• Which routers are better. How to Choose a WiFi Router for an Apartment or House to Provide a Good Signal

    Many people who decide to create a wireless network in their apartment are faced with the problem of choosing a router. Now there is a huge selection of different routers (aka routers) on the market. And if an ordinary PC user could set up a router on his own, then choosing one confuses a person. Often people rely on the opinion of the seller, not realizing that basically, selling a router is not his main activity and he relies on the opinion of the masses. Therefore, after purchasing and setting up a router, problems arise with loss of speed, frequent interruptions in the Internet connection, and you have to periodically turn off and on the router. As you probably already understood, the whole point is that the router was chosen incorrectly. Therefore, as a master who repairs and configures digital equipment, I decided in this article to help you with choosing a router. We'll look at what to look out for and what to watch out for. Let me make a reservation right away that the information is relevant for the period of the end of 2013 and I think that at least until mid-2014 everything will remain unchanged.
    Content:

    Router cost

    First, let's talk about the most interesting things: What should the cost of a wifi router be? On many forums, people write that you need to take the cheapest router possible, citing the fact that all the functions are the same and the cheapest router will be enough for private use. I don't agree with this. As a router installation and repair specialist, I most often go to repair cheap routers. The main problems are trivial: the torrent does not work well, the connection drops out, very low speed. This does not mean that the cheap models are made poorly, they just were created for other purposes than those that the advanced user is currently pursuing. If we always had instructions, we would immediately understand this. Having analyzed the market offers, I advise you to choose the most expensive of the budget models. The price range of a normal router for an apartment is $25-50. By purchasing a router in a normal store for this price, you can save yourself from minor problems.

    What parameters should you pay attention to?

    1. Price— as I said above, the cost of a normal router should be at least $25. This will immediately eliminate a number of problems.
    2. Manufacturer company (Brand)— there are quite a lot of companies producing routers, but there are also the most popular manufacturers of budget routers, such as D-Link, Asus, TP-Link. Each of these companies is popular in its own way, each has its own advantages. But there are also disadvantages. The company Dlink (which is considered the most popular in the CIS) has frequent connection interruptions in some models. Also, one of the new firmwares had a problem with Wifi, but they fixed it as soon as possible (but there was a problem). We draw our own conclusions). ASUS still has not solved the problem with iptv (IP television), Wi-Fi does not work. Tp link had problems connecting to the Internet, but now everything seems to have been fixed. The conclusion is that the choice of brand is not so important. Everyone has both positive and negative sides. It’s also not worth choosing some little-known company; in the event of a defect or breakdown, you will be tortured to look for a service center.
    3. Desired Specifications— Choosing a router with high-quality hardware will also help us use it without random problems. So, what parameters are worth paying attention to? RAM (must be at least 32 MB, preferably 64 MB, but ideally 128 MB) - RAM affects the speed of the router and, indirectly, the number of devices connected to it. The processor must be at least 300 MHz. Flash memory 16 MB or more. For a good signal, one antenna is enough, but I advise you to choose a router with two antennas, this will increase the radius of not only the transmitted signal, but also the receiving power of the router.
    4. Support various types Internet connection– there’s not much to say about this, because modern routers support all types of connections currently used by providers (the most popular connection types are PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE, VPN). For a 3g connection, you need to use special routers; their distinguishing feature is the presence of a USB port (but this is a topic for a separate article).
    5. Wi-Fi standard– the most popular wireless connection standard is 802.11n. It should be in any router model.

    That's basically all you should pay attention to when choosing a Wi-Fi router.

    The best Wi Fi routers

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

    TP-Link TL-WR841ND

    An excellent model, over the years of work there have never been any problems with the setup and operation of this model.

    General characteristics

    • Type Wi-Fi access point
    • MIMO support available
    • Information security WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x
    • Transmitter power 20 dBM
    • 4xLAN switch
    • Port speed 100 Mbit/s
    • There is a router
    • NAT yes
    • SPI yes
    • There is a DHCP server
    • Dynamic DNS support available
    • Quantity external antennas 2
    • External antenna type is not removable
    • There is a web interface
    • Dimensions (WxHxD) 192x33x130 mm

    ASUS RT-N12

    Excellent model, no malfunctions. But there is one significant drawback: the ASUS company will not solve the problem of working iptv over WiFi. It is possible in the settings to select one of the LAN ports for IP television and that’s it. If you are not interested in this type of television, this model will suit you.

