Logo-homeLogo-homeLogo-homeLogo
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Link Exchange
  • Applications
  • Advertise
  • Donate
✕
            No results See all results
            • Home
            • Blog
            • Before Installation Articles
            • How to Choose Best Home Router

            How to Choose Best Home Router

            These days, every home must have a reliable high-performing Wi-Fi router. By connecting all of your devices and controlling your online activity, your router works as a gateway to the Internet. Regretfully, there are a lot of choices available to you, which has made it more challenging to find a router that meets your needs. I tried to provide as much information as I could on the features and capabilities of home routers in this post so that you could review the specs of the many routers on the market, compare them, and choose the best one.

            This tutorial will clarify for you which router is required for basic web browsing and which is required for streaming large videos and playing online games. In addition to this, we discuss each router’s coverage level and the maximum number of users it can accommodate. Come along with us to become an expert in router selection.

            Table of Contents

            • 1. Assessing Your Home’s Size
              • Small Homes (Apartments/Condos)
              • Medium Homes (Single-Story Houses)
              • Large Homes (Multi-Story Houses)
            • 2. Simultaneous Users and Devices
              • Small Households (1-5 Devices)
              • Medium Households (5-15 Devices)
              • Large Households (15-25 Devices)
              • Crowded Homes (25+ Devices)
            • 3. Understanding Radio Bands
              • 2.4 GHz Band
              • 5 GHz Band
              • 6 GHz Band
              • Choosing the Right Band
            • 4. Speed (Wireless Protocols)
              • Factors Affecting Router Speed
              • Understanding Router Speeds
            • 5. Exploring Mesh Technology
            • 6. Checking Ports and Connectivity Options
              • Types of Ports
              • Wireless Connectivity Options
            • 7. Parental Controls
              • Parental Control Features
            •  8. QOS / Traffic Shaping
            • 9. Prioritizing Ease of Use and Setup
            • 10. Customer Support
            • Conclusion

            1. Assessing Your Home’s Size

            We’ll start by discussing a router’s coverage level, which is its most crucial feature. Depending on its cost, technology, and antenna count, each router has a specific and restricted coverage capacity. As a result, you should base your router selection on the size of your house. The following describes how different house sizes will impact your router selection:

            Small Homes (Apartments/Condos)

            You can utilize a conventional router with limited coverage in small homes like apartments or condos, which have few walls and obstructions.

            • Recommended Routers: Entry-level ones with minimal coverage and range.
            • Features to Look For: Reliable performance, small size, and ease of setup.
            • Coverage Needs: Approximately 1,000-1,500 square feet.

            Medium Homes (Single-Story Houses)

            Routers with higher output power are required for medium-sized homes, which typically have a single floor. These homes typically have a modest terrace, a yard, and several walls.

            • Recommended Routers: Mid-range models with stronger output power.
            • Features to Look For: Good obstacle penetration, multiple antennas, and increased range.
            • Coverage Needs: Approximately 1,500-3,000 square feet.

            Large Homes (Multi-Story Houses)

            Large homes may have multiple floors, which makes it difficult to have enough Wi-Fi coverage. There are undoubtedly a large number of users who may be in different parts of the house or moving between floors and rooms.

            • Recommended Routers: High-end models or mesh WiFi systems.
            • Features to Look For: Extended range, additional nodes or satellites, and seamless connectivity across floors.
            • Coverage Needs: Over 3,000 square feet.

            Summary Table

            Home Size

            Recommended Router Type

            Key Features

            Coverage Area

            Small Homes

            Basic Router

            Compact, easy setup, reliable performance

            1,000-1,500 square feet

            Medium Homes

            Mid-Range Router

            Enhanced range, multiple antennas, good obstacle penetration

            1,500-3,000 square feet

            Large Homes

            High-End Router or Mesh System

            Extended range, additional nodes, seamless multi-floor coverage

            Over 3,000 square feet

            You may select the ideal router to guarantee powerful, dependable WiFi throughout your whole living area by taking into account the size of your house and being familiar of the coverage needs. No matter where you are in your house, this guarantees a flawless online experience for all of your activities.

