Wifi router for a large apartment. What parameters should you use to choose a WiFi router? Which router is best for home?

In this article you will learn a lot about routers - from how they are designed and work to tips on the correct selection and installation.

Today, a serious problem with Wi-Fi is the large number of routers operating in the 2.4 GHz band and located very close to each other. As a result, Wi-Fi is slow and intermittent. Therefore, for residents of apartment buildings, I strongly recommend purchasing a router that supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard operating in the 5 GHz band, which is not yet overloaded.

If you are not particularly strapped for money, then take a router manufactured by one of the leaders in the field of network technologies - ZYXEL or Keenetic (a subsidiary). You will receive guaranteed high quality, stable Internet operation, an excellent torrent client and access to the local network from the Internet. One of the best gigabit models Keenetic Giga (KN-1010). If a 100-megabit local area is enough for you, then take ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II.
Router ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II

Among the advanced multifunctional solutions, I can also recommend gigabit (more powerful) and ASUS RT-AC58U (cheaper). They also have a torrent client (but is much slower), plus a VPN client that can be used to bypass blocked sites.
Router ASUS RT-AC66U B1

Router ASUS RT-AC58U

As a more economical option, you can consider the C1200 gigabit router and the 100-megabit 940N; they have fairly powerful Wi-Fi antennas that provide good coverage and stable operation of wireless connections.
Router TP-LINK Archer C1200

If you are limited in funds or you need an inexpensive router for the dacha, then you can take an even cheaper 100-megabit router with support for Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) type TP-LINK TL-WR841N, which has proven itself well .
Router TP-LINK TL-WR841N

Please note that if you plan to use Wi-Fi 802.11ac in the 5 GHz band, then your devices (laptops, computers) must also support this standard. If one of the devices does not support it, then you will have to purchase a special adapter for it. Buy a Wi-Fi adapter from the same manufacturer as the router.

If you have a private house or a large apartment, then most likely you will use Wi-Fi of the old 802.11n standard in the 2.4 GHz range, since it has a longer range and passes through walls better. In this case, other Wi-Fi networks will be far enough away and should not interfere with the operation of your router. There will also be no need to purchase additional 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapters. Pay better attention to the power of the antennas, it should be at least 5 dbi. But in any case, I recommend taking a modern dual-band router that supports both the old 802.11b/g/n standards in the 2.4 GHz range and the 802.11ac standard in the 5 GHz range, in case it still comes in handy.

To ensure your router works well, use the instructions for installing the router and connecting devices to it, which can be downloaded at the end of the article in the “” section.

2. How the router works and its main functions

Modern routers for home and office are multifunctional devices that combine the functions of a router, switch, wireless access point, and sometimes network storage, print server and some other devices.

The main purpose of the router is to connect two networks: the global Internet (or local network of the provider) and the local network (home or office). It is the router address that is set in the computer’s network connection settings as the “Main Gateway”. A gateway is a device through which a computer connects to the Internet (i.e. from a local network to a global network).

To connect to the Internet, the router has a special global network connector (WAN or Internet).

But a computer can access the Internet without a router if it is connected directly with a cable. The need for a router arises when you need to connect several computers or mobile devices to the Internet. And for this there is a switch in the router.

The switch consists of several connectors for connecting computers in order to unite them into a local network (LAN). There are usually 4 or 8 such connectors.

Computers connected to a local network (LAN) can freely exchange various data with each other. And thanks to the router, which combines two networks WAN and LAN, every computer can access the Internet.

To connect the router both to the Internet and to computers, a twisted pair cable (UTP or FTP) and special connectors (RJ-45) are used.

But, in addition to desktop computers, there are also laptops and many different mobile devices that are inconvenient or impossible to connect using a cable. For this purpose, the router has a wireless access point.

A wireless access point operates using Wi-Fi technology and uses one or more antennas operating over a radio channel in the 2.4 or 5 GHz band to transmit data. Most often, antennas are external, but there are also internal ones (hidden in the router case).

External antennas are usually more powerful.

The purpose of Wi-Fi is to connect devices via radio to the same local network (LAN) with computers and other devices connected via cable. Despite the fact that a wireless local area network is sometimes called a WLAN, all devices, both LAN and WLAN, are on the same local area network (LAN) and can exchange data with each other. And thanks to the combination of local (LAN) and global (WAN) networks inside the router, wireless devices gain access to the Internet in exactly the same way as devices connected by cable.

A generalized diagram of connecting all devices to each other in a local network (LAN) and connecting them to a wide area network (WAN) using a router is shown in the picture below.

Also, TVs, video players, network drives and other devices can be connected to the local network. All of them will be able to exchange data with each other and gain access to the Internet.

In addition, many modern router models have one or more USB connectors.

They can mainly be used to connect external hard drives, flash drives and printers to access them from all devices connected to the local network. Many models can be connected to 3G/4G modems to gain access to the Internet through them. Support for certain devices depends on the router model and we will talk about this later in the article.

