Best WiFi Routers for Home in India
Around 10 years back there was only a PC or internet used to be connected to the internet in India. Today, every home has a multiple devices like PCs, laptops, iPads, smartphones, televisions, and other IoT-enabled devices which need internet to do their functions properly.
The conventional modem has gone out of fashion and WIFI router has started ruling the households,offices and any other public communication places we can imagine.
With People Using so many devices simultaneously, And everyone looking for their own sense of freedom,convenience etc , a internet user Should Invest In A High-Quality Long-Range Wi-Fi Router.
Such routers are also useful in an office environment in providing multiple connections to access the internet.
This post highlights some of the best Wi-Fi routers for Home, Gaming, 4K, and long-range home and office available in India.
We also recommend you to read the Wi-Fi Router Buying Guide at the end of the article to get in-depth knowledge about all the latest Wi-Fi Router technologies.
ASUS AC1900 RT AC68U Dual-band Wireless Gigabit Router
The Broadcom TurboQAM technology present in this wireless dual-band router delivers internet speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 802.11ac model. It has a dual-core processor powerful enough to ensure 4K video streaming, low latency online gaming, and ultra-fast downloading.
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Asus routers are known for achieving the highest scores in 6 study factors, namely reliability, range, security, capability, up/download speed, and restoration of connection.
The dual-core processor enables the router to do more activities such as allowing VOIP calls ,uninterrupted file downloading. The beamforming technology helps in high amplification of signals and increases the coverage area while providing enhanced stability at the same time.
Asus places great emphasis on the data security aspect. The AiProtection feature provided by Trend Micro offers multi-stage protection against online threats. It blocks access to malicious sites and prevents already infected devices from transmitting confidential data.
Installing the router is not hard. Updating this is also easy with the help of ASUSWRT User Interface. It offers you a lot of advanced options.
- This router offers an excellent range
- No need to have a Wi-Fi extender in a normal home
- Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
- Useful mobile app
- Can look a bit expensive when compared to routers of similar configurations available on the market
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Verdict: In spite of being a bit expensive, the ASUS AC68U is the top dual-band Wi-Fi router.
ASUS RT AC58U AC1300 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router
This ASUS Wi-Fi router works well with cable broadband services. It is a powerful wireless router as it comes equipped with a quad-core processor for responsive network performance.
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This router works on the 2X2 MU-MIMO technology thus enabling communication with multiple devices at a time. It is the right choice of Wi-Fi router for Jio Fibernet, ACT Fibernet, and other services where you get broadband services through cables. This router has RJ-45 port whereby it is compliant with these Fibernet services.
The highlight of this Wi-Fi router is that it provides fast internet speeds and is compatible for use on multiple devices. It operates on the dual-band, the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz frequencies.
this router comes with 128MB memory and an improved Wi-Fi range. There are four 5dBi antennas with AiRadar universal beamforming technology thereby enabling communication with various devices simultaneously without causing any lag in the information.
Some of the other important features include parental controls, multipurpose USB 3.0 port and facilities to monitor and filter the internet activities of children and other users.
- Good Wi-Fi speed with high levels of stability
- Great range of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands
- Easy setup and installation
- Parental controls
- Takes long time to scan USB storage
- The system reboots during changes and the rebooting takes some time
Verdict: Compared to the other Wi-Fi routers, this Asus AC58U is one of the best Wi-Fi routers for home in India that is available under 6000.
Best WiFi Routers for Home in India in 2022
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Cable Router
The Archer C7 can work at three times speed of wireless N speeds as it ensures combined wireless data transfer rate of a maximum of up to 1.75 Gbps. This router can ensure transfer up to 1300 Mbps wireless transfer over 5 GHz band and up to 450 Mbps over 2.4 GHz band. Hence. It is one of the fastest router for online streaming, fast and action-packed games, and other bandwidth-sensitive assignments.
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Not only simple tasks like sending emails and browsing websites are easy and fast , this router can cater to challenging tasks like streaming HD movies and online games. This router has three external antennas with dual-band Wi-Fi to enable extensive wireless coverage. Therefore, it is an ideal router to have at home and the office.
