Best router for long range wifi: Best Long-Range Routers for Extended Wi-Fi 2023

TP-Link Archer AX11000 Review | HighSpeedInternet.com

You don’t need to be a gamer to enjoy everything this feature-packed router has to offer.

by
Kevin Parrish
Edited by Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Jun 22, 2023 | Share
Equipment Guides, Product Reviews

The TP-Link Archer AX11000 provides a lot of speed and value for the money. Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

Is the Archer AX11000 right for you?

TP-Link markets the Archer AX11000 as a gaming router, and at first glance, that seems to be the case. But when you take a deep dive into everything it has to offer, the Archer AX11000 is a full-featured router anyone can use. The “gaming” features are standard, relabeled tools.

That said, there’s a lot to love with the Archer AX11000, and we highly recommend it for any scenario, whether it’s gaming or streaming your favorite Marvel shows on Disney Plus. Want free parental controls? Check. Want free antivirus? Check that too. You can’t beat what you get at this price, no sirree.

Pros:

Free antivirus
Free parental controls
Multi-gig internet support
Loads of wired connectivity

Cons:

No real gaming tools
Repetitive settings
No adjustable antennas

Jump to:

Standout features
Competitor comparisons
Scoring breakdown
Our verdict
FAQ
Methodology

Archer AX11000 standout features

The TP-Link Archer AX11000 includes multi-gig internet and wired LAN support. | Highspeedinternet.com

The Archer AX11000 packs three Wi-Fi bands with four streams each, perfect for large families with lots of devices. It also sets you up for multigig speeds, with a 2,500Mbps internet port and a 2,000Mbps dual-Ethernet port connection. So, if you’re eyeing a new internet plan with speeds faster than a gigabit, this router is for you, hands down.

The best features at a glance:

3 bands
12 streams
8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Multi-gig internet support
Free antivirus and parental controls

Compare the Archer AX11000 to the competition

Product	Wi-Fi version	Max throughput	Price*	Order online
TP-Link Archer AX11000	Wi-Fi 6	11,000Mbps	$278.00	View on Amazon
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000	Wi-Fi 6	11,000Mbps	$354.88	View on Amazon
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200	Wi-Fi 6	11,000Mbps	$428.15	View on Amazon

*Amazon. com prices (as of 6/22/23 17:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.

These three routers are so alike that it’s not even funny, yet their prices are vastly different. Each router includes three Wi-Fi bands, 12 streams, multi-gig internet support, Amazon Alexa support, and two USB ports. TP-Link even doubles its Ethernet count to eight, yet the Archer AX11000 is the cheapest router of the three.

See our full coverage of the best routers for gaming.

Read our other router coverage

Best Long-Range Routers for Extended Wi-Fi
Best Gigabit Routers for Superfast Wi-Fi
Best Routers for Streaming
Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers

Our Archer AX11000 scoring breakdown

Category	Score*	Summary
Performance	4	Competes with the Nighthawk RAX200 in speed but doesn’t have the range.
Features	4	Includes free antivirus from Trend Micro and easy parental controls.
Design	4	Provides a 2.5Gbps internet port, plus eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices.
Setup	4	Gets your network running quickly, whether you use a browser or the Tether app.
Ease of use	4	Employs the best interface of all the TP-Link routers we’ve tested.

* out of 5 points

You can easily turn Wi-Fi off with the press of a button on the TP-Link Archer AX11000. Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

Performance

Wi-Fi configuration:

2.4 GHz band: 1,148Mbps (4 x 287Mbps)
5 GHz band: 4,804Mbps (4 x 1,201Mbps)
5 GHz band: 4,804Mbps (4 x 1,201Mbps)

We retested the Archer AX11000 for this review, and the results are much higher than our original averages. Chalk it up to new firmware or less interference, but the updated averages now put the Archer AX11000 closer to NETGEAR’s faster but far more expensive Nighthawk RAX200 and RAXE500 routers.

That said, we recorded an 860Mbps average out of a 1,200Mbps max rate with the Archer AX11000—20Mbps less on average than the pricier Nighthawk RAX200. Meanwhile, our Lenovo laptop at close range tested with speeds up to 1,610Mbps out of a 2,400Mbps maximum, which is excellent. By comparison, the similar Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 tested slower than both routers at close and long range.

If you want a router with long range, the Archer AX11000 delivers. We tested 282Mbps at 120 feet, a distance that includes two doors, some furniture, and a nosy cat or two. That’s a decent speed at that range, but we recorded faster speeds with TP-Link’s Archer AX6000 and Reyee’s RG-E5. NETGEAR’s Nighthawk RAX200 and RAXE500 are the only tested routers to date that can even connect with our devices at 160 feet.

The Archer AX11000 has loads of connectivity for wired devices and file sharing. Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

Features

Notable features:

Free antivirus
Free parental controls
Built-in VPN server
OneMesh support

The Archer AX11000 packs lots of features for the price. For starters, HomeCare covers your security and parental control needs for free. We provide a list of what HomeCare does, but in short, you can create profiles, filter traffic, set bedtimes, and more.