Almost all routers have LED indicators that can be used to determine whether the router is working normally, the load intensity of its interfaces, Wi-Fi and the Internet.

Also, all routers are equipped with a power supply that plugs into a 220 V outlet.

Routers have firmware, which is a simple operating system with a graphical interface based on Linux. You can enter the router settings using its IP address through any Internet browser.

3. Processor and memory

A router is a kind of mini-computer with its own processor and memory. The performance of a router, like a computer, depends on the power of the processor and the amount of random access memory (RAM).

Processor power depends on the number of cores and frequency. The cheapest routers are equipped with single-core processors with a frequency of 200-300 MHz, and a powerful, expensive router may have a dual-core processor with a frequency of up to 1.5 GHz.

As for the amount of memory (RAM), the spread between budget and top models is also very large, from 16 to 512 MB.

There is also the concept of flash memory (ROM), it contains the firmware of the router and this is only important for enthusiasts who reflash them.

As a rule, the installed processor and memory cope with all the tasks of the router, with the exception of the cheapest models, which in fact are not designed for high speeds and loads.

The characteristics of routers often don’t even indicate what kind of processor or how much memory is there, but this information can be found on the Internet. It makes sense to pay attention to this if you need a fairly powerful router and are choosing between several models.

4. Internet speed

The maximum possible Internet connection speed is determined by the speed of the WAN interface (Internet connector).

On most routers, the WAN interface speed is 100 Mbit/s and this is usually sufficient, since the vast majority of providers and their tariff plans do not provide higher Internet speeds.

More expensive models can be equipped with a WAN interface with a speed of 1000 Mbit/s (1 Gbit/s), but connections at this speed can only be provided by a few (elite) providers. In addition, not everyone needs such speed and will cost accordingly (very expensive). I would recommend treating providers who claim to provide Internet at 1 Gbit/s speed for a low price with a grain of salt. Massive inexpensive Internet channels with a speed of 100 Mbit/s do not always provide the declared speed.

In addition to the speed of the WAN interface, the actual Internet speed depends on how powerful the processor is and how much memory is installed in the router, as well as on the type of connection to the provider.

When connected via the simplest Ethernet protocol (Static IP, DHCP), the load on the router is minimal. When connecting via any tunnel protocol (PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP), the load on the router's processor increases significantly.

The cheapest router, when connected via a tunnel protocol, will be able to provide Internet speeds of 60-70 Mbit/s.

Check with your provider what connection protocol it uses. But it’s better to buy a router not from the lowest line, but a model from an older series. It will have more powerful hardware that can handle the Internet up to speeds of 100 Mbit/s. We will briefly talk about model lines at the end of the article.

5. LAN speed

The speed of the local network is determined by the speed of the LAN interfaces (connectors) and only affects the speed of data exchange between your devices.

On most inexpensive routers, the speed of LAN interfaces is 100 Mbit/s. If you don't need to exchange huge amounts of data between your devices, then this is quite enough.

But, if you plan to periodically “drive over the network” from one computer to another files with a volume of 10-100 GB (images with games, backups, etc.) or watch videos over the network in 4K/UHD resolution, then it is preferable to take a router with a LAN interface speed of 1000 Mbit/s (1 Gbit/s). They don't cost much more anymore.

6. Wi-Fi speeds and ranges

The speed of the wireless connection depends on the Wi-Fi standard supported by the router and its frequency range.

Most inexpensive routers support the 802.11n standard in the 2.4 GHz band with data transfer rates of up to 150 Mbps. In real conditions, this speed can be significantly lower than 30-100 Mbit/s, depending on the distance, the walls of the room and the presence of other Wi-Fi networks nearby.

Some 802.11n models support theoretical maximum speeds of up to 300 Mbps. This is achieved by installing two antennas and transmitting data in two streams.

There are also 802.11n routers with a maximum theoretical data transfer speed of 450 and 600 Mb/s. They have 3 or 4 antennas, respectively, but are already much more expensive.

But to achieve maximum speed, the device that will connect to the router must have the same number of antennas and transmit data in several streams, which does not happen often.

Antennas come with different gain factors, which determine the range and quality of signal transmission. Most routers have antennas with a gain of 3-5 dBi. The higher the gain, the better.

Also, antennas can be fixed or removable, instead of which you can connect a more powerful remote antenna.

Among the routers that supported the 802.11n standard, there were dual-band ones that operated not only at 2.4 GHz, but also at 5 GHz. Most of them had a maximum data transfer speed of up to 600 Mbps.

But the 802.11n standard was transitional and was replaced by 802.11ac. Routers with Wi-Fi 802.11ac are dual-band and operate at the same frequencies – 2.4 and 5 GHz. These are no longer the cheapest middle-class models, most of which have data transfer speeds of 733-1200 Mbit/s. And the speed of top routers with a large number of antennas can reach up to 7000 Mbit/s, but they are very expensive.