One of the important benefits of this router is the USB connectivity feature. Thus, you can share a hard drive full of media through your home network. This cable router has one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, thereby enabling connection speeds at about ten times that of the standard Ethernet connections.
Though this router is not compatible with Wi-Fi 6, it is a fast 802.11ac router with an incredible range. You can connect multiple devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and other internet-accessing devices to the router and enjoy seamless network connectivity.
This router supports IPv6, the future generation of the internet protocol. Parental controls enable you to restrict the viewing habits of your children.
- Connect a range of devices over different bands, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz
- Delivers great connectivity speed on laptops and other devices
- Easy to set up the router
- sometimes range issues, especially if the house area is more than 2500 square feet.
Verdict: As this router allows seamless internet connectivity to a range of devices, it is ideal for your home.
Best Triband Routers
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Linksys MR8300 Tri-Band Gaming Mesh Wi-Fi Router for Home
These days people have various internet-accessing devices at home, including televisions and other IoT devices, there is a greater need for having high-quality Wi-Fi routers. This Linksys MR8300 is capable of delivering extremely fast wireless speeds.
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This router uses Tri-Band and MU MIMO technology to deliver excellent Wi-Fi speeds to multiple devices simultaneously. Thus, you can stream 4K media and browse the internet. Playing online games is smooth when using this router.
This MR8300 Wi-Fi router has a built-in Mesh Wi-Fi to scale your household internet needs. As your needs increase, you can add a Linksys Velop node to improve your coverage. The nodes can work smoothly to eliminate manual switching between network.
Setting up this Wi-Fi router is easy. You can connect the Wi-Fi router to the modem and download the Linksys app. Set up the router with your network name and personal password.
The most heartening feature of this MR8300 Wi-Fi router is that it has four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Thus it supports up to ten times faster standard Ethernet. You can connect your shared storage devices and peripherals to the network using this router.
This router automatically gets firmware updates from Linksys as soon as they are released. It helps your router to remain secure and up to date.
- manages multiple devices without any overloading issues
- MU MIMO Wave 2 Technology is the latest in the world.
- Setting up this router is easy.
- Needs constant updates from Linksys
Verdict: With its advanced technology, this Linksys MR8300 is one of the best available in its niche.
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Netgear Orbi RBK20-100INS Tri-Band Router Home Wi-Fi System
If you are looking everywhere for a better Wi-Fi experience, this is it. Orbi Wi-Fi system is the ideal Tri-band Wi-Fi system for your house. This Wi-Fi system can offer smooth connectivity for all of 4000 square feet area. Thus, it can include your home, patio, and even the outdoor areas.
This Wi-Fi router provides a dedicated Tri-band internet connection, thereby maximising internet speeds. It ensures the ideal speed for 4K streaming and connects to multiple devices comfortably.
Installing this Wi-Fi router is very easy. You need to download the Orbi app to set up and personalise your Orbi Home Wi-Fi system. There is no necessity for a separate account. The exciting thing is that you can also set up an internet connection for your guests and check the status of your various devices conveniently.
The key feature of this router is that it ensures constant internet speed despite more devices connected to it. In comparison, other Wi-Fi systems show a decrease in speed. The Tri-band feature provides more devices in the home to connect to your router.
- No Wi-Fi dead zones in your house at all
- Guest access feature is an excellent one.
- Single access point makes it convenient to use.
- This router has issues whenever there are power fluctuations.
Verdict: With its great features, this tri-band Wi-Fi system proves to be the ideal one for every household.
Best Gaming Router in india in 2022
Netgear Nighthawk XR500 Pro, AC2600 Dual Band Gaming Wi-Fi Router
Browsing your internet and sending emails is separate from high-end gaming. The XR500 Pro Gaming Router stabilises ping, reduces lag spikes, and optimise network performances.
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The Nighthawk XR500 Pro uses state-of-the-art software to improve your internet connectivity. This router prioritises the gaming traffic and allocates bandwidth to each device to remove lag. You can easily control the maximum upload and download speed of each device to minimise lag spikes.
The Geo-Filter allows you to limit the distance to servers and other players and fix your gaming lag. It also gives options to blacklist tardy opponents and whitelists your friends.
