I am going to cut the TV cord with Comcast soon, but I will start with their internet service. I have a Motorola SB5100 modem which Comcast says is fine. I live in a modest one-story home and will use my smartphone, computer, Directv Now, and Netflix. I want to buy a very good router. Can you recommend one? I do not want to buy cheap but want a good, long-lasting router. I have appreciated your write up and knowledge and am trying to narrow it down to a quality, appropriate router.
You don’t mention whether or not a person’s internet provider (I have CenturyLink) is important or not. I have noticed that some wireless routers specify IPs. So is this a consideration? And what is the BEST router/modem fir CenturyLink? Does it matter whether I buy a combo or separate units?
Amparo khan
5 years ago
Is it convenient to buy a wireless WiFi when traveling outside the USA? Does it mater if your smart phone is locked?
You can, but you need to buy a converter for the power plug. It does not matter if your smartphone is locked, to access the WiFi.
Al Green
5 years ago
Thanks but it would be handy–if your article is aimed at the beginner–to mention that you need both a router AND a modem and that many but not all units combine the two. That might be worth mentioning to a beginner. Cheers
Junaid
5 years ago
Can you please suggest some good routers to start with?
Collin
5 years ago
I want a router to stream 4ktv and have a 75mbps internet plan. Can someone suggest a router for me. Price is not a big deal just want quality.
Naynesh Shah
4 years ago
I would like to know the distance covered by these routers / range extender. Which term describes the power emit by range extender. I have 1 Gbps link and need to extend the coverage area as 5G signals drop significantly and I don’t get desired speed.
Jamie Rigsby
4 years ago
Trying to figure out Best router for a tri- level house with multiple devices being used at all times
You get WiFi but without an internet connection. You need an internet provider for that.
David Simonarson
4 years ago
Thanks a lot for this detailed overview of what to look for when buying a router!
Evelyn
4 years ago
I’m one of a family of 5 and we are looking for our first WiFi in the house. We watch Netflix, play videos have the WiFi running on around 4 screens 24/7. We’d need something fast and reliable, that doesn’t break the bank. What would you recommend?
Great article, i learned everything i wanted to know and more! Altough there’s one thing that hit me when i was researchings routers after reading this article. My internet provider can only provide me with 100Mbit/s which i find strange since a really bad 1-band router provides for exampel 600Mbit/s right? So my question is this; is it unnecessary to buy a router that supports say 2000 Mbit/s if my internet provider only provides me with 100Mbit/s?
PS: I apologize for the long question but i can’t seem find to find the answer to this anywhere else.
You need to upgrade your internet connection. No need to buy a more expensive router, unless it helps you cover a wider area.
Deidre Elliott
4 years ago
I’m looking to buy new router. I currently rent mine thru centurylink with my WiFi but it’s extremely slow. Not looking for anything fancy just to be able to watch Netflix and download movies thru Dish. I have one smart tv and DVR but not sure which speed to look for and if my internet will support it.
Rick
3 years ago
This was great information, but would be really great would be a table with all this information of what routers have which of the properties and the prices. After this great information, that would be the icing on the cake.
Nancy Dubin
3 years ago
I always read product info and reviews but I am at a real loss here
I have a computer, a 4ktv, aTraegrr BBQ, and soon a PS5 game console. At this point I know I need dual core, 512 or more, USB C or 3, but don’t know who mfgs something close to this. Thought I had one picked out on Amazon until I read the review about the upgrade being a lesser router than it’s predecessor. Good info but again, I just don’t know where/whom to apply it to without breaking the bank!
ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, they all have products like this. Typically look for an AC1900 router or a bit above that. 🙂
A model like ASUS BlueCave should work great for your needs.
Michele
3 years ago
I have a Verizon modem/router combo. Can I buy an additional router to use to improve service and speed?
Dinesh
3 years ago
Hi…. My internet speed is 150 mbps however my current router is not giving enough speed or connections… Can you suggest a router (brand & model) which could accommodate a smart TV, 3 laptops and 4 smart phones
Norm Jensen
3 years ago
I am not sure if I need to purchase a new router, with an extender, or just an extender for to my current WiFi router. I have a large home, 3,500 sq ft and would also like coverage in the back yard. Currently, connection speeds are slow and at times intermittent, with no coverage in the back yard.
