim, but progress by leaps and bounds leads us to a wonderful new world high-speed Internet, which means that in a couple of years such figures will become commonplace and a necessity for comfortable work.
, well, for one put like (thumbs up) for the work. Thanks!
Subscribe to our Telegram @mxsmart.