All network best router for home with built-in Wi-Fi are used for the best router for home of Internet access wired and / or wireless devices through a single provider's connection. But the cost may be different from each other several times. On what parameters to choose the model, what to look for in the first place and what kind of information, on the contrary, turn a deaf ear - read our detailed article.

Standards for wireless LAN 802.11 family appeared in the late 90s of the last century. The original name for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands were different: 802.11b / g and 802.11a, respectively. Ensued 802.11n technology works and is in the other modes, but most wireless cards and best router for home support only 2.4GHz. In general, work with the 5 GHz band offers advantages in close quarters due to the fact that the wave length at best pass through the obstacles. Thus all 802.11n devices are backwards compatible with b / g. If they have the support of a range of 5 GHz, with 802.11a. However, if the old devices in a network is not, then for the best performance, we recommend switching the router to "802.11n only» mode.

This is a key feature of 802.11n - using multiple inbound and outbound channels. The maximum rated speed (so-called physical connection speed, PHY link) of one channel - 150 Mbit / s. Older standards can work with only one channel, so compatibility mode nullifies the advantages of 802.11n.

The amount of outgoing flow rates are often called class router (N150, N300). In the case of dual-band devices both figures are summed, so that they can refer to the class N750 (300 + 450) and higher. Sometimes a number of characteristics of the device are added flows. For example, 2T2R abbreviation means that the device has two outgoing flow, and many members. Class in this case would be N300. Home 802.11n best router for home support up to three streams in each range. Accordingly, the maximum - N900.

This classification may be misleading, because although best router for home and "hold" 2.4 and 5 GHz bands at the same time - it's still two different networks with different customers. Dual-band adapters are connected to a single network. The highest rate in the network with high-end 802.11n router will be achieved in 802.11n adapters with MIMO technology.

A relatively new standard is 802.11ac, the final version is adopted at the beginning of 2014. It operates in the 5 GHz band and has a wider channel (standard - 80 MHz, optional - 160 MHz vs. 20/40 MHz in 802.11n) and simultaneous use of up to eight channels (against four in 802.11n). Nominal speed connection - from 433 Mbit / s between the access point and single-antenna device with a custom antenna to 3.39 Gbit / s in the case of four antennas. 802.11ac device backward compatible with 802.11a / b / g / n in the respective ranges. Since 802.11ac uses the 5 GHz band, all best router for home with its dual-band support is.

Although the first best router for home and adapters have appeared in late 2012, the standard for a long time remained exotic. But by mid-2014 sale there were dozens of products: routers, adapters, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Some of them have already visited the "dungeons" of our test lab. For example, the ASUS-AC52U the RT , the ASUS the ASUS the RT-AC68U , NETGEAR's R6300 .

With technology more or less sorted out. Let's move on to what hardware stuffing needed for their implementation. Obviously, this must be: basic computing and control module; modules work with both wired and wireless network; external interfaces, as well as RAM and flash storage rewritable firmware and settings. The more RAM, the more powerful central processing unit - the better.

The main module is the so-called "system on chip» (System on Chip, SoC), which comprises a CPU, the processing units routing and other network computing, external interfaces (USB, and serial port used for diagnostics), etc. Thus, USB 2.0 has long been embedded in all integrated circuits, but the USB 3.0 can be generated by a separate controller.

Working with a wired network can be built in the SoC or be implemented as a separate chip, the switch. Virtually all modern schemes supported by Gigabit Ethernet, so the model with a capacity of 10/100 Mbit / s are "artificial" restrictions. Although there are exceptions to the rule. For example, solutions that are based on Realtek RTL8197D chip.

Standard Ethernet-port configuration is as follows: four connections for LAN (LAN) and one for connecting to the ISP (WAN). For convenience, this connector can be painted in a different color.

The circuit for use with Wi-Fi may also be embedded in the main SoC. It may not be. The controllers are divided as dual-band, as well as individual, that is for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, respectively. On the topic of "artificial" restrictions, we can say that all best router for home used in home Wi-Fi-modules support configuration using two or three antennas.

