Manufacturers of high-tech equipment seek to surprise the consumer with all new developments. Regular discoveries are made in the segment of wireless systems, mobile device programming tools and communication capabilities. At the same time, the basic performance characteristics of the devices do not go unnoticed. Increasingly, a gigabit router appears in the homes of ordinary Internet users, providing a more efficient data exchange. The possibility of full operation of equipment with Gigabit Ethernet technology still depends on the quality of service providers, but the tendency to switch to a more efficient connection scheme is obvious. Therefore, even those who do not plan to switch to a new format router yet, should have an idea of the existing offers on the market.
Why do I need a gigabit router at home?
Of course, it all depends on the specific needs of the user. From how much traffic it consumes and how often it needs high speed. But studies just show that the segment of home use of the Internet is constantly increasing the requirements for the quality of network support. The number of users who want to receive not only stable, but also fast volume traffic is increasing. And it's not just about watching movies in HD-quality, but also about switching to high-quality television broadcasts. Accordingly, not all users of such services are ready to be satisfied with the megabit Internet.
At the same time, the gigabit connection channel does not guarantee that the connection will support a speed of 1 Gb / s. This is the maximum point, but in most cases the real speed decreases by 30-40%. And this is also normal, therefore, the new equipment should be considered only as a way to increase speed, and not as a means of achieving specific values. But there is another aspect that justifies the use of new generation devices. So, a dual-band gigabit router allows you to simultaneously use, in fact, two channels of Internet access. That is, the user can simultaneously watch a movie in high quality and run online games. The same opportunity is provided to owners of dual-band megabit devices, but it is obvious that their ability to maintain optimal speed simultaneously on two lines is incomparable with the potential of a gigabit analogue.
Key Features
One of the paramount principles of the separation of modern routers is the way of interacting with the served equipment - wireless or wired. It should be noted right away that, despite their popularity, devices with a Wi-Fi module lose to traditional models. Even if the standard standard is 802.11ac, which supports speeds of more than 1 Gb / s, this does not mean that stable operation of the equipment will be ensured. Of course, a gigabit wired router, for various reasons, does not always guarantee the declared speed, but the same percentage reduction in this case will be minimal.
As for the working qualities of the internal filling, it is worth considering three main characteristics - CPU, RAM and FLASH. Modern routers processors (CPU) operate at a frequency of 240 MHz, but for a more reliable reception, you can prefer a device at 500 MHz. Random access memory (RAM) is also important and usually is 64-128 MB. This value is not fundamental, but if you plan to use the device at maximum load, then, of course, an option with a higher potential will be preferable. In turn, FLASH-memory is about 16-32 MB. Now it’s worthwhile to review the gigabit routers in specific versions from the best manufacturers.
Model TP-Link Archer C20
One of the best options in the budget segment, which is suitable for undemanding users. In this case, the developers of TP-Link focus on the quality, reliability and functionality of the equipment, but exclude the possibility of using the device as a tool for organizing a full-fledged local network. In terms of the same functionality, the consumer gets the opportunity to limit traffic and parental control. But besides this, the owner will have a very flexible toolkit for configuring the router. In addition, successful design and construction practices have been noted. In particular, the TP-Link gigabit router is made in accordance with the concept of stylish minimalism, which does not interfere with its design to effectively protect the filling from overheating. Unfortunately, this option is not suitable as a powerful translator of bulk data, since the creators stinted on the implementation of high-speed gigabit ports. However, such deficiencies are unlikely to upset the target audience of consumers in the budget segment. The device is more likely to be interested in its ergonomics, stability and a low price tag, which averages 2.5 thousand rubles.
Model Zyxel NBG460N
Another representative of gigabit routers, which is rather valued for its overall quality and reliability, rather than for functionality and manufacturability. The device is distinguished by sound assembly, easy-to-use construction and attractive appearance. Immediately you need to rely on the operation of the model in the same range. This limitation of the possibilities of using the router is compensated by the ease of making settings. This is the case when the automation and software of the router does not give the owner a headache - almost all users note the absence of delays in installation and incorrect behavior of the equipment. This is a good Wi-Fi router for the home, if you plan to use it to work with torrents, IPTV, games and watching HD movies. The obvious drawbacks of the model include a narrow set of additional options and weak potential, in terms of organizing a multi-component network.
Model D-Link DIR-825
D-Link has not without success entered the new segment of high-speed gigabit routers. In this case, an ergonomic version of the device that works on the standard 802.11ac is considered. The model has gigabit ports, a USB connector and two antennas. As the practice of operating the device shows, it is not inferior to more eminent counterparts precisely in solving routing problems. Experts explain the success of the model and the fact that the developers were able to organize the work of the filling in the wireless mode with the least loss with an access point in the 5 GHz band. This network has not yet been mastered by the mass market, and the fact that the gigabit router DIR-825 showed decent performance in it is a matter of respect. In addition, many point to high-quality software with a web interface that allows you to work with most of the modern application scenarios of the router. Moreover, the external implementation of design and construction, rather, bears a touch of tradition. If you do not take into account the antenna, then the device can be confused with routers of the very first wired generations. But, of course, this is actually not the case and the ability to work reliably in the 802.11ac standard puts this device in the place of one of the leading routers.
