Similarly, there's a mixed mode for WPA2 and WPA3 security. This is handy, as some smart home devices only operate on the former band. Importantly, you can split the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands to show as two separate Wi-Fi networks. The Quality of Service feature lets you prioritize activities like gaming or streaming or set priority devices. It’s a breeze to set up profiles with time limits and scheduled bedtimes, there are basic filters by age, and you can review activity on both the app and website. TP-Link’s HomeCare is free, and it enables antivirus protection powered by Trend Micro and robust parental controls. The app is straightforward, and it’s easy to set up a guest network. There are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each.Ĭoverage and speeds are OK, falling well short of the Asus XT8 but beating the Eero 6 (below). The three routers are quite small and sport a cylinder design that blends in well. I tested the AX1800 3-pack, and it was very easy to set 'em all up. This affordable package folds in parental controls and antivirus protection while delivering decent coverage and performance, making it ideal for an average family home. If you don't want to switch to a new system, we also have advice on how to upgrade your existing Wi-Fi and, as always, ways to secure it and protect your home network. Our guide on how to choose a router will help you answer that question and figure out what features you need. Whether you want to fix a dead spot, deliver a stronger signal into the back bedroom, or have great Wi-Fi in the backyard, a mesh system could be the answer.īefore you dive into our lineup, it’s a good idea to consider whether a mesh system is right for you. By placing a second or third node, you can extend Wi-Fi coverage where you need it. Most of us are stuck with placing a router in a less-than-optimal spot, depending on where the internet connection comes into the home. Your devices will connect to the nearest option automatically to get the best speeds. Instead of a single router to wash your whole home in Wi-Fi connectivity, a mesh system combines the main router with one or more nodes that appear as a unified Wi-Fi network. If you buy your own router, I recommend consulting our guide to enhancing it with open-source firmware if you want to get the best performance possible.Mesh routers promise dependable Wi-Fi throughout your home, and most of them follow through, so it's not surprising to see them growing popular. Gateways are very convenient since there’s only one device to set up, but if you want the best wireless router features and performance you should consider purchasing them separately. If your ISP has supplied you with a gateway instead of a simple modem and you intend to use your Internet access for more than one device, you should either buy another gateway or buy a separate modem and wireless router. Gateways are more convenient than installing a modem and router separately, but you can’t tweak them as much as you could a discrete modem or router. These include the modem function to connect to the ISP and a wireless router function, so you can share the connection among multiple computers and devices wirelessly or by plugging them into the ethernet ports. When shopping for a modem you might find modem/router combinations, commonly referred to as gateways, like the Motorola SURFboard Cable Gateway SBG6580 or the Actiontec DSL Modem Router GT784WN. Consider investing in a modem that also supports a newer type of DSL, so you’ll be prepared if your ISP upgrades its system. Check with your ISP to figure out its specific type, but residential connections typically use ADSL, ADSL2, or ADSL2+ (in order from oldest to newest), and business connections could also use SDSL or VDSL. If you have a DSL Internet connection, note that there are different types and versions of DSL, and you need to buy a modem that’s compatible. Even if your ISP is still on 2.0, you probably want to prepare for the future and upgrade to a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.0, like the Motorola SURFboard SB6141 or the Zoom 5341.īuying the latest modem can net you a tidy performance increase if your Internet package benefits from support for new networking technology like DOCSIS 3.0. You can call your ISP to see which DOCSIS version it supports. Some cable ISPs currently support DOCSIS 2.0, and are (or will be) upgrading their infrastructure to DOCSIS 3.0 to provide faster speeds and better performance, especially if you subscribe to their higher-speed packages. If you have a cable Internet connection, the biggest spec to compare when shopping for a modem is the version of DOCSIS standard it supports.
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