Wi-Fi router for multiple devices
Looking around your house, you will notice multiple devices working on your Wi-Fi connection. As the world becomes increasingly connected, this is becoming the reality for all households. Apart from gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and game consoles, Wi-Fi is required for modern washing machines, TVs, and other appliances.
When you plan to buy a router, you consider the number of devices it can connect to. You would also want to know about the additional features of the Router. While several good-quality routers are available in the market, not all stand up to their claim. So, after examining and testing the best and most favored Wi-Fi routers, we have listed the top five choices for you. These include Linksys Triband Router, NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Router, D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Router, Asus Dual-band Gigabit Gaming Router, and TP-LINK AC2600 Smart Router.
In this article, you will learn the parameters to gauge a Wi-Fi router and a brief overview of the best Wi-Fi routers.
What is the best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices?
The best Wi-Fi router for multiple devices is the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router. This high-quality Router costs $150 and can provide up to 2500 square feet of wireless coverage with AC2600 speed.
We tested the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router for 50 users and showed excellent results. However, it is recommended for up to 45 devices. NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart can be the best secondary Wi-Fi router that acts as an extender, taking your Wi-Fi signal and re-transmitting it.
The Best Wireless Router for Multiple Devices in 2021 (list) is:
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router
- ASUS Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Gaming Router.
- TP-LINK AC2600 Smart Wi-Fi Router
- Linksys Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router for Home.
- D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router
Best Wi-Fi Routers for Multiple Devices: Top 5 Models
Glimpse through the prominent features of the best wireless routers along with their pros and cons:
ASUS Dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router
Suppose yoSupposeseek is a router that optimizes performance for multiple gaming computers, Asu. In that case, a Dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router is one great option. 8 Gigabit LAN ports and a combined 3167 Mbps Wi-Fi speed ensure a smooth and lag-free optimized gaming experience even with multiple computers connected. The Router utilizes NitroQAM technology that helps enhance latency for multiple gamers on one network. With its adaptive QOS, you can ensure that your gaming activities and packets are prioritized over other processes. You can also allocate a dedicated bandwidth for solo gaming.
Other valuable features of this gaming router include the ASUS router app for intuitive router management and ASUS AiProtection with parental controls for security. Listed below are the plus and minus points of the ASUS Dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router:
Pros:
- Sophisticated Customization Options for Advanced Users
- Supports AiMesh
- VPN Fusion lets one device go through a particular VPN via the Router
Cons:
- No Instruction Manual is available on the packaging
D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router
With an excellent high-performance dual-core processor, the D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Router provides 4×4 data streams. The device decreases latency while you stream movies, play online games, and connect all your required devices to a high-speed network. Its outstanding features include intelligent QOS, MU-MIMO, and band steering aid in fast connections. The Router lets you connect multiple devices simultaneously with the least buffering or lag.
Further, its dual-band Wi-Fi prevents congestion, primarily if you reside in an apartment complex with several competing networks. The 4×4 data streams work to curb delays in getting connected, while DIR-882 takes your device to the less crowded band to maintain high speeds. Listed below are the positives and negatives of the D-Link Exo AC2600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Router:
Pros:
- Intuitive Configuration Interface
- AC Smart Beam Technology to expand the range
- High-Performance Dual-Core Processor
Cons:
- Permits only reserved IP addresses for 24 devices.
Linksys Triband Wi-Fi Router
If you frequently watch streaming videos, you would want a router with a long range. In this respect, the Linksys Triband Wi-Fi Router is a great choice. The device delivers a high-speed connection to several devices simultaneously. So, you can play online games, browse the internet, and stream 4K media simultaneously without interruptions in performance. Besides, you can have a solid and seamless Wi-Fi signal in each corner of your home with a suitable Max Range Extender.
This Tri-band router has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that are ten times faster than a standard Ethernet. Another fantastic feature of the Router is Airtime Fairness. With this feature, the Wi-Fi signal is distributed effectively, and the lag generated by slow devices is reduced. Further, you can adjust your Wi-Fi settings from any place using the Linksys mobile app that works on Android and iOS phones. Listed below are the benefits and limitations of Linksys Triband Wi-Fi Router:
Pros:
- Easy and quick to set up
- Set up alarms with Smart Wi-Fi
- Static IPs for devices like printers and cameras
Cons:
- Since WPA does not secure the guest network, it utilizes a captive portal like that of airports.
- Some users have faced issues with parental control options.
TP-LINK AC2600 Smart Wi-Fi Router
If you want an affordable router with superior parental controls, the TP-LINK AC2600 Smart Wi-FiRouterr is for you. It offers premium performance at a reasonable price. ThRouter’s ultra-fast dual-band Wi-Fi enables a fantastic entertainment experience at exceptionally high speeds. Besides, its 4×4 data streams let you play online games, stream 4 K videos, and use other internet-connected devices simultaneously.