Basically chipsets for home routers manufactured by several companies: Broadcom, Realtek, Qualcomm (Atheros), Mediatek (Ralink). The frequency of operation may vary from 300 MHz to 1000 MHz and above. In the most high-end models, the processor may be dual.

The antennas can be either external or built-in (e.g., in the form of small strips soldered on the motherboard). Their number can be from one piece in an entry-level devices, and up to three or four - at the top-end models.

Power (gain) of the antenna manufacturer is not always indicated. Typically, entry-level routers, this parameter is 3-5 dBi, but the more expensive models, it can be higher.

The router ADSL modem can be integrated for use with service providers that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Since usually the ADSL-modem providers offer completely free, then these devices are not very popular. Their selection is very poor.

In the case of the router have LED activity indicators of Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi network. This is necessary not only for beauty, but for diagnosing visual connections in the event of equipment malfunction.

Flash and User Interface

The software component of the network equipment is essentially a full-fledged operating system. This is particularly evident in the advanced NAS, but modern routers are not inferior miniature servers.

In general, most of the routers firmware are required for configuring a set of different methods of Internet access functions (direct connection, PPP option), as well as parameters such as port forwarding in many ways (you may need for games, torrents etc), parental control , the base of the external attacks protection. Many devices can be more than one network for each band. It is necessary, for example, to create a guest Wi-Fi insulated from the main "home" wireless location. For example, the company ZyXEL products can further use a "safe" the DNS-services "Yandeks.DNS" and SkyDNS.

For companies providing connection via PPTP / L2TP / PPPoE protocols, routers have a function for simultaneous operation of a service provider's network resources by using your local IP, and also the Internet. Naprier, ZyXEL is at Link Duo, y D-Link - Dual Access.

An interesting solution for the work with the components of the firmware used in the company ZyXEL devices. For packages with a variety of features you can install / upgrade selectively.

The technology of virtual private network (VPN) is also used to secure access to the network from the outside. For this router is provided with VPN-server. If the router has a real external IP-address, the user connects to it and gets the IP-address to access the home network.

Access directly to the command line (console) operating system may be provided normally. This is usually done through the Telnet service, but sometimes trimmed configuration and functions are implemented through a web interface. In this case, the user can see the result of the team, but is not interactive, that is, can not, for example, to work with a text editor to edit the optional files.

More and more manufacturers use such innovation, as access to cloud data stores: ASUS - is AiCloud, NETGEAR - ReadyShare Cloud, D-Link - mydlink.

For routers, there are so-called "free" Firmware: DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Tomato and others. They provide a much more detailed configuration tool equipment, full access to the device's operating system via the console, as well as a large number of additional functions. However, we must understand that all the manipulation by the software you are at your own risk.

Additional functions

Additional features are implemented using the USB ports that allow you to connect external storage devices, printers, scanners, modems and mobile communications. However, not all models support these functions en masse. At cheaper, as a rule, there is only the option to connect external drives. Obviously, this restriction is not due to "iron".

The next important feature - print server. Already from the name it is clear that it can be used to make a print on a printer available for all devices connected to the home network. Typically, a printer and / or the MFP connected to the router through the establishment of TCP / IP-printing port. The "free" firmware driver of the printing apparatus are put on the router itself. This, incidentally, solves the old problem of printer compatibility with modern Windows operating systems.

The third function - to connect modems to cellular networks. They are used for direct access to the Internet, and as a backup channel. In this situation, the router automatically (if you have money in the account, of course) is switched to the mobile Internet as soon as they lost communication with the WAN-connection.

As a rule, manufacturers place a list of compatible modems on your site. Such "whistles" in the sale of a lot, but most of them are built on the same logic. Therefore, special issues of compatibility should arise.

Final recommendations

Do not expect speeds of devices, color on the boxes. As a rule, manufacturer specifies a theoretical throughput, "iron". The same applies to the range of coverage. Typical 30 meters (100 feet) to the premises, if will be achieved, with very little speed.