            2. Simultaneous Users and Devices

            The most crucial consideration when selecting a router type is the quantity of individuals and devices connected simultaneously. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other smart home appliances are among the many gadgets that are frequently linked to the Internet simultaneously in modern households. The number of concurrent users and devices connected to your network is a crucial factor to take into account when selecting the finest home router.

            Small Households (1-5 Devices)

            A typical router with a moderate amount of processing power is adequate to service small houses with few devices. Basic tasks like social networking, video streaming, and web browsing are simply managed by these routers.

            • Recommended Routers: Basic to mid-range models.
            • Key Features: Dual-core processor, 1 GHz, 128-256 MB RAM.
            • Speed Recommendation: Overall speed around 3000 Mbps.

            Medium Households (5-15 Devices)

            Generally speaking, medium-sized households have more devices connected at once and may be capable of more demanding tasks concurrently. Smart home gadgets may be in use at home, and many users may watch high-quality videos and play online games. To guarantee lag-free functioning in this scenario, a stronger router with greater processing and memory is needed.

            • Recommended Routers: Mid-range models with higher capacity.
            • Key Features: Dual-core processor, 1.5 GHz, 256-512 MB RAM.
            • Speed Recommendation: Overall speed around 5000 Mbps.

            Large Households (15-25 Devices)

            Computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and other smart home appliances are also common in large homes. They want a high-performance router in this scenario that can handle several high-bandwidth operations concurrently and offer seamless service to every user.

            • Recommended Routers: High-end models or mesh systems.
            • Key Features: Quad-core processor, 1.8 GHz or higher, 512 MB RAM or more.
            • Speed Recommendation: Overall speed around 8000 Mbps.

            Crowded Homes (25+ Devices)

            A high-performance router is essential for a busy household with over 25 devices connected to the internet. To manage significant network traffic, this device should offer the fastest speeds and the greatest performance.

            • Recommended Routers: Premium models or advanced mesh systems.
            • Key Features: Quad-core processor, 2 GHz or higher, 1 GB RAM or more.
            • Speed Recommendation: Overall speed around 10000 Mbps.

            Summary Table

            Household Size

            Recommended Router Type

            Key Features

            Speed Recommendation

            Small Households

            Basic to Mid-Range Router

            Dual-core processor, 1 GHz, 128-256 MB RAM

            Overall speed around 3000 Mbps

            Medium Households

            Mid-Range Router

            Dual-core processor, 1.5 GHz, 256-512 MB RAM

            Overall speed around 5000 Mbps

            Large Households

            High-End Router or Mesh System

            Quad-core processor, 1.8 GHz or higher, 512 MB RAM or more

            Overall speed around 8000 Mbps

            Crowded Homes

            Premium Router or Advanced Mesh System

            Quad-core processor, 2 GHz or higher, 1 GB RAM or more

            Overall speed around 10000 Mbps

            Considerations for Choosing the Right Router

            • Processing Power: A router with more processing power can manage more devices without experiencing any lag.
            • RAM: More RAM makes it easier to handle several connections and high-bandwidth tasks at once.

            3. Understanding Radio Bands

            Three radio bands are available on modern routers; each band has unique benefits and drawbacks that should be taken into account when making a decision. 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the more recent 6 GHz spectrum are these bands.

            2.4 GHz Band

            The oldest and most used frequency range for WiFi networks is 2.4 GHz. Larger homes and places with a lot of obstructions are better suited for this band because it has the most penetration and range( Lower frequencies are stronger). Keep in mind that the Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, and microwaves use this frequency; Consider in mind that this band has the most frequency congestion.

            • Advantages:
              • Improved penetration and coverage via walls and barriers .
              • Compatible with the majority of WiFi devices.
            • Disadvantages:
              • More vulnerable to interference than other frequencies.
              • More limited than other frequency bands.