Dual-band routers, in addition to higher data transfer speeds, have the advantage of not overloading the 5 GHz band. And the widespread use of Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz band has led to many people having problems with the Internet. The fact is that at a frequency of 2.4 GHz there are 14 channels, of which only 3 are non-overlapping. This means that if more than 3 routers operate next to each other, their radio signals will overlap each other, interfering with the normal operation of the wireless network. Nowadays, when in many apartments you can see a dozen Wi-Fi networks, for many the Internet begins to slow down and malfunction (fall off). A router operating at a frequency of 5 GHz can use up to 24 non-overlapping channels with automatic adjustment of the channel width on the fly to achieve the best speed/signal quality ratio. It can be a real panacea for problems with Wi-Fi.

But a higher frequency also has its disadvantages. A signal at a frequency of 5 GHz can be transmitted over a much shorter distance and it passes through walls less well (attenuates more strongly). Also, the adapter of the device connected via Wi-Fi must support the 5 GHz frequency, which is not often found, so it must be purchased separately, incurring additional costs. But sometimes there is simply no other choice.

For an apartment, I recommend purchasing an 802.11ac router; it will help solve possible problems with Wi-Fi. For a private home this does not matter so much, but if possible it is better to give preference to a more modern standard.

There are also routers that connect to the Internet via a telephone line using DSL technology. Instead of an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the Internet via twisted pair, they have an RJ-11 connector like regular phones and they are connected to a telephone socket.

They are no longer fundamentally different from conventional routers, but have limited choice and functionality. For example, they may have fewer connectors and outdated Wi-Fi standards.

Connecting to the Internet via DSL makes sense only if there is no way to connect to a full-fledged cable Internet.

If you are not satisfied with the capabilities of a DSL router or you already have a DSL modem, then it can be used in conjunction with absolutely any other router. They are connected to each other by a twisted pair cable (patch cord). Then the Internet is connected to the DSL modem, and all your computers and other devices are connected to the router (cable or via Wi-Fi).

You can also configure the connection of any several routers or switches (for example, if there are not enough connectors).

8. Connecting external drives

Almost all routers with a USB connector can connect external drives and flash drives to access them over the network. After this, the disk can be used from any device on the local network. The most popular use of such disks is storing system backups, files, disk images, movies, and music.

Connectors can be of different versions - USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The USB 2.0 connector is too slow and does not meet modern data transfer speed requirements. Therefore, it is advisable that the router has at least one fast USB 3.0 connector. If you don’t need it today, then it’s not a fact that you won’t need it tomorrow.

If you are planning to purchase an external USB drive, it is also highly desirable that it has a USB 3.0 connector. Please note that the external hard drive may not have enough power from the router's USB connector, so it is advisable that it have a power adapter. To store archives, the best option would be to purchase an external 3.5″ drive with a capacity of 2-4 GB. Or a separate box for discs and a disc of the required size.

For a compact (portable) external drive, you can purchase a separate USB hub with additional power.

But it’s even better and more reliable if the external drive has an Ethernet interface with an RJ-45 connector for connecting to the router using a twisted pair cable. To achieve high data transfer speeds, the speed of the network interfaces of the external drive and the router must be 1 Gbit/s. This is the most correct option for connecting a network drive, but also more expensive. A USB 3.0 connector is used as a budget alternative.

9. Printer connection

When connecting printers to a router, not everything is as simple as with disks. Firstly, the router must have a print server function. Secondly, the printer must be on the list of supported ones. And thirdly, even if all the conditions are met, it is not a fact that you will be able to set everything up and the printer will work normally.

To operate a USB printer through a print server (router), you usually need to install not only a printer driver on each computer, but also a special utility from the router. It is not always possible to link them into a working connection. In addition, when sending print jobs, they may get lost, arrive with distortions, and freeze.

A separate problem arises if you do not have a printer, but an MFP with a scanner. In this case, getting the scanner to work over the network is even more difficult.

If you want to be able to confidently use your printer over the network from all devices, then purchase a printer (or MFP) that supports network technologies. These are already familiar to you Ethernet with an RJ-45 connector for cable connection and Wi-Fi for wireless connection.

The advantage of connecting the printer via a local network is that, firstly, such a connection is more reliable, secondly, it has a reliable proprietary network driver, and thirdly, it will also be possible to scan documents in the MFP over the network, which is especially important for models with an automatic feeder. I put down a stack of papers, went to any computer, started scanning and forgot - just a song!

I recommend purchasing a network printer (or MFP) with an RJ-45 connector and connecting it with a cable, since they do not always work reliably over Wi-Fi and most users refuse this functionality.

As a budget option for connecting a printer over a network, you can simply connect it to any computer and share it over the network. But this solution has its drawbacks. First, to print over a network, the computer to which the printer is connected must be turned on. Secondly, it is desirable (but not always necessary) that the operating systems on all PCs be the same. And thirdly, the scanner cannot be used over the network.

