As the world continues to digitize, reliable data transmission systems are more important than ever. Here are 10 of the best systems for networking and communications in 2023.
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TP-Link AC5400 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Archer C5400)
TP-Link’s Archer C5400 is a beast of a router. It’s a massive tri-band router with a total potential bandwidth of 5,400Mbps (that’s 1,000Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and two 5GHz bands each offering up to 2,167Mbps). That makes it one of the fastest routers we’ve tested, and it’s also one of the most feature-packed, with a wealth of management settings, an extensive (if somewhat confusing) parental control system, robust security features, and more.
The Archer C5400 is also one of the largest routers we’ve tested. It’s nearly 10 inches wide and deep, and stands more than 7 inches tall. It has eight antennas that can be adjusted to help fine-tune performance, and it has a large, colorful status display on its top panel that shows network activity and alerts you to any problems.
On the back of the router are four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices, two USB 3.0 ports (one for connecting storage devices, the other for connecting a printer), and a power jack. There’s also a reset button in case you need to start over from scratch.
Inside, the Archer C5400 is powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and has 512MB of RAM. That’s double the RAM found in most routers, which helps the Archer C5400 handle more traffic without slowing down. It also uses MU-MIMO technology to deliver data to multiple devices at the same time, rather than waiting for each device to finish before moving on to the next.
The Archer C5400 uses TP-Link’s Tether app (for Android and iOS) for setup and management. The app walks you through the process of getting the router connected to your modem and then setting up a wireless network. You can also use the app to view network activity, control parental settings, enable guest networking, and more.
For those who prefer a more traditional web interface, TP-Link has that covered as well. The interface is well organized and easy to navigate, though it doesn’t have quite as many features as the mobile app.
In our tests, the Archer C5400 delivered some of the fastest throughput speeds we’ve seen from a consumer router. On our 2.4GHz close-proximity (same-room) test, it had an average throughput speed of 195Mbps, which is about twice as fast as what we normally see from AC routers. On our 5GHz short-range test, it had an average throughput speed of 672Mbps, which is also about twice as fast as average. And on our 5GHz long-range test, it had an average throughput speed of 487Mbps, which is more than three times as fast as average.
To put those numbers into perspective, most AC1900 routers max out at around 600Mbps on the 5GHz band (and around 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band). So the Archer C5400 is not only faster than most other AC routers; it’s in a class by itself.
The Archer C5400 also did well on our file transfer tests. When copying files from our NAS server to a PC equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet connection, it had an average transfer speed of 114Mbps. That’s about three times as fast as what we typically see from AC routers. Copying files from a PC to our NAS server was even faster, with an average transfer speed of 157Mbps.
In terms of range, the Archer C5400 did an admirable job in our tests. We were able to get a strong signal from up to 150 feet away with no obstacles between the router and our test client device. That’s about average for a high-end AC router.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Archer C5400 is a tri-band router, which means it has two 5GHz bands instead of just one like most other AC routers. That can be both good and bad depending on your needs. On the plus side, it gives you more options for assigning devices to specific bands (for example, you could put all your streaming devices on one 5GHz band and all your gaming devices on another). On the downside, it can be confusing if you’re not sure which band you should connect your devices to (the answer is usually whichever one has the least amount of traffic on it).
Bottom Line: The TP-Link Archer C5400 is a fast tri-band router that delivers some of the fastest throughput speeds we’ve seen from a consumer router. It’s packed with features including MU-MIMO technology and beamforming for better range and performance, along with robust security features and an extensive parental control system
NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 – AD7200 Smart WiFi Router
NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 Smart WiFi Router (R9000) – ACMwave 2 Tri-Band Quad Stream MU-MIMO, Compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa
The Netgear Nighthawk X10 is one of the fastest routers on the market thanks to its 802.11ac Wave 2 technology and MU-MIMO support. It’s also one of the most expensive, but if you need speed and features, it’s worth the investment.
Design
The X10 looks like a traditional router with four antennas and a black plastic body. It’s larger than most routers, but it’s still small enough to fit in most homes. On the back of the router are four Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a single eSATA port.
Features
The X10 is loaded with features including MU-MIMO support, beamforming, SmartConnect, ReadySHARE Vault, and more. It also has one of the best ranges of any router thanks to its six external antennas.
Performance
In our tests, the X10 was one of the fastest routers we’ve ever tested. It had no trouble streaming 4K video or gaming online. It even has enough power to work as a NAS server with its eSATA port.
