Choosing a Wi-Fi router - Rating of the best models for the home. Which router is better to buy? Which WiFi router is better to buy? Which router is better for Kinko Network?

A Wi-Fi router allows several devices that support data exchange using Wi-Fi technology to access the Internet at once. In other words, a router is a network device that connects to the Internet and distributes a similar capability to other devices using either Wi-Fi or LAN.

Which Wi-Fi router is better: choosing a router

The main role in choosing a router, of course, is played by its characteristics. However, an equally important indicator of its quality and reliability is the manufacturer. Based on this, you should purchase a device manufactured by companies such as: TP-LINK, ASUS, D-link, HP. These companies produce some of the best router models.

Today, there are several types of network standards.

1. 802.11 a – speed up to 54 Mb/s
2. 802.11 b – speed up to 11 Mb/s
3. 802.11 g – speed up to 54 Mb/s
4. 802.11 n – speed up to 600 Mb/s
5. 802.11 ac – speed over 1Gb/s

When choosing a Wi-Fi router, you should pay attention to models of the 802.11 n standard and higher.

Our Top Wi-Fi routers:

1. Wi-Fi router Zyxel Keenetic 4G III

It is used in conjunction with more than 70 variants of USB modems, which are among those especially popular for working with 3 and 4G mobile Internet formats. The router is capable of operating in 4G LTE using CDC-Ethernet and NDIS mode.

There is no need to install special firmware or additionally adapt the device. You just need to connect the device to the USB port by selecting the mobile network. This will provide access to the Internet for all computers and devices that are connected to the router: via Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

If a failure occurs or the modem freezes, the device automatically restarts the connection: for this we can reboot in terms of power.

Thanks to the Mediatek MT7620N 580 MHz processor, which has a hardware network accelerator and the new NDMS 2 operating system, the router can operate in mobile networks at speeds below 100 Megabits per second.

2. Wi-Fi router TP-LINK TL-WR841N

The device is designed for use in small office spaces and at home. 2T2R MIMO technology makes it possible to form a network with ultra-high information transfer speed. This allows you to continuously stream video online: the quality remains high. You can run online games. In addition, IP telephony operates at a high level.

The device supports the IEEE 802.11n standard, thanks to which you can establish wireless connections, the speed and signal range of which are fifteen and five times greater than those of conventional devices operating according to the 11g standard.

With the help of a router, the information transfer speed reaches 300 Megabits per second. Thanks to SSA technology, the likelihood of conflicts occurring during the transfer of information is eliminated. This gives an increase in connection performance. The use of WPA/WPA2 encryption technologies allows for increased security of information.

The device is capable of supporting Wi-Fi Protected Setup. The device has a button that allows you to quickly configure the protection – QSS. Protect your wireless network with just one click. Then WPA2 security is automatically installed. This is an additional convenience: you don’t need to remember your password.

Thanks to the IP QoS function, the network has the best throughput, and traffic is streamlined depending on the user’s tasks. This limits applications that are currently of lesser importance so that they do not overload the network.
Installing the device and setting up the network is possible even if you do not have the relevant experience: the router package includes a disk that contains detailed, clear instructions on how to perform these manipulations.

3. Wi-Fi router Asus RT-N12 VP

The purpose of the multifunctional wireless router Asus RT-N11P is to work in home networks and in small office spaces.

With its help, it is possible to ensure high speed information transfer via a wireless connection. This speed allows you to comfortably play games online, stream video, and use Internet telephony.

The device is easy to configure, even if the user does not have relevant experience.

4. Wi-Fi router TP-LINK TL-WR941ND

The tasks of the Zyxel Keenetic III Internet center include providing reliable and convenient connection of home devices to the Internet, IP television, the services of which are provided by providers through dedicated lines with any type of connection: IPoE, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, 802.1X, VLAN 802.1Q ,IPv4/IPv6.

The device provides full high-speed mode within tariffs below 100 Megabits per second, the type of connection and the nature of the loads do not matter.

Thanks to the use of proprietary Link Duo and TV Port technologies, it is possible to simultaneously access the Internet and local services.

The device is capable of connecting to the network via dozens of types of USB modems in 3G/4G formats. A DSL modem, a provider's PON terminal with an Ethernet port, a provider's Wi-Fi hotspot, or a personal one can be used.

5. Wi-Fi router Apple AirPort Express (MC414RU/A)

This device can eliminate issues related to the formation of wireless networks for home or small office premises.

The router works best with Wi-Fi. This opportunity is provided by support for modern Wi-Fi standards: 802.11 n in two frequencies at once - 2.4 and 5 GHz. Both ranges can be used simultaneously. The device allows you to create a separate guest network: the password for the main network will be known only to the owner.

It is possible to organize shared access and a network printer. You just need to connect the desired device to the built-in connector.

Shared access is possible, combining computers on tables, network drives and digital media.

What to look for when choosing a Wi-Fi router

2. Router and DHCP server. The router provides access to the Internet for all connected devices. In this case, for each of them the DHCP server determines its own internal IP address. This allows several connected devices to access the Internet at once using one external IP address.