I currently have a older Cisco-Linksys router Model: WRT54G2 V1. This router has 1 Internet port and 4 LAN ports. I am using the Internet port and 3 of the LAN ports. 2 for 2 TV’s and 1 for a security camera system and 1 not being used. We have multiple iPhones, tablets, and several other Bluetooth capability items. We do use video conferencing through Skype or Zoom, and we are just starting to stream TV, but are not into video games. Buy new or just an extender for my current router?
That is a really old and dated router. You should buy a new one.
Alex Botkin
3 years ago
I am part of a woodworking club and we plan to continue offering online meetings to our members even after the virus problems. We are investigating different combinations of connectivity. For a WiFi setup it would probably consist of three cameras, a software video control, linked to a large screen projector, and to online Webex. While the local audience can probably be convinced to switch to airplane mode, it is likely that not all will get on board. The industrial building currently has 50/50 service. Thoughts?
Routers tend to work with most of the protocols used by most internet providers. You can have specific router models being incompatible with some weird standard used by an internet provider.
Judi
3 years ago
I really enjoyed reading about routers, I feel that I’ve learned a lot. Thank you for this valuable information.
I think it is time to replace my Cisco Linksys E2000 that has worked well for 10 + years. Starting to have internet cut in and out and can’t get signal when on my patio. I moved my equipment closer to middle of the house and things have gotten worse, so I figure it is the router going bad. Still could use recommendations for mid-grade router. Article was one of the better ones I’ve read, but us older folks need help with this stuff. Don’t want to go to a store with the pandemic.
Guilherme
3 years ago
Good article, but it is hard to find a company that advertise the RAM and processor. Even in technical specifications lists is hard to find.
Go to this page and search for the model you are interested in https://wikidevi.wi-cat.ru/Main_Page
It shares all the hardware specs for more routers.
Sanjoy Roy
3 years ago
How to find the detailed spec? I don’t find the megahertz or ram info of the routers in specifications sheet available in the web. Is there any dedicated website ( some thing like gsmarena for phone ) to view the specs ?
Manuela
3 years ago
I need to consider the numbers of equipments that I will connect to the WiFi.
Cathy S
3 years ago
We are trying to live stream our church services, and need to install a wifi router (we didn’t previously have Internet service in the church builiding). Your article is very helpful. Thanks.
Njy
3 years ago
My question is: our present router is fairly old and weak. We have a small house but the WiFi does not reach throughout the house. What type of router do u need, is it about the hardware or the speed?
The hardware is the most important aspect of a router, then the firmware.
Grahame
3 years ago
I wish that people writing about software / hardware anything really could put themselves in the place of us novices. You use terms that we are not familiar with and you all have an assumption that we have a level of knowledge that we know how, why, what, where and we dont. I am looking to update my router and I am lost by all the tech waffle. Plain speaking for all is req’d.
Penny
3 years ago
Really helpful info in plain terms, thank you! Is ASUS Blue Cave a router you personally use and endorse, or is it an advertiser/sponsor? Or both?
I personally endorse it, after reviewing it. Also, I recommended it to friends, and they loved it too. They are all very satisfied with the product.
mayuri mane
3 years ago
This was informative , but could you provide more information on cisco router.
Martin Seebach
3 years ago
I don’t want Wifi due to visitors seeing it and using their cellphones that hammers my ethernet speeds. Mesh and other IoT appliances will not be in this house either. Any suggestions on a quality router not focused on Wifi would be most welcome. When all is said and done radio connections are inherently open to cracking. It is just how RF is.
Then any router with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports will do. All routers can deliver that without issues.
Tricia
3 years ago
Single Mom of 3 teens (ER Nurse so I know zero about this stuff and quite frankly have to have the 14 yr old help me with my phone occasionally ?). My dilemma: My teen boys are big on online gaming plus are both live streaming at home for school right now. The only TV we have in all the rooms is ROKU (Netflix, prime, Hulu etc.) it’s nothing for both boys to be online gaming, my 18 yr old watching Netflix in her room, and me watching Hulu in the living room…all at the same time. I have fiber internet/WIFI and we’ve never had a problem until the boys started live streaming school. They say the connection keeps lagging and messing up. We have the standard AT&T router they issued us.My boys seem to think it’s the router seeing we have an unlimited internet plan plus it’s fiber. I’m not sure which router in the mid level would be best for us. And we don’t have Alexa or any home automation at all. Any suggestions on a good fit I can get on sale for about $100-$130? Great article btw… I took notes and am now researching routers but still feel like I know so little I could make a bad choice ?♀️
Hello Tricia. We love this router: ASUS Blue Cave. There’s a Shopping link to Amazon inside that review. If you use it, we will receive a small commission from your purchase. Thanks!