Dual-band is required if there are devices that work with 5GHz (though suddenly someone still preserved and the old 802.11a adapters). This mode (due to desired shorter wavelengths passing through the obstacle) can help in case of need to obtain a high speed at a small distance in a poorly radiopronitsaemostyu. For example, to comfortably watch TV content on HD-quality or download games on the gaming console. To do this, provided media adapters such as TP-Link TL-WA890EA or NETGEAR's WNCE3001 .

If the router will be used to expand the coverage area, then pay attention to the fact that the device can operate in repeater mode (repeater).

If the budget is limited to the purchase, it is possible to manage a 100-megabit Ethernet. That's enough even to watch videos in high definition. Large files (the same movies) will be transmitted over the network more slowly, but it often is it necessary? Providers, providing gigabit connection is. In the same Moscow very few of them, and they usually do not give "honest" gigabit, but several hundred megabits per second. So talking about the widespread transition to Gigabit is still too early. Instead, it makes sense to choose a device with a USB port which can be used nominally at least as a network drive. Better yet, if there is support for the print server and built-in or installed a torrent client.

Almost all routers, except for Apple and some of the top models that put vertically on the stand, you can hang on the wall. Positioning the router does the ceiling does not make sense, because the conventional dipole radiation omni-directional antenna in the user's profile is a (relatively) cone, "going out" of her middle. Accordingly, it is better that the antenna was in the middle of the table level where the computer is.

If the plans for the installation of "free" firmware, it is better to know in advance if there are any of them are compatible with the chip set used in the router. Manufacturers do not indicate chipset in the device descriptions, so this information will have to search the Internet. Large database of "hardware" available online wikidevi.com .

Model Overview

And now let's look at models of devices that we have specially selected, as well as (for greater convenience) divided them into three price classes. Familiar with our lab materials, you can always, by clicking on this link .

First level

For entry-level devices can be attributed cost from 600 to 1500 rubles. They have a 100-megabit Ethernet and a single antenna N150 class. Rarely found devices with two "horns" that support the N300. Another common feature of most budget routers they have a fairly modest size.

Sometimes manufacturers of the same name are different versions of the device. At the same time they can be very different in both hardware and externally. In this particular case, D-Link DIR-300 has a hardware version of A / D1A and uses internal antenna. It is an ordinary router, a standard for low-cost devices, memory capacity of 32 MB.

Upvel UR-325BN boasts two antennas and support for higher-end N300. The router is based on Realtek 8196C chipset (central chip with built-in network switch) and Realtek 8192CE (Wi-Fi).

TRENDnet TEW-712BR does not support guest network, but it can be solved by installing OpenWRT firmware support which informs the manufacturer. The router consumes 5V / 1A. For example, a more powerful dual-band routers can have a 12-volt power supplies by 1.5-2 A.
Average level

This price niche devices form a value of 1 200-2 000. For the money the buyer gets a higher grade Wi-Fi (N300-N450), the presence of USB 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet, and support for two operating ranges.

ASUS RT-N12 D1 version is based on the Broadcom BCM5357 chip, operating at 300 MHz. Logic includes Wi0Fi, and a network switch. Firmware allows you to create four separate wireless networks with different bandwidth settings and different access restriction. In case there is a button on / off.

As is known, the ZyXEL device can not be attributed to cheap. However, this is offset by a convenient web-based and extensible up to three years warranty. The name itself speaks about the support of the mobile wireless modems.

D-Link DIR-806A / A1, standing less than 2 000 rubles, nevertheless has the support 802.11ac and N433 class. However, the more expensive routers ac-it differs in that only supports a preliminary version of the standard, and its basis - the chipset Realtek RTL8197D - has only 100 megabtny network switch.

More expensive but more powerful TP-Link TL-WDR3600 works with the 2.4 / 5 GHz, has a gigabit Ethernet and two USB ports that can be used for connecting a printer or external storage devices. Guest network may be one in each frequency band. Firmware The emulator can be explored here .