10. Connecting a 3G/4G modem

When you connect a 3G/4G modem to the router, all local network devices connected to the router by cable and via Wi-Fi will have access to the Internet through it, which is very convenient. A 3G/4G modem can be used as the main Internet source (for example, in rural areas). But in such a situation, it is better to consult with a specialist, weigh the pros and cons, and perhaps purchase a special 3G/4G router or an external antenna for a 3G/4G modem from a provider.

Please note that support for specific 3G/4G modems depends on the router model. Check which 3G/4G modems your router supports on the manufacturer’s website. The operation of 3G/4G modems not specified in the router specification is possible, but not guaranteed. You can also find information on the Internet about which 3G/4G modems work with which router models.

Some providers and specialized websites have specially adapted “Router + 3G/4G modem” kits that are guaranteed to work. But often it is preferable to have one multifunctional device instead of a combination of two. For example, there are routers with a built-in 3G/4G modem, into which you just need to insert a SIM card from your 3G/4G Internet provider. But check which 3G/4G Internet bands the router supports and what band your provider has. To work in areas with a weak signal (rural, private sector, remote city area, thick indoor walls), a prerequisite is the presence of a connector for connecting an external 3G/4G antenna.

Also, the 3G/4G modem can be used as a backup in case of problems with cable Internet. The router itself can even automatically switch to the backup 3G/4G Internet in case of cable Internet failure.

11. Built-in disk

Some routers may be equipped with a built-in hard drive (like a laptop) or have the ability to install one. This disk can be used to store any files and even to download files from torrent without using a computer (when it is turned off).

But in practice, this approach has a number of disadvantages. The built-in disk has a small capacity, works slowly, heats up, and the torrent client does not always work correctly.

12. Router protective functions

In addition to the convenience of connecting several computers and connecting various devices via Wi-Fi, a router is also an excellent way to protect against attacks from the Internet or the provider’s local network.

The router has hardware firewall functionality. It hides your computer from hackers and securely blocks all unsolicited Internet packets before they even reach your computer.

In addition, the router to some extent protects the motherboard from electrical breakdowns on the part of the provider, which happens quite often.

13. Other technologies

Most technologies are necessary for normal network operation and are supported by all routers (Static IP, DHCP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP). There are also technologies whose support has become a standard, but only specialists need them (Virtual Server, Port Triggering, DMZ, VLAN, Proxy). We will not talk about all this, but will only consider what may be useful to you, but is not supported by all routers, i.e. about useful additional functions.

IPTV– support for TV broadcasting from providers who provide such a service, thanks to which you can watch TV programs on home computers and laptops. If your provider provides an IPTV service and you want to take advantage of it, pay attention to the mandatory support of this technology by your router.

Do not confuse twisted pair television (IPTV) with cable TV, which is connected by a television coaxial cable, which can also carry the Internet. IPTV can only be watched on computers using a special program, although it is also possible to display the computer screen on a TV. IPTV is purely computer television.

WPS (QSS) - a special button that is found on most routers. Allows you to quickly connect any device to Wi-Fi without entering a password. Convenient to use for guests. The guest finds your network on his device and clicks connect, and within a few minutes you have to press the button on the router and the connection will occur.

Guest network– a special wireless Wi-Fi network is created on the router for guests. The fact is that when connected via Wi-Fi to a local network, any device gains access not only to the Internet, but also to computer resources (folders, files). The network for guests does not have access to local resources, but only to the Internet. This will prevent guests from accidentally or intentionally accessing, copying, damaging or infecting files on your PCs from their laptop.

Access control– allows you to configure different Internet access restrictions for different computers. This may include denying access over time and limiting access to specific sites.

Parental control– allows you to set the time spent on the Internet from your child’s computer and limit access to unwanted sites. A useful feature if children have a separate computer.

Bandwidth Control– allows you to limit Internet speed for individual computers.

Access Point Mode– by default, Wi-Fi in the router operates in access point mode, i.e. provides access to devices on the local network.

Bridge (repeater) mode– this mode is not supported by all routers and is intended for transmitting a signal between several other routers, which is not required for ordinary users.

Repeater mode– is not supported by all routers and is designed to expand the network coverage of another router, which is sometimes useful in large apartments and houses.

PoE– power supply via twisted pair. Allows you to connect network devices without providing separate wiring to them. For example, Wi-Fi repeaters or webcams in a private home. This is very convenient, since only one twisted pair cable runs to the device. But the device itself must also support such technology.

Torrent client– some routers may have a torrent client (utility) for offline downloading files from torrent trackers to an internal or external drive. Downloads are started from a computer or remotely via the Internet and the router then proceeds to download on its own. But this may not always work correctly and not with all torrent trackers.

Load Balancing– most routers automatically distribute the load between ports (connectors to which devices are connected) approximately equally. This means that if you simultaneously download files from the Internet on two computers, then each of them will receive approximately 50% of the Internet speed, if on three computers - approximately 33%, etc. Some router models have the ability to manually configure the speed of each port. You can set the speed softly, for example, so that under load, port 1 receives 30% speed, and port 2 - 70%, and when there is no load, any port can receive 100% speed. If you set the speed strictly, for example, so that port 1 always receives no more than 30% of the speed, then the device connected to port 1 will always be content with 30% of the Internet speed. This functionality is mainly supported by more expensive models for providers. Inexpensive routers with load balancing can be found among the brands MikroTik, D-Link, TP-Link. But this is still more for specialists, not ordinary users, and not all models will have Wi-Fi.