    General characteristics

    • Type Wi-Fi access point
    • Standard wireless communication 802.11n, frequency 2.4 GHz
    • MIMO support available
    • Max. wireless connection speed 300 Mbps
    • Information protection WEP, WPA, WPA2
    • Transmitter power 19.5 dBM
    • There is a router
    • Firewall (FireWall) yes
    • NAT yes
    • SPI yes
    • There is a DHCP server
    • Dynamic DNS support available
    • There is a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
    • Static routing is available
    • Number of external antennas 2
    • External antenna type: removable
    • There is a web interface
    • Dimensions (WxHxD) 179x37x119 mm
    • Weight 300 g

    For now, that's all I can say about choosing a router. I hope the information helps you and you make the right choice.

    I recommend watching the video: What is the difference between a router and a WiFi access point?
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    When choosing a router for an apartment, first of all, you need to decide on the type of Internet connection. The device must be selected based on the technology used by your Internet provider. Let's look at the most common technologies:

    ADSL

    An outdated technology that uses a telephone cable connected to the apartment to transmit data. Maximum speed incoming data transmission: 24 Mbit/s, outgoing: 4.5 Mbit/s. In reality, the numbers can be much lower, as they depend on the parameters of the client line. ADSL routers use a built-in modem - a device that allows you to convert analog signal telephone line to digital.

    If you already have an ADSL modem installed in your apartment, it is advisable to choose not ADSL, but a regular Ethernet router. To connect it, you just need to insert the telephone cable into the modem, and connect the LAN port of the modem to the Internet port of the router. This choice of device will help in the future to easily change providers (to switch to cable Internet you will not need to buy new router).

    Ethernet

    The most common choice when connecting in an apartment or small room. To establish a connection, a standard network cable, which is carried out by the provider to the apartment. The cable connects to the user’s router and provides access to the Internet via Wi-Fi and similar wires connected to laptops, computers, and modern TVs.

    3G/4G

    This technology is used extremely rarely indoors, since a 3G/4G connection provides lower speeds at higher costs compared to a cable signal. Routers of this type have a slot for connecting a SIM card or are produced with the firmware of a specific 3G/4G operator. The main advantage is high mobility. Data transmission is carried out wirelessly, so access to the Internet can be obtained even in remote areas. In addition, the 3G/4G router can be used on the road, without being tied to a cable network. For this purpose, models with USB power supply are available.

    GPON

    A promising technology that in the future may replace conventional cable Internet. When connecting using GPON, a fiber optic cable is installed into the client's premises. It provides the highest connection speed among all modern standards, since data is transmitted not through ordinary wires with metal cores, but through transparent flexible threads made of glass and plastic. Light flux is used to transmit data. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that compared to Ethernet, fiber optic equipment has a higher cost.

    Choosing a router for an apartment depending on Wi-Fi parameters

    There are two frequencies at which they operate Wi-Fi routers for apartments and premises: 2.4 and 5 GHz. The most common is the first, it is supported by all Wi-Fi devices. Radio waves at a frequency of 2.4 GHz have better penetrating power and extend to longer distance. The 5 GHz frequency is less susceptible to interference and allows data to be transferred at higher speeds. This is due to the fact that it has an expanded selection of channels.

    As a rule, routers operating at 5 GHz are backward compatible with 2.4. Two separate Wi-Fi networks are created to connect old (not supporting the 5 GHz standard) and new devices. Each of the networks is configured separately, with its own authorization parameters specified.

    An important parameter when choosing wireless router— supported wireless network standards. There are about three dozen various standards Wi-Fi, but only five main ones are used for client equipment: 802.11a, b, g, n, ac.

    • 802.11a - real speed up to 40 Mbit/s, wireless network operates at 5 GHz.
    • 802.11b - speed up to 5 Mbit/s, frequency 2.4 GHz. Used in older wireless devices, and in modern routers this standard retained for backward compatibility only.
    • 802.11g - provides real speed up to 24 Mbit/s, at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
    • 802.11n - operates at both frequencies: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Depending on the number of antennas, the data transfer rate can range from 55 to 220 Mbit/s. The most advanced standard for the 2.4 GHz frequency.
    • 802.11ac - frequency only 5 GHz, connection speed depends on the number of antennas and is more than 200 Mbit/s.

    Important! Modern routers support several Wi-Fi standards at once, for example, 802.11b/g/n.

    Type and number of antennas for apartment routers

    When choosing a Wi-Fi router for your apartment, you should also take into account the number of antennas and their type. These parameters affect the zone Wi-Fi coverage networks. The more antennas and the higher their power, the further the signal will propagate, and the more of it will pass through obstacles - walls, partitions, furniture. In addition, the number of antennas affects the maximum data transfer rate that the device can provide.