Archer A10 makes wireless networks more stable by focusing the signal strength on the connected devices. Besides, with MU-MIMO technology, you can connect several devices to your network at the same time. Other great features of tRouterter are its IFTT and Alexa compatibility, parental controls to block out inappropriate and malicious websites, and convenient usability with the Tether app. Given below are the strengths and weaknesses of the TP-LINK AC2600 Smart Wi-Fi Router:
Pros:
- Excellent Range
- Very Easy to Configure
- Consistently Strong Signal
Cons:
- Requires a Power Cycle to operate for extended periods
- Weak customer support.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router
Built to support up to 45 different devices simultaneously, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Router is perfect for people connecting many devices with their Wi-Fi. TRouterter is designed explicitly for heavy-duty streaming. It extends the network speed to 2600 Mbps, so you can comfortably enjoy multiplayer online gaming and 4k Ultra HD streaming. Besides, you never have to worry about your neighbors intruding into your network as it has high-level WPS/WPA2 wireless security. It also offers guest networks so that your private data and the home network remain protected behind double firewalls.
Further, the NETGEAR Smart Router intelligently switches between two bands to reduce interference and increase the speed. TRouterter also has other good features, like a mobile app to adjust configurations, four high-speed 1G connections, and parental controls. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router:
Pros:
- Effortless Firmware Upgrades
- Excellent Wi-Fi signal Range and Strength across all bands
- Mobile app for convenient adjustments
- Very easy to set up, even for beginners.
Cons:
- Customer service is accessible only until the first 90 days
- It does not support Interface Monitoring but generally lets you see which devices use the maximum bandwidth.
Top Router for Multiple Devices: Factors to Consiwifi ‘Since Wi-Fi bandwidth is limited, you will require a router with a stable connection to every relevant device in your home. For a decent performance of the connected devices, you have to look for the following features in a Wi-Fi router:
· MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO (Multi-user, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) is a technology that lets you connect more than one device with tRouterter at a time. It improves connections and enhances data throughput speed by reducing the negative impact of the reflected Wi-Fi signals between two antennas.
· Dual-Band & Tri-Band
Routers that allow devices to connect to more than one network are dual-band or tri-band. Generally, Dual-band ability is achieved by pairing a 5GHz network with a 2.4GHz network, while Tri-band requires pairing one 2.4GHz network with two 5GHz networks. Routers with such capabilities enable consistent connections and help reduce bandwidth congestion.
· Wireless AC
Since 802.11aa Wi-Fi is several times faster than 802.11n Wi-Fi, you will often find the former in single-antenna gadgets like smartphones. Wi-Fi lets you transfer files more efficiently and enhances battery life. So, if most of your family members stream HD videos on their devices from the saRouterter, you will need 802.11ac Wi-Fi. However, remember that even a router with the fastest speed cannot improve the speed of your particular internet connection.
· Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality is one of the most critical factors for a good user experience. Since the network starts getting congested because of multiple users, the network must be able to prioritize different types of traffic. For instance, services like gaming and video calling need a more consistent connection and will be allocated more bandwidth than services like downloads. This is one of the basic features of QOS, facilitated by a service called WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia). CProuter’ser’CProuter’shelp improves throughput and decreases network congestion. In other words, the average number of successful messages delivered through the network is relatively higher. RAM boosts user experience by providing smooth data transfers and uninterrupted service.
Tips to Remember
While using any of the above-listed routers, you must know certain things to use your network best. Given below are some essential tips to remember while using a router for your internet connection:
- There is a significant chance of high wireless interference if many connected devices are nearby.
- The more devices you connect to one Wi-Fi connection, the weaker its performance will be. For this reason, most Linksys routers have a default limit of 50 devices that can be connected at one time, with a consumption of up to 20 megabytes per second.
- To maximize the network’s utility, you may look for ways to distribute the network load using an access point or a second router. However, adding a second router may make managing the network more challenging.
- If you already have additional routers and do not see any improvement, you can contact your internet service provider (ISP) to raise your bandwidth.
- An alternative technique to enhance network coverage is mesh networks. These networks function so that the interlocking routers extend coverage over their corresponding areas, so you don’t lose connection anywhere in your home.
- Another good way to widen the range of your internet connection is to use a Wi-Fi extender. This device rebroadcasts the signal wirelessly but delivers half the original performance. However, you can opt for a tri-band extender if you don’t want to compromise performance. A tri-band extender receives and sends the signal at the same frequency as the origin router.
Undoubtedly, setting up a good Wi-Fi network is a complicated task. With plenty of information regarding tricks to enhance the network, choosing the most suitable means is usually challenging. However, you can pick any of the above-listed products that best fit your needs and preferences.
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