Lucia Barreiros
3 years ago
Hello,
I am a complete beginner pensioner and understand little about systems.
I need a rooter to allows me to have Internet. I gave a remote connection by my ISP, but the rooter does not give me a WiFi green light. It seems there is a fault with the rooter they provided after talking to them on the phone.
I would rather buy a brand-new rooter that works.
I need a rooter for YouTube, BBC-iPlayer, All4s, Facebook, WhatsApp, shopping, banking.
What kind of rooter should I buy? Would it be possible for you to recommend a few rooter options that are not too expensive and does well what I need it for?
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Lucia Barreiros
Larry Reeder
3 years ago
Great article, however, I don’t see any mention of how well they handle multiple devices by using MIMO or MU-MIMO. Can you address the relevance of that for a home (or business) that has >20 wireless devices?
Our home is a 2-story 2600 sq.ft. structure and we use wireless on about 3 of our 7 acres.
Yes, >20 (3 phones, 1 tablet, 3 laptops, 2 chromecasts, 1 firestick, 1 smart tv, HUE lights hub, 2 Feit lights, and so forth) let’s just say it adds up very quickly and doesn’t look like there’s an end to all the wireless devices people will have in their homes.
Thanks!
Carl Williams
3 years ago
I am buying an outdoor security system that requires a WiFi router. Each camera has two way communication.
I am not really familiar with how WiFi routers work and what I need for the security system and my laptop.
Please tell me everything I need to have WiFi service anywhere
,I.e, at home and away from home.
Thank you,
Carl
Devansh jain
3 years ago
I want a router that offers give decent internet speed about 100mbs to 200mbps and big coverage area about 30 metre.
About any router that we tested in the last two years can provide that.
Joan Dickson
2 years ago
I am soon moving and will need to purchase a new router and modem or a dual system. The new house will be three stories, 2000 sf. I will have 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, 1000 GB per month. I’m thinking of upgrading to 100 Mbps & 10 Mbps if necessary. I currently have iPhone, computer, three TVS streaming YouTube, Netflix, etc. No gamers. May add Alexa and security cameras. Should I get a Mesh system? Should I get a dual modem/router or separate units? Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Andy
2 years ago
Hi there,
We live in a 6,000 square ft home that was built around 1960. The walls are thick and made of plaster. We purchased the Google Nest system to further the coverage throughout the house, but have found that the bedrooms at other end of house, which is where master bedroom is, doesn’t work very well… AT ALL, In a couple weeks three adult children will be moving back home, whom all have professional jobs that require fast internet (zoom calls, etc.). Clearly, the nest approach didn’t work, so I am trying to find out if by changing the router, it will help our situation out. I know we are not the first family with this problem. Someone is missing out on a huge revenue stream, because this house needs the capability of a small office building. How do I get that? I read this article, and it was informative, but because I am not technologically inclined, I am not sure that it answers how to solve my problem. Any suggestions would be helpful, and appreciated. Thank you for your time,
Andy
Vipul Jasani
2 years ago
Please give the brands of router that has all the above 10 features.
Money is not a problem
All famous router brands have models that meet all criteria. Generally, high-end routers tend to meet all criteria.
Desiree Lipscomb
2 years ago
Thank you for this information. I found it very helpful! I especially appreciate the breakdown of technical jargon!
Researching a product or ho
w to identify its usefulness is commonplace prior to making a purchase. Now, I’m prepared to look a various routers. And I’m confident that I can make an informed decision.
Your site is a great resource. Thanks for your honesty!
As for the most important aspect on selecting a wireless router, mine is SECURITY.
Frankly, I am amazed that no-one seems to mention it. The ever-increasing number of ransomware attacks we hear about in the news, and the growth in the use of NAS (Network access storage) on SOHO networks, simply make security THE single most important aspect of a router, closely followed by security and then security.
Just imagine, you’ve put a whole lifetime’s worth of pictures, or indeed all your private files on your NAS – just because you want to view/show them to friends outside of your home – only to have the lot encrypted and then being offered a decryption key for $$$, just because your router’s software was buggy (a frequent occurrence BTW).
