A modern apartment is literally entangled with wires and devices that require stable access to the network, so the question is, How to choose a Wi-Fi router, is becoming critical for comfortable living. In 2018, the market is oversaturated with models with various specifications, from simple home devices to powerful gaming systems, and it's easy for an inexperienced user to get confused by terms like MU-MIMO or BeamformingThe right choice of equipment guarantees the absence of "dead zones" and high content loading speeds, even when dozens of devices are running simultaneously.
Many users make the mistake of relying on devices provided by their providers, which often have limited functionality and a weak signal. Independent purchase A router allows you to tailor your network to your specific layout and the number of devices you'll connect. In this article, we'll explore the key parameters to consider when purchasing new equipment this year.
Selection criteria: standards and frequency ranges
The first thing you need to look at when choosing a router in 2018 is standard support. 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)Previous generations, such as 802.11n, are already obsolete and unable to provide the speeds advertised by providers, especially in the range of 100 Mbps and above. It is the standard ac allows you to unlock the potential of fiber optic communication lines, providing theoretical speeds of up to several gigabits per second.
It is extremely important that the device is dual-band, meaning it operated simultaneously in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The 2.4 GHz band is heavily congested with signals from neighboring routers, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices, leading to slower speeds and connection drops. Meanwhile, the 5 GHz frequency offers significantly cleaner air and higher throughput, albeit with a shorter range.
⚠️ Please note: Older smartphones and tablets released before 2013-2014 may not support the 5 GHz band. Before purchasing an expensive dual-band router, check the specifications of your devices.
For apartments with large areas or complex layouts, having a high-gain external antenna can be crucial. However, it's important to remember that signal strength It's regulated by law, and even the most powerful router won't penetrate load-bearing concrete walls without losing performance. In such cases, it's better to consider a system with multiple access points or a mesh system, which we'll discuss later.
Specifications: Ports and Processor
An equally important element of the router is the presence of Gigabit Ethernet ports (1000 Mbps). If you're planning a plan with speeds above 100 Mbps, a router with Fast Ethernet ports (100 Mbps) will become a bottleneck, dooming you to low wired connection speeds. In 2018, the lack of Gigabit ports in a new mid- to high-end device is considered bad form.
A router's performance directly depends on its hardware: processor speed and RAM capacity. A weak processor may struggle to handle traffic encryption or simultaneous torrent downloads, causing the entire network to freeze. Modern models often feature dual-core processors with speeds of 1 GHz or higher, allowing them to handle large amounts of data without lag.
Please note the presence of the port USBIt may be needed to connect a 3G/4G modem as a backup connection or to set up a home media server (NAS) to which external hard drives can be connected. USB port functionality in router firmware Asus And Keenetic It is implemented particularly widely, even allowing you to print to a printer over the network.
Top manufacturers and popular models of 2018
The router market in 2018 is represented by several key players, each with its own advantages. Traditionally, the leaders in terms of stability and firmware quality are considered to be Asus, Keenetic (Zyxel) and MikroTikFor casual users who require reliability and ease of setup, these brands are the most preferred.
Company Xiaomi In recent years, it has been actively capturing the market, offering devices with excellent price-quality ratios. However, their firmware often requires adaptation or installation of alternative versions for full functionality in our regions. Budget models from TP-Link And D-Link are also in demand, but the cheaper segment often features low-quality plastic housing and a less stable Wi-Fi signal.
| Model | Wi-Fi standard | LAN ports | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus RT-AC51U | 802.11ac | 4 x 100 Mbps | Budget entry into 5 GHz |
| Keenetic Extra (KN-EX) | 802.11ac | 4 x 1000 Mbps | Excellent firmware, USB |
| MikroTik hAP ac lite | 802.11ac | 5 x 1000 Mbps | For advanced users |
| TP-Link Archer C6 | 802.11ac Wave 2 | 4 x 1000 Mbps | MU-MIMO support |
When choosing a specific model, it's worth focusing not only on marketing claims but also on reviews that test real-world speeds in an apartment setting. It's often the case that a router with three antennas performs worse than a compact model with two antennas, but with higher-quality hardware. Connection stability more important than maximum speeds in tests.