In principle, for many router models there are alternative Linux-based firmwares that add many functions. But only experienced users can handle this, and the warranty on the router can be lost.

14. Router manufacturers

Cisco is a global leader in networking technology and manufacturer of the world's best networking equipment for service providers and enterprises. For some time now it has been producing routers for home and office under the Linksys brand.

Linksys is a trademark of Cisco. These routers are of good quality and functionality. There should be no problems with them, the main thing is that the technologies you need are supported.

Zyxel is a pioneer in the production of powerful, multifunctional network devices. Their routers are of high quality and advanced features. These are real combines, but the price is appropriate.

D-Link is a well-established company specializing specifically in the production of network equipment, from budget models to serious corporate solutions. Their routers are good because they work in strict accordance with standards, so there are fewer problems with them. But sometimes annoying misunderstandings happened with budget models.

ASUS is a company that does not specialize in network equipment; for them this is just one of the areas. Therefore, they were more likely to have problems with network technology and less than optimal default settings. Nevertheless, the product quality is quite good and there are many worthy models in the lineup.

TP-Link– as can be understood from the name, this brand was created as a competitor to the well-known D-Link. They started with the most budget routers, which cost 2 times less than similar D-Link ones, but were much weaker, more buggy and even smelled of burnt plastic. Nevertheless, the company now produces quite good routers, comparable in quality to D-Link, but the price is already lower by only 10 percent. Now the model range is much wider, it contains quite a few good and sometimes more functional models than competitors.

Netgear is a high-quality American brand, not as well known in our country as D-Link or ASUS. Their routers are not the cheapest, but if you like any model, you can safely take it.

MikroTik– an unusual but well-proven Latvian brand. They produce routers with unique and very broad functionality, thanks to which their routers are deservedly popular among enthusiasts and small providers. For example, many models have a load balancing setting on each port, which is more typical for enterprise-class routers.

15. Model lines

There are a huge number of router models and each manufacturer has its own marking. In addition, the model range is constantly updated. Therefore, it makes no sense to consider specific models, but I’ll tell you how you can navigate this.

Many manufacturers divide routers into conventional lines (series). The first digit in the model usually corresponds to the line number. For example, D-Link DIR-3xx is the initial line, DIR-6xx is the middle line, DIR-8xx is the top line. The rulers differ in speed and functionality.

The entry-level routers are the cheapest and have weak processors. Mid-range routers have significantly better hardware at a slightly higher price and are optimal in terms of price/performance ratio. Routers from the top line are the fastest and have advanced functionality, but they are already much more expensive.

Other manufacturers divide models into lines in approximately the same way, but sometimes this may not be obvious. Therefore, be guided primarily by the technical characteristics and follow a simple rule - the higher the model number (and price), the more powerful and functional the router will be.

16. Scope of delivery

The standard delivery package of the router includes:

1. Router
2. Antennas
3. power unit
4. Patch cord (about 2 m)
5. Stand
6. Wall mount
7. Quick Installation Guide
8. CD with complete manual

Antennas are indicated in the package only if they are removable.

A patch cord is a ready-made twisted pair cable with connectors. It can be used to connect one of your PC or other device with a network card and RJ-45 connector. To connect other devices using a cable, you need to purchase additional patch codes (0.5-15 m) or install a cable of the required length with connectors.

The stand and wall mount are not always included in the package, and may simply not be indicated in it. In principle, there is no great need for them.

A disk for setting up a router is usually not required, but sometimes it may contain some proprietary utilities.

17. Optimal router

First of all, decide on your budget. If it is not very limited, then choose a model with 802.11ac Wi-Fi. If the budget is very limited, then most likely you will have to be content with Wi-Fi 802.11n.

Decide on the number of required LAN connectors - 4 or 8. It is advisable not to take them end-to-end, but to have 1-2 connectors left for connecting future or temporary devices.

If high quality is the main thing for you, then take a closer look at Zyxel and Linksys routers.

There are many good models from very budget to very sophisticated ones among the most popular brands D-Link and ASUS. As a cheaper but good alternative, you can consider TP-Link brand routers.

Netgear routers are also of good quality, if one of them suits you better than a router from more popular brands. If you need support for 3G/4G networks, also pay attention to Huawei, but MikroTik is suitable for fairly experienced enthusiasts.

Select several models that are close in price and compare their functionality, search and read reviews.

If you are purchasing an 802.11ac router to solve a Wi-Fi problem by switching to the 5 GHz frequency, then consider it not separately, but in conjunction with an 802.11ac adapter for your computer or laptop (if it does not support this standard). It is better to take a router and adapter from the same manufacturer - D-Link+D-Link, ASUS+ASUS, TP-Link+TP-Link. In principle, devices from different manufacturers should work with each other, but sometimes there are compatibility problems.