The VPN server allows you to access the internet safely when connected to public Wi-Fi. Your internet traffic goes directly to the router first and then to the destination on the internet, hiding your current IP address and location. You don’t need a subscription to use this feature.

Other goodies under the hood include Amazon Alexa support (found under Smart Game Assistant), mesh networking with compatible TP-Link range extenders and powerline adapters, and QoS settings tailored for gaming.

What we wish the Archer AX11000 did better

Printer sharing
Real gaming tools

You can share files, share media, and create a Time Machine backup using a USB stick connected to the router, but you can’t share a printer, which is unfortunate. Then again, you can share most new printers using Wi-Fi, but a shareable USB tether is a good backup.

Also, the Archer AX11000 doesn’t have real gaming tools. The Game Center portion merely relabels common tools like security, parental controls, and QoS settings you can access elsewhere on the interface. The only real game-centric tools are the router’s ping and traceroute utilities.

You can get the Archer AX11000 up and running through the web interface or TP-Link’s Tether app. Anastasia Hrivnak | Highspeedinternet.com

Setup

Inside the box:

Router
Quick installation guide
CAT 5e Ethernet cable
8 antennas
Power brick
Power cord

TP-Link employs one of the longest setups of all router manufacturers.

The problem is TP-Link doesn’t separate the basic and advanced options, so you may find yourself stumped over the MAC address aspect when all you want to do is get this thing up and running.

In contrast, competing routers determine your best settings automatically, like your time zone, making the process smoother and faster. Still, at least TP-Link doesn’t bombard you with subscription nags like those seen with NETGEAR routers.

The Archer AX11000 has one of the coolest web interfaces we’ve seen to date. Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

Ease of use

Router interface:

Web browser
TP-Link Tether (App Store, Google Play)

The Archer AX11000 has one of the sleekest web interfaces we’ve seen yet. It caters to gamers, sure, but it’s easy on the eyes and, quite frankly, a little exciting. It’s a far better design than the humdrum blue and white ones loaded on other TP-Link routers.

And yet, the Game Center portion is a little confusing. It simply relabels and relists settings you can find in other sections. For example, you may think the Game Protector parental controls are separate from the HomeCare ones, but they’re not—it’s the same function listed in two different places.

But is the router easy to use? It’s extremely easy, and the Tether app is even easier once you learn the layout.

Are there any additional costs?

No, there are no additional costs. TP-Link’s HomeCare suite is free to use for the lifetime of the router.

The TP-Link Archer AX1100 is one of the best routers we’ve tested to date. Kevin Parrish | Highspeedinternet.com

Our TP-Link Archer AX11000 review: The verdict

You can’t go wrong with the Archer AX11000. It has free security. It has free parental controls. Want native Amazon Alexa support? You got it. Want more wired connections than you’ll ever possibly need? It’s all there, plus a 2,500Mbps internet port to boot.

But don’t let its game-centric allure fool you. It’s a feature-packed router with a gamer dressing, that’s all. It’s a great solution for large families with a device arsenal no budget router can handle. If you want speed, this is it. If you want range, this is it too. There’s just no beating what the Archer AX11000 offers at this price.

Get the TP-Link Archer AX11000

FAQ about the Archer AX11000

Methodology

We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.

The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.

We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.

To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.

Client devices used in testing

	iPhone 12 Pro Max	Google Pixel 3
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 6	Wi-Fi 5
Stream configuration	2 x 2	2 x 2
Max channel width	80 MHz	80 MHz
Max 5 GHz speed (AX)	1,200Mbps	–
Max 5 GHz speed (AC)	866Mbps	866 Mbps
Max 2. 4 GHz speed (AX)	195Mbps	–
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AC)	195Mbps	144Mbps

Archer AX11000 benchmarks

	iPhone 12 Pro Max*	Google Pixel 3*
2 feet	860	658
10 feet	848	645
20 feet	768	572
30 feet	745	453
40 feet (porch)	692	330
120 feet (across street)	282	175
160 feet (mailboxes)	No connection	No connection

*speed in megabits per second (Mbps)

Disclaimer

Amazon.com Prices as of 6/22/23 17:35, MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon. com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Sources

1. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, “Wi-Fi Protected Setup Vulnerable to Brute-Force Attack,” January 06, 2012. Accessed August 17, 2022.

Author – Kevin Parrish

Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom’s Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.

Editor – Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.

NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500 vs. RAX200: Which Router Is Right for You?

Both are great routers for range and speed if you’re willing to pay the price.

by
Kevin Parrish
Edited by Kevin Parrish

Jun 22, 2023 | Share
Equipment Guides, Product Reviews

The RAXE500 and RAX200 may be pricey, but they have the fastest speeds we’ve recorded to date. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Is the RAXE500 or RAX200 right for you?

The RAXE500 and RAX200 are nearly identical in design except for one glaring difference: The RAXE500 has a 6 GHz connection, and the RAX200 does not. Both have the best range and the highest speeds we’ve tested to date. Go with either one if you prefer speed over features and price isn’t an issue.

But both routers feel overpriced for what you get, plus they require at least two subscriptions to get the most out of them. If you want more bang for your buck, look to competing routers instead like the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 with a better balance of speed, range, and features.