3. Range. When choosing a router, special attention should be paid to its range. This is what determines the distance from which devices can access the Internet. However, it must be taken into account that the data regarding the range of the device indicated by the manufacturer are far from accurate and may differ from its actual capabilities several times. This is due to the fact that manufacturers indicate the capabilities of the router, focusing on ideal external conditions, which in reality are almost impossible to achieve. There are many factors that influence the range of a router, ranging from partitions and walls in the apartment to home furniture. It is necessary to take them all into account for the most successful location of the device.

4. Antennas. The efficiency of a router directly depends on the number of antennas installed on it. The more antennas, the higher the Internet speed. So, a router that has only one antenna uses it to both receive and transmit data. At the same time, when connecting third-party devices, the transmission speed will inevitably drop in order to ensure normal operation of the router. The presence of two antennas allows the device to use one of them for reception and the other for data transmission. At the same time, the speed of the Internet connection remains consistently high. If a device has three antennas, then two of them are aimed at data transmission, and one at reception. The maximum number of antennas in a device can be up to 6. It is advisable that the selected router has the ability to replace antennas with more powerful ones. In this way, you can make your Internet connection better and better by purchasing more powerful types of antennas.

5. Data encryption. Data encryption is a critical part of keeping your Internet connection secure. An unauthorized connection to the network can significantly reduce Internet speed. Almost all modern routers use 2 data encryption methods: WPA and WEP. WPA is considered the more reliable of them.

6. USB slot. This feature is not required. It can be used to connect various devices to the router, such as a printer, flash drive, or hard drive. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to share files available on these devices with other users connected to Wi-Fi.

7. Connecting a 3G modem to a Wi-Fi router. The USB interface does not yet guarantee the ability to connect to the router; the ability to connect a G-modem to the router. Not all routers have this feature. The need for its presence lies in the inability of some users to connect to a landline provider. In addition, 3G is a safety option in case of problems with a standard connection.

8. ADSL connection. If you have an ADSL Internet connection, you should choose a router that supports this type of connection. In this case, there is no need to use an ADSL modem to obtain additional functionality.

9. Number of ports in the router. The largest number of access points include 4 Ethernet ports. This makes it possible to connect several devices to the Internet via a wired network. Such devices can be a receiver, a desktop computer, or a TV. At the same time, it remains possible to use a wireless connection. However, you need to remember that connecting via cable is more reliable and faster. Therefore, for stationary devices it is better to use this type.

10. Port speed. Providers generally provide Internet speeds of up to 100 Mb/s. However, the times are not far off when this figure will be several hundred Mb/s. That is why it is better to purchase a device that will support gigabit networks. So, you should choose a router whose port speed is 1000 Mb/s. This will allow him to remain in demand and relevant for a long time. This recommendation applies only to those users who use the Internet to the maximum. The rest can be content with a quite good 100 Mb/s. Web interface With its help, you can configure the device using a browser. This means that the settings menu will look like a website.

11. Router firmware. The ability to flash firmware is available in almost all router models. This feature allows you to eliminate existing errors in operation, as well as improve the efficiency and ease of use of the device. Therefore, when asking which router to choose, you should pay attention to how easily it can be flashed and how often new firmware is released for it. When choosing any router, you must strictly adhere to the selection criteria listed above. Even the top router models may simply not be suitable for the specific environment in which they will operate. It is also important to remember that it is better to buy an inexpensive router, no matter what speed it has (usually it is enough for normal work on the Internet), but one that provides stable and reliable operation. The best router must certainly meet the criteria of quality and security against unauthorized connection to the network.

Video on how to choose the right Wi-Fi router:

Why did Toshiba at a certain point become the most popular company in Russia? Laptops from this manufacturer in the 90s...

Of course, social media has a lot of really useful uses, but before you log into Facebook on your computer or open the app on your smartphone today, read these reasons why you should quit Facebook this year.

Modern data transmission technologies do not stand still and are improving every day. Today, anyone has the opportunity to access broadband Internet, and this no longer surprises anyone. The activities of many professions these days directly depend on the Internet. And we are used to always having a device with access to the network at hand so that we can find the necessary information there at any time. A new step in development is the invention of a device that allows you to receive a signal and provide Internet access to several computers in an apartment at the same time. Now you can use the network's capabilities comfortably. The apartment is no longer entangled in an endless network of wires, and family members no longer argue over the order of work at the computer. So, the benefits of a wireless router are undeniable, but what type of device do you need? What are their differences? Advantages and disadvantages? What is better to choose for use in a private home? Let's try to figure it out.

Main selection criteria

Before deciding to purchase any router, we recommend checking with your ISP. To begin with, it will be useful to obtain information about the types of Internet connections that your provider provides. This can be a connection via LAN, 3 G - 4G and ADSL. You should also find out about the provider's technical requirements for routers (types of protocols) and the compatibility of different device models. Subsequently, this will allow you to make an informed choice and avoid many mistakes.

Choosing an affordable but high-quality router from all the variety on the market today will not be easy. It is necessary to take into account a number of criteria. Here are the main things you should pay attention to:

Price

After looking at the reviews on the forums, you may come to the conclusion that all routers have the same set of functions, are similar in operation, and so on, and it is better to choose from the cheapest ones so as not to overpay for air. In reality this is not the case. High-quality assembly from good components, and therefore high reliability, can be found in fairly expensive products. Inexpensive routers require appropriate spare parts, which will certainly affect the quality of signal reception and coverage area. To be fair, let’s say that the statement that budget models break more often is not always true. But still, if you can buy a more expensive device, you should go for it.