Router ASUS RT-AC66U B1
Router ASUS RT-AC58U
Router TP-LINK TL-WR940N 450M

A router (also known as a router) is a device that receives the Internet and distributes it to other devices at home - computers, laptops, tablets, phones, etc. It can distribute it via cable and via a Wi-Fi wireless connection.

The large number of router brands and models on the market, plus the personal preferences of sellers, can turn the purchase into serious market research. But I don’t advise you to do this, because... It’s very easy to get confused, fill your head and buy an expensive toy stuffed with essentially unnecessary functions. This article will just help you figure out what's what.

Let's highlight the main criteria by which you can compare routers with each other:

• Maximum data transfer rate
• Work stability
• Real Wi-Fi signal coverage radius
• Availability of necessary ports
• Support of required network standards and protocols (for example IPTV)
• Convenient management interface and competent manufacturer support

And, of course, the price, because that is what we will start from. In addition, there are a number of specific requirements for the area of ​​use - high-speed work with torrents, the ability to install additional antennas, etc.

Router speed

The speed of a router usually means the maximum theoretical speed of the Wi-Fi interface. It is indicated, for example, like this: 150 Mbit/s. This means that in reality it will be able to send somewhere around 100 Mbit/s via the wireless interface. In megabytes this is about 12 MB/s. This router speed is enough for almost all household tasks. Provided that the manufacturer is not lying and, naturally, must be able to work at such speed.

The characteristics indicate the speed of the LAN ports, i.e. cable connectors. The standard figure is 100 Mbit/s. On expensive models this can be 1000 Mbit/s (gigabit). As a rule, this is completely useless at home, especially if you don’t transfer hundreds of gigabytes between your devices via cable.

There is another very important characteristic that you will not recognize from the product card - this. The problem is that many routers reduce speed. That is, if your provider provides a channel of 100 Mbit/s and you are at a speed of 100 Mbit/s (or even higher), you still will not see your honestly paid 100 Mbit/s on the Internet. At best, it will be 95 Mbit/s and This is fine. You can get the maximum only by connecting the Internet directly to your computer without a router.

You can find out how much the router slows down speed from reviews and forums. But I wouldn’t advise you to read the forums, because... reviews are often very contradictory: from not cutting at all to cutting speed by 10 times! On forums or in reviews, it is enough to catch the general “background” from the real owners. The main thing is that there is twice as much good as bad

The difference in “readings” can be explained by incorrect device settings (crooked hands) or some kind of incompatibility with the provider (more on this below). And in general, this makes sense if you have a channel of 100 Mbit/s or more, and not everyone has this.

Operation stability

You also won’t find out about stability of operation in the specifications, but this is a very important factor. Almost all routers freeze periodically, as you can read about in thousands of posts on forums. It looks like this: everything works, maybe for days/weeks, but at one point the router freezes, and the Internet disappears. You need to unplug it and plug it back in (reboot the router).

To a large extent, such a glitch depends on the stability of the firmware and overheating of the chips. Therefore, it is important that the manufacturer updates its firmware more often. Therefore, it is better that the manufacturer is not “noname”, i.e. no name, unknown. Especially if you constantly keep your torrent client on, you need to take a closer look at devices in at least the mid-price range.

There are various alternative firmwares like DD-WRT on the network that can improve stability, speed, and in addition new functions will appear, but I would not recommend installing them yourself, because... there is a high probability of getting a dead piece of plastic, silicon, and what else is there in routers. The fact is that even identical models can differ greatly in internal filling: processor, memory, wifi module, flash drive, etc. Therefore, the fact that the firmware is on the same The router doesn’t say anything at all!

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 types 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:

Perhaps one of the most popular devices for all Internet users today is a home wifi router. There is a wide selection of models from different manufacturers on the market. But it is often difficult for the average user to understand such diversity. We will not make the choice for you: a wifi router for the home, each user chooses based on the criteria he needs. In the review, we will talk in detail about these criteria, and consider several models that, in our opinion, deserve attention when choosing.

Basic selection rules

A router is a combined device with which your PCs, laptops, tablets and other devices are combined into a wireless network with Internet access. Choosing an inexpensive but high-quality “device” of this kind is not easy. A number of criteria need to be taken into account. Let's look at them:

Price. At the moment, it is often advised to choose from the “cheapest” devices. It would seem that ultra-budget and expensive models are no different, since they support the same set of functions, etc. It seems there is no need to pay more. Which router is better for home – the most budget-friendly or more expensive?

In fact, we can say: good assembly, plus high performance, an ideal degree of reliability - all this is rarely present in cheap devices. Budget routers (from most companies, although not all) break down more often than expensive ones. Here the choice, as a rule, is obvious: if there is an opportunity, then it is purchased “more expensive”.

