The 6 best wireless wifi routers 2022 - wireless wifi router test & comparison

What is a wireless router?

The wireless router is the small device that is attached to the modem. Unlike the latter which provides all the information from the internet, the router creates the Wifi network.

It sends the necessary data to personal devices (computer, tablet, printer, telephone, etc.) and converts it into signals allowing WiFi to be received.

In other words, it is the device that connects the devices in your home or office to the internet and allows them to unite and communicate with each other on your local network. According to consumers, it is more convenient and easier to install than a wired model.

To connect to a wireless router, all you need to do is enter a password on the device you are using. Unlike the wired model, it allows you to make calls, a real benefit for saving money on telephone bills. This setting provides ease of use. Just plug the router into your phone.

According to many opinions, the wired model has become obsolete. Only homes and businesses that want to connect via cable use it. There are a multitude of models of wireless routers and each has its own features.

Who is it for?

The wireless router is generally used by households. It has a better range thanks to the dual band as well as the various frequencies it uses.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, a wireless router has parameters that have been improved so that each user can use it independently. Also, this computer equipment has the ability to prioritize bandwidth-intensive devices.

The wireless router is also intended for professionals. Indeed, according to them, it offers a more practical aspect because it allows more efficient management of different devices connected to Wifi, and this at any time.

Business owners or other professionals have the ability to check their emails, download large volume files without having to worry about any interruption or absence of signal.

How does a wireless router work?

According to our study, most people think that the wireless router has quite a complex mode of operation, but it is not at all the case. This device is connected to an Internet connection by cable or DSL. It makes use of radio waves for the reception and transmission of network signals, which promotes data transmission.

The data from the computer is transformed into an audio signal and is then transmitted. The router first receives the audio signal before decoding and sending the information to the internet via a wired connection. It also has the possibility of receiving information from the Internet to send it back to the computer.

To explain its operation in a simpler way: a wireless router can be likened to a two-way radio communication system. Thanks to the IP address it has, it has the capacity to receive thousands of data from any server.

Benefits & areas of application

Based on various tests and user opinions, the wireless router provides better throughput, provided that it is placed away from obstacles and electronic interference.

When the WiFi signal is stronger, it has an impact on the quality of the connection when using mobile devices. Additionally, many parents have claimed that the wireless router gives them the ability to keep an eye on their children's internet access. If they wish, they can limit it according to their preferences.

The wireless router is typically used for internet browsing as well as various mobile and business applications.

Professionals can also use it during videoconferences. If you have an Android phone, it can act as a wireless router. This option is quite advantageous in that you will not have to pay the sometimes expensive connection fees. Thus, it can be said that the wireless router helps you save some money.

What types of wireless router are there?

Type B router

This is the oldest and slowest type on the market. The Type B router supports wireless connection speeds of up to 11 Mbps. It uses the 2.4 GHz frequency to transmit data. It is the type of router among the cheapest on the market.

Type G router

Type G routers use the same 2.4 GHz band as Type B. However, the bandwidth increases to 54 megabits per second.

This allows for a faster connection speed so that network users can access the most intense applications, such as games.

The N-type router

N-type routers are currently the fastest on the market. They use a technology called MIMO (Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output).

N-type routers typically have multiple antennas and operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. They offer network connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps. This type of router supports high definition video streaming as well as gaming connectivity.

Mobile routers

Mobile routers use cellular networks to connect to the internet. They provide wireless connectivity wherever a cellular signal is present. Network connection speeds can vary significantly depending on cell tower signal strength. The arrival of 4G and 5G data has allowed these router models to compete with the traditional connection speeds of N-type routers.

Information on the Top 6 Manufacturers/Brands

Google is one of the newer entrants in router manufacturing, but many of their products are rated as excellent by users. The company first entered this market in 2015 with the OnHub router. Since then, Google routers have become one of the most popular options on the market. Google's latest router, Google Nest Wifi, has received positive reviews across the board and is bringing mesh Wifi to residential homes. Netgear is another hardware maker with a long history of wireless routers. In the past, there have been significant quality differences between Netgear's high-end routers and their budget models. However, these issues regarding performance and build quality now seem to be a thing of the past. TP-Link remains a popular choice among wireless routers, with products covering all budgets and specifications. Although it is a Chinese company, its products do not have the same quality issues as other devices made in this country. Whether you are interested in high-end or low-end, ASUS routers are among the best on the market. They're great choices, especially if you have a large budget to pick one of the high-end models. ASUS wireless routers are specifically targeted at gamers, with some options branded ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG). Linksys is a respectable router manufacturer. Its latest products are well-researched and offer solid dual-band Wi-Fi performance. Cisco Systems is a global telecommunications organization based in California. The group is mainly engaged in the manufacture, sale, maintenance and consulting of telecommunications systems. Cisco was the first company to produce the first commercially successful router by adapting multi-protocol routing software.

Examples of product reviews

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300

This wireless router is a device that weighs almost 2 kg. The total bandwidth goes up to 5300 Mbps with the combination of its eight antennas: 1000 Mbps 2.4 GHz 4×4 and a double 2167 Mbps 5 GHz 4×4. This ROG has 8 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Inside, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 houses a 64-bit Quad Core Broadcom BCM4908 processor and no less than 3 Broadcom BCM4366 for the three Wifis.

It offers you no less than 1GB RAM and 128MB flash memory for its outstanding gaming firmware.

MU-MIMO technology is taken to another level, with AiProtection for connections and with different configuration modes including AiMesh.

The advantages:

The downside:

TP-Link Archer C9

The TP-Link Archer C9 is also one of the most impactful routers on the market, due to its design and good performance in relation to the price .

It has dual-band connectivity with N600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and AC 1300 Mbps at 5 GHz.