Pros:

Great Wi-Fi speeds
Superb long range
Built-in OpenVPN server

Cons:

High cost
Limited free parental controls
Subscription requirements

Jump to:

Standout features
Competitor comparisons
Scoring breakdown
Our verdict
FAQ
Methodology

RAXE500 and RAX200 standout features

The surface on the RAXE500 and RAX200 sparkles like deep space if you look at it just right. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

The RAXE500 and the RAX200 support multi-gig internet by way of the 2.5 GbE port or through link aggregation (2Gbps). Both routers also include a built-in OpenVPN server and a media server for sharing files over the local network and across the internet.

The best features at a glance:

Three bands
Built-in OpenVPN server
Multi-Gig internet support
Media sharing

Compare the RAXE500 and RAX200 to the competition

Product	Wi-Fi version	Max throughput	Price*	Order online
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500	Wi-Fi 6E	11,000 Mbps	$549.99	View on Amazon
NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200	Wi-Fi 6	11,000 Mbps	$428.15	View on Amazon
TP-Link Archer AX11000	Wi-Fi 6	11,000 Mbps	$278. 00	View on Amazon
TP-Link Archer AX6000?	Wi-Fi 6	6,000 Mbps	$209.99	View on Amazon
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000	Wi-Fi 6	11,000 Mbps	$354.88	View on Amazon

*Amazon.com prices (as of 6/22/23 11:32 MST). Read full disclaimer.

We usually push the RAXE500 and RAX200 as speed demons, but truth be told, they’re not that much faster than the competition—maybe a 10–40Mbps increase difference, depending on the tested router’s top speed. But they’re the only routers we’ve tested to date that can (barely) deliver internet at 160 feet—across the street by the mailboxes, in fact. Does that long range make up for the high cost? Not really.

With the TP-Link and ASUS routers, there’s a lot of bang for your buck for a smidge less speed than the Nighthawk routers, like free parental controls and free security. Heck, the TP-Link models even have eight Ethernet ports versus four. Frankly, the ASUS model is the most feature-packed router on the list, with added features like printer sharing and the VPN client.

See our full coverage of the best gaming routers.

Read our other router coverage

Best Long-Range Routers for Extended Wi-Fi
Best Gigabit Routers for Superfast Wi-Fi
Best Routers for Streaming
Best Wi-Fi 6 routers

Our RAXE500 and RAX200 scoring breakdown

Category	Score*	Summary
Performance	5	Outpaces all gaming and non-gaming routers we’ve tested to date.
Features	3	Requires subscriptions to use the parental controls and security fully.
Design	4	Includes a third band and multi-gig internet support.
Setup	4	Has one of the fastest setups we’ve endured.
Ease of use	3	Provides a better experience in the app than the web interface.

* out of 5 points

The new 6 GHz connection on the RAXE500 promises real-world sub-2Gbps wireless speeds. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Performance

RAXE500 Wi-Fi configuration:

2.4 GHz band: 1,200Mbps (4 x 400Mbps)
5 GHz band: 4,800Mbps (4 x 1,200Mbps)*
6 GHz band: 4,800Mbps (4 x 1,200Mbps)*

RAX200 Wi-Fi configuration:

2.4 GHz band: 1,200Mbps (4 x 400Mbps)
5 GHz band: 4,800Mbps (4 x 1,200Mbps)*
5 GHz band: 4,800Mbps (4 x 1,200Mbps)*

* Using 160 MHz channels

So, here’s the thing. The RAX500E and the RAX200 have the best speeds we’ve recorded to date when we run our tests at close range. But by the time we go outside, dodge traffic, and run our tests at 100 feet across the street, they’re on par with TP-Link’s Archer AX11000 and 6000 routers and the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000. They’re still the “fastest” of the bunch at 285 Mbps, but that’s a bit of a stretch, given their lead is only by 2–5Mbps compared to the competition.

The RAXE500 trumps other routers with its real-world Gig+ wireless speeds. We can thank the 6 GHz band for that because, based on our experience, getting Gig+ wireless speeds on the 5 GHz band can be a real pain in the rump roast. The RAX200 doesn’t access the 6 GHz spectrum, so you’re stuck dodging pesky radar to get Gig+ Wi-Fi on the 5 GHz band. With the RAXE500, we easily recorded 1,550Mbps at close range using the 6 GHz band. Oh yeah.

Each foldable wing on the RAXE500 and RAX200 has four antennas. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Features

Notable features:

Built-in VPN server
Media streaming

The RAXE500 and RAX200 are not gaming routers despite their game-centric look. NETGEAR doesn’t market them as gaming routers, so there are no built-in gaming tools.

Both models include an OpenVPN server you can use to hide what you do online wherever you are. There’s also a built-in media server for sharing files locally and over the internet. What you won’t find here is free security, printer sharing, or loads of free parental controls. The VPN client is part of the NETGEAR Armor subscription service.