Brand

There are a number of well-known brands of routers, but each has advantages and disadvantages. For example, D-Link is considered the manufacturer of some of the most inexpensive routers, but the reliability of routers of this brand is often poor. According to professionals and ordinary consumers, it is better to choose a device from one of the following companies:

• Linksys (one of the most expensive devices, but the quality and reliability are excellent),
• Asus (according to online reviews, holds a leading position),
• Zyxel (makes several good models),
• TP-Link (high-quality routers for little money).

All these manufacturers provide a one-year warranty on the operation of their routers.

Technical features

Types of antennas

Structurally, they can be internal or external. Increasing the number of external antennas leads to an improvement in the network signal. For a router in a private home, having a multi-antenna device is simply necessary. This will give a stable signal in all areas of the house and even outside.

Speed

It is worth mentioning separately the speed of the wireless network and Wi-Fi support. Most modern routers support Wi-Fi technology, but there are still some outdated models that do not provide it. The speed at which the network will operate is perhaps the most important indicator. Check it in the router specification and be sure to compare it with the possible speed of your Internet (the one declared by the provider). They should be approximately equal.

Access protocols

Another point that requires attention is protocols. The subtlety here is that providers can use different protocols in their work. The router must be compatible with the protocol available to your ISP.

Network connection method

Think in advance about which port the connection will be made through. Otherwise, there is a chance that you simply will not be able to connect the router and the Internet cable, and the money on the device will be wasted.

USB port

An auxiliary option that can be very useful. Via USB, it is possible to connect a printer over a network, use a USB modem, or use the router as an FTP server.

Security and ease of setup

It is advisable to have a firewall on the router. This will protect your computer from hacker attacks that occur on the World Wide Web. By choosing a device with a Web interface, you will get easy and quick setup.

Router for a private home

The main difference between a router for a private home and a router for an apartment is the range of the Wi-Fi signal. This indicator is especially important if you want not only to use the Internet inside the house, but also to be online while sitting on the veranda or in the garden. To ensure stable operation of the Wi-Fi channel, choose a router with the widest possible coverage radius.

Choose a device with as many antennas as possible (there are options with up to 6 of them). It is desirable that some of them are removable. Subsequently, this will make it possible to increase the network coverage area by installing separate antennas of higher power in their place.

Common mistakes

Take the choice of a router for a private home seriously. Otherwise, if you choose a device rashly or hastily, you may encounter the following problems:

• Insufficient signal strength. Many devices are designed to operate within one room and are not capable of transmitting a signal through the wall. Saving on power is not the best option.
• Reduced Internet speed. This can happen due to the inadequacy of the router. For example, your provider provides you with Internet access at a speed of 50 Mbit/s, but in reality you only have 30 Mbit/s, since this is the speed your router is designed for.
• Frequent connection dropouts. This is a disease of many cheap and low-power devices. Therefore, it is better to overpay, but buy a device of decent quality.
• Small Wi-Fi coverage area. This sometimes happens with powerful devices, but not suitable for working in large rooms. Therefore, it is better for residents of private homes to choose a router with a reliable Wi-Fi signal transmitter.

Top 10 best routers

1. ZYXEL KEENETIC LITE 2

Characteristics:

• WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G
• 5 RJ-45 connectors
• 1 USB connector
• 2 sockets for external antennas

Average price: 2 thousand rubles.

Features: Solid appearance and clear setup. The country of origin is China, but this brand has always been distinguished by decent build quality. The router will delight you with uninterrupted operation and is ideal for fans of online competitions, where failures and disconnections are very unpleasant.

Characteristics:

• WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G.
• 4 10/100M LAN ports.
• 1 USB 2.0 connector
• IEEE 802.11n.
• Protocol support: PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE.
• Number of antennas: 6 (built-in)

Average price: 4.5 thousand rubles.

Features: Best solution for a large home with many rooms Unmatched data transfer speed, high quality clarity and 3D for home theater and gaming.

Characteristics:

• WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G.
• 4 10/100M LAN ports.
• 2 USB ports
• Protocol support: PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE.
• Number of antennas: 3+2 (built-in)

Average price: 4.4 thousand rubles.

Features: Also applicable in the 5 GHz range. A new product from a number of recent models, it is recommended for purchase by those who vitally need a gigabit network.

Characteristics:

• WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G.
• 4 10/100M LAN ports.
• 2 USB 2.0 connectors
• IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n.
• Protocol support: PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE.
• Number of antennas: 3 (removable)

Average price: 8 thousand rubles.

Features: The best router for the money, with high throughput and low price compared to analogues.

Characteristics:

• WAN port: Ethernet, USB 3G.
• 5 RJ-45 connectors
• 2 x USB 2.0 Type A
• IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g.
• 2 RP-SMA sockets for connecting external Wi-Fi antennas
• Protocol support: L2TP, PPPoE.
• Number of antennas: 2 (removable)

Average price: 7 thousand rubles.

Features: The router does not reduce speed when connected via a VPN connection. Its versatility is not for everyone. More precisely, for most users, a significant part of the functions will remain unclaimed.

Very easy to install thanks to the step-by-step mode. You can independently configure a wireless network and its protection.

It is well equipped technically, especially if you remember its low cost. Clear WEB interface. For little money we have a decent example of a router that is ideal for everyday tasks.

