Choosing network equipment in 2020 has evolved from a simple purchase of a "box with antennas" to a complex process of analyzing the specifications needed specifically for your home. The market is oversaturated with options, and it's easy to get lost in the marketing ploys of manufacturers promising "astronomical speed" and an "impenetrable signal." However, the reality is that even the most expensive router It may work mediocrely if it is selected without taking into account the apartment layout and the number of connected gadgets.
In today's reality, with remote work becoming the norm and 4K video streaming no longer a luxury, the demands on your home network have increased dramatically. Your old Wi-Fi 4 The router you inherited from your provider five years ago simply won't handle the simultaneous load of a laptop, smartphone, TV, and smart devices. Understanding basic technical nuances will help you save money and avoid connection interruptions at the most inopportune moments.
In this article, we'll examine the key selection criteria relevant specifically for 2020 and identify which features are worth paying attention to first. We won't delve into overly complex engineering details, but we will examine the parameters that truly impact connection stability. This guide will help you make an informed decision when purchasing new equipment.
Wireless standards and their impact on speed
The first thing you'll encounter when examining specifications is the Wi-Fi standards. In 2020, two main standards are relevant: 802.11ac (also known as Wi-Fi 5) and the emerging 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). Most devices in your home likely support Wi-Fi 5, which supports dual-band operation. This is critically important because it reduces congestion on the airwaves and ensures high data transfer rates.
The 802.11ac standard requires routers to support the 5 GHz band, which is the minimum requirement for comfortable internet use today. If you choose a model that only supports the older 2.4 GHz band, you'll encounter interference from neighboring networks and microwave ovens. Only dual-band routers are capable of providing the speed claimed by providers above 100 Mbps over a wireless connection.
The new Wi-Fi 6 standard, introduced in top-of-the-line 2020 models, is focused not so much on maximum speed for a single device, but on efficient operation with dozens of devices simultaneously. It uses orthogonal frequency division technology, which reduces latency in congested networks. However, for the average apartment with fewer than 20-30 active clients, the premium for Wi-Fi 6 may not yet be worth it.
- 📶 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) — an outdated standard that only works in 2.4 GHz, with speeds up to 300-450 Mbps in theory, but in practice rarely higher than 50-70 Mbps.
- 🚀 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) — the current de facto standard, mandatory support for 5 GHz, speeds from 800 Mbps to several Gbps.
- ⚡ 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) — a promising standard for smart homes with a large number of devices, reduces ping and improves stability.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your smartphones and laptops also support the 5 GHz band. Older devices (manufactured before 2013-2014) may simply not recognize the new network, and you'll have to configure the guest network on the old band.
Frequency bands: the eternal battle between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Understanding the difference between frequencies is key to properly setting up your home network. Range 2.4 GHz It's characterized by better penetration: the signal attenuates less through walls and ceilings. However, this range is extremely "cluttered": in an apartment building, dozens of neighbors' routers, Bluetooth headsets, wireless mice, and even baby monitors are connected, creating collisions and reducing speed.
In contrast, the frequency 5 GHz Offers significantly more free channels and less interference. Data transfer speeds are significantly higher, making it ideal for watching IPTV, online gaming, and downloading large files. However, there's a downside: the 5 GHz signal has a harder time penetrating solid walls and quickly fades over distance. Therefore, in large apartments or houses with thick walls, a single router in a distant room may not provide high-speed coverage throughout the entire space.
Modern routers of 2020 are often equipped with a function Smart Connect or "Smart Switching." This technology combines both frequencies into a single network with a common name (SSID). The router automatically decides which frequency to connect your device to based on signal strength and load. This is convenient, but sometimes it doesn't work correctly, tying the phone to the long-range 2.4 GHz band when it's time to switch to the faster 5 GHz.
For optimal performance, it is recommended to manually separate networks, giving them meaningful names, such as: Home_WiFi_24 And Home_WiFi_5GThis will allow you to force stationary devices (TV, console, PC) to connect to the fast band, while leaving smart light bulbs and vacuum cleaners on the longer-range 2.4 GHz frequency.
Ports and wired connections: don't forget about LAN
Many users focus solely on wireless performance, forgetting that a router is also a switch. In 2020, ports are becoming a basic requirement. Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps). If you pay your ISP for 200, 500, or 1000 Mbps, but your router is equipped with Fast Ethernet ports (100 Mbps), your speed will be physically cut to 90-95 Mbps, regardless of the antenna power.
Pay attention to the number of LAN ports. The standard solution is four ports for connecting wired devices. This is necessary for a desktop PC, TV, game console, or network-attached storage (NAS). A wired connection is always more stable and faster than a wireless one, so having available gigabit ports is a safety net for the future.