What we wish the RAXE500 and RAX200 did better

More free parental controls
Free security

Both routers require a subscription to get the most out of their parental controls and security offerings. With the RAX200 model, you can create profiles, apply filters, and a few other things for free, but you need a Circle subscription for bedtime schedules and more. With the RAXE500, you can create a profile, add a device, and pause the internet, but that’s it without a Smart Parental Controls subscription.

The security features require a NETGEAR Armor subscription. For an annual fee of $99.99, you get Bitdefender Security, Bitdefender VPN (client only), anti-theft protection, and more. In contrast, ASUS and TP-Link provide antivirus and parental controls for free on the standalone routers we tested.

You can use the Multi-Gig Ethernet port on the RAXE500 and RAX200 for a speedy internet connection or a compatible wired device. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Design

Buttons:

LED on/off button (back)
Reset recessed button (back)
Power on/off button (back)
Wi-Fi on/off button (top)
WPS button (top)

Ports:

1 Gigabit Ethernet port (WAN)
4 Gigabit Ethernet ports (LAN)
1 Multi-Gig Ethernet port (2.5Gbps) (WAN or LAN)
2 USB-A 3. 2 ports (5Gbps each)

The RAXE500 and RAX200 are identical in design. Both sit on a flat surface like a parked spaceship, ready to take flight. Both have four gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, link aggregation, a couple of USB ports, and a Multi-Gig Ethernet port you can use for the internet or a wired device. They each have three radios too, and this is where the two differ.

The RAX200 uses two radios to divide the available 5 GHz channels. The first 5 GHz radio provides the lower channels (36–64), while the second radio uses the higher channels (100–128). This setup is actually good because all your devices aren’t crammed into a single 5 GHz channel, as seen with dual-band routers.

The RAXE500 swaps out the second 5 GHz radio for a 6 GHz one. We prefer this design over the RAX200 one, but you need a Wi-Fi 6E device. The 6 GHz connection gives you real-world sub-2Gbps speeds because you’re not fighting with radar detection like the 5 GHz spectrum.

Setup

Inside the box:

One router
One Quick Start guide
One Ethernet cable
One power adapter

We were quite annoyed with the setup process when we first tested the RAX200. But many months later (and after a full reset), we found the steps far less painful on both models. We didn’t have to jump through hoops or use a cloud account to set up either one. It was one of the fastest setups we’ve endured to date, so kudos to NETGEAR.

The Nighthawk app provides a better experience than the web interface. Kervin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Ease of use

Router interface:

Web browser
NETGEAR Nighthawk (App Store, Google Play)

The Nighthawk app is simplified, easier to use, and more appealing than the web interface, but it’s slow—most taps cause a “please wait” popup when it loads a settings page, even if you’re connected locally.

The web interface is downright ugly and could use a tighter design to make it more accessible to the average user. You can do a lot more with the web interface, but the app is ideal if you want to make quick changes away from your computer.

Are there any additional costs?

You’d think premium parental controls and security would be part of the package for the amount of money you pay for these two routers. But no. The RAX200 has more free, basic parental controls than the RAXE500, but if you want time limits and bedtime schedules, you need a Circle or Smart Parental Controls subscription. Both routers require a NETGEAR Guard subscription to use the security features. Our FAQ provides more information about the cost and features.

The RAXE500 and RAX200 have very few notable features, but they have incredible ranges. Kevin Parrish | HighSpeedInternet.com

Our Nighthawk RAXE500 vs. RAX200 review: The verdict

We’ve recommended the RAX200 as a router for speed for a while now, and that hasn’t changed. It’s still our top performer of the Wi-Fi 6 routers we’ve tested to date. Sure, it lacks in some areas and is a bit bloated in price for the features you get. But its range is impressive, so some may argue it’s worth the cost. We’re still on the fence about the overall value.

Now the RAXE500 model is here to take the performance crown. It’s identical in every way to the RAX200 model except for the 6 GHz radio for roughly over $200 more. That new connection is like a shiny new sports car you want to gun down the internet speedways, but you must have a Wi-Fi 6E device to take advantage of the top speeds.

If you need an upgrade right this minute, the RAX200 and RAXE500 are a tough sell, given the competition. Don’t even bother with the RAXE500 if you have no plans to get a Wi-Fi 6E device before Wi-Fi 7 surfaces in 2023.

Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAXE500

Get the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200

FAQ about the Nighthawk RAXE500 and RAX200

Methodology

Client devices used in testing

	Google Pixel 6	iPhone 12 Pro Max	Google Pixel 3
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 6E	Wi-Fi 6	Wi-Fi 5
Stream configuration	2 x 2	2 x 2	2 x 2
Max channel width	160 MHz	80 MHz	80 MHz
Max 6 GHz speed (AXE)	2,400Mbps	–	–
Max 5 GHz speed (AX)	2,400Mbps	1,200Mbps	–
Max 5 GHz speed (AC)	866Mbps	866Mbps	866Mbps
Max 2. 4 GHz speed (AX)	195Mbps	195Mbps	–
Max 2.4 GHz speed (AC)	144Mbps	195Mbps	144Mbps

RAXE500 benchmarks (6 GHz only)

