When it comes to home networking, the router is the hub. It connects computers and other devices to the internet and also manages smart home automation features.
For smart home use, the ideal router should be capable of supporting many connected devices. Fortunately, there are various types available to choose from.
1. Linksys WRT3200AX
The Linksys WRT3200AX is designed with gaming in mind, featuring Rivet Network’s Killer Prioritization Engine (KPE). This engine detects your PC’s Killer networking card and prioritizes gaming traffic accordingly.
The router boasts an array of features, such as MU-MIMO technology for multiple devices on your 5GHz band and Tri-Stream 160 technology that doubles each network stream’s bandwidth. But perhaps most impressively is support for Open Source firmwares like OpenWRT or DD-WRT – this enables customizing your router like never before!
Once the router boots up, its interface is easy to understand and use. It’s a web browser-based design with numerous useful options on the left and nine small windows in the centre. These are organized into categories like Connectivity (Settings for connectivity settings, Wireless settings, Parental controls and external storage); Guest Access; MAC Filtering; WiFi Protected Setup; DMZ/Media Prioritization); Troubleshooting (Diagnostic tools; Status; Diagnostics & Logs); Security; Administration.
Additionally, standard router features such as DHCP server, IPv4 or IPv6 port services, VPN passthrough and internet filters are included. Furthermore, you can add TOR network browser for anonymous browsing – perfect for those who enjoy playing games or streaming videos over Wi-Fi.
Installing OpenWRT or DD-WRT custom firmware can provide an array of features not available with factory installed firmware. Be aware that replacing factory-installed versions with third-party ones may void your warranty.
Linksys Smart W-Fi app makes configuring and managing your router easy, plus it includes network traffic logs and intrusion reports. Plus, the link to Linksys’ Smart WiFi website is included – not mandatory but worth signing up for as it provides extra features like remote access and security monitoring.
2. Netgear Nighthawk
Netgear offers a wide range of routers to provide the fastest Internet connection or add smart home functionality to your setup. One option we suggest is the Nighthawk, which boasts plenty of features at an unbeatable price point.
The Nighthawk is incredibly user-friendly, featuring an intuitive app to monitor all connected devices to your WiFi and control them remotely – even without an Internet connection!
In addition to providing access to the Internet, you can also connect other devices to your network such as an Amazon Alexa-powered smart speaker or Google Assistant-compatible gadget. These can communicate with home appliances like doorbells and security cameras and send notifications when they detect motion in the area.
Another impressive feature of the Nighthawk is its capacity as a storage server, enabling you to back up your files onto an external USB hard drive connected directly to the router and then share them with other devices via DLNA or Airplay.
Nighthawk allows you to monitor your children’s Internet use, limiting screen time or blocking harmful websites. This makes it a great choice for parents and caregivers who wish to ensure their kids remain secure online.
The RAXE300 offers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of other tri-band routers, making it an excellent value. Plus, its range is impressive – ideal for people living in larger homes or needing to connect devices outdoors.
The Nighthawk boasts six external antennas combined with tri-band Wi-Fi for improved speed and coverage. Generally, the more antennas you have, the better your Wi-Fi performance will be; higher end options offer up to eight for coverage of larger areas like offices or homes with multiple floors.
3. TP-Link TL-WR841N
TP-Link offers a selection of products to meet the networking requirements for home and business users alike. Its wireless routers boast high performance and connectivity, from budget models up to top of the line devices.
The TL-WR841N is an ideal choice for those just starting out setting up Wi-Fi networks at home or the office. It’s user friendly and provides plenty of controls over which devices can access your network, plus parental control allows you to block certain devices from accessing the internet during certain times.
Another feature worth noting is IP QoS, which allows you to set rules for how much bandwidth each device on your Wi-Fi network receives. This helps prevent bandwidth-hungry downloads from overwhelming the connection.
This feature is especially advantageous when your wireless network has a small size, as chaotic traffic from internal users can degrade performance on your LAN. The TL-WR841N’s QoS feature creates an optimal bandwidth for each application on your network, making your connection less vulnerable to congestion or abuse.
Your TP-Link TL-WR841N’s settings can be managed through a web browser, with its intuitive graphical user interface that’s designed for ease of use. Plus, its Quick Setup wizard automatically detects your internet connection type and automatically adds common controls like port forwarding and Dynamic DNS setup if required.
It also features an intuitive management page that lets you adjust settings, monitor traffic and even turn off the router if needed. This well-designed page can be accessed from anywhere in the world – perfect for remote monitoring of your home network!
This router can handle a wide range of applications, including VoIP, HD streaming and online gaming. Its speed ensures smooth operations with these programs without any lag time. Furthermore, it prevents data loss over long distances or through obstacles – ideal for homes and businesses alike.
4. TP-Link TL-WR843N
TP-Link’s TL-WR843N Wireless Router is ideal for a number of tasks. It can serve as an access point, router or range extender!
It also boasts a host of unique features not found on other routers, like WPS support for instant WiFi setup without needing to enter a password!
This feature can save you a lot of time and hassle. All that’s required to do is press the “WPS” button, and your router will automatically set up a secure connection that’s more protected than WEP encryption.
The TL-WR843N also features a handy hard reset button that you can use if you forget your password or want to restore your router back to factory settings. Pressing this small button on either back or bottom of device for around 20 seconds will do the trick.
Are you searching for the ideal router to power your smart home, look no further than TP-Link’s TL-WR843N! This router is packed with features that will make life simpler and your device more intelligent.
In addition to its impressive list of features, this device is also one of the smallest in its class. Measuring 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches (57 x 57 mm), it’s perfect for travel and will fit easily in any pocket!
The TL-WR843N is equipped with a quad-core processor for maximum speed and power to your connected devices. With 300Mbps Wireless N capabilities, you can run bandwidth-heavy applications like VoIP or HD streaming without lag time. Furthermore, its advanced N technologies help protect data loss over long distances and through obstacles.
Its user-friendly dashboard and various modes make it highly functional. You can use it as a wireless access point, router, range extender or smart hub to connect other devices.