            5 GHz Band

            Compared to the traditional 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz offers more speed and bandwidth, because of higher frequency. High-bandwidth activities like streaming HD videos and playing online games are appropriate for this frequency range. At the other hand, it has less penetration and a shorter range.

            Advantages:

              • More bandwidth and faster speeds for demanding applications.
              • Reduced interference from other electronic devices in the home.
            • Disadvantages:
              • Limited range and reduced penetration ability.
              • The 5 GHz spectrum is not supported by older devices.

            6 GHz Band

            WiFi 6E ( Introduced with WiFi 6 Standard) supports 6 GHz frequency band, which is less congested and offers higher speeds. Applications like virtual reality, 8K streaming, and massive file transfers are better suited for this band’s faster speeds. Because the 6 GHz spectrum is less busy, there can be less interference.

            • Advantages:
              • Fastest speeds and minimal latency.
              • Reduced interference and congestion.
            • Disadvantages:
              • Limited range and low wall penetration capability.
              • Limited compatibility because this band is only supported by more recent devices.

            Choosing the Right Band

            Your particular demands will determine which radio bands are best for you, but if you have a 3-band router, it is preferable to connect to the 2.4 GHz band for basic tasks like email and online browsing. To work with high-quality contents and online games, connect to the 5 GHz band. For tasks like watching Ultra-Quality 8K videos and using virtual reality, connect to the 6 GHz band.

            • Single-Band Routers: Only works on 2.4 GHz frequency band.
            • Dual-Band Routers: Equipped with 2 bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are available simultaneously.
            • Tri-Band Routers: 4 GHz, 5 GHz, and an extra 5 GHz band, or 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, are available.

            Tri-Band Routers Explained

            These routers have 3 different bands, One 2.4 , one 5 GHz and for particular purposes, an additional frequency band on 5 GHz or 6 GHz.

            • 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz Configuration:

            Example Use:

            • Band 1 (2.4 GHz): General web browsing, social media, and email.
            • Band 2 (5 GHz): Streaming HD/4K videos, online gaming.
            • Band 3 (5 GHz): Additional high-bandwidth activities, ensuring no single band is overloaded.
            • 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz Configuration:

            Example Use:

            • Band 1 (2.4 GHz): General web browsing, social media, and email.
            • Band 2 (5 GHz): Streaming HD/4K videos, online gaming.
            • Band 3 (6 GHz): High-bandwidth applications like VR, 8K streaming, and large file transfers.

            Summary Table

            Band

            Advantages

            Disadvantages

            Ideal For

            2.4 GHz

            Better coverage and penetration, wide compatibility

            More interference, limited bandwidth

            Larger homes, basic internet usage, older devices

            5 GHz

            Higher speeds, less interference

            Shorter range, less effective at penetrating walls

            Streaming HD videos, online gaming, newer devices

            6 GHz

            Highest speeds, lowest latency, less congestion

            Shortest range, limited compatibility

            VR, 8K streaming, large file transfers, latest devices

            5 GHz (Extra)

            Additional bandwidth, reduced congestion, load balancing

            Shorter range, less effective at penetrating walls

            Additional high-bandwidth activities, multiple devices

             

            4. Speed (Wireless Protocols)

            The speed at which data can travel between devices and the Internet depends on your router’s speed, and wireless protocols specify the standards and technologies that are employed to reach these speeds. The seven standards that the WiFi Alliance has so far developed have changed dramatically over time, with each new generation bringing faster, more capable, and more efficient rates. An outline of the most widely used wireless protocols is provided below:

            wifi standards chart-2024

            WiFi Standards Overview 2024

            Wireless Protocols Overview Table

            Wireless Protocol

            Maximum Speed

            Frequency Bands

            Key Features

            Ideal For

            Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

            Up to 600 Mbps

            2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

            MIMO

            Basic internet usage, SD streaming, light gaming

            Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

            Up to 3.5 Gbps

            5 GHz

            Beamforming, MU-MIMO

            HD streaming, online gaming, smart home devices

            Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

            Up to 9.6 Gbps

            2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

            OFDMA, improved MU-MIMO

            4K/8K streaming, VR/AR, dense device environments

            Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

            Up to 9.6 Gbps

            2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz

            Additional 6 GHz band, reduced congestion, lower latency

            Future-proofing, high-bandwidth applications, smart home integration

            Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

            Up to 40 Gbps

            2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz

            Enhanced OFDMA, multi-link operation, higher capacity

            Ultra-high definition streaming, extensive smart home setups, industrial applications

            Factors Affecting Router Speed

            • Beamforming:
              • Instead of broadcasting the WiFi signal in all directions, beamforming directs the signal to the devices that are connected. This focused strategy increases signal strength, which leads to better performance and higher speeds, particularly over longer distances.Read More : What is Beamforming? 
            beamforming

            Beamforming Technology Focuses The Wireless Signal Towards Specific Devices

             

            • MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output):
              • Instead of serving the connected devices one at a time, MU-MIMO technology enables the router to communicate with and service several devices concurrently. Users’ bandwidth is greatly increased by this.
            MU-MIMO in wifi routers

            How MU-MIMO enables a router to send and receive data to multiple devices at the same time, enhancing overall network performance

             

            • OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access):

            is a feature of Wi-Fi 6 that enables data to be sent to several devices at once by splitting a WiFi channel into smaller subchannels. By making effective use of the available bandwidth, latency is decreased and network speed and capacity are increased overall.

            Understanding Router Speeds

            The router’s speed is expressed as a sum of its theoretical and cumulative speeds. Stated differently, what is the total bandwidth of all router bands under optimal circumstances? For instance, if a Dual-Band router has a speed label that reads 3000 Mbps, it indicates that the combined communication speed of its two bands is 3000 Mbps (about 600 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 2400 Mbps in the 5 GHz band).

            5. Exploring Mesh Technology

            A revolutionary development in WiFi networks is mesh technology. It provides a practical way to maximize and extend WiFi coverage in big or multi-story buildings. Several routers work together to generate an impressive Wi-Fi network, making it invisible to the users the number of probable routers and just see one unified wifi network.

             The network is designed to ensure that consumers will not experience any disruptions while switching between routers and that their service quality will not become weaker. Second, users in such a network are immediately linked to the closest router and always get the greatest signal; third, adding a router can increase the network’s accessibility.

            Mesh Technology Overview: This diagram shows how a mesh WiFi network uses a main router and satellite nodes to deliver consistent and reliable WiFi coverage across the entire home.

            Diagram of a mesh WiFi network with a Mesh router (router node) and mesh point(satellite) nodes.

             Experience Seamless WiFi connection with Mesh Network

            Component

            Placement

            Function

            Main Router (Mesh Router)

            Centrally in the home

            Connects to modem, distributes internet to satellite nodes

            Satellite Nodes (Mesh Point)

            Throughout the home (e.g., upstairs, basement)

            Extend WiFi signal, eliminate dead spots

             

            6. Checking Ports and Connectivity Options

            The quantity and kind of ports as well as the available connectivity alternatives should be taken into account when selecting the most suitable home router. The performance and value of your router can be greatly impacted by these characteristics, which also dictate how you can connect various devices to your network.

            Types of Ports

            Port

            Function

            Consideration

            LAN Ports

            Allow you to connect wired devices directly to your router (e.g., gaming consoles, desktop computers, smart TVs).

            Make sure the router has enough LAN ports for all your wired devices; Consider multi-gigabit ports for faster connections

            WAN Port

            Connects your router to the modem, providing internet access to all connected devices.

            Look for routers with gigabit WAN ports to take full advantage of high-speed internet plans.

            USB Ports

            Used for connecting external storage devices, printers, or creating a media server.

            Check if the router supports USB 3.0 for faster data transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0.