Mesh systems: the future of home internet
If your apartment is larger than 80-100 square meters or has a complex layout with multiple walls, a standard router may not be able to cope. To the rescue, Mesh systems — a set of several modules that create a single seamless network. Unlike simple repeaters, Mesh systems don't cut speed in half and allow devices to switch between access points without losing connection.
The principle of operation is that one module connects to the internet, while the others are placed in different rooms, receiving the signal and transmitting it further. The devices automatically select the optimal data transmission path and the best frequency. This is an ideal solution for multi-story buildings or apartments where the signal from one router doesn't reach distant rooms.
⚠️ Please note: Mesh systems are generally more expensive than standard routers. Purchasing a set of 2-3 modules can cost as much as 3-4 powerful traditional routers.
Popular solutions in 2018 are systems from Asus Lyra, TP-Link Deco And Netgear OrbiThey are easy to set up via a mobile app and require virtually no user intervention after initial installation. For large apartments, this is often the only practical solution to the problem of "dead zones."
What is the difference between a Mesh router and a regular router with a repeater?
A traditional repeater creates a new network (for example, Home_WiFi_EXT) that must be manually switched to, often reducing speed. A mesh system creates a single network with a single name, and switching between modules is seamless, maintaining high speed.
Security and software
When choosing a router, you can’t ignore the questions cybersecurityThe device that manages all your traffic is your first line of defense against hacker attacks. Make sure your router supports modern encryption protocols, such as WPA2-PSK (And ideally, WPA3 support is already becoming available.) Using outdated WEP or WPA encryption makes your network vulnerable to hacking in minutes.
An important aspect is the ability to update the firmware. Manufacturers regularly release patches that close security holes and improve stability. Routers from brands such as Keenetic And Asus, are famous for long-term support of their devices, while cheap "no-name" models may remain with leaky firmware forever.
Pay attention to the presence of a built-in antivirus or the ability to install third-party security solutions (for example, Entware or built-in Trend Micro (In Asus routers). This will allow traffic filtering at the network level, protecting even devices that cannot be equipped with antivirus software (such as smart TVs, CCTV cameras, and IoT devices) from viruses.
Post-purchase setup and optimization
After purchasing and connecting the router, you need to configure it correctly. First, you should change the factory password for logging into the web interface and the Wi-Fi network password. The default passwords (admin/admin) are known to all attackers and are an open door to your network. Access the settings using the address indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the device (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
To optimize the signal, it is recommended to manually select the least congested channel in the 2.4 GHz band. In apartment buildings, neighboring routers create significant interference. Use dedicated apps on your smartphone (e.g. WiFi Analyzer) to find a free channel and register it in the router settings in the section Wireless Settings.
☑️ Initial setup checklist
It's also a good idea to set up a guest network. This will allow your friends to connect to the internet without accessing your personal files and devices on the local network. Modern routers allow you to flexibly configure access rules, limiting the speed or operating time for guest devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should you buy a router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support in 2018?
In 2018, the Wi-Fi 6 standard is just beginning to appear in high-end devices, and smartphones and laptops supporting it are still very few on the market. Purchasing such a router now only makes sense with an eye on the future (3-4 years ahead) or if you already have compatible devices. For most users, the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard is more than sufficient for now.
Does the number of antennas affect internet speed?
The number of antennas doesn't directly increase the internet speed provided by a provider. Antennas affect coverage area and signal stability. However, the use of multiple antennas often correlates with the use of MIMO technology, which allows for the simultaneous transmission of more data, which can improve speed within a local network and connection stability.
Can I use an old router as a repeater?
Yes, many modern routers (especially Asus, TP-Link, Keenetic) have a "Repeater" or "Access Point" mode in the factory firmware. If your device is more than 5-7 years old, it may not support this mode or may operate unstable. In this case, it's better to purchase a dedicated repeater or a second router of the same brand to create a mesh system.
Where is the best place to place a router in an apartment?
The ideal location for a router is in the center of the apartment, located as high as possible (on a cabinet or shelf) and in an open space. Hiding the router in a niche, behind a TV, or in a low-voltage panel is not recommended, as metal structures and household appliances will block the signal.