    For use in a small apartment, you can limit yourself to a router with a built-in antenna. As a rule, its gain does not exceed 1.5 dBi. Thick reinforced concrete walls will absorb such Wi-Fi radio waves almost completely.

    For a large apartment, it is recommended to use a router with external antennas. Each of them provides signal amplification (from 1.5 to 5 dBi), so you can use the Internet even if the router is in the back room of the apartment. The most common router models have from 1 to 3 antennas. However, there are also extreme options, for example, Asus RT-AC5300, which has 8 antennas.

    Pay attention! In most cases, it is more practical and cheaper to opt for a router with 2-3 antennas. You can expand your network coverage using separate device- repeater.

    Choosing a router with additional features for an apartment

    A useful addition that can increasingly be found on modern routers is the presence of a USB port. Using it, you can connect a number of additional devices to the device: 3G/4G modems, printers and scanners, flash drives and external hard drives. When you connect a wireless modem, you can use 3G or 4G Internet on all devices on your home network.

    A router is a very complex device with many technical characteristics. We will focus on those that are playing important role for the buyer.

    WAN port type and connection protocols

    The WAN (or Internet) connector is used to connect an Internet cable to the router. This is the first detail you should pay attention to when purchasing a device. The compatibility of the selected model with the provider depends on it.

    A typical router has a WAN port in one of two formats:

    1. DSL(ADSL, VDSL and other subtypes) - for connecting to the Internet via a telephone line.
    2. Ethernet- to connect through a special provider channel.

    There are also universal routers that support several formats, including DSL and Ethernet. But they are much less common.

    First, find out what technical requirements your Internet service provider has for your router. Visit the provider's official website or call support.

    In addition to the WAN port format, technical requirements may include connection protocols with which the router must be compatible.

    If, instead of DSL and Ethernet, the provider uses specific connection technologies, which rarely happens, then it is better to trust the choice of equipment to specialists.

    Number and type of LAN ports

    Computers, consoles, TVs and other stationary equipment that require stable wired access to the Internet are connected to the router’s LAN ports. This connection always guarantees maximum speed, which does not depend on distance or interference.

    And the more such connectors in the router, the more devices can be connected to it via wire. Routers are usually equipped with four LAN ports. But if this is not enough for you, choose a model with additional connectors.

    The maximum speed of data exchange between the router and other devices connected to it via a wire depends on the type of LAN ports.

    There are two such types:

    1. Fast Ethernet provides speeds up to 100 Mbit/s.
    2. Gigabit Ethernet- up to 1 Gbit/s.

    If your provider offers Internet access at speeds greater than 100 Mbps, choose a router model with Gigabit Ethernet ports. This way you will use your channel to its fullest.

    Wi-Fi standards

    The maximum possible speed of data exchange between the router and the fleet of devices connected to it depends on the Wi-Fi standard wirelessly. Two standards are relevant:

    1. 802.11n- a widespread version that is supported by the vast majority of gadgets. Possible speed is up to 600 Mbit/s.
    2. 802.11ac- an increasingly popular standard that provides the most high speed- up to 6.77 Gbit/s.

    But don’t let the characteristics confuse you: the values ​​indicated are only theoretically possible within the technology. Real speed figures are much lower.

    The speed specified by the manufacturer is also most often unattainable in practice. This is only a possible value without taking into account distance and interference.

    Thanks to backward compatibility, you can connect any gadgets to a router with the 802.11ac standard via Wi-Fi. Even if they only support 802.11n and older versions. But to unlock the full potential of 802.11ac, both your router and all other devices on your wireless network must support this standard.

    It’s not at all necessary to chase newness and buy a router that supports 802.11ac. If you use the Internet only for web surfing and office tasks, you can save money and get by with a model with the 802.11n standard.

    Number of Wi-Fi bands

    Some routers can operate simultaneously in different frequency bands. In this mode, the router is able to support not one, but several independent Wi-Fi networks.


    Many popular models are able to distribute data transmission between two ranges. Thus, they create two networks at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively.

    1. Frequency 2.4 GHz ideal for connecting smartphones and office equipment.
    2. Frequency 5 GHz provides more stable and fast connection, and therefore is better suited for multimedia devices that work with video and other heavy content. So, if you don’t want to connect a TV or set-top box via wires, you can use Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz.

    These networks can operate in parallel without limiting each other. But again, their total speed will not exceed the limit set by the Internet provider.

    In addition, not all gadgets support a 5 GHz network.

    Number and type of antennas

    In addition to standard and frequency Wi-Fi work, the speed of the wireless network depends on the number of antennas in the router. The more there are, the faster exchange data between connected devices and the router.