The customisable dashboard enables to personalise your game and view real-time bandwidth utilisation, ping, and other parameters on a single screen.
The four antennas offer better Wi-Fi coverage, faster speeds up to 2.6Gbps and less interference. MU MIMO allows for smooth streaming, Quad-Stream, and 160MHz for accelerated rates.
This router works on a powerful dual-core 1.7Ghz processor to maintain consistency in the speeds. It also assist 4K streaming, VR gaming, and much more.
Four Gigabit Ethernet ports help to maximise speeds, ideal for high-quality streaming and fast-paced games. Besides offering high speeds, this router provides the highest security with VPN, WPA/WPA2 and the Gaming VPN Client Support to prevent DDoS attacks and protect your network.
- The Geo-Filter feature is a great gaming router.
- QoS is also an good feature to reduce lag spikes because it prioritises network connectivity to gaming consoles.
- There are no dead zones when you have this router at home.
- The cost can be a prohibitive factor.
Verdict: ALthough cost might look high, this Wi-Fi router is one to grab if you are looking forward to a fantastic gaming experience.
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Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC2900 Wi-Fi Gaming Router
Asus ROG Wi-Fi gaming router provides triple-level game acceleration and boosts game traffic from your device to the game server. This router is recommended by GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service that turns your non-gaming system into a powerful gaming rig.
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This gaming router helps you to play the latest games like PUBG and Fortnite on popular PC game stores like Steam. GeForce Now ensures up to 90% of bandwidth to dedicated gaming.
This router lets you bid goodbye to the slow devices by port forwarding in three easy steps. You can open NAT on GT-AC2900 and team up with three steps.
This router is a powerful device as it provides Whole-home Mesh Wi-Fi at full speed for multiple gamers. This device can provide smooth internet connectivity to every corner of your home without any Wi-Fi dropouts.
MU MIMO technology ensures up to four compatible devices to have their dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi connections without slowing down the network.
When you move upto high-end gaming routers, you need higher security because these routers provide high-speed connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously. GT AC2900 features AIProtection Pro powered by Trend Micro to safeguard your devices from external threats.
Setting up this router is easy if you follow the instructions that come along with the product.
- This router allows streaming on up to 15 devices at a time.
- One of the best Wi-Fi routers to play fast-paced games
- Auto connection based on the signal strength
- The cost appears to be a bit on the higher side.
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TP-Link Archer AC5400 Gaming Router
Gamers need tremendous internet speed for their gaming activities. The numbers of online players are increasing day by day. The TP-Link Archer AC5400 is a great wireless router in India for gaming.
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Gaming requires the routers to have more power. This router comes with a 1.8 GHz Quad-core CPU, three co-processors, and 1 GB RAM. It empowers the router to get the raw power required to handle the high-end gaming rigs.
The Archer AC5400 employs 4X4 MU-MIMO and Airtime Fairness for maintaining the requests of every device connected to it with the requisite speed and precision. The router has a far-reaching Wi-Fi range thereby allowing you to play your games from the basement of your house as well. You can have a Wi-Fi extender to improve the quality of the signal.
The Wi-Fi router has a comprehensive protection from online threats. The TP-Link HomeCare powered by Trend Micro can protect every device from the latest cyber threats due to in-built antivirus and cutting-edge intrusion prevention technology.
- Easy to set up with the facility of updating the software over Wi-Fi
- Facility to control the device using your phone
- All LAN ports have the same Gigabit output
- Connects various devices without any lag in performance
- Resetting the device might be an issue as it does not accept the default password to configure the device
Verdict: Gamers will be happy with this wireless router as it provides tremendous downloading speed. It qualifies as one of the best routers for long range and speed. Best Wi-Fi 6 Router
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NETGEAR Nighthawk-AX4 4-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router – RAX40
The higher the speed of connectivity, the better is the overall internet experience. NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 is one of the best Wi-Fi routers available on the market when it comes to speed and capacity. With Nighthawk AX4, gridlocks are things of the past.