Reliable to use (even with factory firmware). Limited to 150 Mbps, no USB.

Multifunctional device including ADSL modem, router and wireless access point.

You can connect to a network cable or telephone line.

In conclusion, we note that no matter which of the listed routers you choose for installation in a private home, you can be completely confident in the safety of its use, even if there are small children in the family.

If you are very seriously thinking about creating a full-fledged wireless network at home, then the first thing is to buy the “right” router. The right router in this case is a device that provides a stable connection to the Internet throughout the house or apartment.

So, which is preferable to choose a WiFi router for your home or apartment, mobile or stationary? When choosing a good quality Wi-Fi router for your home, we inevitably encounter certain difficulties. These difficulties are largely due to the large selection of devices on the market today. A wide range of products and lack of experience in this matter can play a bad joke on users.

It is highly recommended not to choose a Wi-Fi router at random without consulting a specialist. If this is not possible, then it is better to devote a few minutes of your time to familiarize yourself with the available devices. It is important to study the full characteristics of the models you like at the price, and then make your choice which is better.

Which is preferable – a full-fledged router or access point?

One of the most frequently encountered problems is deciding whether to buy a Wi-Fi router or access point.

Which option is preferable? The two Wi-Fi devices differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in functionality. The access point is actually a cable extender that outputs a radio signal. The signal is simply transmitted from the cable to the connected device, that is, the computer. This way you provide a wireless connection to the Internet. Using a point implies certain settings for the tcp/ip protocol. The parameters are provided by the provider. The difficulty is that connecting even two computers will not be easy. In particular, you will need to obtain an additional IP address.

As for a home Wi-Fi router, it is better because it already has an access point in its design. It allows you to create a full-fledged wireless network at home. The network will allow you to connect several devices at once - laptops, mobile phones, tablets. To do this, you will only need to enter the access password without making any configuration changes.

Another drawback that is worth noting about a separate access point is problems with protection from network intrusions from the outside. Therefore, you will need to fine-tune the Firewall on your computer. The router, in turn, has a built-in protection function against network attacks and other threats.

Another point is the Wi-Fi range. The operating radius of the access point is quite limited. It is only 200-250 meters, provided that there are no obstacles in the signal path. Also, the access point only has one Ethernet port, whereas routers have five ports. Four of them are LAN ports, one is a WAN port. Cables provided by providers are connected to WAN ports. Light indicators located on the front panel provide a signal about the operation of a particular port. LAN ports are designed to distribute the signal between clients of the created local network. Twisted pair cable is used for this.

Access point manufacturers set the factory settings so that the DHCP server is disabled. This is why a static IP address is required. During the initial settings, you need to clarify the connection protocol that the provider sets. In access points, the ability to use various protocols is limited, while Wi-Fi routers are much more functional in this regard.

What to pay attention to first

The job of routers is to provide you with a gateway to directly access the Internet. Very often the device itself is called a gateway, since it is located at the junction of several networks. This makes it possible, using the NAT protocol, to convert the IP address provided by the provider into several local addresses. Thanks to this function, you can connect several clients at once.

To better choose a router, it is important to understand exactly how it can work. There are several operating modes:

• access point;
• bridge;
• repeater;
• client.

If you use only one computer, then an access point (the role of which is played by a router) will be enough for you. We talked about this in the previous paragraph of our article. In this operating mode, the router creates a coverage area of ​​a certain radius around itself. You can connect several other points, such as Wi-Fi adapters and separate access points. To provide these functions, you will need to use the AP protocol.

Differences between modes

Which mode works?

Working in client mode is available exclusively for Wi-Fi routers. It allows you to connect surrounding devices to a wireless Wi-Fi network. This is very convenient if, for example, you receive Internet distribution via a radio channel. Using a cable, you can connect desktop computers to the radio network.

Bridge mode makes it possible to connect two segments of a standard Ethernet network that are remote from each other to each other. This mode of operation of the router allows you to avoid a wired connection if laying a separate cable is impossible or impractical. The final network is invisible and, therefore, significantly more protected from outside connections. It is also impossible not to note the excellent network performance.

Quite often there is a need to expand the coverage area of ​​a router. Therefore, the router’s functions include the ability to operate in repeater mode. Here the device is used as a signal amplifier coming from the main router. In this case, it is very important to position the routers correctly.

You see that Wi-Fi routers can be used in different ways. The choice of equipment will depend solely on your needs. But we still have one important question: what exactly do you need to pay attention to in the process of selecting a device for your home or apartment.

Basic parameters of the router that affect its functionality

The main things you need to pay attention to when purchasing a device for your home are the following factors:

• filling;
• presence of an external antenna;
• ability to support the most modern data transfer protocol;
• availability of a network security protocol;
• technical specifications;
• a specific router class;
• operating frequency;
• connection protocol;
• what will the price be;
• what manufacturer it was produced by;
• availability of Russian-language interface;
• Availability of official firmware.

The filling ensures the functionality of the device. If you need the router to operate in various modes (as we wrote about above), then the hardware and configuration will be of paramount importance. Please note the presence of a USB port, which will determine the ability to support 3G modems, cameras, and printers. Some routers allow you to use an ADSL connection.

Before you buy a router for your home, you need to make sure that it has a high-quality and powerful antenna. To do this, look at the technical specifications. The power indicator will be measured in decibels. Which one is better is obvious - you need to choose the device with the highest dBi value.