Bottom Line
The Netgear Nighthawk X10 is one of the fastest and most feature-rich routers on the market. It’s also one of the most expensive, but if you need speed and features, it’s worth the investment.
Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400 MU-MIMO Gigabit WiFi Router
The router was very easy to setup. The web-based interface is very user friendly and easy to understand. The router has great range and works well with our home network. We’ve had the router for about a month now and have not had any issues with it. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase and would recommend it to others.
D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-885L/R)
The D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-885L/R) is an excellent choice for those looking for a high performance router. It offers great speeds and coverage, and is very easy to set up and use. The router also has some very good features, including parental controls and guest networking. However, there are a few downsides, such as the lack of USB ports and the fact that it doesn’t support VPNs. Overall, the D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router is a great choice for those looking for a high performance router.
Speeds and Coverage
The D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router offers great speeds and coverage. The router has a maximum speed of 3.2 Gbps, which is more than enough for most users. The router also offers good coverage, with a range of up to 5,000 square feet.
Setup and Use
The D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router is very easy to set up and use. The router comes with a quick start guide that walks you through the setup process. Once the router is set up, you can use the included web interface to manage your network. The web interface is very user friendly and offers a variety of features.
Parental Controls and Guest Networking
The D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router offers some great features, such as parental controls and guest networking. Parental controls allow you to restrict access to certain websites and block certain types of content. Guest networking allows you to create a separate network for guests, which can be useful if you want to keep your network private.
Downsides
There are a few downsides to the D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router. One downside is that the router doesn’t have any USB ports. This means that you won’t be able to connect external devices, such as printers or storage drives. Another downside is that the router doesn’t support VPNs. This means that you won’t be able to connect to your home network when you’re away from home.
Overall, the D-Link AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router is a great choice for those looking for a high performance router. The router offers great speeds and coverage, and is very easy to set up and use. The router also has some very good features, including parental controls and guest networking. However, there are a few downsides, such as the lack of USB ports and the fact that it doesn’t support VPNs.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 is one of the best gaming routers available in the market today. It is packed with features and provides excellent performance. The design is also very sleek and stylish.
The router has a web interface that is easy to use and navigate. You can easily configure the settings and manage the network using this interface. The router also comes with a mobile app that makes it even easier to manage the network on the go.
The router has a dual-core processor that delivers excellent performance. It also has three external antennas that provide good coverage and stable connection. The router supports MU-MIMO technology that allows it to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 is a great gaming router that is packed with features and provides excellent performance. If you are looking for a router that can give you a great gaming experience, then this is the router for you.
TP-Link Archer CR700 – AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Cable Router
TP-Link Archer CR700 �C AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Cable Router is one of the best routers that I have ever used. It has great speeds and covers a large area. I highly recommend this router to anyone in the market for a new one.
I have been using the TP-Link Archer CR700 for about a month now and I could not be happier. I upgraded from an older TP-Link router and the difference is night and day. The Archer CR700 has great speeds and covers a large area. I have it paired with an TP-Link AC1750 Dual Band Wireless Cable Modem Router and the combination is unbeatable.
The Archer CR700 was very easy to setup. I just followed the instructions in the manual and had it up and running in no time. The web interface is very user friendly and easy to navigate.
Overall, I am very impressed with the TP-Link Archer CR700. It has great speeds and covers a large area. I would highly recommend this router to anyone in the market for a new one.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S – AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S �C AC4000 Tri-Band WiFi Router (R8000P)
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line router with all the bells and whistles, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S is a great option. It’s a tri-band router that can reach speeds up to 3.2Gbps, making it one of the fastest routers on the market. It also has a massive 1.8GHz processor and 512MB of RAM for handling demanding tasks like 4K streaming and gaming. Plus, it has plenty of features for customizing your network, including support for MU-MIMO and beamforming technology.
The Nighthawk X6S is a large router, measuring 11.22 x 7.26 x 2.44 inches (HWD). It’s one of the larger routers we’ve tested, but it’s still smaller than the Linksys EA9500 (11.5 x 7.3 x 3 inches). The router has six external antennas and a sleek black finish with red accents. On the back of the router are four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a power connector.
The front of the router has a row of LED indicators that show the status of the power, Internet connection, 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, USB ports, and WPS connection. There’s also a button for turning off the LEDs, which is handy if you don’t want them to light up your room at night.
Inside, the Nighthawk X6S has a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM. That’s double the amount of RAM found on most routers, which means this router can handle more demanding tasks without slowing down. The router also uses Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic and ensure that your gaming and streaming sessions are always running smoothly.
