The router is one of the technological objects present in every home today, the device that manages our internet connections and, in an almost invisible way, performs its task, distributing the bandwidth of our connection to all connected devices (via cable or WiFi ). Whatever the type of connection used (ADSL or optical fiber) it is always advisable to buy a new router to replace the old one or to place it in cascade to the modem supplied by the operator (often not adequate or with insufficient WiFi).
In this article we therefore see the main features that a modern router must have and what are the models that we can consider for the purchase.
The only recommendation is to choose a suitable router: if we have an ADSL connection we choose a modem / router, while if we have a fiber connection it is better to choose only a router (waiting for the market to liberalize).
READ FIRST: What is a router, how it works and how it goes on the internet "> differences between modem and router.
Usually, unless specifically written, modem and router functions are included in the same device.
When you go to buy a router, unless you have specific needs, it is worth buying one with the modem function included if we use ADSL ; otherwise even a simple router is fine.
The repeater, on the other hand, is a different device, which amplifies the wifi network created by a router.
If we want to deepen the discussion on repeaters, we refer you to our guide -> How does the wifi repeater or "Range Extender" work and which one to buy.
3) Router for connection to ADSL or optical fiber network
All routers support normal ADSL networks and the indications ADSL2 (speed up to 12 Mbit / s) and ADSL 2+ (up to 24 Mbit / s) could be found in the descriptions.
Modems / routers that support mixed optical fiber are indicated with the abbreviations VDSL / VDSL2, with speeds up to 300 Mbit / s.
If we have a direct fiber optic connection, it is better to set up the new cascade router if we have the operator modem which also acts as a signal converter (integrated ONT), otherwise it will be sufficient to use an Ethernet cable to connect the router to the wall converter ( Separate ONT).
For more information on this, please read our guide -> Connect a new router to the modem without changing the network.
4) Ethernet ports speed
A router can also host devices connected by cable (close enough to it to be able to pull an Ethernet cable) to its LAN ports or, in the case of direct optical fiber with separate ONT, it can receive the Internet signal only by correctly placing the Ethernet cable in the brings the Internet.
For maximum performance, make sure that the Ethernet LAN ports are labeled as Gigabit (1000 Mbps), so that we can also cover the highest speeds currently reachable via optical fiber.
Let's avoid the old routers with Fast Ethernet LAN ports (i.e. 10/100 Mbps), now too obsolete for the connections of the future.
5) Other features
After seeing the basic features, we now see other interesting optional features that we can also avoid:
- Many routers, even some of the low-cost ones, have USB ports so as to network any device that would not have the possibility of wireless connection.
With a router of this type, you can, for example, put your printer on the network so that you can use it from any other computer.
- Those who want to watch videos and movies streaming from the internet could buy a high-end router that supports MU-MIMO technology, one that ensures a stable and fast connection even if multiple devices are connected on the same network or many networks on the same frequency.
- Another characteristic involved is Beamforming, which directs the signal in a precise direction so as to increase the coverage and connection speed of the devices.
- Some routers may have support for SIM cards and mobile connection with 3G / 4G keys.
- For those who like to tinker, customize and create configurations other than the standard, we recommend a router that supports the open source and free DD-WRT firmware that allows you to use the router in different ways: IPv6 support, advanced firewall, authorized access configuration, etc. .
6) Buying tips: which router to buy?
First of all, it is always better to buy the router on Amazon because they cost less than in shopping malls.
Below we have collected the best routers and modems / routers that you should buy right now.
Router / modem (for ADSL and VDSL)
- Asus DSL-AC750 (€ 41): a very inexpensive modem / router with support for 802.11ac Dual Band WiFi, ADSL and VDSL connectivity (at 100 Mbps), WPS button, 2 Gigabit ports and 3 External Antennas.
- Netgear D6000-100PES AC750 (€ 45): another very convenient modem / router with ADSL2 + support, 4 Gigabit ports, 1 WAN port, Dual Band WiFi, Access Point Mode, 1 USB 2.0 port and 2 external antennas.
- AVM FRITZ! Box 3490 (119 €): the best modem / router on the market, with many features included; Troviao Dual Band WiFi, ADSL2 + support, mixed optical fiber support (VDSL), 4 Gigabit LAN, Router Mode with WAN in LAN 1, advanced filtering system, VPN configuration and 2 USB 3.0.
- AVM FRITZ! Box 7590 (€ 247): new generation modem router with automatic configuration of VoIP and Fast Wireless AC + N 2533 Mbit / s, compatibility with ADSL and VDSL, analog and VoIP telephony, DECT base, Media Server service.
Router only (for cascade with operator modem or direct optical fiber to separate ONT)
- Netgear AC 1200 WiFi Router (55 €): an inexpensive, compact but complete router with WiFi AC1200 speeds of 300 and 867 Mbps, Readyshare USB Access, ability to access and share wirelessly the USB hard disk via USB port, activation / programmed WiFi deactivation, Nighthawk App and filter system, which blocks or allows internet access to devices connected to the network in an intelligent way (parental control).
- TP-Link Archer C1200 (€ 61): a complete router model with Dual Band AC1200 WiFi, 5 Gigabit Ports, 1 USB Port, WPS Button, IPTV, Cloud Support, VPN Server, IPv6 and guest network.
- Netgear R8000 Nightahwk X6 (178 €): for those who want a very powerful and suggestive router; features technical features a Tri-Band AC3200 WiFi (3.2 Gbps), simplified sharing and Backup system, Circle Parental Control and can be adjusted and set using Alexa voice commands.
- Netgear XR500 (€ 279): a real power monster for gamers thanks to AC2600 Dual Band WiFi (2.6 Gbps), Stable Ping and Reduced Lag, Software Designed for Gamers and customized optimizations for certain types of games modern.
To quickly find other models, please refer to the guide on the Best WiFi Routers to connect all the wireless devices in the house.
In another article we have instead seen how to configure a Wireless Router to install a secure WiFi network.