Wi-Fi technology has improved considerably over the years. This 4-stream router is compatible with Wi-Fi 6, the epitome of speed and capacity. As a result, it becomes convenient to have more simultaneous Wi-Fi streaming.
The best feature of this router is that it is 100% backward compatible. Thus, it can work with your existing Wi-Fi systems.
This Wi-Fi router can provide you speeds up to 3 Gbps, thereby making it easy for HD streaming. Communicating with your closed ones on video calls is comfortable with this router. Gamers will have a great time because of the enhanced speeds. The higher capacity ensures that there is no lagging on your smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Today is the age of smart devices that require Wi-Fi compatibility. The Nighthawk AX4 can handle up to 20 Wi-Fi devices at a time. You will have a tremendous internet experience at the best of speeds.
This Wi-Fi router works on the new OFDMA technology that empowers efficient sharing of Wi-Fi bandwidth. This router largely increases the amount of data that can be sent and receivedfrom many devices and prevents connection delays.
Setting up this Wi-Fi router is quiet easy. The Nighthawk app helps to set up the router and maximise functionality with features like remote access to your cellular network, internet speed test, and internet pausing. The high-powered antennas enable reliable Wi-Fi coverage to all your devices as you can move it around your house with ease.
Connects to many devices simultaneously
Good balance between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands
Futuristic design
firmware issues
The cost can also be a deterrent
Verdict: You need good internet connectivity in these advanced times. This Nighthawk AX4 Wi-Fi router is amongst the best Wi-Fi router available in India under Rs 18,000.
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TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Archer AX10
Speed is an important factor that defines great internet connectivity. This TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX 1500 router is capable of delivering speeds up to 1.5 Gbps.
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Besides proving enough for the standard laptops and smartphones, this speed is good for offering continuous streaming on smart TVs. The backward compatibility feature of this Wi-Fi router allows it to connect to your existing systems without any upgrades.
This router has a Triple-Core CPU that offers immediate response to all your internet requirements. The OFDMA technology empowers you to connect multiple devices to this router and enjoy excellent speeds.
This Wi-Fi 6 router has four antennas and beamforming technology to focus the signals towards individual clients and ensure broader coverage.
The advantage of Wi-Fi 6 is that it helps in efficient transmission of data packets for different applications to share a conventional broadcast while cutting out the latency. Thus, videos and audio chats are smoooth. Gamers love this router as there is no lagging with this Wi-Fi router.
Beamforming technology enables obstacles like walls, floors, and ceilings do not affect internet coverage. Thus, it is an ideal Wi-Fi router to have in every home.
Setting up this Wi-Fi router is easy because of the availability of a user-friendly mobile application. This app allows the user to set up the connection and see aspects like speed, the number of devices connected, and so on. The advanced technology enables you to access the Wi-Fi router using your voice and not your password.
This router has fullGigabit ports that let you take full advantage of broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Great Wi-Fi router with good coverage
Easily customisable as it comes with user-friendly settings
Light in weight and mountable on the wall
This router tends to heat up with continuous use.
Users have reported issue of fluctuating Wi-Fi connection speeds.
Verdict: The TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Archer AX10 is a great Wi-Fi 6 router to have in your home. It qualifies as one of the most affordable Wi-Fi routers available in India in 2020. Best 4G LTE Router
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TP-Link TL-MR6400 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router
This TP-Link router is one of the best wireless N 4G LTE routers available in India in 2020.This wireless router can handle great speeds up to 300 Mbps with a maximum download speed of up to 150 Mbps. The benefit of this TL MR6400 Wireless router is that it allows you to share a 4G LTE network with multiple Wi-Fi accessing devices.
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Therefore, you can download your files and documents on your laptop while watching uninterrupted HD movies on your smartphone or smart TV simultaneously.
Playing online games should be a breeze using this Wi-Fi router as it is capable of handling speeds up to 300 Mbps. This router comes with two integrated antennas to ensure stable wireless connections and excellent coverage.
The best aspect of this router is that you do not need any specific configurations. An integrated 4G LTE modem and a built-in SIM card slot are enough for you to insert your SIM card into it and start using it straight away.