It is very important that the router supports a data transfer protocol such as TCPIPv6. Nowadays IPv4 is most commonly used, but it is limited by the length of the IP address.

We remind you once again that in no case should we forget about the availability of modern network security protocols - WPA and WPA2.

The most important characteristics that you need to pay attention to include: RAM, processor frequency, flash memory capacity.

If you intend to play online games and download large files, then choose a router with a WiFi data transfer speed of at least 300 Mbps.

The class of the router is of paramount importance. Modern routers must operate in 802.11ac and 802.11n modes. Only devices that support such modes are able to operate at maximum speed.

A full-fledged wireless network is capable of operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. But the best option is a 5 GHz router frequency. It is worth choosing a dual-band router, which provides much better performance.

Modern providers use different data transfer protocols. It is very important to make sure that the router supports the protocol provided by your ISP.

Keep in mind that the number of features is directly proportional to the cost of the device. The price also depends on the brand chosen. A well-known brand will cost more, but the price will work out.

But, despite the cost, the best option would be to purchase a router from a popular brand. Manufacturers provide reliable guarantees, and the brand's reputation will speak for itself.

Russian language

The presence of a Russian-language interface solves a lot of problems with self-installation. It is also very important to ensure that your router has the latest firmware. You can verify this by looking at the date of the last update, which will indicate how often the manufacturer releases the software.

Studying reviews

Many of us are faced with the problem of choosing a router for the first time. One way to make the right choice is to look at user reviews on thematic forums. Quite a significant part of the information posted, unfortunately, is not reliable. But you will definitely get a general idea of ​​the problem and be able to make a better and more correct choice.

Good fast Internet at home starts with a router. It is without this device that it is difficult to imagine a modern apartment or private house with access to the World Wide Web. Before purchasing such equipment, we recommend that you look at the ratings of routers to be absolutely sure that you will be satisfied with the purchase.

The variety of assortment makes one's eyes wide open

The niche of the modern market occupied by routers and routers is truly crowded. It is very difficult for an unprepared buyer to understand which router is worthy of his attention and will quickly recoup the funds invested in it. Therefore, before you part with your money and finally buy a good, modern router for yourself, it is worth studying the main characteristics by which you can determine whether this product is suitable for you or not, and, of course, evaluate the rating of WiFi routers, which describe best models.

Learning to choose a router

First, let's figure out what a router or router is. In simple terms, this is a special device that provides you with access to the Internet from a computer, tablet or laptop, or even from a phone that has a WiFi function.

A good router does not have to be expensive; often the rating of routers suitable for use at home includes exactly those devices that suit the majority of consumers both in price and quality. It will be much easier for you to choose a router if you are familiar with their characteristics:

• Technical characteristics: a good router for home should have enough RAM (at least 64 MB), at least 16 MB of FLASH memory and a modern processor from 300 MHz. If you want to install one unit of such equipment in a large apartment or house, choose a model that has more than one antenna, because the quality of access in rooms remote from the location of the router depends on the power.
• Price is an equally important indicator. Don’t think that there is no difference between the cheapest and more expensive routers. Cheap models not only have low-quality components, but also the created WiFi coverage area is quite miniature. But you shouldn’t try to purchase the most expensive model if, for example, you have a small apartment and the maximum speed from the provider is low.
• Manufacturer's name: Well-established brands produce routers in different price categories to meet the needs of customers with different ability to pay. But there are also brands, for example, D-Link, which offer only budget routers, the reliability of which is not as high as, for example, models from Linksys. Their price is comparatively higher than that of the above brand. The ranking of best-selling routers in our country also includes such manufacturers as TP-Link (offers budget but high-quality routers), Asus (one of the world leaders in sales, including products such as routers) and Zyxel (produces many models of different prices, some of which are superior in parameters to analogues in their price categories).
• Standards: There is such a thing as the WiFi standard. The newest standard is 802.11n. If you are offered a router with the 802.11g or even 802.11b standard, you should not buy such a model, because it is already considered outdated.
• Access protocols: A brand new router just brought from the store may not work with the Internet access protocol offered by your provider. Therefore, you need to clarify the access protocol with the provider in advance and use it to select a model that will support it.
• Technology for connecting to the World Wide Web: each router has a WAN port; it is to this that the cable that supplies the Internet to the house or apartment is connected. Compare the Internet cable and the input in the router before purchasing.

Different ratings with different criteria

• Rating of multifunctional WiFi routers, which are considered ideal for home use.
• Rating of the best routers depending on price:

a) the best budget models;

b) the best models at an average price.

• Rating of the best mobile routers.
• Rating of the best routers of 2016 from the most popular manufacturers:

b) decent routers from D-link;

c) the best TP-link routers.

“Multifunctional” rating of routers in 2016 that are worth purchasing for home use

Since modern houses and apartments have approximately the same characteristics (characteristics of structures used for construction materials), the models presented below that are included in the rating are suitable for both a private house and an apartment in a high-rise building.