    The maximum Wi-Fi speed in the 802.11n standard for a model with one antenna is 150 Mbps. With two - 300 Mbit/s, with three - 450 Mbit/s. That is, with each antenna the maximum possible speed increases by 150 Mbit/s. And in the 802.11ac standard - at 433 Mbit/s.

    Let us remember that we are talking about theoretically possible speeds under ideal conditions. In reality, these figures are much lower. In addition, do not forget that the final speed of Internet access via Wi-Fi cannot exceed the provider’s limit.

    Antennas can be built-in or external. As practice shows, in a typical city apartment, the type of antennas is not so important. Contrary to popular myth, the difference is barely noticeable.

    But for large rooms it is still worth choosing a router with external antennas so as not to have. In addition, if the external antennas are removable, if necessary, they can be replaced with more powerful ones.


    Availability of USB port

    By choosing a router with one or two USB connectors, you can connect additional devices to it. For example, a USB drive will provide remote access to shared storage files via any device in Wi-Fi networks. A wireless USB modem will be yours in a backup way Internet access if cable Internet stops working.

    Brief selection instructions

    Let's go over the key points of the article again. This checklist will help you choose a good router.

    1. Find out the provider's requirements for the router: type of WAN connector and connection protocols. Only then choose a model.
    2. If the Internet speed is above 100 Mbit/s, buy a device with Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports (1 Gbit/s). If the speed is lower, Fast Ethernet connectors (100 Mbit/s) will suffice.
    3. If access to the Internet is needed only for browsing websites and working with documents, you can limit yourself to a router with one antenna and support wireless standard 802.11n.
    4. But if you watch streaming videos, play online games, use a lot of wireless devices, often download large files and are not used to denying yourself, then choose a dual-band router with multiple antennas and support for 802.11ac.
    5. If you wish, you can buy a model with a USB port to connect a storage device or wireless modem to it.

    We live in the age of the Internet, which has successfully replaced going to the movies and reading books. Today, communication with many people can take place without mail and long-distance calls, and social networks have made a real revolution in people's communication. Every owner has access to the Internet modern gadget, be it a smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer; You just need to simply connect your device to the network, and you can connect to the Internet via a telephone line - or via a special cable channel from your provider. But in order to connect several devices from one Internet input, there are Wi-Fi routers that distribute it over a radio channel. Our article will discuss exactly how to choose a Wi-Fi router with the optimal price-quality ratio in 2018.

    Choosing a router

    In order for the chosen Wi-Fi router to be ideal, you need to clearly imagine how you will use the Internet in the future. If visiting the network is limited to browsing sites and communicating on social networks- that will be enough budget model router with minimum set functions and low parameters, and if you plan to regularly download large files, play online 3D games or watch streaming video in high definition, you will need a completely different device with much more high performance, and therefore – the price.

    Types of Wi-Fi routers

    All Wi-Fi routers sold today are divided into five groups based on the type of port.

    • ADSL Wi-Fi router is a device with an input for an RJ11 telephone connector.
    • Ethernet (FTTB) WiFi router – with a twisted pair Ethernet (FTTB) input for an RJ45 connector.
    • CPON/CEPON/PON WiFi router – a router with an input in the form of an SC connector for fiber optic cables.
    • 3G/4G/LTE WiFi router – a device with an input via radio frequency of a telephone operator for distributing the Internet from cellular providers.
    • A universal Wi-Fi router combines several types of connections.

    Some aspects of choice

    There are a wide variety of different Wi-Fi routers on the shelves of electronics stores today, and it is important when choosing a device to pay attention to some points, which will be discussed below.

    1. If the provider has not provided you with its device, you need to find out the type of WAN connector it uses to distribute the Internet, as well as the connection protocol, and then look for a Wi-Fi router with the same parameters.
    2. If the provider's service package includes a data transfer speed of more than 100 Mbit/s, you must select a router with LAN connectors Gigabit Ethernet standard supporting speeds of 1 Gbit/s. If the Internet speed is less than this, you can get by with a device with Fast Ethernet ports operating at speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s.
    3. If you plan to use several wireless gadgets, download large amounts of information, play online games and watch streaming video in high definition, you need to choose a Wi-Fi router with two frequency bands and multiple antennas, operating on a wireless standard. local network IEEE 802.11 ac - and for working with documents, Internet surfing and communication in social networks. networks, a model with one antenna supporting an 802.11 n class local network is sufficient.