The benefit of this wireless device is its portability. You can unplug the router and carry it with you wherever you go. All it needs to start functioning is the SIM card and connectivity. Thus, it is one of the ideal devices to work from remote locations.
The inclusion of the WAN/LAN port supports a range of connection types, including DSL modems, cable, and fibre. This device is fully compatible with FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE that is supported by almost all operators worldwide.
This router’s dynamism makes it one of the most preferred devices for users who do not want to invest in a landline connection. Any compatible SIM card providing 4G internet works with this appliance.
Easy to install and use
Excellent internet bandwidth
Versatile appliance
Firmware issues persis
Heating issues are present
Verdict: Despite the shortcomings, this appliance is one of the best Wi-Fi routers available in India under Rs 6,000.
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Wi-Fi Router Buying Guide
You can easily ask, “What is there to see in a Wi-Fi router?” You can buy any router and set the ball rolling. No, it is not the case.
Do you realise that various factors like the size of your home, the thickness of your walls, your neighbour’s Wi-Fi signal, your microwave, and other appliances can affect the quality of your Wi-Fi signal?
If we say that a wireless router has features like ASDL, Fiber Internet, single band, dual band, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and use terms like IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac, and so on, you will end up confused.
Through this buying guide, we shall explore these features and make things simple for you. Before starting with the buying guide, we would like to make one thing very clear. “The most expensive router is not necessarily the best one for your home.”
“What is a Wi-Fi Router?”
In simple terms, a Wi-Fi router is a device that connects various wireless devices at your home such as your smartphone, laptop, tablets, printers, TVs, Set Top box, USB dongle, and so on to the internet. It enables these devices to communicate with each other.
What does IEEE stand for?
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) defines the standards for electronics and electrical instruments. IEEE 802.11 specifies wireless devices communications standards.
Difference between IEEE 802.11n and IEEE 802.11ac
You will encounter these terms when you purchase your wireless router. Know the difference between these two terms.
Wired Vs. Wireless
With most people accessing the internet using smartphones, tablets, and televisions, a wired router should not serve the purpose at all. Besides, a wired router will have Ethernet cables running all around the house.
The Wireless Routers are the best Ones To buy. If you still Use A PC without wireless compatibility, you can Use A USB Dongle And Access The Internet Without Using Ethernet Cables.
The current trend is of wireless routers that can be used by multiple devices to access the internet simultaneously.
Thus, you can use your laptops, smartphones, and iPads to browse the web. Simultaneously, the smart TVs and equipment like Amazon FireTV stick can also access the same broadband connection. Therefore, a wireless router is a better investment.
Router Vs. Modem Vs. Hotspot
All of you would be familiar with the modem as almost everyone has a Broadband connection at home.
Mobile users will also be comfortable with Hotspot. Both these devices help users to access the internet. Let us understand the difference between a modem, router, and Hotspot.
Desktop users can use modems for internet accessibility. The cable connectivity provides excellent access without much speed loss. However, these appliances are not portable.
Wi-Fi Routers Are Ideal In Homes Where Multiple People Access The Internet Simultaneously Using Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, IPads, Smartphones, Etc. Smart TVs And Other IoT Devices Also Function Well With Wi-Fi Routers.
People on the move need hotspot connections. It can either be a dedicated hotspot device or a smartphone. You need SIM cards to use these connections.
The Wi-Fi Standard
Technology is advancing day by day. The Wi-Fi router manufacturers have to keep pace with improving technology by upgrading the existing standards (IEEE protocols).
Therefore, you hear terms like 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, etc. Do they look like random numbers? No, they are not. We shall not go much into the details of these numbers, as we have already explained them in an earlier post.
Today, The Latest Standard Is Wi-Fi 6, Also Known In Technical Circles As 802.11ax. The Latest Intel Core 10th Generation Laptop CPUs Come With Wi-Fi 6 Compatibility.
Some of the latest smartphones are also compatible with this Wi-Fi standard. The advantages of Wi-Fi 6 are additional security, higher speed, and extended battery life.
The new devices henceforth will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6. Hence, if you plan to change your Wi-Fi router now, it is better to upgrade to a new Wi-Fi 6 compatible router. Otherwise, your existing Wi-Fi 5 compatible router will become obsolete.
