5 Popular Routers Compared to Keep Your Work Frustration-Free

A feature-rich router combined with a reliable broadband connection makes a robust setup for online education and work from home. The 802.11 ac dual-band routers are considered best for home and office use as they can be operated at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. If you have this router, you will be able to attain reliable network speeds and create a more resilient network. In this article, we will talk about the top 5 routers that can help you work at your home without any issues.

Top 5 Routers For Frustration-Free Work

For all the home users looking for the best WiFi routers, the following are the five most dependable choices. You should consider installing one of these for frustration-free day-to-day results.

1. TP-Link Archer C20 AC750 Wireless Dual Band Router

It is one of the most affordable dual-band routers in the market, delivering 300 Mbps speeds in 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps in 5GHz simultaneously. The combination of three omnidirectional external antennas makes it possible to attain consistent connection in different rooms.

This configuration also helps in improving the network stability required for virtual conferences. This affordable router also offers intuitive parental controls for restricted access on specific devices. Setting up the router and customising the network can be done effortlessly either on the Tether app on a smartphone or through the web interface.

2. ASUS RT-AC53 AC750 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Router

With 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz channels, this router carries a 256QAM chipset for better Wi-Fi performance. The lag-free wireless network created by this router can also be convenient for online movie streaming and gaming.

The versatility of the device lets you connect it as a conventional router, create an access point or even use it as a repeater in combination with another router. The ASUS router app lets you switch between these modes and enjoy a tailored wireless network at home.

3. Tenda AC10 1200Mbps Wireless Smart Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Router

With a future-ready configuration, this is a lightning-fast router that delivers 300 Mbps in 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps in the 5 GHz. The four external 5dBi antennas provide omnidirectional coverage. The presence of MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple input, multiple output) technology averts lags even when several gadgets are accessing the network simultaneously. To extend the range and improve signal strength, the router also supports beamforming.

4. TP-Link Archer C6 Gigabit AC1200 MU-MIMO router

It is another smart router with MU-MIMO technology. It supports up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. It provides reliable coverage and thus improves the speed even in devices that are not in the line of sight. It can, therefore, perform efficiently even in a building with multiple walls without any disturbances. Increased throughput results in elevated network speeds in all connected devices.

5. Netgear R6260 AC1600 Smart WiFi Router

This high-end router offers some of the highest connectivity speeds. It is capable of attaining 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands. NETGEAR Nighthawk is a mobile app that provides easy configuration of the network and real-time monitoring of the network parameters. For the best-in-class performance, there is an 880MHz process included in the design.

With a home broadband connection WiFi setup, you also get a cable with an RJ45 connector to be plugged into the router. Since high-speed internet is the need of the hour, an efficient Ethernet router with powerful security features can keep the work going without interruptions.

Tips To Optimise The Performance Of Your Router

Getting the best router does not guarantee the best internet usage experience. Optimising your router's performance can improve your overall internet experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your router:

1. Check For Firmware Updates

Check for firmware updates offered by your router provider regularly and upgrade them. New firmware usually has updates related to bug fixes and major improvements in the router’s performance.

2. Placement Of Router

Keep your router in the central part of your home or office. This will ensure an even distribution of the WiFi signal.

3. Minimise Interference

Place your router away from cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices that can create interference for the WiFi signals.

4. Channel Selection

If you reside in a location with several WiFi networks, you can utilise a tool like WiFi Analyzer to figure out the least congested channel. Then, you can set your router to that channel.

5. Security Measures

Activate WPA3 encryption to protect your Wi-Fi network from intruders. This safeguards your network from unauthorised users and also improves its overall performance.

6. Quality of Service (QoS) Settings

Manage the QoS settings of your router to prioritise particular types of traffic (e.g., streaming or online gaming). It can facilitate a smoother experience for various applications.

7. Band Selection

If you have a dual-band or tri-band router, you can use it to your advantage. Switch to the 5 GHz band when you need higher internet speeds. The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for large homes as it distributes the network to a larger area. However, you may suffer from interference and network lags, especially during peak hours.

Using a range extender with a 5 GHz frequency band is also a good idea as it will provide you with uncompromised speed and network performance without affecting your router’s WiFi range.

8. Get A New Router

If your existing router is not performing up to the mark, it may be outdated. You can upgrade to a newer model to enjoy the perks of the latest technology, higher performance, and better features.

