Network Specifications

Type

Router

Type

The devices we encounter are standalone routers, routers with built-in modems, and mobile routers.

A router requires a separate modem and distributes the connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but cannot connect directly to the internet. A modem/router combines a modem and router in one device, connects directly to the internet provider, and distributes the connection to the local network. A mobile router, on the other hand, uses a SIM card and mobile data to create a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, ideal for use outside the home or in areas without a fixed connection.

Router

Plain router (without modem). The router is a device to which other devices (e.g. computer, mobile, TV) connect either wirelessly or with a cable, and it shares internet access with them. It receives internet access through a separate device called a modem.

Portable Hotspot

No

Portable Hotspot

Mobile routers with built-in battery so you can use them anywhere.

These mobile routers have a SIM card slot for wireless internet access through 3G/4G mobile networks.

Wi-Fi Generation

Wi‑Fi 7

Wi-Fi Generation

The Wi-Fi generation is a more user-friendly term for networking standards that affect maximum Wi-Fi speed, distance, sensitivity to obstacles, etc.

Wi‑Fi 7

Same as Wi-Fi 6, with the ability to use additional frequencies at 6Ghz. For most users, there is no significant difference. Like Wi-Fi 6, it offers speeds up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi 5, coordinates communication with connected devices to consume less battery, and performs better in environments with multiple Wi-Fi devices. Ideal for homes with many smart devices. Compatible with all previous generations.

Network Standards

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be

Network Standards

The device supports various networking standards that affect the maximum Wi-Fi speed, distance, sensitivity to obstacles, etc. This information is also reflected in the more user-friendly Wi-Fi generation. It is recommended to choose a Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) device.

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

The older Wi-Fi standard, known as Wi-Fi 4, is significantly slower than Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax).

It is recommended for use with few devices and for applications that do not require high speeds. For most users, it would be preferable to choose a Wi-Fi 5 or 6 device according to their needs. Each newer generation is compatible with devices that support a previous one.

IEEE 802.11ac

The most common Wi-Fi standard, known as Wi-Fi 5, is significantly faster than Wi-Fi 4 (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n).

Wi-Fi 5 can currently meet the needs of most users, but there is now the next generation Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) which offers the ability to connect many more devices to serve the increasingly smart devices in a home.

Each newer generation is compatible with devices that support some previous one.

IEEE 802.11ax

The most modern Wi-Fi standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), offers speeds up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi 5, coordinates communication with connected devices to consume less battery, and performs better in environments with multiple Wi-Fi devices. Ideal for homes with many smart devices. Compatible with all previous generations.

Wi-Fi Frequency

Dual Band (2.4 & 5GHz)

Wi-Fi Frequency

The frequencies in which the device can transmit. Most modern routers transmit on two (2.4 & 5GHz) or even three frequencies. Additional frequencies allow for faster speeds on more devices, with the biggest difference observed from one frequency to the other.

Dual Band (2.4 & 5GHz)

They transmit signals on two frequencies. They offer higher speeds compared to singles and connect more devices.

Connectivity

Wireless network

Yes

Wireless network

The device has a wireless network to which we can connect wireless devices that support it. In case it doesn't, the connection can only be made through an ethernet cable.

Ethernet LAN connections

4

Ethernet LAN connections

The number of ethernet ports that the device has for direct wired device connections. Most routers offer 4 ports.

ISDN Connection

No

SIM slot

No

SIM slot

The device has a SIM card slot for internet connection through a mobile network. The SIM card should have an active data plan.

Security

Encryption Protocols

WPA3-Personal

Encryption Protocols

The security protocols supported by the device for encrypting data transmitted wirelessly and protecting against third-party connections to your network.

The first protocol was WEP, which was replaced by WPA, which in turn evolves into generations with each generation having a corporate and home version. Anything older than WPA2 is not considered secure.

It is recommended that the device support at least WPA2-Personal (PSK) for home use.

WPA3-Personal

WPA3 is the latest generation of WPA that will replace WPA2 and offers even greater password protection, even when they are simple. Additionally, it makes device connection even easier and more secure than previous generations. 2. WPA3-Personal is intended for home use using less powerful encryption, compared to WPA3-Enterprise which is aimed at corporate applications. It uses the SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) authentication process instead of the PSK of previous generations, significantly increasing security.

MAC Address Filtering

No

MAC Address Filtering

MAC (media access control) address filtering is the ability of a device to allow specific devices to connect based on their unique MAC address, while excluding any device with a MAC address that has not been defined as acceptable.

Extras

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

No

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The device has the ability to set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) so that traffic from all devices on our network passes through it. 2. The VPN acts as an intermediary between us and the rest of the internet. This way, we can give the impression that we are geographically located in another country and the pages we visit see the VPN address as the visitor's address, not ours. 3. This provides us with anonymity and access to content with geographic restrictions (e.g. some YouTube videos are only available in certain countries, the Netflix catalog is different depending on the country, etc.). 4. VPN services are usually paid for by subscription.

VoIP

No

Mesh

Yes

Mesh

It is a complete home WiFi system with multiple access points designed to eliminate dead zones and provide seamless WiFi throughout your home with higher speeds and more devices.