    What else to pay attention to

    • Radius Wi-Fi actions in the instructions does not coincide with the real one, since it is prescribed for ideal conditions. There are many walls in any room, and the signal level drops significantly because of this, so the 100 meters of Wi-Fi coverage diameter indicated in the specifications may in fact turn out to be no more than 20 meters. Do not buy a router with an antenna hidden inside the case - such devices distribute Wi-Fi weaker.
    • Number of antennas directly affects the speed of local network devices. If a router has only one antenna, it is forced to divide its power between receiving and transmitting data, and two antennas already distribute information flows among themselves: one antenna works for transmission, and the second for reception. The maximum number of antennas in a Wi-Fi router is 6, respectively, the quality Wi-Fi distribution this model has a very high. And also, if the router’s antennas are removable, you can install more powerful or directional antennas instead.
    • USB ports the Wi-Fi router allows you to connect a flash drive to it, hard drive, a printer and a 3G/4G modem to secure the Internet - if this is provided for by the functionality of the model.
    • WEB interface in the router will allow you to quickly configure it thanks to a program that looks like a website.
    • WEB firmware updateability allows in every new version operating system Wi-Fi router fixes shortcomings, improving its performance, and it’s good if these updates occur regularly.

    Price

    The price of good Wi-Fi routers ranges from 1000 - 6000 rubles or more; for this money you can buy a model that matches the type of Internet use. The price of 1000-1500 rubles is enough to buy simple, but at the same time very good routers type: Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3, ASUS RT-AC53 or D-link DIR-615/T4 for those who spend most of their time on social networks, browsing the Internet and riding tanks in WoT game. For 2000 rubles you can already buy a 2-band gigabit router type TP-LINK Archer C1200 with full coverage of the apartment, but the cost is higher than 2000 rubles for models with several antennas and wider functionality.

    Before deciding to purchase a router, you should consult your provider about model compatibility. Possessing information about technical requirements provider, which are presented to them, you will be able to make a more intelligent choice and avoid unpleasant situations in the future.

    Rating of the best Wi-Fi routers of 2018

    Well, I think we’ve sorted out the main nuances, now it’s time to move on to choosing the Wi-Fi router itself, but before that you need to decide where it will be located in an apartment or a large private house. Therefore, we have collected only the most best models routers of 2017-2018, both powerful for the home and inexpensive for a one-room apartment.

    Best Wi-Fi routers 2018 price-quality

    • Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 - best buy
    • ASUS RT-AC53 is a great option for a small apartment
    • TP-LINK TL-WR841N
    • Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4 - new 2018
    • D-link DIR-815/AC
    • ASUS RT-AC51U
    • ZYXEL Keenetic Air

    Top 5 Wi-Fi routers from Asus

    • ASUS RT-AC53 - (perfect for both a large apartment and a house)
    • ASUS RT-AC51U - (same as the previous model, just a little weaker)
    • ASUS RT-AC66U - (decent and stylish model for a 3-room apartment) I recommend
    • ASUS RT-AC58U - (a good option for a small private house or 2-room apartment)
    • ASUS RT-AC1200G Plus - (the most powerful of the popular routers that incorporates all the best)

    Best TP-Link routers - Top 5

    • TP-LINK Archer C50(RU) - (one of the coolest Wi-Fi routers of 2018, it combines all the best, a powerful signal and an affordable price)
    • TP-LINK Archer C59 - (a good choice for a one-room apartment, but it is advisable to immediately change the firmware to the latest)
    • TP-LINK Archer C1200 - (a good choice for a two-room apartment, but it is advisable to immediately change the firmware to the latest one)
    • TP-LINK Archer C7 - (new for 2018, I recommend)
    • TP-LINK Archer C3200 - (one of the top models of this company, includes only the latest technologies, but the price is steep)

    Best Wi-Fi D-Link routers- Top 5


    Today it is difficult to imagine your life without wireless Internet, or, as it is called in colloquial slang, “Wi-Fi” (Wi-Fi). Special routers are responsible for the possibility of its functioning. When choosing them, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

    • RAM and processor. It is optimal if the model has at least 32 MB of RAM and a computer frequency of 240 MHz or more. This will allow the router to work without slowdowns and always provide sufficient access speed.
    • Operating modes and connected interfaces. These characteristics determine the purpose of the router. Most devices provide for installing an access point, creating a bridge, repeater or client - these modes allow you to connect a router and make it a source of Wi-Fi signal.
    • Signal frequency. In most cases, this is 2.4 GHz, but due to the widespread use of these devices in homes, almost all subchannels are occupied, which negatively affects the stability and speed. It is better to choose a dual-band model, where the second channel emits a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz.
    • A security protocol that encrypts data and prevents third parties from connecting to Wi-Fi. Most devices support WPA and WPA2 - these are the most reliable protocols.
    • Antenna power, which is measured in dBi. The higher this parameter is, the greater the range of action the device has. For your home, it is advisable to choose routers with a strong signal.
    • Supported protocols. The most common is IPv4, which has an IP address length of 32 bits. But some models are already equipped with TCP IPv6 - the most advanced data transfer protocol.
    • Availability of up-to-date software on the official website. It is not a fact that when sold, the router will have the most installed latest firmware, while the existing software may contain errors that prevent normal operation devices.