Brand. That is, a company offering products. You can choose a wifi router for your home based on this criterion based on your personal preferences. Regarding this class of devices, reviews are divided as follows:

D-Link is considered a leading manufacturer, but only of devices belonging to the “budget” class. According to reviews, the products are not highly reliable. Let's be more precise: the complaints do not apply to the hardware. The same cannot be said about proprietary software (that is, “firmware”). However, in older models (like dir-300), no shortcomings were noticed.

In the “budget” segment, professionals and users name several manufacturers whose products are the best: Linksys (their routers are quite expensive, but at the same time reliable), Asus (positive reviews, including on routers), Zyxel ( any models - no complaints), and TP-Link (budget but reliable equipment).

What else is important when choosing?

The main criterion is technical characteristics. More precisely, the functionality provided in your router. First of all, this is, of course, the Internet access protocol. Different providers may use different protocols (often used is DHCP, there is also PPPoE). And if the provider uses a VPN, the choice will be more difficult.

The presence of a USB port provides additional options: you can use the router as an FTP server, or connect a printer, or a USB modem. Make no mistake: all three functions are not found very often (especially on “factory” firmware). One of the listed functions can be implemented (for example, an Internet connection via a 3G modem).

Therefore, the best router for home includes a set of functions, at a minimum, necessary for the user. And the conditions, most often, differ - hence the choice of model (in each case, it will be different).

About the availability of functions for setting up IPTV, or IP television. As a rule, in the characteristics of each model, this is stated as the presence or absence of “Multicast”. If necessary, seek advice (or, better yet, read reviews from real users). If you know the basic characteristics you require, then choosing a router for your home will not be difficult.

Another general rule

In principle, a router is the same computer. Only, there is less memory (and more ports). Choose devices with good hardware - RAM, let it be from 32 Megabytes, flash memory - 8, and a processor with a frequency of 240 MHz (preferably 300). The rule is very good, but there are exceptions: some manufacturers manage to make firmware that works perfectly on 16 Megabytes (and takes up less than 4). An example is some routers from Linksys.

Top rating of the best

It must be said right away that a home wi-fi router or a professional one, no matter how good it is, will not be able to increase the speed of your Internet connection. The tasks of the router include: reliable operation in any of the declared modes, and if there is a real reduction in speed, let it be as low as possible.

Zyxel Keenetic

The best wifi router for home, in the case of 100-Mbit Internet (that is, if there is no “Gigabit WAN” - who has it?).

Interfaces: 5 LAN-WAN connectors; USB 2.0 connector; 2 removable antennas.

Protocols: DHCP, PPTP (VPN), L2TP and PPPoE, plus IPTV support. USB port supports all necessary options (including 3G connections). Other options: Link Duo - combined access to the Internet (PPTP/L2TP/PPPoE) and resources of the provider's local network (via DHCP).

Pros: ideal stability, only positive reviews about the “factory” firmware.

Minuses: hmm... that's the price. It, indeed, remains overpriced: at least 2 thousand rubles. in retail.

TP-Link TL-WR841ND

This Wi-Fi router for home is suitable for those who use a PPPoE connection (provider: Rostelecom, and some others).

Two removable antennas, correct support for VPN tunnels, plus reliability in operation, these are the main characteristics of this model. With the latest firmware (7th) – IPTV works. Protocol: PPPoE (up to 100 Mbit/s). There is no USB port.

The price is now from 1 thousand rubles. - one of the advantages.

ASUS RT-N56U

Reliable "Gigabit" at an average price.

The most modern of the models considered in the review. Supports any connection protocols with the provider (including VPN tunnels), two USB ports (support for FTP server and printer connection), antennas (of which there are 3) - removable. By the way, wi-fi here also works in the 5 GHz range.

Huawei HG231f

Pros: reliable operation (including with factory firmware), support for various provider protocols (without VPN).

You may not like: wi-fi access point – limited to 150 Mbit/s, no USB, no IPTV support.

A budget wi-fi router for the home, with a slightly “truncated” 802/11 n wireless protocol, a minimal set of functions, and positive reviews. At the same time, the design is “unusual” (which we also rate as a “minus”).

Now you can choose a router for your home from our “rating” (the choice, of course, depends on the functions that are actually required). Or – “add” to this list.

Let's sum it up

An unsuitable, or rather, low-quality router is the one that causes problems. Reduced Internet speed (for example, with a provider it is 10 Mbit/s, and with a router it is 2-3 times lower) is a common phenomenon, but the most “harmless”. A low-quality or simply low-power router may regularly freeze, reboot, or drop the connection. Of course, a router for the home should not have any of these shortcomings.

All of the models listed above have support for wi-fi standard 802.11 n (the “fastest”, in theory allowing connections of up to 300 Mbit/s). There are many “older” models that work just as reliably, but, alas, only support 802.11 b/g. When choosing the best router for the home in 2012, we excluded such models from consideration.

Also, we did not consider devices in the more expensive segment (from 150 USD). Let's leave the choice to the user.

When answering the question of which router to choose for your home, we considered one of the main criteria. These are real user reviews.