It is also worth checking the presence of the port USBIn modern models, it allows you to connect an external hard drive or flash drive, turning the router into a simple media server or file storage accessible to all devices on the network. Some models allow you to connect a 3G/4G modem as a backup connection in case the main line is interrupted.
| Port type | Maximum speed | What is it for? | Relevance 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Ethernet | 100 Mbps | Old tariffs, printers | Low (only for budget models) |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 1000 Mbps | High-speed Internet, NAS | Mandatory standard |
| USB 2.0 | up to 480 Mbps | Flash drives, 3G modems | Basic level |
| USB 3.0 | up to 5 Gbit/s | External HDDs, fast sharing | Recommended for media centers |
Don't ignore the button either WPS, although it's best to keep it turned off for security reasons. It allows you to quickly connect devices without entering a password by pressing a button on the device's body. However, in 2020, security should be a priority, so use complex passwords and encryption. WPA3 (or WPA2-AES) is more important than the convenience of quick pairing.
Performance: processor and memory size
A router is a fully-fledged computer, only a specialized one. Inside it there is processor (CPU) and RAM (RAM). A weak processor won't be able to handle encrypted traffic at high speeds, which will result in a drop in speed when using a VPN or torrents. In 2020, it's best to look for models with a processor speed of 800 MHz or higher, and preferably dual-core processors.
The amount of RAM directly affects how many devices a router can simultaneously handle without freezing. Budget models with 32-64 MB of RAM can start to choke when actively downloading files and simultaneously watching videos. The optimal choice for an apartment with many gadgets is a device with 128 MB or 256 MB of RAM.
It's also important to have its own flash memory where the firmware is stored. The more free space, the more additional features and plugins (for example, OpenWrt or Keenetic OS You can install it (with advanced features). This transforms the router from a simple "pipe" into a powerful tool for managing your home network.
Why does my router get hot and should I turn it off?
Modern routers are designed to operate 24/7. However, overheating can cause throttling (reduced processor frequency) and connection interruptions. If the device's casing is hot to the touch, ensure adequate ventilation: avoid placing it on a radiator, don't cover it with anything, and, if possible, place it vertically.
Antennas and Coverage: Myths and Reality
There's a common misconception that the more antennas, the better the signal. In fact, the number of external antennas doesn't always correlate with range. Often, four antennas simply mean technology support. MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), which increases speed by transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously, rather than amplifying the signal at one point.
It's more important to pay attention to antenna gain, measured in dBi. Standard values are 5-7 dBi. Antennas with a gain of 9-10 dBi do penetrate walls better, but they have a narrower radiation pattern. This means that the signal will be excellent in the center of the apartment, but in the corners of the apartment, where the antenna beam doesn't reach, the connection may be completely lost.
Models with non-removable antennas are ideal for most apartments, as they are tuned by factory engineers to achieve the best balance. However, if you plan to frequently move the router or connect specific external antennas, look for models with removable connectors. RP-SMA.
- 🏠 One-room apartment — a router with 2 antennas and 5 GHz support is sufficient.
- 🏢 Two- or three-room apartment — you need a model with 4 antennas and a powerful processor, or a Mesh system.
- 🏰 A big house with thick walls — one router is not enough; you need to install repeaters or switch to a mesh system.
Mesh systems versus conventional routers
If your home is larger than 80-100 square meters, or has a complex layout with multiple partitions, the traditional "one router in the center" approach may not work. This is where Mesh systemsThis is a set of several modules (usually 2 or 3 pieces) that operate as a single network.
The main advantage of Mesh is seamless roaming. You move around your apartment with your phone in hand, and the device automatically switches between modules without interrupting the connection. Unlike a router and repeater setup, where speeds are often halved, Mesh systems use a dedicated channel for communication between nodes (especially tri-band models), maintaining high speeds at any point.
In 2020, prices for Mesh systems (for example, from TP-Link Deco, Keenetic, Tenda Nova) have become affordable. If you're building a network from scratch in a large apartment, buying a set of two mesh modules is often more efficient than buying a single, very expensive router and trying to configure it for maximum performance.
⚠️ Important: When purchasing a mesh system, ensure that all modules support the same Wi-Fi standard. Mixing old and new nodes can cause the entire network to operate at the speed of the slowest device.
☑️ Checklist before buying a router
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Should you buy a Wi-Fi 6 router in 2020?
Purchasing a router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) makes sense if you already have devices that support this standard (flagship smartphones from 2019-2020, new laptops), or you plan to use the network for 3-4 years without replacing the equipment. For basic tasks (social media, YouTube, surfing), the difference with a good Wi-Fi 5 router will be practically unnoticeable.
Can a router increase internet speed by itself?
A router can't increase speeds beyond what your ISP provides. However, it can eliminate bottlenecks. If your ISP offers 500 Mbps and your old router is physically limited to 100 Mbps, replacing the hardware will increase the speed to the maximum. However, if your ISP offers 50 Mbps, even the most powerful router won't go faster than 50 Mbps.
Where is the best place to place a router in an apartment?
The ideal location is the geometric center of the apartment, located as high as possible (on a cabinet or shelf). The router shouldn't be hidden in niches, behind a TV, or in metal enclosures, as this will shield the signal. Antennas are best positioned vertically.
How often should I reboot my router?
Modern devices don't require daily reboots. However, a preventative reboot every 1-2 weeks helps clear the cache and fix any software errors. Many routers can do this automatically on a scheduled basis (for example, on Sunday nights).