How to choose a router

A router is a device for forming a local network. It is most often used to have Wi-Fi in an apartment or office.

How to choose a router: basic criteria

It is worth starting with the fact that the vast majority of users do not need the technical specifications of the router and are not important. If the device is only needed to distribute Wi-Fi, and there are no exotic requirements, then, in fact, absolutely any will do.

However, to ensure an ideal user experience, the following router specifications should be considered:

1. Wireless standard;

2. Wireless frequency;

3. The presence of a USB connector and its functionality;

4. Data transfer rate;

5. Internet connection type;

6. Manufacturer.

Wireless standard

The wireless Wi-Fi network itself exists in several standards that are not cross-compatible. Their list is quite impressive:

1. 802.11a;

2. 802.11ac;

3. 802.11b;

4. 802.11g;

5. 802.11n;

6. 802.11ac IEEE.

To ensure broad interoperability, wireless manufacturers add support for multiple standards. For example, the Nexus 5 smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm module that allows you to connect to almost all types of networks – 802.11a / ac / b / g / n. But the laptop network card Realtek RTL8188CE supports only one Wi-Fi standard – 802.11n. Thus, if a laptop equipped with it tries to connect to a broadcasting Wi-Fi standard 802.11a / b / g, nothing will come of it.

But the most common standards are b, g and n. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a WiFi wireless router for your home or apartment that broadcasts in this particular range. Better yet, see what network standards are in use on current devices.

Wireless frequency

There are two frequencies in which a wireless network can broadcast – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The first option is the most widespread, and almost all devices that only support Wi-Fi are compatible with it.

But when it comes to buying a device for an apartment in a large house, then everything becomes not so simple. Multiple routers installed in the same area can overlap and clog the 2.4 GHz frequency. Therefore, a router that broadcasts at a frequency of 5 GHz will provide a denser and better coverage.

However, not all devices support 5 GHz. Therefore, you will have to make one or another compromise.

The 5 GHz network, by the way, has another important advantage. It is less sensitive to physical obstacles (walls, partitions, etc.).

The presence of a USB connector and its functionality

Many router models are equipped with a USB connector. It is quite practical because it has wide functionality. So, you can connect to it:

1. 3G / 4G modem and use it as the main or backup line of communication with the Internet. It is important if you plan to use the router in the country (where there is no 'cable' or 'optics') or the persistence of the connection to the network is critical;

2. USB flash drive or external hard drive. Then the router can be used as a DLNA or FTP server, just a file server (there is a slight difference between it and FTP) or even a torrent client;

3. Smartphone for recharging;

4. A printer. Then the router can be used as a print server.

It is worth remembering that not every router equipped with a USB connector has all these functions. For example, the budget TP-Link TL-MR3220 router has this connector, but it can only be used to connect to the Internet via a 3G / 4G modem.

In addition, routers have a limited list of compatible devices. Not all USB modems, printers, and hard drives are supported. Specific compatibility information is most often listed on the router manufacturer's website.

Baud rate

It is worth distinguishing between 'external' and 'internal' baud rates. The first determines the maximum data exchange rate between the router and the Internet. The overwhelming majority of models are gigabit ones, that is, they have a value of this parameter equal to 1000 Mbps. Some older routers connect to the Internet at 100 Mbps, but buying them in 2017 is impractical.

The 'internal' speed determines the maximum data transfer rate from the end device to the router (as well as between devices and, in general, from the device to the Internet and vice versa). Obviously, the higher it is, the better. However, it makes sense to overpay for maximum values ​​of the 'internal' speed only if they are really needed. For the vast majority of users, 300 Mbps is sufficient.

Internet connection type

Routers are made in three versions, differing in the type of Internet connection – WAN, ADSL and Wi-Fi.

If your home or office is connected to the Internet using the PPPoE standard, with a static or dynamic IP, or the router will enter an existing local network, then you will need a model that implies access to the Internet via WAN.

ADSL routers are only needed if an ADSL connection is used and the corresponding modem is not installed in the network.

Some routers can connect to an existing Wi-Fi network and either use it as an internet access point or replicate it. They are rare, since they are rarely needed.

Manufacturers

The lion's share of the router market is occupied by products from D-Link, TP-Link and Zyxel. The former are not recommended for purchase in any case. TP-Link in the budget price range is an excellent workhorse for undemanding users.

Zyxel and TP-Link in the mid to high end price range offer the widest possibilities such as file, print and DLNA server, broadcast multiple SSIDs, etc.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose an uninterruptible power supply for home and office, and the secrets of choosing a reliable router.

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.