Choosing a Wi-Fi router

Today, each of us has a huge number of different gadgets at home: tablets, smartphones, laptops. To use them fully, you need Wi-Fi, so today we will talk about how to choose a router for your home, which models and their parameters to pay attention to.

Why do you need a router?

The router converts the Internet that the user receives through the cable into a special signal, and devices with Wi-Fi signal receivers can connect to it. Thanks to this, you don’t need a lot of wires, since to join the network you just need to turn on the Wi-Fi module on the device, find the access point created by the router and connect to it.

Types of routers

There are several types of routers, depending on the Internet to which the user is going to connect.

Ethernet

This type is used most often. Most routers are equipped with an Ethernet port. A regular cable (twisted pair) is connected to it, which the provider runs into your house/apartment.

ADSL modems with Wi-Fi

These are also simple routers, only they have a special connector for connecting a telephone cable. If you have an ADSL modem installed, then you should buy an Ethernet router and connect it to it using a regular cable.

3G/4G Wi-Fi routers

If you are going to connect to the network via a USB modem and distribute the Internet, you should use a router with a special WAN port connector - USB 3G.

Universal

There are routers that have several ports for connecting the Internet, for example, Ethernet and USB. Please note that just because a device has a USB port, this does not mean that a 3G modem can be connected to it.

Main Factors

Now let's move on to how to choose a router for home Wi-Fi. You should already have determined what type you need and the approximate amount of money you are willing to pay for the device.

Price

On the router market you can find devices starting from 600 rubles. However, it is not recommended to pay attention to such cheap routers. Their functionality is limited and they will emit a weak signal. It is better to choose devices starting from 1,500 rubles, but not more than 4,000 rubles, since a simple router in the region of 1,500-3,000 thousand rubles is enough for a home.

Physical port

Here you need to decide what speed you need, but most often a router with 100 Mbit ports is enough. It is very rare that routers with gigabit ports are purchased for home use.

Wi-Fi module

This is the most important parameter in a device for distributing the Internet. Let's start with the fact that under no circumstances should you buy routers with an internal antenna. They are very weak, the gain is only 2 dBi. This may be enough for a small one-room apartment, but for a large house it will not be enough. We do not recommend buying devices with a non-removable external antenna, since if it is not enough, you will not be able to install another, more powerful one. To achieve good coverage, you need a router with two antennas with a coefficient of 5dBi in MIMO mode.

There is another factor - supported standards. Almost all modern devices support the 802.11n standard, which provides data transfer speeds of up to 600 Mbit per second (if it has 4 antennas). If the router is cheap with one antenna, it usually says Wireless 150, that is, the speed should be 150 Mbit, but in reality it is much less. It is better to buy routers that indicate Wireless 300. They support speeds of up to 300 Mbit and cost a little more, literally 100-150 rubles.

Router hardware

Everything here is the same as with a PC, the better the processor and the more RAM, the more load the device can withstand. Keep in mind that if your tariff provides you with Internet at a speed of 100 Mbit, routers that cost up to 1,500 rubles will not cope with it. If you plan to download a lot, consider this factor.

Which model to choose

Now let's look at how to choose a router for your home, which one is better. Each manufacturer has several good models, so you shouldn’t pay attention to the brand, because the main thing is to find this very model.

The ASUS RT-N12 router is a good model for home use. It provides data transfer at speeds of up to 300 Mbit and has a simple interface. It’s easy to set up; even a complete “teapot” can handle it. It supports 4 data transmission protocols and has two antennas with a gain of 5 dBi. Approximate cost is about 1500 rubles.

Another great home model is the D-Link DIR-615S. It has 100 Mbps Ethernet ports and can provide an access point with speeds of up to 150 Mbps. The model copes well with the load even when several users are connected at once. Approximate price from 950 to 1800 rubles.

The next model is Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 3. It is equipped with 4 antennas: two at 2.4 GHz and two at 5 GHz. This budget router has many advantages, for example:

• Availability of a USB port.
• Supports dual-channel Wi-Fi 802.11ac mode.
• You can control the device from your smartphone using a special application.

4 antennas provide excellent coverage and stable high speed. Approximate cost 1500 rubles.

And the last one for today is TP-Link TL-WR841N. It is easy to configure thanks to a special disk. The model has two antennas that provide good coverage. The connection is always stable and not lost. The maximum speed supported by the device is 300 Mbit. The approximate cost is up to 1300 rubles.

Where to place the router

It is advisable that the device be placed in the center of the house or as close to it as possible. If you live in a private house with several floors, it is best to place the router in the center on the ground floor. Be sure to point the antenna upward. Do not place the router where there are various fittings, electronic devices, etc. This may affect the quality of the connection.

How routers are configured

Let's look at the general algorithm for connecting and configuring routers:

Conclusion

We hope this article will help you choose a router. We have outlined all the important characteristics and factors that you need to pay attention to when purchasing. In addition, we have provided a short guide to setting up routers; of course, not everything is covered there, but soon we will release full instructions on setting up routers.