Wi-Fi Speeds
Purchasers should know that any Wi-Fi router does not achieve the advertised speed in real-time situations. Manufacturers may list out rates ranging from 350 Mbps to even 3500 Mbps.
At home and office, the Wi-Fi signals have to manage with various obstructions or barriers such as furniture, walls, ceiling, flooring, doors, and other appliances.
For Example, The routers operating On The 5 GHz Band Are Not As Effective If There Is A Wall Separating The Device From The Router.
Almost all Wi-Fi routers come with a built-in Ethernet connection for providing access through cables. The cheaper models generally come with switches rated at 100 Mbps.
You should not have any issues spending a few hundred rupees more to purchase a Wi-Fi router model with a Gigabit switch.
The speed of your internet connection is measured in Mbps that represents the amount of data your Wi-Fi router sends or receives in a second.
The ideal speed for your regular activities should be as enumerated below.
Internet browsing, social media, and sending emails – 1 Mbps
Online Gaming – 1 to 3 Mbps
Video Conferencing – 1 to 4 Mbps
SD Video streaming – 3 to 4 Mbps
HD Video streaming – 5 to 8 Mbps
Downloading large files – 50 Mbps and above
Single Band or Dual Band or Tri-Band Routers
Initially you had the single-band routers. Today, almost manufacturers roll out dual-band routers. One can also find some tri-band routers on the market. Since the single band modems are out of fashion today, we shall restrict our discussion to the dual-band and tri-band routers.
Dual-Band Routers Come Equipped With Two Radios Operating On The 2.4 GHz And 5.0 GHz Frequency Bands, Respectively. The Striking Aspect Is That It Allows You To Run Two Distinct Wireless Networks Simultaneously.
It ensures enhanced speeds in a crowded wireless network because it bumps some compatible devices to the alternative frequency. The 2.4 GHz frequency band can face interference from Bluetooth and microwave devices.
The 5.0 GHz band has a shorter range compared to the 2.4 GHz frequency. Hence, it is excellent for devices in proximity to the Wi-Fi router. Generally, the 5 GHz band does not penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings, whereas the 2.4 GHz has an extended range.
When purchasing a Wi-Fi router, you should confirm whether the router has one or two radios. Some routers have a single radio that operates either on the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies but not simultaneously. Go for a Wi-Fi router that can run at both the bands at the same.
The tri-band Wi-Fi routers have an additional 5.0 GHz band. Such routers are useful when you have multiple mobile devices accessing the internet simultaneously, especially in an office-like environment.
Mesh Network
You would have witnessed seamless Wi-Fi connectivity in hotels, malls, and restaurants. How is it possible to provide Wi-Fi connections to many devices simultaneously without compromising on the speed?
The mesh network allows multiple devices to connect to the internet.
A Mesh Network Does Not Comprise A Single Router. It Is A combination Of several Wi-Fi Router Devices Designed To Work Together. They create a unique, dependable system by overlapping their signals. Google W-Fi is one such example of a mesh network.
Mesh networks are useful for providing excellent connectivity in large spaces, such as apartments exceeding 3000 square feet in area. A dual-band Wi-Fi router might not be enough to provide seamless internet connectivity over large areas. A mesh network should be ideal.
You can purchase a single mesh (areas up to 3000 square feet) and use it as your conventional Wi-Fi router. If you want to encompass a larger area, it is better to go for two or even three mesh networks.
They have features similar to that of your traditional Wi-Fi router. However, one can experience lower speeds on mesh networks, at times.
Time to get a new Wi-Fi Router
The question is how you know if it is time to get a new Wi-Fi router. If your existing router does not allow you to do the following activities smoothly, it is time for a switchove
- Play multi-player games like PUBG online without experiencing lag.
- Your TV or laptop takes time to stream HD movies online.
- Communicate with friends and family members using video calls from any corner of the house without lag.
- Connect multiple devices (laptops in an office) or smartphones and tablets at home without experiencing download speed loss.
The factors that determine the router you should opt for
We have seen that Wi-Fi 6 is the latest wireless standard today. Hence, your Wi-Fi router should be compatible with it. Besides, the following factors influence your router selection.