Model ASUS RT-N66U
Already an expensive offer from a renowned manufacturer of computer equipment. In terms of reliability and quality of the element base, this model fits into the general idea of ASUS products. Moreover, if in its main niches the company is associated with premium developers focusing on an experienced consumer, then in this case the device is quite suitable for novice users. This group of consumers, in particular, appreciates the model for its simplicity and ease of management and settings. Gigabit Wi-Fi router for the home in this version has several interesting technological solutions that will also attract a sophisticated user. For example, the developers provided the device with two frequency ranges (2.4 and 5 GHz), provided high-speed LAN ports, and also used modern MIMO antennas, in which a gain of up to 5 dBi was implemented. But you will have to pay 7.5 thousand for this development, which is a lot for a home router.
ASUS RT-AC87U Model
The premium router ASUS is also noteworthy in the full sense of the word. Modification RT-AC87U attracts attention not only with a very extravagant design, but also with a high-tech productive filling. Again, the standard 802.11ac is used, the function of which is supported by four removable antennas. The model features include Ai Radar technology. According to the manufacturer, it allowed to expand the coverage of the device to 465 m2. In this case, the speed mode exceeds 2334 Mbps. That is, it is not just a router with gigabit ports, but a full-fledged station, ready to work with materials of ultra-modern formats like UltraHD / 4K. As a result, users attribute the advantages of the device to their undoubted multifunctionality, wide coverage area, the ability to correct the operation of antennas according to several parameters with the direction of the signals, modern software, etc. There is only one drawback of the router - the high price, which can reach 12 thousand.
Router Connection
First, you need to install the router near a computer or other target device. If we are talking about a wireless model, then a prerequisite for installation will be access to an outlet for the power supply. Then, plug the Internet cable into the WAN port. The presence of LAN ports indicates the possibility of connecting the router to a computer via a network cable. How many such ports does the device have, so many devices can access the Internet. To connect a wired router to one computer, a basic kit will be enough. Typically, manufacturers provide routers with at least one network cable. Next, you can proceed to the direct settings of the device.
Customization
You should start by resetting all the settings and going to the factory settings. Manually settings are performed via the web interface in the address bar 192.168.0.1, although there are exceptions. The question of how to enter the router can also be solved by means of automatic installation through the bundled disk. You should also prepare for the fact that the device asks for a password with a login, which should be indicated in the documentation for the model.
Next, a complete list opens with the settings for the router. The main thing for a novice user is to determine the appropriate network type in the Network or WAN lines and, if necessary, specify the necessary addresses with protocols. The data for this setting should be taken in advance from the provider. In order to further resolve the issue of how to enter the router without entering a password, you can either cancel its entry in the corresponding paragraph or simply change it. Here, the user can update the device, change the configuration of its connection to the computer, or adjust the parameters of the organized network.
How to choose the best option?
Despite the importance of high-speed operation of the router, you should not pay much attention to this parameter. For an ordinary user who wants to be able to view the same video in high quality, 1 Gbit / s will be enough. The main attention is paid to the overall quality of the device, its functions and design features. It is important to consider that the best router is not the fastest, but one that can support at least the average nominal data transfer mode. Stable network work means a lot to the modern user, and routers that are able to provide it are highly valued by consumers of different classes. The connection method is also taken into account. With all the advantages of a wireless connection, Wi-Fi modules still lose in terms of the same stability to a network cable. Therefore, if there is no special need for laying a network at a distance, it is recommended to turn to traditional wired devices.
Conclusion
In the general field of Hi-Tech products, there is a tendency to improve development due to additional options. These can be quite useful technological developments, but also functions that in practice turn out to be needed by a minimum number of consumers. Moreover, in both cases, such inclusions significantly increase the cost of the product. One way or another, the best router, of course, should be endowed with modern high-tech solutions and options. Among the additions, which certainly will not be superfluous, one can note the presence of USB connectors, an interface for Bluetooth wireless communication, a Wi-Fi bridge and a signal repeater function. If at the moment some of these additions are not required, then in the future, as the computer station develops, they may well be needed - at least in case of a single use, they should be armed. If we are talking about semi-professional needs, then the optional list may also include a file server, an account in a cloud-based Internet storage like AiCloud, a firewall, and so on. But, since each of these functions affects the price tag, one should carefully determine the choice of such routers, evaluating the justification of costs. An average model of a quality router can cost 4-5 thousand. The budget option for an undemanding consumer is estimated at 2-3 thousand on average.