Surely security outweighs any marketing spiel about speed and the numerous other gimmicks that marketing depts shout about in their attempts to flog their wares.
Jeri
2 years ago
I enjoyed reading your router break-down. Mine is a several years old (Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band, maybe 10 to 15 years!) and it is not doing the job we need. Not reaching the whole house and yard, slowing way down when multiple devices are in use, not reaching around corners or through walls. I feel more confident upgrading after reading through your article and am now ready to do the reaearch. Thank you!
Happy to help. If you want to read more useful articles, including about Wi-Fi and home networking, subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/newsletter/
Cindy
1 year ago
I need a router for my 1000 sq.ftr. guest house. There is a CAT 5 wire installed under ground connecting the router in my house (SMARTrg SR350N) to a wall plug in the guest house. I get DSL internet through my phone company. I can find a used router that is the same as the one in my house for $20. Would that work for just basic internet browsing, occasional movie watching? Or do I need something more advanced? I do not have a SMART home, but may eventually want to get a SMART TV.
A 20$ router is too underpowered to cover such a large guest house. You should reserve a budget of 100 to 150 USD and buy a more powerful/advanced router that can provide such coverage. Otherwise, the WiFi will work well only in the room where the router is placed and the room next to it, and that’s all.
James Gagne
10 months ago
Hi, enjoyed reading the article. Looking to replace my router which is a TP-Link Archer C7, Version 2, AC1750 and has no more updates. The coverage has been worked for us until recently even though everything else has remained the same. Our house is between a mid-size to large about 2500 ft sq feet, and not a lot of walls. My internet plan is 800mps. It’s just my wife and I and we don’t do any gaming. We just have 2 wireless computers,sometimes a 3rd one if her sister is here. 2 moble phones and 1 TV to the network. Will like to stay under $100 and would like something with wifi 6. Also security is a major concern. No hackers aloud. I was thinking between a TP-Link vs Asus. Looking for good connection and speed. Thank you
For a house this large, a 100 USD router will tend to struggle. However, this model can be found refurbished, around this price, including on Amazon: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/asus-rt-ax58u-review/
You should invest 150 USD or more for a good router that can provide solid coverage for such a large living space.
This article is very helpful. Unlike some other sites, it stated exactly what each technical spec means to the customer.
Happy to help. 😉
I am going to cut the TV cord with Comcast soon, but I will start with their internet service. I have a Motorola SB5100 modem which Comcast says is fine. I live in a modest one-story home and will use my smartphone, computer, Directv Now, and Netflix. I want to buy a very good router. Can you recommend one? I do not want to buy cheap but want a good, long-lasting router. I have appreciated your write up and knowledge and am trying to narrow it down to a quality, appropriate router.
A great choice is ASUS Blue Cave.
Great article , But it would of been nice to include a list for routers that we could see that integrate all of the features mentioned .
Most definitely agree.
You don’t mention whether or not a person’s internet provider (I have CenturyLink) is important or not. I have noticed that some wireless routers specify IPs. So is this a consideration? And what is the BEST router/modem fir CenturyLink? Does it matter whether I buy a combo or separate units?
Is it convenient to buy a wireless WiFi when traveling outside the USA? Does it mater if your smart phone is locked?
You can, but you need to buy a converter for the power plug. It does not matter if your smartphone is locked, to access the WiFi.
Thanks but it would be handy–if your article is aimed at the beginner–to mention that you need both a router AND a modem and that many but not all units combine the two. That might be worth mentioning to a beginner. Cheers
Can you please suggest some good routers to start with?
I want a router to stream 4ktv and have a 75mbps internet plan. Can someone suggest a router for me. Price is not a big deal just want quality.
I would like to know the distance covered by these routers / range extender. Which term describes the power emit by range extender. I have 1 Gbps link and need to extend the coverage area as 5G signals drop significantly and I don’t get desired speed.
Trying to figure out Best router for a tri- level house with multiple devices being used at all times
Ouch. For that you might need a mesh WiFi system.
After I buy a router will I automatically have wifi or do I need to get a provider?
You get WiFi but without an internet connection. You need an internet provider for that.
Thanks a lot for this detailed overview of what to look for when buying a router!
