Are you about to purchase a router for the first time? Unsure which router would be the best fit for your home? It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit puzzled and concerned, as this task isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But fear not, Glitz is here to assist you in selecting the perfect router for your needs!
While we could throw countless router options your way, the real question is: will the router you choose be suitable for your specific area? Moreover, with a variety of router types available, it’s essential to gain a deeper understanding before making your decision. So, we’ll provide you with some valuable insights, akin to a helpful guidebook. Let’s get started!
What is a Router?
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A router is a critical component in routing data flow across different computer networks. It serves as a central nexus, connecting devices on a local area network (LAN) to a wider network, usually the Internet. Routers use both hardware and software to analyse and decide the most effective path for data packets to take between networks. They play an important role in managing internet connectivity, allowing several devices to use the internet at the same time, and promoting communication among network devices.
What Types of Routers Are There?
There are different types of routers to suit various needs:
- Wireless Router: These allow devices to connect to the internet without cables, commonly used in homes and small offices.
- Wired Router: Unlike wireless routers, these require devices to be connected via Ethernet cables, offering stability and faster speeds.
- Dual-Band Router: Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering flexibility for connecting devices.
- Tri-Band Router: Similar to dual-band routers but with an extra 5 GHz band, capable of handling more devices at once.
- Mesh Router: Consists of multiple routers spread across a large area, ensuring consistent and strong Wi-Fi coverage.
What are the Differences Between Single-Band, Dual-Band, And Tri-Band Routers?
Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band routers refer to the number of frequency bands the router operates on, each carrying wireless signals. Here’s the breakdown of the differences between these types of routers:
- Single-Band Router
A single-band router works on a single frequency band, often 2.4 GHz. These routers are ideal for simple operations such as online browsing and email. However, they have limited bandwidth and are prone to interference from other devices that use the same frequency. As a result, they are not suitable for high-demand activities like streaming HD videos or online gaming.
- Dual-Band Router
It operates on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Dual-band routers use two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency offers more range and coverage through barriers, but it is susceptible to interference. The 5 GHz band, on the other hand, delivers quicker speeds and less congestion because it is used by fewer devices. These routers are ideal for moderate to heavy internet use, such as streaming and online gaming.
- Tri-Band Router
Tri-band routers use three frequency bands, typically one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands. They perform better in high-traffic settings when numerous devices are connected simultaneously. These routers may allocate devices more efficiently, resulting in less congestion and quicker speeds. Tri-band routers are perfect for large households or offices with numerous devices that require a strong and dependable connection.
Selecting the Right Wireless Router
Choosing the most suitable wireless router is crucial for ensuring a seamless and dependable internet connection. To aid you in making an informed decision, here’s a purchasing guide:
- Speed and Performance
Seek routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, to achieve faster speeds and improved performance. Match the router’s maximum speed to your internet plan and device requirements. - Coverage Area
Assess the size of your space to determine the necessary coverage area. Larger homes may benefit from routers with robust antennas or mesh systems that extend coverage. - Frequency Bands
Choose dual-band or tri-band routers to accommodate multiple devices without sacrificing speed. Tri-band routers are ideal for environments with numerous devices and high activity levels. - Security Features
Prioritise routers equipped with features like WPA3 encryption and built-in firewalls. Automatic firmware updates enhance protection against potential vulnerabilities. - Number of Ports
Consider the router’s Ethernet ports (LAN and WAN) for wired connections to devices such as gaming consoles or desktop PCs. - Ease of Setup and Use
Opt for routers with straightforward setup processes and user-friendly management interfaces. Mobile apps can streamline both setup and ongoing management tasks.
Best WiFi Routers In Singapore
1. Asus RT-AX86U
Boasting a wide range of top-tier features, the Asus RT-AX86 router provides an amazing balance of cost and performance. Despite the fact that it has a bulky appearance, the RT-AX86U stands out as the best mid-tier router, offering excellent value without breaking the bank.