Gaming Routers
Ideally, the wired Ethernet cable is best suited for gaming. This network offers the maximum speeds with the least interference. Therefore, it delivers stable performance.
However, it is not always possible for gamers to remain tied down to a single location. Some games are there to be played on the move.
Many people play games on X-boxes, smartphones, and tablets. Therefore, Wi-Fi routers with dedicated gaming features should prove handy. These features ensure prioritising of data packets heading towards the gaming servers.
ISP and Router Compatibility
The connection provided by the internet service provider (ISP) plays a significant role in selecting the ideal router for your home/office.
If You Open Your Laptop And Search For Wi-Fi Signals To Connect, You Find A Minimum Of Five To Six Signals Other Than Yours. It Signifies That Wireless Networks Can Be Convenient But Insecure At The Same Time.
What can happen if you have an insecure network?
An insecure network is like having the main door of your home open for anyone to intrude into your privacy.
Malicious players do not need an invitation to eavesdrop on your online activities and compromise with your confidential data. They can destroy your internet connection where you could end up paying for data downloads/uploads that you never did.
Worse still, these actors could access files stored on your computers, introduce viruses, and infect your connected devices, and cause various other problems.
Therefore, you should ensure that your Wi-Fi router supports WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access Control – 2nd edition). Many devices come with WPA3 to provide higher levels of security. It is a greatidea to opt for the highest level of protection.
However, one should also remember that the security of any network is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, your connected devices should also have adequate security features. If you are purchasing Wi-Fi routers for domestic use, it is a good idea to buy the routers that come with advanced family security features.
These features allow you to monitor devices, block unwanted users, malicious sites, and also see what your children are browsing. Thus, you can block access to porn sites and game sites that cause children to become addicts.
Smart Wireless Features
Wi-Fi routers have to contend with interference. If it is not able to provide acceptable wireless signals, it is as good as not having the router in the first place.
However, Wi-Fi router manufacturers have introduced unique features to deal with such issues.
Smart processes can identify dead zones and devices and target them with robust Wi-Fi signals. One of the best models, D-Link AC3200 Ultra, has SmartBeam technology.
Luma provides another solution. It encourages people to purchase several routers and link them to form a Wi-Fi web around the home to eliminate dead zones.
Google Wi-Fi integrates extensive Wi-Fi functionality into a user-friendly smartphone app. Other smart features include compatibility with virtual assistants like Alexa that the user can control using voice commands. Parents love this controlling feature as it allows them to delink their children’s smartphone from the Wi-Fi network by using voice commands, thereby ensuring children to concentrate on their studies.
Software features in a Wi-Fi router
DHCP
How will the router identify the device to which it is communicating? It uses a unique ID known as the Internet Protocol Address, also commonly known as the IP address. Every device, including the router, has an IP address.
The DHCP (Device Host Configuration Protocol) is the software aspect that enables the private IP address to each device in the network. If the DHCP feature is not present, the user has to manually configure the IP address of every device that wants to join the network.
NAT
The DHCP ensures the private IP address to allow the router to communicate with each connected device. So, the devices will not be able to communicate with external servers like Google or Yahoo using the private IP address.
You will need a public IP address to communicate with the internet servers. The NAT (Network Address Translation) feature, when turned on, will change the source IP address of all data packets coming from the internal network towards the internet, to the public internet-visible IP address.
Different types of ports in a Wi-Fi router
Usually, we will find the following ports in your Wi-Fi routers. Note that all important routers need not have all the mentioned ports.
RJ-11 Port
The RJ-11 port is useful for connecting the input telephone cables from BSNL, Airtel, and so on for the ASDL Broadband connection. These are small ports with the input connection comprising of two wires.
RJ-45 Port
When you use the Fiber Internet connections like ACT, Airtel Fibernet, Hathaway, and so on, you will need a bigger port known as the RJ-45 port. This port accommodates the input connections comprising of eight wires.
USB Port
You can use the USB Dongle or the Data Cards from telephony companies like Airtel, Reliance, Tata Photon, and so on.