	Google Pixel 6*
2 feet	1,550
10 feet	1,325
20 feet	1,180
30 feet	1,030
40 feet (porch)	396
120 feet (across street)	120
160 feet (mailboxes)	No connection
20 feet (hallway)	283

*speed in megabits per second (Mbps)

RAXE500 benchmarks (5 GHz only)

	iPhone 12 Pro Max*	Google Pixel 3*
2 feet	878	701
10 feet	841	698
20 feet	792	576
30 feet	755	530
40 feet (porch)	693	421
120 feet (across street)	285	184
160 feet (mailboxes)	12	No connection
20 feet (hallway)	547	376

*speed in megabits per second (Mbps)

RAX200 benchmarks (5 GHz only)

	iPhone 12 Pro Max*	Google Pixel 3*
2 feet	880	703
10 feet	864	671
20 feet	833	538
30 feet	750	511
40 feet (porch)	691	464
120 feet (across street)	285	184
160 feet (mailboxes)	12	No connection
20 feet (hallway)	584	$22

*speed in megabits per second (Mbps)

Disclaimer

Amazon. com Prices as of 6/22/23. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Author – Kevin Parrish

Editor – Kevin Parrish

Routers with large coverage area and Wi-Fi range

One of the main problems in organizing a Wi-Fi network in a large private house or apartment is the short range of the Wi-Fi network. When, after installing the router, the Wi-Fi network catches not in all rooms, or not on all floors. Or the signal in the far rooms is very bad, which is why the Internet is slow and unstable. Therefore, when choosing a router in such cases, everyone is trying to find a router with a long range wireless Wi-Fi network.

I looked at articles on this topic on other sites, and that they just do not write there. They create ratings of the most powerful and “long-range” routers, “routers that break through walls”, advise specific models, navigate by the number of antennas, antenna power, price (they say the more expensive and steeper the router, the greater the network range). To be honest, it’s complete nonsense.

Why are there no routers with a large Wi-Fi coverage area?

The Wi-Fi network coverage area for ALL routers is plus or minus the same. It doesn’t matter if it’s a router for $20 or $200. If there is any difference in the area covered by the signal, then it is insignificant and can be ignored.

Further points:

The power of all routers that are sold (delivered) in a redistributed country is limited by the legislation of this country. Therefore, all routers have approximately the same transmitter power and distribute a Wi-Fi network over approximately the same area.
The size and number of antennas on the router practically does not affect the Wi-Fi coverage area. Their number can affect the speed. Well, there is also a bit of marketing involved. Including inscriptions like “wall killer”.
Why then are there powerful and expensive routers? The word “powerful” means productive. A router that has a large capitalization capacity. A powerful processor, more RAM, support for various technologies, etc. Such a router can “digest” a large number of connected devices and the information transmitted through them. At the same time, such routers keep a stable connection, speed and ping. All this has nothing to do with the area that the Wi-Fi router covers with a signal.
Even if you imagine that you can buy a router with a large (compared to other routers) Wi-Fi network transmitter power, then at least two problems will immediately arise: 1. A very powerful signal will be reflected and jam itself. 2. The gain of the receiver in the phone, laptop, etc. must match the power of the router (this is if explained in an understandable language). And in mobile devices and other clients that we connect to our network, receivers have a small gain.
Based on my experience and observations, I can say that replacing a router with a better and more expensive model has practically no effect on the range of a Wi-Fi network. For speed – yes, for connection stability – yes, but for range – no. Only a few and in rare cases. But this, as a rule, does not solve the situation. A much more effective solution is to change the location of the router. For example, when we move the router closer to the center of an apartment or house.

When does it make sense to buy a new router to increase Wi-Fi coverage?

When your Wi-Fi coverage is just a little short. For example, there is a signal in distant rooms, but it is bad and unstable. And now you have an inexpensive and outdated router installed. In this case, perhaps buying a new and more modern router will solve this problem. But it is not exactly. You can also try to apply some tips for strengthening the Wi-Fi network signal. I talked about them in a separate article: How to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi network? Increase Wi-Fi range.

And then, I would advise you to do this (buy a new router in the hope that it will increase the coverage area) only if it is possible to return this router back if there is no result.

I want to say right away that you don’t need to rely on the 5 GHz band. If you have a router that only supports 2.4 GHz, then buying a dual-band router will not solve the problem of Wi-Fi coverage, since coverage on a 5 GHz network will always be even weaker compared to 2.4 GHz. Such a feature of this range. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.

In this regard, I can advise you to choose routers with external antennas and look at the power of the installed antennas. The higher it is, the better. Well, probably all the same, do not consider the most budget models, but take something from the average price range.

If, after installing the router, you have rooms in which there is no Wi-Fi network coverage at all, or, for example, there is no coverage on one of the floors of a house or a multi-level apartment, then replacing the router with a more powerful and expensive one will not solve this problem. It’s just a waste of time and money.

How to understand or calculate whether the Wi-Fi network coverage from the router is enough for my house or apartment?

This is a very complex and controversial issue. If, for example, we are talking about an apartment of 50 m², then I can say with almost certainty that almost any router will cover it with a signal. If, for example, an apartment is 80 m², then there may already be doubts, since the propagation of the Wi-Fi network signal depends on the location of the router, on obstacles, layout, materials from which the partitions are made and on their thickness, on various interferences, etc. e. All this applies to both apartments and private houses.

