Wireless Router & Mesh Network Buying Guide | Consumer Reports

A wireless router is responsible for handling all of the data that flows in and out of your home. Choosing the best one for you depends on many factors, including the size and layout of your home. In this guide, we explain what you need to consider when shopping for a new router.

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SHOW NOTES:
00:00 - Introduction
00:12 - How a Router Works
00:29 - Traditional Router or Mesh Network
01:39 - How a Mesh Network Works
02:12 - WiFi Extender
02:43 - Router Tips
03:25 - Router Security

[BTC]

"combo modem router" is known as a Gateway. If you are stuck with your Gateway don't get a Router and get a Wireless Mesh instead and set it for AP (Access Point) mode. Disable Wi-Fi on your Gateway.

[yandhi]

question - are there any mesh routers WITHOUT parental controls aka ability to see history on each connected device?

[lukerinderknecht]

2:18 hmm, I think what they're describing here is a WiFi repeater (which is wireless). A range extender is wired, and doesn't cut the signal in half.

[gtsinner]

Where are your ratings? Did you link them somewhere I am missing?

[AliceAttentionWhore]

I don't trust someone who speaks in this soulless commercial-like way.

[TheUsflow]

How in the world does the current rating pass a minimum journalistic standard? Even though included models in the ratings, no mention at all of WiFi 6E, just WiFi 6??? And don't even have a column in the ratings for the E. UNACCEPTABLE. Will we see faster internet speed with a 6E (6 Ghz) router compared to a 6 (5 Ghz) ??? Is the non-6E top-rated Synology router faster or just as fast than 6E routers with lower overall scores? Many get all 5's for throughput.

[Bangledash]

Why is Princess Carolyn narrating this?