WiFi mini

Modern, stylish, high-quality - this model deserves all these epithets. It was included in the 2016 router rating due to the fact that it supports the most modern transmission standards, can operate at speeds of almost 1200 Mbit/s, and you can even “rebuild” it to more functional firmware if desired. An external drive can be easily connected to it via a USB port, so even the download function to this external drive will be available to you. There are also disadvantages to this miracle of technology. So, according to reviews, the most inconvenient thing is the interface and instructions, which are offered to us only in Chinese. This model only has a couple of LAN ports, and the speed on them is limited to a hundred Mbit/s.

ASUS RT-N56U amazes not only with its original design

The model does not have external antennas, but this does not prevent it from transmitting data at speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s via LAN ports and 300 Mbit/s via WAN. Here we see a couple of USB ports at once, which attracts many advanced users. Setting up the device is so simple that most actions are performed intuitively. There are also disadvantages, although they do not prevent the model from being included in the rating of WiFi routers for an apartment or house, because they are not noticed by most users. So, the router begins to slow down and overheat if an external storage device with a capacity of a terabyte or more is connected.

So stylish TP-LINK TL-WA901ND

This modern “three-horned monster of the Internet” can even be powered via (the adapter is included). The antennas are removable, if you connect them all together, you can actually provide Internet to all gadgets at a distance of 270 m. But a gadget without a built-in adapter will not work with this model, because it has no LAN ports at all. But given the fact that today a negligible amount of equipment does not have a built-in WiFi adapter, this model has the right to be included in the 2016 WiFi routers for the home rating.

Best Budget Routers

It is not always possible to purchase even a mid-priced router. This is not a reason to be sad, but an excellent reason to study the rating of routers for the home, which will be affordable for everyone. The list below includes only those models whose work quality is quite high, that is, they can provide normal access to the Internet in your home or apartment.

Model TL-WR841N from TP-Link

A budget router that has nice features like parental controls or the ability to limit traffic. The TL-WR841N handles modern connection protocols.

The design of the model can be called classic for this manufacturer. In their reviews, many customers thank the brand for the fact that each of their routers can not only be installed on a table (or any other horizontal surface), but also mounted on a wall. The model practically does not overheat, because the manufacturer has equipped it with many holes for ventilation.

The router is budget, so actual data transfer speeds vary within hundreds of megabits, although the manufacturer has set a limit of 300 megabits. It also does not provide USB ports, like expensive analogues of the same brand.

D-link DIR-300S is also worthy of a place in this rating

It was not by chance that this model was included in the rating of Wi-Fi routers, because it supports all types of connections and even has parental control functions and the Yandex service content filtering function, which is so relevant today. A pleasant addition is the modern glossy design and small dimensions of this router, although some buyers complain about the glossy case, because the dust that has settled on it is immediately visible.

The rating of routers in the mid-price segment should start with MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

Routers of this brand are popular not because of their advertised name, but because the manufacturer provides them with luxurious “filling”, so the number of supported functions is truly amazing. The model will appeal to advanced users who are well versed in personal settings, but for users who want to “press a button and go straight to the Internet”, it will seem too difficult to understand. The small RB951G-2HnD can be used not only in a house or apartment, but even in the office of a small or medium-sized enterprise, because the coverage area is large, and it is provided by a powerful transmitter.

Next on the list will be ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III

You can connect a USB modem to this router via a USB port and provide nearby devices with high-quality 3G or 4G Internet. The latest 802.11n standard is supported. The device has two powerful antennas, so the Internet can freely “fly” at speeds of up to 300 megabits. We are also pleased with the stylish design and as many as 4 LAN ports on the rear panel. But the wireless coverage area is small - this is a minus. Although, if you take such a router for a small apartment, there will be no complaints about its performance.

And the inexpensive TP-LINK supports the latest 802.11ac protocol

A dual-band router that supports over-the-air speeds of up to 1.167 Gbit per second and is capable of independently providing high-quality coverage to even a large three-room apartment. The Russian-language interface, ease of setup, signal resistance to any interference, plus a stylish design made this model one of the most popular on our market. But it also has disadvantages, and significant ones: a wired connection is only possible at speeds within a hundred megabits, and the built-in USB port is too slow.

Rating of decent mobile routers

Not all houses or apartments have the opportunity to connect to wired Internet, so we bring to your attention a rating of 2016 home routers that have a SIM card slot. These models are most often purchased for use in small towns and villages, where access to the Internet is possible only through mobile communications. Such devices form a fairly high-quality Internet coverage area.

"The smallest router" Huawei E5330

A tiny mobile router from Huawei can provide you with a pretty good WiFi signal in an apartment or house. For ease of use, the manufacturer has provided a liquid crystal display (all the most important data will be constantly in front of your eyes). Consumers do not mention interruptions in operation, freezing and braking of the model in their reviews, so we can say that the little one works stably. Why did this particular model top the rating of WiFi routers 2016 for an apartment or house where there is no cable Internet? It’s just capable of providing Internet access to a dozen devices at once! Of course, there are disadvantages: the E5330 does not work on a 4G network, and the battery is quite weak, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to regularly recharge the “little Chinese”.

And again TP-LINK! Model M5250

And this router only works in 2G/3G networks, unfortunately, but it works stably! The manufacturer cares about the buyer, so he provided an adapter for SIM cards and a USB cable (the router is charged through it). The case is non-marking and oversized, so you can easily take the M5250 with you anywhere! About the disadvantages: most often buyers complain about the lack of a display. The model is truly reliable and worthy of attention, which is why it was included in this rating of WiFi routers for 2016.