From my own experience: the relatives have an apartment of 96 m², and with an elongated layout. When the router is installed in the corridor near the front door, then in the far corners of the far rooms there is a very poor signal and, accordingly, the speed and stability of the Internet connection. Already tried to install several different routers – this does not solve the problem.

If, for example, you have a house or apartment of 130-200 m² or more, then I think that it makes no sense to run into one router at all. Even if it is the most expensive, modern and sophisticated router. Unless it is placed in the center of the house (which is very often simply impossible) and when there are thin partitions without metal inside.

Well, of course, when there is an opportunity to take a router that suits your tasks and at a price, and check everything. If he fails, the signal in some places of the apartment or house will be absent, or it will be very bad – return it back. Then we will have the opportunity to consider other solutions. If you can’t return the router, you will have to dance around it.

What are the solutions?

If one router is not enough, then you need to somehow strengthen the signal of the Wi-Fi network. So that the signal was distributed by several access points. To do this, you can use special devices called repeaters (Wi-Fi signal amplifiers), other routers that can work as repeaters, access points, or Wi-Fi Mesh systems.

Wi-Fi Mesh Systems

This is the best and optimal solution today for large houses and apartments, where one router cannot cover the entire area with a signal.

Several modules of the Mesh system can be combined into one network. The Internet is connected to one module, then other modules are added to the network, which we install in different rooms of our house or apartment. The modules are connected to each other via Wi-Fi. For a more stable connection and high speed throughout the house, they can be connected by cable (if possible).

All modules create one single Wi-Fi network. And what is very important – a seamless Wi-Fi network, as they support fast roaming technology. All devices in the house will see the same network and seamlessly switch between access points (mesh modules of the system) as they move around the house.

Today Wi-Fi Mesh systems are available for almost any budget. With their help, you can build a seamless Wi-Fi network over a very large area. If necessary, you can buy additional Mesh system modules and expand an existing network.

You can read more about these devices here: Wi-Fi Mesh systems – what is it and why is the future of Mesh networks.

To better understand how this works, you can watch the TP-Link Deco M4 Mesh setup process.

Mesh Router + Amplifier

Another good solution. Especially if you already have a router that supports Mesh Wi-Fi technology. Now many manufacturers of network equipment have begun to add support for fast roaming to their line of routers and signal amplifiers.

This is when two ordinary rotors can be combined into one seamless Wi-Fi network. Or a router and signal booster. And it will work as a Wi-Fi Mesh system. There will be several access points in the house, but there will be one network, and devices on this network will switch between access points imperceptibly and without breaking the connection.

TP-Link, for example, has a line of devices with OneMesh support. Read more in the article What is OneMesh from TP-Link? Setting up a seamless Wi-Fi network using the example of a TP-Link Archer A7 v5 router and a TP-Link RE300 amplifier. ASUS has AiMesh. And at Keenetic, almost all routers support this technology.

Repeaters or other routers as an amplifier

If a regular Wi-Fi router is already installed in the house and you are not going to change it, or the budget is very limited, then you can use a regular repeater to strengthen the Wi-Fi network. This is a small device that amplifies an already existing Wi-Fi network. They are inexpensive, but they have a few cons:

When connecting through a repeater, the connection speed will sag. How much depends on many factors: equipment, location of the repeater, interference, etc.
Using a regular repeater, you can also make one Wi-Fi network (as is the case with Mesh Wi-Fi), but since they do not support fast roaming, there may be problems switching devices between the router and the repeater. Connection drops, the device will hold on to a bad signal from the router and will not switch automatically, etc.

Multiple repeaters can be installed and connected if required.

Another router can be used instead of a repeater. Most conventional routers can be used in booster mode, or configured to work over a wireless bridge. We have a lot of manuals for different manufacturers on our website. Search through the search, or ask in the comments. Here is another article on this topic: Wi-Fi network of two (several) routers. And one more thing: setting up two routers on the same network. We connect two routers via Wi-Fi and cable.

Also, the second router can be connected and configured as an access point (connecting them via cable).

Terminals

If you have a really big house or apartment, I recommend that you do not waste time and money looking for and choosing a router with a large Wi-Fi coverage area that will mercilessly break through your walls and deliver a signal to the farthest corners of your house. There are simply no such routers. Do not bend over your head.

It is better to immediately consider the option of building a Wi-Fi network using a Wi-Fi Mesh system, or routers and amplifiers that support Mesh Wi-Fi technology. And if the budget does not allow it, then use conventional Wi-Fi signal amplifiers, or access points. You can also read my tips for choosing a Wi-Fi router for your home or apartment.

Write in the comments what you think about it. Agree or not with my opinion on this issue. Well, you can share models of routers with a large coverage area, if you have come across such, of course. Let’s discuss them. Best wishes!

Best of 2022: Routers | DGL.RU

closeup of a wireless router and a man using smartphone on living room at home ofiice

With so many smart devices and games getting more advanced every year, it’s obvious that every modern person needs a router that can go in step with the times. If you want to choose a router that can serve you for a long time, then we strongly recommend using our tips.