    Our rating presents some of the best wifi routers that can be bought in online stores. All models were selected taking into account the above characteristics and parameters. In addition, the selection of devices was carried out taking into account:

    1. Customer reviews
    2. Cost of the device (price-quality ratio)
    3. Expert opinions

    The best inexpensive Wi-Fi routers for home: budget up to 1,500 rubles.

    4 Tenda N301

    Best price
    Country: China
    Average price: 878 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.6

    Let's start with the most budget Wi-Fi router. The average price tag for this miniature miracle is only 890 rubles. For this money, the user receives a nice, high-quality snow-white case with two antennas with a power of 5 dBi each. It doesn’t take up much space – the case dimensions are 127x90x26 mm. But there are no slots for wall mounting - this is a minus.

    The insides are not amazing. The cable speed reaches 100 Mbit/s. Connect viaLAN can be up to three devices. Wireless Internet meets the standard WiFi 802.11 n with theoretical speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. In reality, judging by the reviews, the speed reaches 70-75 Mbit/s.

    Let us separately note the software part. First of all, I am pleased with the ease of setup - as they say, even a housewife can handle it. Interesting: there is a possibility remote administration, backup settings, access restrictions by MAC and URL, speed limits.Of course, small problems occur, but they can be easily solved by installing more recent firmware from the official website - the process will not cause difficulties even for beginners.

    3 TP-LINK TL-MR3020

    Budget router with 3G/4G LTE support
    Country: China
    Average price: RUB 1,412.
    Rating (2018): 4.7

    At first glance, the TL-MR3020 is an extremely simple device. Just one LAN port, USB 2.0, miniUSB for power, a couple of switches and indicators. The characteristics of the stars from the sky are also missing: Wi-Fi standard 802.11n, which will be sufficient for tariff plans at a speed of 100 Mbit/s, but no more. But the ability to install third-party firmware and provide distribution mobile internet make this router very versatile. See what use cases users shared in their reviews:

    1) A regular router for a home or apartment

    2) Backup Internet source (mobile) in case the main provider is disconnected

    3) Access point while hiking - the device can be powered by a simple power bank!

    4) Internet in the car: connect it to the cigarette lighter, hide the router in the glove compartment, and you can share the Internet with all passengers

    And this is just a small list. Installation of OpenWRT firmware, a USB hub and user curiosity allow you to use the router in a huge number of situations.

    2 MikroTik hAP lite

    Great software capabilities. Router OS
    Country: Latvia
    Average price: 1,360 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.6

    The second line of the rating is occupied by a model from a little-known company called MikroTik. First of all, hAP ​​lite stands out for its unusual appearance. This is a compact blue and white box with stylish ventilation slots. But what attracts more attention is the absence of external antennas - here they are internal, in the amount of two. The power is low - only 1.5 dBi, but it will be enough for a small apartment. On the other hand, this allows you to place the device almost anywhere. It is also worth considering that the silver medalist in the rating is capable of delivering speeds of only about 150 Mbit/s.

    There are also several unique features. First, use Router OS. This system has simply incredible capabilities that even much more expensive devices cannot provide to the user. Seamless transition between several access points, bridge mode, VPN, tunnels - all this and much more can be found in the router settings. Secondly, hAP ​​lite supports connection to several providers at once. The WAN port can be any of the four located on the case.

    1 TP-LINK TL-WR841N

    Optimal balance of cost, functionality and simplicity
    Country: China
    Average price: 1,290 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    The first place in the ranking of the best budget Wi-Fi routers for the home is occupied by TP-LINK TL-WR841N. The device can be used as an access point and simultaneously distribute a signal to 6 receivers. Among all inexpensive routers, it has the highest potential operating speed - 300 Mbit/s. The router is equipped modern system WPA2 data encryption, which ensures high reliability of transmitted data. The model supports PPTP, L2TP and IPSec tunnel protocols, which are the most common among most providers.

    The advantages of this router in user reviews include low cost, ease of setup and a good stable signal. The latter is achieved thanks to two antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The transmitter power is 20 dBM, which allows the signal to “pierce” even the thick walls of an apartment. As weaknesses They note poor case material and a low-quality power adapter, which makes unnecessary sounds during operation.

    The best Wi-Fi routers in the mid-price segment: budget up to 7,000 rubles.