Ratings of the best routers from the most popular manufacturers

The best-selling router manufacturers are Asus, D-link and TP-link. Unfortunately, it is impossible to single out the best router in their line of models; a rating specifying the main advantages will be more informative for you.

Best of Asus:

• model EA-AC87 - the most powerful modern equipment with high-quality filling;

• the RT-AC66U model can simultaneously provide high-quality Internet to up to a dozen devices;
• model RT-N56U creates coverage that can cover a large apartment.

The best from D-link:

• model DIR-300A is the undisputed sales leader;
• the DIR-880L model amazes with its power;
• The DIR-850L model pleases with its high-quality filling.

The best from TP-link:

• the TL-WA901ND model is considered the best new product of 2016;
• the Arcer C2 model is top-end, that is, it corresponds to the latest technology;
• model TL-WR740N is an ideal budget option for a small one-room apartment.

How do you understand that you have a bad router and it’s time to change it?

Often, problems with Internet access are not the fault of the provider, but of a weak router that simply cannot provide all the capabilities offered by the provider.

So, the main reasons for purchasing new similar equipment are as follows:

1. The WiFi coverage area does not cover the entire apartment or house: modern, not very expensive routers, which have proven themselves well, according to customer reviews, can cover an area of ​​up to 100 square meters. If the signal from your router cannot even pass through the wall into the next room, it’s time to change it.
2. The router can “cut down” the Internet speed: it happens that the provider provides speeds, for example, 100 Mbit/s for downloading and uploading, and after checking the state of the Internet in your home, you get only 60 Mbit/s for downloading and even less for return. You shouldn’t slander the provider, it’s better to read the instructions for your router; perhaps such indicators are its maximum limit, and it simply does not support higher speeds. If this is the case, it’s worth being generous to buy a new router.
3. The router freezes or reboots regularly: such symptoms can be seen in the operation of cheap models that cannot cope with their responsibilities. Save your nerves and your time - buy a new router.

And finally

Your router will work much better if you do not allow it to be regularly overloaded, get dust or other dirt under the case, and if it is not placed in a damp room. Follow the updates, install the latest firmware, make custom settings that will maximize the comfort of your work on the World Wide Web. And may your home or apartment always have high-quality coverage and stable WiFi!

Today, the Internet is available in almost every second apartment in our country. The Internet is developing at a tremendous pace, just as its transmission technologies are developing. If at the end of the nineties and until the mid-2000s, Internet speed was measured in kilobytes, at the end of the 2000s - in megabits, now there is a transition in calculating Internet speeds into gigabytes! If previously access to the Internet was carried out only via wires, now data transfer can also occur wirelessly.
Next we will consider the following questions:

Why do you need a Wi-Fi router?

A Wi-Fi router is needed to provide Internet access to several devices at the same time. That is, if you have several devices on which you want to configure Internet access, then you need a router. If some of these devices support data exchange using Wi-Fi technology, then you no longer need a simple router, but a Wi-Fi router.
A Wi-Fi router is a network device to which the Internet is connected in order to distribute it to several devices. Internet distribution is carried out both via LAN and Wi-Fi. Thus, if you have a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone at home with Internet access, then a Wi-Fi router will help you. In those devices that do not have a Wi-Fi module, they connect to the router via LAN.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router

ManufacturerWi-Router Fi
In principle, the choice of router, first of all, must be made based on its technical characteristics, but the company also plays an important role. Therefore, we advise you to select router parameters, initially narrowing their choice to such companies as: ASUS, D-link, HP, TP-LINK.
Wi-Fi standard
The Wi-Fi network standard has 4 types:

• 802.11 a – transmits data at speeds up to 54 Mbit/s;


• 802.11 b – transmits data at speeds up to 11 Mbit/s;


• 802.11 g – transmits data at speeds up to 54 Mbit/s;


• 802.11 n – transmits data at speeds up to 600 Mbit/s;


• 802.11 ac – data transfer reaches speeds of over 1 Gbit/sec.

We recommend purchasing a Wi-Fi router with a network standard no lower than 802.11 n.
Maximum connection speed
Pay attention to such a parameter as the maximum connection speed so that the router does not limit your Internet speed. That is, if your tariff plan is, say, 60 Megabits, and the router’s bandwidth is only 30, then the channel will be cut by half by the router. Try to choose a Wi-Fi router whose actual connection speed will exceed the speed of your tariff plan. In addition to the official data on the speed of the router, there are real ones, which you can find out from user reviews on the Internet.
Router and DHCP server
Router (Router) - provides simultaneous access to all devices connected to it. The DHCP server assigns an internal IP address to each device connected to the router, this allows you to connect several devices using one external IP address.
The router sets up work with the provider, or as they say “raises the connection”, and is a buffer between it and your home network devices.
Wi-Fi range
Wi-Fi network range – a parameter that determines the boundaries of the Wi-Fi network coverage area. This indicator is abstract, since it is calculated from ideal conditions (no walls and partitions, no radio or magnetic interference, etc.). Therefore, if the manufacturer indicates the range of the router to be 100 m, then in real conditions (in an apartment) the range will be approximately 20 m. To ensure stable operation of the Wi-Fi channel, give preference to a router with a wide range. Please note that the better the quality of the Wi-Fi network, the higher the data exchange speed.