I’m one of a family of 5 and we are looking for our first WiFi in the house. We watch Netflix, play videos have the WiFi running on around 4 screens 24/7. We’d need something fast and reliable, that doesn’t break the bank. What would you recommend?
ASUS Blue Cave is one of my personal favorites.
Thanks for the information….learned alot!!
Great article, i learned everything i wanted to know and more! Altough there’s one thing that hit me when i was researchings routers after reading this article. My internet provider can only provide me with 100Mbit/s which i find strange since a really bad 1-band router provides for exampel 600Mbit/s right? So my question is this; is it unnecessary to buy a router that supports say 2000 Mbit/s if my internet provider only provides me with 100Mbit/s?
PS: I apologize for the long question but i can’t seem find to find the answer to this anywhere else.
You need to upgrade your internet connection. No need to buy a more expensive router, unless it helps you cover a wider area.
I’m looking to buy new router. I currently rent mine thru centurylink with my WiFi but it’s extremely slow. Not looking for anything fancy just to be able to watch Netflix and download movies thru Dish. I have one smart tv and DVR but not sure which speed to look for and if my internet will support it.
This was great information, but would be really great would be a table with all this information of what routers have which of the properties and the prices. After this great information, that would be the icing on the cake.
I always read product info and reviews but I am at a real loss here
I have a computer, a 4ktv, aTraegrr BBQ, and soon a PS5 game console. At this point I know I need dual core, 512 or more, USB C or 3, but don’t know who mfgs something close to this. Thought I had one picked out on Amazon until I read the review about the upgrade being a lesser router than it’s predecessor. Good info but again, I just don’t know where/whom to apply it to without breaking the bank!
ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, they all have products like this. Typically look for an AC1900 router or a bit above that. 🙂
A model like ASUS BlueCave should work great for your needs.
I have a Verizon modem/router combo. Can I buy an additional router to use to improve service and speed?
Hi…. My internet speed is 150 mbps however my current router is not giving enough speed or connections… Can you suggest a router (brand & model) which could accommodate a smart TV, 3 laptops and 4 smart phones
I am not sure if I need to purchase a new router, with an extender, or just an extender for to my current WiFi router. I have a large home, 3,500 sq ft and would also like coverage in the back yard. Currently, connection speeds are slow and at times intermittent, with no coverage in the back yard.
I currently have a older Cisco-Linksys router Model: WRT54G2 V1. This router has 1 Internet port and 4 LAN ports. I am using the Internet port and 3 of the LAN ports. 2 for 2 TV’s and 1 for a security camera system and 1 not being used. We have multiple iPhones, tablets, and several other Bluetooth capability items. We do use video conferencing through Skype or Zoom, and we are just starting to stream TV, but are not into video games. Buy new or just an extender for my current router?
That is a really old and dated router. You should buy a new one.
I am part of a woodworking club and we plan to continue offering online meetings to our members even after the virus problems. We are investigating different combinations of connectivity. For a WiFi setup it would probably consist of three cameras, a software video control, linked to a large screen projector, and to online Webex. While the local audience can probably be convinced to switch to airplane mode, it is likely that not all will get on board. The industrial building currently has 50/50 service. Thoughts?
Thoughts about what? What exactly do you need from us?
Very informative and simply explained article. I have prior experience in communications and you explained these concepts very clearly and concisely.
Does all routers work with any internet provider? I’m with att.
Routers tend to work with most of the protocols used by most internet providers. You can have specific router models being incompatible with some weird standard used by an internet provider.
I really enjoyed reading about routers, I feel that I’ve learned a lot. Thank you for this valuable information.
I’m glad that you feel this way. Do not hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter, for more useful guides like this.
Do you have any tips for routers that reach a wider area?
I think it is time to replace my Cisco Linksys E2000 that has worked well for 10 + years. Starting to have internet cut in and out and can’t get signal when on my patio. I moved my equipment closer to middle of the house and things have gotten worse, so I figure it is the router going bad. Still could use recommendations for mid-grade router. Article was one of the better ones I’ve read, but us older folks need help with this stuff. Don’t want to go to a store with the pandemic.
Good article, but it is hard to find a company that advertise the RAM and processor. Even in technical specifications lists is hard to find.
Go to this page and search for the model you are interested in https://wikidevi.wi-cat.ru/Main_Page
It shares all the hardware specs for more routers.