    3 ASUS RT-N66U

    Popular Wi-Fi router. Speed ​​up to 900 Mbps
    Country: Taiwan (China)
    Average price: 6,105 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.7

    High speed ASUS model RT-N66U is in third place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers for the home in the middle price segment. This model is more expensive than its TOP neighbors, but its functionality fully justifies the cost. The device has as many as 3 antennas, and emits a signal in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, which can significantly improve the quality of communication and use it over large areas. The router includes 4 switch ports, so you can connect 3 devices to it and organize their operation using wired Internet.

    In numerous positive reviews Buyers talk about fast operation, ease of setup and excellent synchronization with USB modems. Moreover, this model provides data transfer of up to 900 Mbit/s simultaneously, which allows it to be used to “distribute” Wi-Fi to several devices at once. If necessary, this router is capable of downloading files without using a computer. Among the disadvantages are strong heating during operation and problems with some firmware versions.

    2 TP-LINK Archer C7

    Best wireless speed
    Country: China
    Average price: 6,650 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.7

    The second line of the rating is occupied by the already respected Archer C7. Externally, the model is distinguished by the presence of three antennas with a power of 5 dBi each and an impractical glossy surface. It looks good - there’s no shame in leaving the router in a visible place. The set of ports is standard for this class: power supply, USB pair for connecting a printer or external drive and five Ethernet ports.

    The router is dual-band – 2.4/5 GHz. The maximum speed “over the air”, as stated by the manufacturer, is 1750 Mbit/s. The indicator is rather theoretical, because the providers present on our market are unlikely to be able to provide such speed. This will only be useful when creating a home local network. Among the pleasant features, it is worth noting the ability to work in two bands at once, support for LTE modems, file server, guest service, firewall and much more.

    1 MikroTik RB951G-2HnD

    The most reliable Wi-Fi router
    Country: Latvia
    Average price: 4,650 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    In first place in the ranking of the best Wi-Fi routers of the average price category The MikroTik RB951G-2HnD model is located. This device is a strong average in terms of reliability, performance and cost. It is used as an access point and can simultaneously “distribute” wireless Internet to 5 devices. Provides a maximum speed of up to 300 Mbps. As a nice addition, the router has MIMO support, which allows it to transmit data over several independent channels at once. To connect wired networks Bridge mode is provided for wireless ones.

    In reviews, buyers talk about high-quality assembly, smooth operation and wide customization options as the strengths of the model. At the same time, the router boasts 128 MB RAM. Thanks to Telnet support it is possible remote control device and its settings. The transmitter power is 30 dBM, and the internal antenna amplifies 2.5 dBi, which has a positive effect on the range. The disadvantages of this model are the difficulty of playing 4G networks and incompatibility with some USB hubs.

    The best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment: budget from 8,000 rubles.

    3 HUAWEI B525

    LTE support
    Country: China
    Average price: 8650 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.7

    The third line is occupied by a router with a somewhat non-standard design. B525 is designed for vertical installation. The front panel is made in black and gold colors, Wi-Fi antennas are built-in. The set of connectors is standard, with the exception of two SMA ports for connecting external 3G/4G LTE antennas. There is also a slot for a SIM card. Signal reception is more than reliable. In reviews, users claim that the router “sees 3 bars” where the smartphone does not find the network at all. The speeds are accordingly excellent.

    You can distribute mobile or cable Internet through three gigabit LAN ports or dual-band Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, simultaneous operation at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz is not announced. The theoretical speed of the wireless network can reach 1300 Mbps.

    The B525 can also be used as a home file server: connect an external hard drive and you can do backups or send movies to your TV.

    2 Keenetic Giga (KN-1010)

    Wide range of customization and modification options
    Country: Taiwan
    Average price: 8,190 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    Keenetic network equipment is little known to the general public, but is popular among enthusiasts. The Giga model is not the top-end, but its capabilities are enough for even the most demanding users. The case is not only cute, but also functional. On the rear edge there are 4 Gigabit LAN ports, one WAN and SFP for connecting via fiber optic cable. Very few competitors can offer the latter. On the side there are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The distance between them is large, which allows you to freely use even bulky mobile Internet modems. There are also two physical buttons, each of which can be configured with up to three functions.

    The router supports the 802.11ac standard and can operate simultaneously in two bands. The maximum theoretical speed reaches 1267 Mbit/s. Real tests showed results of about 600 Mbit/s, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users.

    Thanks to the range of ports and excellent software The router can be used in a wide variety of scenarios.