SIM Card Slot
These you get Wi-Fi routers having SIM Card Slots where you can insert the SIM cards from ISPs like Airtel, Vodafone, and Reliance, and so on to access 3G and 4G internet connection. The modern-day routers like iBall and Connectwide have these slots.
USB Connections
You would have noticed Wi-Fi routers with USB ports, but it is essential to understand its significance.
The lower-end routers have these ports to help transfer set-up information from the router to the client.
The better-placed routers allow Users To Plug A USB Mass-Storage Device To Add A Network-Attached Storage Functionality. Thus, All People with access to the network Will have access To The storage resource. It Is The equivalent Of having A Cheap Server At Home
Wi-Fi routers come with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. A USB 3.0 port is a better option to have if you plan to attach any accessories to the router.
MU-MIMO Technology
Mu-MIMO is the latest router technology. It constitutes “Multiple User – Multiple Input, Multiple Output.” The technology is such that the routers with MU-MIMO can connect directly to more than one mobile devices (a maximum of four devices) simultaneously.
The benefit is that one need not shuffle data packets between one device at a time. The omni directional antennas enable the router to primary direct connections with the connected devices without switching focus.
Thus, you experience stable and much faster internet connections.
The latest laptops come with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. MU-MIMO is a vital constituent of routers compatible with Wi-Fi 6, and this technology could dominate the industry soon.
Different Types of Routers
Based on the points we have discussed above, we can classify Wi-Fi routers into three categories, depending on the features and pricing.
Other factors that affect your Wi-Fi speed
Noise and interference will affect your Wi-Fi speed. When we say ‘noise’, we do not mean the noise from organism such as canimals,humans etc, but the signals from your wireless devices like your smartphones and microwave ovens, and so on.
The Wi-Fi signal from your neighbour’s house can also affect your router’s performance.
Most of the devices in the home operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Fewer devices use the 5 GHz. Therefore, the 5 GHz frequency band is less crowded in comparison.
The 5 GHz band has 23 overlapping channels thereby allowing different devices to run simultaneously on this frequency. The 2.4 GHz has eleven channels of which only three are non-overlapping.
Channel width – How do you adjust it to get better coverage?
Compare the channel width with a road. The wider the road, the easier it is to travel on it. Similarly, bigger the channel width, the more data it can carry. The 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels, each of which has a width of 20 MHz.
The 5 GHz has 23 channels with a channel having a maximum width of 160 MHz. As fewer devices use the 5 GHz band, there is less congestion. It explains why the 5 GHz can accommodate higher speeds.
The role of the antennas in the Wi-Fi router
The antennas can improve the signal coverage of the Wi-Fi router. Usually, there are two types of antennas, Directional and Omni.
The primary difference is that the directional antenna can transmit and receive data in one direction only whereas the Omni antennas receive and transmit data in a circular pattern. Usually, you find the Omni antennas in your home Wi-Fi systems.
The significance of the terms, 2 dBi, 5 dBi, 7 dBi, and 15 dBi Omni antennas
What does the term dBi refer to? It refers to the power of the antenna measured in Decibels related to the Isotropic radiator at radio frequency. We need not go too deep into the technical aspects.
While purchasing the Wi-Fi router, we should note that the signal coverage and reachability of the router will be better for a higher level of dBi. You will also notice that some routers have multiple antenna. The more the antennas, the better is the signal coverage.
The Positioning of the antenna
Do you remember that the olden-day television sets had antennas on the terrace? You need to position them in such a way that they face the direction of the television tower in your city. It improved the receiving signal.
Similarly, the Wi-Fi router antennas are crucial. You should position them appropriately. If you live in a flat or an apartment, you should place the antenna upright.
If you live in a duplex house, it is advisable to keep one antenna upright, and the other one parallel to the floor. Under such circumstances, both the floors experience better signal coverage.
Concluding Remarks
We have detailed the concept of Wi-Fi routers and the technology working behind it. This article should make your job of purchasing the ideal Wi-Router (long-range home and office) easy.
This buying guide has tried to explain Wi-Fi routers in detail. However, you might have specific points to clarify. The following section, FAQs on Wi-Fi routers, should set all your doubts to rest.