A router (or router) is a small device that receives a signal from an ISP and distributes it to gadgets (phones, laptops, computers). If traffic becomes congested, you will likely need to upgrade. With the relatively new addition of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and 6E to the list of growing options, you may need a router to keep in touch with all the devices and internet packages available from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The router will make sure that you can take advantage of every last gigabyte that the internet plan offers.

Budget routers start at about $70, while models equipped with bells and whistles cost significantly more at $500. The number and types of devices you use, how you use them, and your ISP plan can help you determine the most important characteristics of a router. We’ve made our choices based on performance and included a few tips to help you narrow down your options.

Routers are available in a wide range of packages and configurations. First, you need to understand how the list of functions affects performance. Routers are judged on their speed (theoretical and actual), security, configurable options, ease of installation and management, ports, ranges, and additional features.

Speed: Manufacturers report the theoretical speed at which the router should operate. However, in the real world, such speeds are rarely, if ever, achieved. We looked at advertised speeds along with the actual performance of the router at various distances.

Security: Look at the security features that are enabled, how easy they are to access, and whether they require an ongoing subscription.

Setting: The setting functions allow you to manage your network according to how you use the devices in your home. The ability to assign devices to specific ranges allows you to optimize your gaming or browsing experience.

Ease of use: Everything from the installation process to how you access controls affects ease of use.

Ports and ranges: The four LAN ports are fairly standard. Dual- and tri-band routers provide the best speed and traffic control.

Optional: Parental controls, MU-MIMO, and VPN features are just some of the additional features worth checking out.

Best Router : TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router
Best Gaming Router: Asus ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router
Best WiFi Router 6: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Best mesh router: Asus ZenWiFi ET8
Best Budget Router: TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000

The AX11000 is incredibly fast and packed with ports, anti-malware, and gamer-friendly features.

Features:

Wireless features: 802.11ax
MU-MIMO: Yes
Ethernet ports: 8

Pros:

Easy installation
Ten ports
Link aggregation
Excellent parental control
Malware protection
Gamer friendly options

Cons:

Bulky design
Price

This TP-Link Wi-Fi router is equipped with eight wired LAN ports and two USB ports, making it one of the best routers around. Plus, with eight antennas and three bands, you can be sure that multiple gaming systems, smart devices, and streaming services won’t overwhelm or slow you down.

It’s designed for gamers, but it has the ability to keep your ultra-connected home running smoothly (and fast). Features such as link aggregation, multiple ports, and the ability to manage them through an app or web console that includes Game Center give users complete control over their network. You can adjust your bandwidth usage so that streaming services never slow down. You can even access real-time download/upload speed.

A nice bonus for parents is a reliable parental control package. In addition, the AX11000 includes lifetime anti-malware protection. But be prepared for a high price and a bulky design that requires more space than other routers.

Gamers get great near and far speeds with this router’s tri-band design, delivering speeds up to 10.8Gbps.

Features:

Wireless features: 802.11ax
MU-MIMO: No
Ethernet ports: 4

Pros:

Performance improves with distance
Universal and customizable
Offers good parental controls
Easy to install

Cons:

Price
Large

The Asus ROG Rapture won the Best Gaming Router Award for its impressive performance and customization options. While it’s not the smallest, you get some serious power that’s good for homes up to 3,500 square feet.

Interestingly, ROG Rapture is getting better and faster. The included software allows gamers (and other users) to set preferences based on gaming preferences. For example, you can register your favorite productivity games or create a mesh network by connecting to other Asus routers in the house.

Although ROG Rapture’s security settings are not as strong as some of its competitors, it checks password strength and monitors for malicious sites. Parents will also appreciate the powerful set of parental controls.

As with other gaming routers, it’s big and a bit overpriced.

The

RAXE500 is a tri-band router with the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, delivering high speed and performance for fast, smooth operation.

Features:

Wireless features: 802.11ax with 6E
MU-MIMO: Yes
Ethernet ports: 5

Pros:

Fast file transfer and throughput
Can use the 6 GHz band
Multi-gig LAN/WAN
Easy to install

Cons:

Subscription required for full security
Insufficient parental control

The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is powered by WiFi 6E technology so everyone is prepared for the next wave of technology. As the best Wi-Fi 6 router, it opens up the 6GHz band, giving you faster speeds, wider channels, and much less congestion. However, your devices must also support 6E technology, which is rare these days.

You can control the RAXE500 from your phone app or from the web console, but some features can only be accessed from the web console (such as USB sharing, NTP settings, and static routing). The web console is the only way to access parental controls, WAN settings, and access administrative logs.

Even if your devices aren’t 6E ready, you’ll get good speeds on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It’s optimized so that you can customize how lanes are used, making it even faster. For those who want maximum speed at home and the ability to maintain that speed as new 6E devices hit the market, this router is a great option.

It is also loaded with a security option that is started by Bitdefender. However, you must subscribe to unlock all security features. And, as for parental control, this is clearly the weak point of this router.