    1 ASUS RT-AC88U

    3167 Mbit/s
    Country: Taiwan (China)
    Average price: RUB 18,568.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    The leader in the rating of the best Wi-Fi routers in the premium segment is the ASUS RT-AC88U model. The main feature of this device is the ability to ensure simultaneous operation of several dozen devices, thanks to a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3167 Mbit/s. Wide coverage and good level The signal is provided by four antennas operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges.

    As the strengths of the device in reviews, buyers note fast operation, pleasant appearance and a clear Web interface. In addition, the model has 512 MB of RAM, which allows it to quickly process data from different receivers. The router is equipped with one USB port version 2.0 and one version 3.0, which allows you to connect to it third party devices. The disadvantages include insufficiently developed software and intermediate level signal at a frequency of 5 GHz.

    The best mobile (pocket) Wi-Fi routers

    3 Huawei E8372

    Connection via USB port. Most compact wifi router
    Country: China
    Average price: RUB 2,843.
    Rating (2018): 4.4

    The portable model Huawei E8372 takes third place in the ranking of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers. This device, with its fairly small dimensions, can provide full Internet access to any smartphone or computer. The device is powered from any USB port. With the help of Huawei E8372, you can organize effective LTE Internet in your car, apartment or house. The router operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which allows you to use its wireless network over an area of ​​up to 50 square meters. The device has built-in support for 3G and LTE, meaning access can be achieved using a SIM card.

    Among the strengths of the device in reviews, users note operation without connecting to a computer (via a USB cable), reliable connection retention and no lags. The device has a card slot microSD memory and two connectors for external antennas, which can potentially significantly increase the range of the router. Among the weaknesses of this model are uninformative instructions and poor case materials.

    Video review

    2 Alcatel Link Zone

    The most budget standalone router
    Country: USA-France
    Average price: RUB 3,291
    Rating (2018): 4.7

    The next device is more versatile and autonomous than the previous one. Inside the compact and pleasant-to-touch case there is an 1800 mAh battery, which provides 7 hours of active Internet distribution and about 35 hours of standby time. The battery compartment also contains slots for SIM and SD (up to 32 GB) cards and a pair of connectors for connecting external antennas. I'm glad that a dead battery won't be a reason to stop surfing the Internet - just connect the included charger to the MicroUSB connector and continue using the device.

    Wireless Internet standards are not the most modern - only 802.11n. In practice, users experience speeds of up to 70-80 Mbit/s. Not all providers can boast of such results even over cable! The signal level is also good: it will even penetrate a couple of solid walls. The only drawback is the ill-conceived mobile application. But the problem is solved by software, which means there is hope for a quick correction of the shortcomings.

    1 TP-LINK M7350

    Best functionality
    Country: China
    Average price: 4745 rub.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    The leader of the rating is the most expensive and functional device in the category. The appearance is simple: a parallelepiped with rounded corners and a combination of matte and glossy plastic. The only detail that catches the eye is 1.4’ TFT display, which displays information about the operator, signal level, transmission speed, etc. The screen also allows you to carry out basic settings. For more advanced settings you will have to go to the web interface. In most cases, you only need to change the name of the wireless network - the router will do the rest itself, you just need to install a SIM card.

    Like the previous participant, the M7350 has removable battery. The capacity is noticeably higher – 2550 mAh. There is a connector for Micro card SDHC up to 32 GB. Thanks to support for the SMB and FTP protocols, any connected device can use files from a flash drive. This solution can be useful, for example, when traveling with the whole family - everyone can take photos and videos and upload them for public access.

    The best Wi-Fi routers with built-in file storage

    1 Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router HD

    Router with built-in hard drive for 1 TB
    Country: China
    Average price: RUB 14,440.
    Rating (2018): 4.8

    The only representative of the final category is the popular device Chinese company Xiaomi. Of course, the Mi Router HD has competitors, but they are sold in single copies at exorbitant prices, and therefore we cannot recommend them for purchase.

    The design of the router is consistent with other Xiaomi products - a minimalist metal body with four antennas looks harmonious in almost any interior. This is important, because such a large “box” (195x146x96mm) is difficult to hide from view. Quite powerful inside Qualcomm processor, 512 MB of RAM and, most importantly, a 1 TB hard drive. On back cover 3 LAN and 1 WAN port, as well as USB. Wireless Internet complies with the 802.11ac standard and can operate in two bands at once: 2.4 and 5 GHz, there is support for MIMO. Maximum speed “over the air” is up to 2533 Mbit/s.

    Thanks to the built-in HDD, the router can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also as file storage for convenient backup from all home devices, storing movies for later playback on a TV, downloading torrents without a PC, and much more. The only drawback is that you will have to be patient and time to set everything up correctly.

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