With amazing features, consistent speeds, and vast coverage, it is the ideal choice for consumers looking for a dual-band WiFi modem router that matches their requirements. Leveraging WiFi 6 technology, it can reach rates of up to 5.7 Gbps over its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, delivering fast and consistent connections. Furthermore, ASUS AiMesh technology enables seamless mesh networking, resulting in a whole-home network comprising many ASUS routers. With adaptive QoS technology, users can prioritise traffic to maintain a smooth network, making it the ideal companion for distributing low-latency WiFi across the house.
Why we love it:
- Great value router
- Dual-band router
- Adaptive QoS technology
Cons:
- Not travel friendly
- Bulky design
Price: $406.70
Where to buy: Lazada
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 Router
Introducing a beast: the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 Router! This router redefines high-performance networking with its tri-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, incredible speed, and great coverage. Although it is on the costly side, this router is the ideal choice for anyone looking for excellent connectivity.
As the world’s fastest and most powerful router, it is the ideal choice for large households and smart homes, providing unparalleled performance and dependability. It has outstanding throughput, making it the best choice among routers and mesh systems. Its simple setup and adjustable configuration ensure a smooth installation, with the Nighthawk smartphone app assisting users through the process.
Furthermore, all antennas are integrated into the router’s side wings, resulting in a neater appearance and avoiding the need for time-consuming modifications. Its powerful performance, extensive coverage, and user-friendly design, the NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 is the ideal choice for demanding networking needs.
Why we love it:
- Straightforward setup and adaptable configuration
- Exceptional speed and performance
- Coverage up to 2500 square feet
Cons:
- Expensive
Price: $882.36
Where to buy: Shopee
3. TP-Link TL-WR902AC
The TP-Link TL-WR902AC travel router, with its incredible mobility, quick connectivity, and versatility, redefines mobile ease. This TP-Link gadget is both compact and powerful, ensuring seamless connectivity whether you’re extending your home Wi-Fi network or seeking greater road security.
Despite its low price, the TL-WR902AC provides dependable performance with its 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, which covers a range of up to 100 feet and supports up to 12 devices. Its compact design fits neatly in your pocket, making it ideal for travel, and it can be linked to an ethernet connector to rapidly build your network. The router also includes a USB socket for charging smartphones or exchanging data from a USB drive, which adds usefulness when on the go.
Why we love it:
- Travel-friendly and compact design
- Supports up to 12 devices
- Versatile
Cons:
- Included cable is short
Price: $56
Where to buy: Shopee
4. Linksys E8450 Router
The Linksys E8450 is a solid and compact WiFi 6 router that allows for simultaneous surfing, streaming, and gaming. With its extensive coverage and classic local web interface, this router provides dependable performance for all of your networking requirements.
Moreover, it has high bandwidth restrictions, allowing you to fully utilise WiFi 6 technology for speedier connections. Its built-in mesh technology ensures compatibility with other Linksys products, allowing you total WiFi coverage throughout your home.
Furthermore, with clever security features like parental controls, separate guest access, and automated software upgrades, the Linksys E8450 keeps your network safe, secure, and up to date. You’ll have seamless connectivity and dependable Wi-Fi with the Linksys E8450 Router.
Why we love it:
- Affordable
- Delivers faster and efficient connections
- High bandwidth limitations
Cons:
- Occasional issues with performance and stability
Price: $149
Where to buy: Shopee
5. Google Nest WiFi Pro
The Google Nest WiFi Pro is a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E mesh router designed for easy setup and high performance. Designed to fulfil the needs of current smart homes, this router supports advanced wireless technologies such as Thread and Matter, ensuring interoperability with a wide range of smart gadgets.
With Wi-Fi 6E technology, the Google Nest WiFi Pro provides lightning-fast rates, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and working from home. It covers an area of up to 2200 square feet and provides dependable Wi-Fi service throughout your home.
Another win with this router is its ability to connect up to 100 devices and autonomous performance monitoring, this router is the ideal solution for optimising your home network.
Why we love it:
- Seamless setup
- Ability to support up to 100 devices
- Coverage of up to 2200 square feet
Cons:
- Does not provide a separate slot for 6GHz SSID
Price: $193.90
Where to buy: Shopee
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