Easy installation, great speed and great coverage make the ET8 one of the best network routers on the market.

Features:

Wireless features: 802.11ax with 6E
MU-MIMO: Yes
Ethernet ports: 3

Pros:

5,500 square foot coverage
Requires only two nodes (six internal antennas each)
Lifetime Security Software
Fine Speed

Cons:

Expensive

The Asus ZenWiFi ET8 offers one of the best mesh routers around. It features 6E technology to access the 6GHz bands.

Two identical nodes, each with six internal antennas, provide 5,500 square feet of coverage. (You lose a bit of speed at the outer edges of your coverage area.) It’s compatible with WiFi 6 technology, but has the wider channels and faster speeds that come with 6E.

Users manage almost all settings with an easy-to-use application. The app allows you to set up a wide range of parental controls, manage devices and their ranges, and display information about who is using each node. Gamers can also control the range priority for gaming or streaming.

However, there are a few features that require you to log in to the web console, such as firewall settings, VPN profiles, and reboot. The ET8 is expensive, but if you have a lot of people in your family who need internet access, then this is the one for you.

The

AX3000 is a high speed Wi-Fi 6 router with good security and parental controls at a great price.

Features:

Wireless features: 802.11ax
MU-MIMO: Yes
Ethernet ports: 4

Pros:

Easy installation
Powerful Parental Control
Lifetime Malware Protection
Good signal strength
Link aggregation

Cons:

Average file transfer speed

TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 costs just over $100 but still provides 6 speed Wi-Fi. If you’re not the most tech-savvy person, the AX3000 is easy to install using the app or web console. Speed and range are good on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

For this price, you get a lot of extra features such as multiple LAN ports with link aggregation and USB connectivity. However, we especially like the HomeCare security lifetime subscription. It provides excellent malware protection and parental controls to keep kids away from malicious sites.

Although this model lacks the highest file transfer speeds, the AX3000 will provide a medium but still highly connected home network with excellent speed and access control.

Wi-Fi bands

A router that can keep up with currently available internet packages must offer at least two radio bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band has better range and penetrates walls better than the 5GHz band. However, it also competes with everything from cordless phones to microwave ovens, which can disrupt your service.

Most people need the 5 GHz band for the high speeds it offers. You get better streaming and gaming because the 5GHz band doesn’t compete with any other home device. Many dual-band routers allow you to assign devices to specific bands to prevent overloading one or the other.

Dual band routers are not the only option. For those who have multiple users at home, a huge number of smart devices, and multiple gaming systems, a tri-band router can prevent traffic from stalling. These routers typically have one 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands. You can assign specific devices to each frequency band to prevent any of them from being overloaded.

If you have any devices that support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, you will need a router with the appropriate design to take advantage of the extra speed and bandwidth these routers offer.

Wireless protocol

802.11ac is the most popular Wi-Fi protocol. It operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, providing speeds up to 5400 Mbps. (Keep in mind that these are theoretical figures that are rarely, if ever, achieved in the real world.) This protocol can use multiple input/output (MIMO) technology for downlinks, which improves performance by simultaneously sending and receiving eight spatial streams. It also offers beamforming, which sends signals directly to a specific location rather than sending them in all directions. These routers select the most efficient radio bands based on traffic.

802.11ac may also include Downlink Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO). In this way, multiple devices receive bandwidth at the same time, rather than sequentially, accelerating access to multiple users at the same time. However, both the router and the device it connects to must have a MU-MIMO scheme.

WiFi 6 routers use the 802.11ax protocol. This provides increased speed, greater throughput and range, as well as less workload. There is a long list of benefits, such as providing more users, longer battery life for connected smart devices, and better performance in available bands. In addition, it can stream MU-MIMO on the downlink or uplink.

Additional Services

Security: Some routers include additional security options to protect your network from unauthorized access.

Ethernet ports: Ethernet ports allow you to connect wired devices such as home automation hubs and desktop PCs. Most people need at least four, so make sure the router can fit the number of devices you have.

USB Ports: You will need at least one USB port to connect a printer or USB stick so you can connect multiple devices.

Parental control: Parental control allows you to restrict access to certain sites, set time limits or even days during which certain users can access the Internet. The range of control ranges from basic time limits to detailed settings for sites of all kinds, such as shopping and gambling.

Guest network: Some routers allow you to set up a guest network so that guests can access the Internet without being able to access everything on the network.

Question: What does a router do?

Everything from computers and televisions to printers and smart thermostats uses the Internet. The router “routes” traffic between the Internet and the devices in your home that use the Internet, creating a network. The router directs incoming and outgoing traffic within the network to keep things running efficiently. The more devices you connect to your router, the higher the requirements for it. You may need to upgrade your model as more smart devices are added to your home to handle additional traffic.

Q: What is a mesh router?

Homes over 3,000 square feet may be too large to be covered by a single router. Brick walls and other building problems can also limit the range of a single router. A mesh router connects two or more routers on the same Wi-Fi network. These routers expand your network coverage by eliminating dead spots due to the size or design of your home.

Question: What is the difference between a modem and a router?

The modem transmits the Internet from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the local network created by the router.