            SFP Ports

            Connect to fiber optic networks, offering higher speeds and more reliable connections.

            Typically found in premium routers; beneficial if you have access to fiber optic internet.

            Router Port Types: This diagram shows different port types found on a router

            Wireless Connectivity Options

            Connectivity Option

            Function

            Consideration

            Backhaul

            Allows you to connect multiple mesh nodes or routers using an independent frequency band.

            Particularly useful in large homes where cabling is not possible.

            Bluetooth and Zigbee Integration

            Acts as a smart home hub for connecting and controlling various smart home devices directly through the router.

            Simplifies smart home setup by reducing the need for multiple hubs and devices.

             

            7. Parental Controls

            For many families, parental controls are a fundamental and significant feature that allows us to keep an eye on how family members—especially kids—use the Internet. With the help of this function, you can manage user behavior on the Internet, restrict access to particular websites, determine when users are permitted to use the Internet, and restrict a range of applications or particular types of information.

            Parental Control Features

            Feature

            Function

            Consideration

            Website Filtering

            Blocks access to inappropriate or harmful websites based on categories or specific URLs

            Customizable filters tailored to your family’s needs

            Content Filtering

            Filters out specific types of content (e.g., adult content, violence, gambling)

            Easy updates to filtering lists to keep up with new websites and content types

            Time Scheduling

            Sets time limits for internet usage, controlling when specific devices can access the internet

            Flexible scheduling options, such as daily or weekly limits

            Device-Specific Controls

            Applies different restrictions and settings to individual devices

            Tailoring controls to the age and needs of each family member

            Usage Monitoring and Reports

            Monitors internet usage and provides reports on websites visited and time spent online

            Detailed and easy-to-read reports to stay informed about online activities

             8. QOS / Traffic Shaping

            Traffic prioritization and quality of service (QoS) are crucial and useful features to maximize home network performance. For instance, online gaming services are always assured of the bandwidth they require

            QoS and Traffic Shaping Features

            Feature

            Function

            Consideration

            Traffic Prioritization

            Assigns higher priority to essential applications and devices

            Customizable and user-friendly interface

            Application-Based QoS

            Automatically prioritizes traffic for specific applications

            Built-in profiles for common applications

            Device-Based QoS

            Prioritizes traffic based on the device

            Assign priority levels to different devices

            9. Prioritizing Ease of Use and Setup

            Since not every user is a professional who can solve complicated installation issues, ease of use and simplicity are two of the most crucial considerations when selecting a good home router. Generally speaking, routers with easy-to-use control consoles are more popular; routers with complex management consoles are not suitable for all users.

            Ease of Use and Setup Features

            Feature

            Function

            Simple Installation Process

            Guides you through the installation process with step-by-step instructions

            User-Friendly Interface

            Provides an intuitive interface for managing network settings and monitoring performance

            Mobile App Support

            Allows you to manage your router and network settings from your smartphone or tablet

            Automated Setup Wizards

            Assists in configuring network settings automatically

            Parental Controls and Security Settings

            Simplifies the process of setting up parental controls and security features

            Firmware Updates

            Keeps your router’s software up to date with the latest features and security patches

            10. Customer Support

            Some companies merely want to sell their product and provide generic technical assistance when an issue occurs. A good customer support makes a major difference between manufacturers. Before making a purchase, be sure to check out the brand’s blogs and contact us section to see how they assist customers.

            Key Aspects of Customer Support

            Aspect

            Function

            Availability

            Access to customer support when needed, including 24/7 support

            Responsiveness

            Quick response times to support requests and issues

            Knowledge and Expertise

            Access to knowledgeable and well-trained support staff

            Online Resources

            Availability of comprehensive online resources such as FAQs, user manuals, and guides

            Warranty and Return Policy

            Protection for your investment through warranties and return policies

            Conclusion

            Since the routers available in the market have a very high variety, you need consider a number of variables to ensure that you obtain the right router for your purposes without going over budget. Don’t rely just on the seller’s claims because some pricey routers offer functions that you might never use. Additionally, many routers may have complex user interfaces that necessitate a technical specialist at all times, and you will always have to pay more for simple network changes. The price, coverage level, Wi-Fi standard, number of antennae, and port variety are, in my opinion, the most crucial factors to take into account when purchasing the finest home router.

