Wireless routers APPLE CHOICE
ROUTERS ON TEST… D-Link DSL-3590L Fritz!Box 7490 Linksys EA8500 Netgear Nighthawk D7000 TP-Link Archer VR2600 Synology RT1900ac
Higher…
Things to consider… Everything you need to know before getting started
1
Types of router
There is a mix of routers here. The Linksys and Synology can connect to a fibre or cable modem. The D-Link, Fritz!Box, Netgear and TP-Link are modem routers, so they connect directly to your phone line.
2
MU-MIMO
We first saw MIMO tech several years ago: multiple streams of data are sent between the router and client devices. MU-MIMO enables each device to have its own separate stream.
3
Parental controls
All of these routers have parental controls built in, offering you the ability to restrict access to certain client devices between
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certain times. Some can also restrict access to certain websites that may not be appropriate for young eyes.
4
Apps
Apart from the Fritz!Box, all of the router manufacturers offer apps so you can easily configure your router. Linksys’ Smart Wi-Fi is one of the best, enabling you to set bandwidth priorities, parental controls and more.
5
The ASUS RT-AC3200 has one 2.4GHz and two 5GHz networks, so you can run devices on separate networks, thus reducing interference.
Guest networks
These routers also provide the ability to give your friends and family guest access – without giving them your main access code. This can be handy if you’re using the router in an office where you often have visitors.
…or lower? The Zyxel NBG6616 will still connect up both 2.4 and 5GHz compatible devices, but it will do it with a slower max speed: 300Mbps for 2.4GHz and 867Mbps for 5GHz.
JULY 2016 | MACFORMAT | 99