It allows for 3×3 connections on both bands, with Beamforming capability and good WiFi strength.

The TP-Link Archer C9 consists of a Broadcom BCM4709 dual core 1 GHz processor and 256 MB of RAM.

Connectivity is quite good, with respective 4GbE LAN ports and two USB ports, one 2.0 and the other 3.0 for file sharing via Samba or FTP.

It is also compatible with the DLNA protocol and a very complete firmware.

The advantages:

The cons:

Netgear AX6000 RAX80

Netgear AX6000 RAX80 certainly looks like it came from another planet with its quirky design. It is one of the high-end routers of the brand and it implements the 802.11ax protocol.

It offers speeds of 1.2 Gbps in 2×2 connection at 2.4 GHz and 4.8 Gbps in 4×4 connection at 5 GHz, which is a total AX6000. It is possible to use both simultaneously, as they have the capacity for up to 8 simultaneous QAM data streams of 1024 streams.

It has of course, with Beamforming, a Broadcom BCM4908 Quad Core 1.8 GHz processor, another Broadcom BCM5313 for LAN, and two BCM43684 for wireless networks. The RAM capacity is 1 GB.

The Netgear AX6000 RAX80 router has 6 GbE ports for LAN connectivity and two USB 3.0 ports supporting DLNA, SAMBA and FTP.

The advantages:

The cons:

Advantages and disadvantages described in customer reviews

Advantages

The disadvantages

Common shortcomings and shortcomings – “What to look out for when buying a wireless router?

Most wireless routers that are available in the market are dual-band . This implies that they operate and communicate on two different networks in a room. But there are also tri-band routers. The frequency varies depending on the volume of the data transfer. You should therefore take this into account when making your choice.

Also be aware that the majority of new models of wireless routers have a range large enough to cover an average-sized house. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are dedicated to covering homes and larger spaces.

Mesh systems perform better than assembled wireless networks with range extenders. Accordingly, opt for a mesh system so that your wireless router can cover every corner of your home or business premises.

In addition, the QoS function of the router allows you to prioritize and switch bandwidth to specific devices. This feature is required in case you are using multiple connected devices. Make sure wireless routers have a fast CPU. They are particularly recommended for QoS configurations.

Almost all wireless routers also have physical ports. An Ethernet port allows you to connect your desktop PC. A USB 3.0 port, meanwhile, promotes the connection of a shared storage drive. The latter plays an important role in the access of devices on the local network and the wireless local network.

What does science say about a wireless router?

According to user reviews, the wireless router has the advantage of providing better internet speed than other types of devices.

The signal is often stronger. Yet scientists are sounding the alarm about the long-term effects of this technology on the human body.

According to some studies, permanent exposure (especially in a confined space) to microwave radiation from this type of device can damage organs and tissues.

Analysis by some scientists shows that radiation from wireless routers has a direct influence on heart function.

Others also testify to the damage caused to the genetic apparatus, in particular to human sperm. A reduction in sperm motility has been observed in recent decades due to the use under real conditions of wireless WiFi routers.

Therefore, scientists call for caution and give advice to limit the harmful effects of this technology on health as much as possible: stay away from your router and only activate it when you have it. really need.

Coming Soon

Wireless router manufacturers base their research on how best to use this device. They also strive to update it with new technologies that are constantly developing.

Currently, we are witnessing the emergence of new certified WiFi devices. Compared to the novelties and models already present on the market, manufacturers are moving towards the design of more sophisticated routers with a built-in speaker and microphone.

Specialist companies are continually striving to improve connectivity through the integration of MU-MIMMO technology on future router models. The goal is to make it as easy as possible to manage multiple devices with a lower level of latency.

Thanks to Wifi 6, future router models will be able to use a new frequency band to increase speed even more. Thanks to various works, they will be able to transmit on three different frequencies and operate at a rate that is four times higher.

The extension of this technology allows transmission at speeds of up to 11Gbts per second. The design of new smartphones and computers will be largely based on this innovation.

For new generation routers, manufacturers have planned to install some rather interesting features such as Target Wake Time, which allows the router to program transmission periods. As a result, the devices do not need to be permanently connected.

Alternatives to a wireless router

Besides the wireless router, there are other devices that allow you to have a Wifi connection. Based on our survey, here are the top picks according to many reviews:

The AmpliFi HD is one of the best wireless router alternatives. Instead of broadcasting a single signal, it allows the connection to be established in all rooms of the house. It is highly appreciated for its ease of installation and its various features.

The Eero Home Wifi system stands out for its two ports that offer a fast connection. It can be plugged directly into a wall socket and has the advantage of being automatically updated every week.

Links and additional sources

FAQ

What is a wireless router used for?

The wireless router allows communication between the internet and a local area network home such as a computer or connected device.

How does a wireless router work?

In order to allow communication between the internet and the various connected devices, the router connects a modem to them and uses radio frequencies.

How do I connect to a wireless router?

To connect to a wireless router, you simply need to enter the password on the device to be used.

Which is the best router to use?

The choice of the best router is mainly based on the needs of each user in terms of security, connectivity and speed of the router.

What is the best brand of wireless router?

To find the best brand of router, it is best to rely on our comparison.

Why use a wireless router?

The wireless router promotes and facilitates connection sharing.

How to choose a wireless router?

To choose a router, you must take into account the type of use, the maximum wireless speed as well as the security mode.

How many types of wireless routers are there?

Currently, there are different types of routers on the market, do not hesitate to look at our comparison to find out more.

Where to find a wireless router?

The best way to find a wireless router is to go to a high-tech store or online.

How much does a wireless router cost?

According to user reviews, a second-hand wireless router is available from €35, while a new model costs between 60 and 1000 € depending on his performance.

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