             

             

            Related posts

            A three-dimensional illustration of a modem, router, and residential gateway, representing the crucial devices that enable internet connectivity.
            December 14, 2023

            Demystifying the Digital Trio: Modem Vs. Router Vs. Residential Gateway


            Read more
            what-is-mesh-network-diagram-featured-image
            December 10, 2023

            What is Mesh WiFi and How Does it Work?


            Read more
            December 4, 2023

            How to Boost WiFi Signal With Aluminum Foil


            Read more
            differences between 4g vs lte vs 5g
            December 3, 2023

            4G vs LTE vs 5G: What’s the Difference?


            Read more
                  Subscribe to our newsletter!

            🏷️ Amazon Best Deals

            PAVILIA Premium Womens Plush Soft Robe Fluffy, Warm, Fleece Sherpa Shaggy Bathrobe
            PAVILIA Premium Womens Plush Soft Robe Fluffy, Warm, Fleece Sherpa Shaggy Bathrobe
            Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
            Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
            EverFoams Women's Wool-Like Slippers
            EverFoams Women's Wool-Like Slippers - Cozy, Warm, Indoor & Outdoor Comfort
            Cliganic USDA Organic Lip Balm
            Cliganic USDA Organic Lip Balm – Natural Moisturizing Lip Care
            Martha Stewart Whimsy 2-Pack Yellow Towels
            Martha Stewart Whimsy 2-Pack Yellow Towels – Soft, Absorbent, and Stylish
            Laneige CICA Sleeping Mask
            Laneige CICA Sleeping Mask – Intensive Overnight Hydration & Skin Repair
            Amazon Essentials Grainge Quilted Jacket
            Amazon Essentials Grainge Quilted Jacket – Stylish & Comfortable Outerwear
            WORKPRO Aluminum Garden Tool Set
            WORKPRO Aluminum Garden Tool Set – Durable, Lightweight & Essential for Gardening
            Ninja NC301 Ice Cream Maker
            Ninja NC301 Ice Cream Maker – Homemade Frozen Treats, Easy & Fast
            CEREMONY Incense Holder - Wooden Ash Catcher for Meditation
            CEREMONY Incense Holder – Wooden Ash Catcher for Relaxation & Meditation
            WHOOP 4.0 Fitness Tracker Subscription
            WHOOP 4.0 Fitness Tracker – Health & Performance Optimization Subscription
            DEARMAY Stackable Paperclip Bracelets
            DEARMAY Stackable Paperclip Bracelets – Elegant & Minimalist Jewelry
            LOVEVOOK Vintage Shoulder Crossbody Handbag
            LOVEVOOK Vintage Shoulder Crossbody Handbag – Stylish & Functional Everyday Bag
            Zeagoo Dressy Casual Blouse
            Zeagoo Dressy Casual Blouse – Elegant & Comfortable Women's Fashion
            PRETTYGARDEN Women's Striped Babydoll Dress
            PRETTYGARDEN Women's Striped Babydoll Dress – Elegant & Trendy Casual Outfit
            LOVEVOOK Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag
            LOVEVOOK Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag – Elegant & Functional Everyday Accessory
            Montana West Oversized Shoulder Bag
            Montana West Oversized Shoulder Bag – Spacious, Stylish & Functional Everyday Tote
            Missnine Leather Handbag
            Missnine Leather Handbag – Elegant & Versatile Top-Handle Bag for Everyday Use

            • About Us
            • Consulting
            • Contact Us
            • Privacy Policy
            • Link Exchange
            • Term and Conditions
            • Advertising on WiFiAdviser
            • Home Router Selection Tool
                    Subscribe to our newsletter!