How to find the detailed spec? I don’t find the megahertz or ram info of the routers in specifications sheet available in the web. Is there any dedicated website ( some thing like gsmarena for phone ) to view the specs ?
I need to consider the numbers of equipments that I will connect to the WiFi.
We are trying to live stream our church services, and need to install a wifi router (we didn’t previously have Internet service in the church builiding). Your article is very helpful. Thanks.
My question is: our present router is fairly old and weak. We have a small house but the WiFi does not reach throughout the house. What type of router do u need, is it about the hardware or the speed?
The hardware is the most important aspect of a router, then the firmware.
I wish that people writing about software / hardware anything really could put themselves in the place of us novices. You use terms that we are not familiar with and you all have an assumption that we have a level of knowledge that we know how, why, what, where and we dont. I am looking to update my router and I am lost by all the tech waffle. Plain speaking for all is req’d.
Really helpful info in plain terms, thank you! Is ASUS Blue Cave a router you personally use and endorse, or is it an advertiser/sponsor? Or both?
I personally endorse it, after reviewing it. Also, I recommended it to friends, and they loved it too. They are all very satisfied with the product.
This was informative , but could you provide more information on cisco router.
I don’t want Wifi due to visitors seeing it and using their cellphones that hammers my ethernet speeds. Mesh and other IoT appliances will not be in this house either. Any suggestions on a quality router not focused on Wifi would be most welcome. When all is said and done radio connections are inherently open to cracking. It is just how RF is.
Then any router with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports will do. All routers can deliver that without issues.
Single Mom of 3 teens (ER Nurse so I know zero about this stuff and quite frankly have to have the 14 yr old help me with my phone occasionally ?). My dilemma: My teen boys are big on online gaming plus are both live streaming at home for school right now. The only TV we have in all the rooms is ROKU (Netflix, prime, Hulu etc.) it’s nothing for both boys to be online gaming, my 18 yr old watching Netflix in her room, and me watching Hulu in the living room…all at the same time. I have fiber internet/WIFI and we’ve never had a problem until the boys started live streaming school. They say the connection keeps lagging and messing up. We have the standard AT&T router they issued us.My boys seem to think it’s the router seeing we have an unlimited internet plan plus it’s fiber. I’m not sure which router in the mid level would be best for us. And we don’t have Alexa or any home automation at all. Any suggestions on a good fit I can get on sale for about $100-$130? Great article btw… I took notes and am now researching routers but still feel like I know so little I could make a bad choice ?♀️
Hello Tricia. We love this router: ASUS Blue Cave. There’s a Shopping link to Amazon inside that review. If you use it, we will receive a small commission from your purchase. Thanks!
Hello,
I am a complete beginner pensioner and understand little about systems.
I need a rooter to allows me to have Internet. I gave a remote connection by my ISP, but the rooter does not give me a WiFi green light. It seems there is a fault with the rooter they provided after talking to them on the phone.
I would rather buy a brand-new rooter that works.
I need a rooter for YouTube, BBC-iPlayer, All4s, Facebook, WhatsApp, shopping, banking.
What kind of rooter should I buy? Would it be possible for you to recommend a few rooter options that are not too expensive and does well what I need it for?
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Lucia Barreiros
Great article, however, I don’t see any mention of how well they handle multiple devices by using MIMO or MU-MIMO. Can you address the relevance of that for a home (or business) that has >20 wireless devices?
Our home is a 2-story 2600 sq.ft. structure and we use wireless on about 3 of our 7 acres.
Yes, >20 (3 phones, 1 tablet, 3 laptops, 2 chromecasts, 1 firestick, 1 smart tv, HUE lights hub, 2 Feit lights, and so forth) let’s just say it adds up very quickly and doesn’t look like there’s an end to all the wireless devices people will have in their homes.
Thanks!
I am buying an outdoor security system that requires a WiFi router. Each camera has two way communication.
I am not really familiar with how WiFi routers work and what I need for the security system and my laptop.
Please tell me everything I need to have WiFi service anywhere
,I.e, at home and away from home.
Thank you,
Carl
I want a router that offers give decent internet speed about 100mbs to 200mbps and big coverage area about 30 metre.
About any router that we tested in the last two years can provide that.