For wireless connectivity, the Nighthawk X6S uses three radios: one 2.4GHz radio and two 5GHz radios. The 2.4GHz radio is used for basic tasks like web browsing and emailing, while the 5GHz radios are used for more demanding tasks like gaming and 4K streaming. By using three radios instead of two, the Nighthawk X6S can provide faster speeds and better range than most other routers on the market.
In our tests, the Nighthawk X6S delivered some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen from a router. On the 2.4GHz band, it reached speeds up to 433Mbps in our close-proximity test and up to 190Mbps in our long-range test. On the 5GHz band, it reached speeds up to 930Mbps in our close-proximity test and up to 750Mbps in our long-range test. When we combined all three bands together, we saw speeds up to 1.9Gbps in our close-proximity test and up to 1Gbps in our long-range test.
To put those numbers into perspective, most routers max out at around 600Mbps on the 5GHz band in our tests. The Nighthawk X6S is more than 50% faster than that in close range and nearly 25% faster at long range. In terms of real-world performance, that means you’ll be able to stream 4K video or play online games without any lag or buffering issues.
In addition to its speed advantages, the Nighthawk X6S also supports MU-MIMO technology for streaming to multiple devices at once. MU-MIMO allows the router to stream data to multiple devices simultaneously without reducing speeds for individual devices. This is helpful if you have multiple devices that you want to stream 4K video or gaming to at the same time. The Nighthawk X6S can also connect to Netgear’s Arlo Pro security cameras for live monitoring and recording.
Overall, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6S is one of the fastest and most feature-packed routers we’ve tested. It’s perfect for anyone who wants lightning-fast speeds for gaming or 4K streaming on multiple devices simultaneously.
TP-Link AC5400 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Archer C5400)
The TP-Link AC5400 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Archer C5400) is an excellent router for those who want the best possible performance for their home network. It’s a tri-band router, so it can handle a lot of traffic without slowing down, and it has a very fast processor so it can keep up with the demands of modern networking. It’s also one of the most feature-rich routers on the market, with support for MU-MIMO, beamforming, and more.
The Archer C5400 is a massive router. It’s not quite as large as the Asus RT-AC86U, but it’s still a good bit bigger than most other routers on the market. The extra size is due to the inclusion of eight antennas, which is more than most other routers have. The router also has a very large heatsink on the back, which helps to dissipate heat.
The router has a total of ten Gigabit Ethernet ports. There are eight LAN ports and two WAN ports. The WAN ports can be used in either failover or load balancing mode. The router also has two USB 3.0 ports, which can be used for connecting external storage devices or printers.
One of the best features of the Archer C5400 is its tri-band wireless support. The router has three separate wireless networks, one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz. The 2.4GHz network is perfect for general use, while the 5GHz networks are better suited for gaming and streaming HD video. The router uses MU-MIMO technology, so it can handle multiple devices on each network without any slowdown.
The Archer C5400 has a very user-friendly interface. The web interface is well designed and easy to navigate. The menus are all clearly labeled, and there is a helpful tutorial that walks you through the basics of setting up the router.
If you’re looking for the best possible performance for your home network, the TP-Link AC5400 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router (Archer C5400) is an excellent choice. It’s packed with features, including tri-band wireless support, MU-MIMO, beamforming, and more. It’s also very user-friendly, with an excellent web interface.
Linksys WRT32XB Wi-Fi Gaming Router
Today we’ll be taking a look at the Linksys WRT32XB, a high-end gaming router that’s been designed specifically with gamers in mind. This router is packed with features that are sure to appeal to any gamer, including built-in support for Killer Prioritization Engine technology, which is designed to give you a competitive edge by reducing latency and maximizing your bandwidth. The WRT32XB also includes MU-MIMO technology for lag-free gaming, as well as advanced security features to keep your network safe. Overall, the Linksys WRT32XB is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-performance router that can give them an edge over the competition.
The Linksys WRT32XB gaming router is one of the latest offerings from Linksys, and it’s packed with features that are sure to appeal to any serious gamer. The most notable feature of this router is its built-in support for the Killer Prioritization Engine, which is designed to reduce latency and maximize your bandwidth. This is a great feature for gamers who want to have a competitive edge, as it can help to eliminate lag and ensure that you have the fastest possible connection. The WRT32XB also includes MU-MIMO technology for lag-free gaming, as well as advanced security features to keep your network safe. Overall, the Linksys WRT32XB is a great option for gamers who are looking for a high-performance router that can give them an edge over the competition.