Antennas
The data transfer speed depends on the number of antennas in a Wi-Fi router. If the device has one antenna, then it works both for receiving and transmitting data, and when connecting other devices to Wi-Fi, the router will need to reduce the speed to ensure correct operation of data transmission.
Two antennas in the router work as follows - one for transmission, the other for reception, which allows you to separate streams and at the same time maintain maximum speed.
A Wi-Fi router with three antennas works in this way: one antenna for reception, the other two for transmission, and due to this, a stable and high data exchange speed is ensured.
The maximum possible number of antennas in a Wi-Fi router is 6 pieces. Accordingly, the more antennas in the device, the better the Wi-Fi network will work.
When choosing a Wi-Fi router, make sure that the antennas in it are removable, as this will allow you to install more powerful separate antennas instead to increase the coverage area of ​​the Wi-Fi network.
Data encryption method
To ensure that no one can connect to your Wi-Fi network, data encryption is used. Today there are 2 data encryption methods: WEP and WPA. As a rule, the vast majority of routers include both of these encryption methods, but the WPA encryption method is considered the best - it is more reliable.
Availability of USB interface
The USB connector in the Wi-Fi router allows you to connect other devices to it. For example, you can connect an external hard drive or flash drive in order to open access to the files on it for all devices on the network. You can also connect a printer to the USB connector to provide access to other network devices. You can also connect a 3G modem to the USB connector, but for this the router must support this function.
Possibility of connecting a 3G modem
The presence of a USB interface in a Wi-Fi router does not mean that it will work with a 3G modem; a special feature must be implemented for this. If you have this feature, you can share access to 3G Internet across several devices. This is necessary for those who do not have the opportunity to connect to a landline provider, or 3G Internet is a substitute option in case of problems with a landline one.
ADSL support
If you are connected to ADSL Internet, we recommend purchasing a Wi-Fi router with ADSL support. Thanks to this, in addition to routing, your router will also perform the functions of an ADSL modem, and you will not need to use 2 devices: an ADSL modem and a Wi-Fi router - both of these devices will be in one.
Number of switch ports
Another important parameter is the number of switch ports. As a rule, most access points include 4 Ethernet ports, thanks to which you can also build a wired network. For example: you can connect desktop computers, a TV, a receiver to Ethernet ports, and a smartphone, tablet and laptop to Wi-Fi, and all these devices will be on the same network, just connected in different ways.
Remember that the speed of data exchange via Ethernet is better and higher than via Wi-Fi, which is why it is better to connect stationary computer equipment via Ethernet.

Port speed
As we said above, today the data exchange speed is calculated in gigabits. Most providers provide a maximum Internet access speed of up to 100 Mbit/s, but technologies are developing and therefore, very soon, Internet access speeds will be in the hundreds of megabits, and for this you need a Wi-Fi router that will support gigabit networks.
If you are an active Internet user, we recommend choosing a router whose port speed (WAN and LAN) is 1000 Mbit/s; this will allow the router to remain relevant for as long as possible. If you are going to watch HD quality movies on your TV that are on your computer, then your local network connection should also be gigabit. But keep in mind that such routers are much more expensive.
If you do not need high speed, then give preference to a router with a speed of 100 Mbps.
Web interface
Thanks to the presence of a Web interface, you can configure the router through a browser, that is, the settings menu will be in the form of a Web site.
Possibility of flashing
As a rule, all routers have the ability to update software (firmware). In essence, firmware is the operating system of a device that organizes its operation. New firmware versions include corrections of any errors in the operation of the device and expand its functionality. Therefore, choose a router that can be easily flashed and for which new firmware versions are created.

Which Wi-Fi router to choose

Which budget router to choose?

TP-LINK TL-WR743ND
This model of Wi-Fi router has a low price and at the same time includes good technical characteristics. The router is suitable for those who do not need high data transfer speeds, but whose main task is to organize access for home devices to the network.
TP-LINK TL-WR743ND includes: 4 LAN ports with a speed of 100 Mbit/s for connecting devices via a network cable and 1 WAN port with a speed of 100 Mbit/s for connecting a provider. Supports the 802.11n wireless standard and has 1 removable antenna. Security features include protection against DoS attacks and the WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption system. The maximum Wi-Fi connection speed is 150 Mbit/s.
Device price: 1000 rubles.

How to choose a Wi-Fi router for your home

TP-LINKTL-WR1043ND
If you don’t know which router to choose for your home, then this is the best option. TL-WR1043ND combines high data transfer speeds and a high-quality Wi-Fi network signal.
The router is equipped with 4 gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN port, and also has 1 USB port. Wireless standard - 802.11n, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption. It is worth noting the presence of 3 removable antennas. Maximum Wi-Fi speed is 300 Mbit/s. IPTV support has been implemented.
Device price: 2000 rubles.

Which router is the best?

ASUSRT-AC66U
The best router today is the ASUS RT-AC66U router; its advantage is that it has high throughput and a low price compared to its analogues.
The router has 4 LAN ports with a speed of 1 Gigabit/s, 1 Gigabit WAN port and 2 USB ports. Works according to the 802.11ac wireless standard, providing Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1300 Mbps. The router has 3 dual-band antennas. Data encryption type - WPA2-PSK and lower. In addition, the router has: DoS protection, network filter, address filter and port filter. IPTV support has been implemented.
Router price: 6000 rubles.