I am soon moving and will need to purchase a new router and modem or a dual system. The new house will be three stories, 2000 sf. I will have 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, 1000 GB per month. I’m thinking of upgrading to 100 Mbps & 10 Mbps if necessary. I currently have iPhone, computer, three TVS streaming YouTube, Netflix, etc. No gamers. May add Alexa and security cameras. Should I get a Mesh system? Should I get a dual modem/router or separate units? Your expertise is greatly appreciated.
Hi there,
We live in a 6,000 square ft home that was built around 1960. The walls are thick and made of plaster. We purchased the Google Nest system to further the coverage throughout the house, but have found that the bedrooms at other end of house, which is where master bedroom is, doesn’t work very well… AT ALL, In a couple weeks three adult children will be moving back home, whom all have professional jobs that require fast internet (zoom calls, etc.). Clearly, the nest approach didn’t work, so I am trying to find out if by changing the router, it will help our situation out. I know we are not the first family with this problem. Someone is missing out on a huge revenue stream, because this house needs the capability of a small office building. How do I get that? I read this article, and it was informative, but because I am not technologically inclined, I am not sure that it answers how to solve my problem. Any suggestions would be helpful, and appreciated. Thank you for your time,
Andy
Please give the brands of router that has all the above 10 features.
Money is not a problem
All famous router brands have models that meet all criteria. Generally, high-end routers tend to meet all criteria.
Thank you for this information. I found it very helpful! I especially appreciate the breakdown of technical jargon!
Researching a product or ho
w to identify its usefulness is commonplace prior to making a purchase. Now, I’m prepared to look a various routers. And I’m confident that I can make an informed decision.
Thanks again ~ Desiree
Glad to help. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter, for more useful content. https://www.digitalcitizen.life/newsletter/
Your site is a great resource. Thanks for your honesty!
As for the most important aspect on selecting a wireless router, mine is SECURITY.
Frankly, I am amazed that no-one seems to mention it. The ever-increasing number of ransomware attacks we hear about in the news, and the growth in the use of NAS (Network access storage) on SOHO networks, simply make security THE single most important aspect of a router, closely followed by security and then security.
Just imagine, you’ve put a whole lifetime’s worth of pictures, or indeed all your private files on your NAS – just because you want to view/show them to friends outside of your home – only to have the lot encrypted and then being offered a decryption key for $$$, just because your router’s software was buggy (a frequent occurrence BTW).
Surely security outweighs any marketing spiel about speed and the numerous other gimmicks that marketing depts shout about in their attempts to flog their wares.
I enjoyed reading your router break-down. Mine is a several years old (Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band, maybe 10 to 15 years!) and it is not doing the job we need. Not reaching the whole house and yard, slowing way down when multiple devices are in use, not reaching around corners or through walls. I feel more confident upgrading after reading through your article and am now ready to do the reaearch. Thank you!
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I need a router for my 1000 sq.ftr. guest house. There is a CAT 5 wire installed under ground connecting the router in my house (SMARTrg SR350N) to a wall plug in the guest house. I get DSL internet through my phone company. I can find a used router that is the same as the one in my house for $20. Would that work for just basic internet browsing, occasional movie watching? Or do I need something more advanced? I do not have a SMART home, but may eventually want to get a SMART TV.
A 20$ router is too underpowered to cover such a large guest house. You should reserve a budget of 100 to 150 USD and buy a more powerful/advanced router that can provide such coverage. Otherwise, the WiFi will work well only in the room where the router is placed and the room next to it, and that’s all.
Hi, enjoyed reading the article. Looking to replace my router which is a TP-Link Archer C7, Version 2, AC1750 and has no more updates. The coverage has been worked for us until recently even though everything else has remained the same. Our house is between a mid-size to large about 2500 ft sq feet, and not a lot of walls. My internet plan is 800mps. It’s just my wife and I and we don’t do any gaming. We just have 2 wireless computers,sometimes a 3rd one if her sister is here. 2 moble phones and 1 TV to the network. Will like to stay under $100 and would like something with wifi 6. Also security is a major concern. No hackers aloud. I was thinking between a TP-Link vs Asus. Looking for good connection and speed. Thank you
For a house this large, a 100 USD router will tend to struggle. However, this model can be found refurbished, around this price, including on Amazon:
https://www.digitalcitizen.life/asus-rt-ax58u-review/
You should invest 150 USD or more for a good router that can provide solid coverage for such a large living space.