9. Limit Connected Devices

Keep a check on the number of connected devices, especially if all of them use the WiFi network simultaneously. Multiple connected devices can affect your router's resources and limit its performance.

10. Reboot Your Router

You can restart your router to clear the unnecessary memory that is stored in it. After that, you can refresh the settings. This alone can resolve the performance-related issues of your router.

11. Use Ethernet Cables

If possible, connect your digital device directly to the router through Ethernet cables. This guarantees a more stable and quicker connection than a Wi-Fi connection.

12. Adjust Antenna Position

If there are external antennas on your router, explore different positions to boost coverage and signal strength. Sometimes, merely changing the position of antennas can provide you with a high-speed internet connection.

13. Create A Guest Network

If your router allows the creation of a guest network, you can set it up for the visitors. This isolates the guest traffic and prevents it from deteriorating the performance of the main network of your home broadband connection.

14. Analyse Network Activity

You may use network monitoring applications or tools to determine the bandwidth-hungry devices or apps that are utilising the maximum bandwidth of your broadband connection. The details provided by such apps and tools can enable you to make wise decisions regarding bandwidth allocation.

Tips To Select The Best Internet Plan

Optimising the router settings and home broadband connection will not be enough if there are some underlying issues with the internet services you are using. So, you must also focus on getting the best available internet option in your area. The below tips will help you choose the best internet plan for a stress-free work experience:

1. Speed Needs

Your speed needs must determine the type of broadband connection you need. If your speed requirements are on the higher side, you will have to shell out extra money for that. For instance, if you need the internet only for checking emails or reporting via a CRM application, even a cellular network may be enough.

However, if you need to attend extended sessions of video presentations and seminars, you will need a high-speed internet connection. Assess your speed requirements and choose the best internet plan accordingly.

2. Data Caps

Most broadband connection providers offer both limited and unlimited plans. Limited plans have a fixed data cap. Your internet speed will be reduced after exhausting the data limit or you may be charged as per your usage. You won’t experience such issues with an unlimited plan. However, you will have to pay a higher amount to get the unlimited plans.

You can assess your data requirements and decide whether to go for limited or unlimited data plans.

3. Connection Types

The connection type you use can also determine your overall experience of using the internet. Cable internet plans are most common but they offer limited bandwidth and speed. If you need a high-speed internet connection, you can opt for a fibre-optic broadband connection.

Fibre-optic connections offer speeds up to 1 Gbps. Also, they offer dedicated bandwidth and do not struggle with interference and lags even during the peak hours of the day. So, if you have to perform data-intensive tasks while working, you can choose a fibre-optic home broadband connection.

However, fibre connections are not yet available throughout the country. So, you may have to opt for the best internet option in your area.

4. Do not forget the additional costs

Always be aware of the additional costs involved with internet usage. For instance, most ISPs charge a monthly rental for the router. Or else, you can pay a one-time fee and avoid the monthly charges.

Choose an ISP that offers a free router along with free installation. You can also enquire about the discounts and promotional offers that apply to your broadband connection.

For example, some ISPs offer discounts for long-term plans. You can avail of such plans to reduce your monthly internet bill.

5. Bundled-Up Services

The Internet service providers may also offer additional discounts and deals with their bundled-up services. For example, they can offer OTT subscriptions or TV services with the internet.

Or else, some ISPs bundle up phone and internet services together. Such bundled-up services not only reduce your cost but also increase your chances of asking for plan upgrades to enjoy a seamless internet usage experience.

6. Reviews of other users

Do not forget to check the reviews of other users as it will determine whether you should opt for a particular home broadband connection or not. The reviews may contain key details regarding speed, congestion, and other issues. By analysing the reviews of multiple users, you can choose the best internet plan in your area.

7. Upload and Download Speeds

You can expect to get a broadband connection that offers symmetric upload and download speeds. With this, you can get a hassle-free experience while uploading files over a cloud or streaming your live gaming sessions.

Conclusion

These were some ways of getting the best internet experience at least possible expenses. We hope that you are now clear about the type of internet connections and their overall impact on your internet usage experience.

ACT Fibernet offers fibre-optic connections in 22 cities in India. With their internet services, you can get a high-speed internet connection within your budget. Moreover, you can rest assured of the symmetric upload and download speeds that their plans provide.

Explore their best residential and business internet plans by visiting their website today!