Highest level

By segment Hi-end model, we include routers, the cost of which crosses over the psychological mark of $ 100. As a rule, all devices are more expensive than 2500 rubles are dual-band. They can boast of powerful hardware stuffing and presence of a large number of additional options. The price range is large, so the top strap Cost may be at the level of 6000-7000 rubles. Of course, these models have support for 802.11ac standard. Soup can have several USB ports (not just 2.0, but the third and last revision). In addition, flagship models have a very stylish, unique design.

The RT-AC68U the ASUS , visited our lab at the beginning of the year, notable not only for high speeds Wi-Fi, but also chipset Broadcom BCM4708 - a dual-core processor operating at 800 MHz speed. The router can create multiple guest networks in each range, can handle print server, use the 3G / 4G modems, and also has a download manager for networks Torrent, NZB, E2DK and built-in VPN server.

NETGEAR WNDR3400 - an example of an advanced router 802.11n standard. It supports firmware NETGEAR Genie system includes a handy utility for managing and monitoring the operating systems Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS and allows, for example, to print from iPhone gadgets and / or iPad. However, we are dealing with a 100-megabit Ethernet. Of the additional facilities we note the presence of Wi-Fi off button.

TRENDnet TEW-818DRU uses a Wi-Fi-chip Broadcom BCM4360, which supports 802.11ac draft 2.0 and TurboQAM technology that allows increased data transmission rate. You can see the company's website on the emulator firmware . On the TEW-818DRU also possible to put DD-WRT firmware.

D-Link DIR-860L, which supports 802.11ac draft 2.0, stands out from the rest of the devices in the first place appearance. Thus, the housing has a cylindrical shape. A number of Ethernet-ports and other connectors are located on the side of vertical. Mydlink Cloud service allows you to not only store files in it, but also to monitor the work of the home network.

Portable routers

Separately, you can mention the so-called "tourist" routers. They are distinguished by tiny size, and either a built-in battery, USB or from work. That is, the device canTP-Link TL-MR3020 (the most accessible of such devices) may provide a speed in the region of 6.5 Mbit / s in the range of 5-6 meters. For a hotel room that is enough. USB port on the device has two, one - for the modem, the second (micro-USB) - for power. Conveniently, the modes can be switched button.

ASUS WL-330N3G is more expensive, but has a more compact body. Power antenna is 2.6 dBi. For a router attached adapter for car cigarette lighter.

TP-Link TL-M5360 combines a modem, a router and a reader for microSD cards. A small monochrome OLED-displays the status of the network, traffic, battery, and also informs about new SMS. According to the manufacturer while working in router mode is 26 hours, but it looks frankly overpriced. However, the battery has a really large capacity at a rate of 5200 mAh. A full battery charge cycle takes seven hours using the AC adapter and 12 hours - from USB. Included with the device are adapters for micro- and nano-SIM.

Upvel-UR-312N4G is simply inserted into the socket as Apple AirPort Express. Two network ports allow you to connect to two wired clients, if you are using a modem for Internet access. If the router is connected to the provider via Ethernet, in an available USB port, you can connect an external hard drive.

What will happen next?

Available in any house / apartment of a large number of devices that need Internet leads, or rather has already led to the fact that the router has become an indispensable companion of man. We can not imagine life without full access to the World Wide Web! Higher sales of network equipment means an increase in production volume and lower prices. However, there is a limit. In our opinion, the low-end models to cost 500-600 rubles cheaper will not. Functionality routers middle class will only grow. Power will increase similarly.

Devices with support for 802.11ac will be cheaper. Already on sale are available models. For example, the ASUS the RT-AC52U . More and more laptops are equipped with controllers supporting this standard.

However, on the horizon is looming 802.11ad, using ultra-high frequency of 60 GHz. By promises of developers standard will provide a connection speed (so-called speed of the physical layer, PHY) 700 Mbit / s up to 7 Gbit / s. However, it will appear on the scene only when an era of video 4K / 8K format for the general public. be powered from a laptop or, for example, a car's cigarette lighter.

Perhaps the only purpose of such a device - to distribute the Internet, received via Ethernet or via the cellular network. The modem at the same time can be a built-in and external.