Choosing a 802.11ac router: an overview of 5 models

Netis WF2710

Network equipment manufactured by the Chinese company NETIS SYSTEMS appeared on our market relatively recently, but has already received a lot of positive feedback from users. The Netis WF2710 model is one of the first products of the company to acquire support for the new standard and the most affordable router in our selection. The Netis WF2710 router provides a maximum data transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and up to 450 Mbps in the 5 GHz band.

Netis WF2710 is assembled in a compact white plastic case. Ventilation holes are located on the bottom, which reduces the ingress of dust into the device. There are also convenient grooves for mounting on a wall or any other surface. Note that the three antennas are non-detachable, which can make it difficult to install in tight spaces. Otherwise, the design corresponds to the canons of the genre. On the top cover there are LED indicators for monitoring the status of the device. On the back is a 1 Gbps WAN port, four 100 Mb/s LAN ports, and two reset and WPS encryption buttons. Unlike most other models, the reset button is not "hidden" and does not require a paperclip or other thin object to press it.

The WF2710 features a simple and user-friendly web interface. When you connect for the first time, the router creates an open wireless network, by connecting to which you can make all the necessary settings. The entire device configuration process takes several minutes. The functionality of the model as a whole covers the needs of the average user. It provides simultaneous operation in two ranges, the creation of a guest network or several independent networks. The model also supports basic traffic management functions, including IP filtering.

Asus RT-AC56U

The Asus RT-AC56U wireless router is a great choice for a home office or apartment. The model has a stylish, memorable design. Without external antennas, the router looks respectable, and can serve as an interior element, and not hide (like others) in a corner or behind a table. The router is installed in a vertical position, for greater reliability, a special leg-stand is provided. And the manufacturer does not provide for mounting on the wall.

Asus RT-AC56U received a powerful processor, which some enthusiasts even managed to overclock a little. The back and sides are dotted with ventilation holes, so overheating does not threaten him. Four internal antennas - two for each band - provide a maximum data rate of 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz. In addition to the standard set of buttons and LED indicators, there is a button to turn off the wireless connection on the case. The WAN and LAN ports provide a throughput of up to 1 Gbps, which means that the router is perfectly suited for transferring "heavy" files with a volume of tens of gigabytes.

Asus RT-AC56U is equipped with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for connecting various devices. In conjunction with an external hard drive, the router acts as an inexpensive NAS or personal cloud storage. If you don't trust cloud storage like Dropbox, the router will let you organize your own. And the corresponding applications for iOS and Android will help organize the upload of files to a personal “cloud” based on a router.

Connecting an external USB 3G/4G modem allows you to organize a backup communication channel in case of problems with a wired connection. In conjunction with the RT-AC56U router, almost any printer or MFP acquires network capabilities, which is important in a home office environment and at the same time allows you to save on the purchase of a network printer.

A convenient setup wizard is designed to quickly configure the basic settings for network operation and protection. The function of remote configuration of the router via the Internet is also available. Even a brief description of the Asus RT-AC56U firmware features will take more than one page. The router can and can do everything you expect from such a device. It is worth mentioning the support of the Time Machine function for backup on Apple devices, wide opportunities in terms of parental control, filtering and traffic control.

TP-LINK Archer C7

TP-LINK is a leader in consumer network equipment in our market. After all, the company's products combine wide functionality with an adequate price. And the Archer C7 router is no exception.

The device is assembled in a large body with an attractive design. The front part has a number of status indicators, all the necessary ports and connectors are placed on the back. The model outwardly differs little from other routers in the selection, and the differences are of a technical nature. Archer C7 is equipped with ten antennas at once: three external removable ones are on the case for 5 GHz mode and the same number of internal ones for operation at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This makes it possible to work at the maximum speed in both bands, that is, 450 Mbps and 1300 Mbps. The radio module for the 5 GHz frequency is implemented as a mini PCI Express standard expansion card. This does not affect the performance or stability of the device in any way.

Compared to top models from other manufacturers, TP-LINK Archer C7 is equipped with less flash memory for flashing and storing settings. Perhaps that is why not all software functions are implemented, in particular, support for USB 3G modems. A pair of USB 2.0 connectors is suitable for connecting a printer or external drives to organize a simple file storage or FTP server with the ability to access both from the local network and from the outside.

The router is configured using a simple and intuitive web interface, which is correctly displayed even on a small smartphone screen. It is noteworthy that the manufacturer's website has a software device simulator where you can thoroughly study the possibilities of configuring a particular router, including the TP-LINK Archer C7. The firmware features include support for guest networks with the ability to work on a schedule, which is usually in demand in office environments and public places. Also, the model is distinguished among analogues by well-developed parental control and traffic filtering capabilities.

LINKSYS EA6400

This device belongs to the Cisco Smart Wi-Fi family. It includes wireless routers aimed at home use, primarily as part of the smart home digital ecosystem. Although under normal conditions, of course, it will work fine.

The model is made in a black compact streamlined body with a silver insert in the middle. By its appearance, the device does not spoil the interior, and may well be located in a conspicuous place in the room. This will come in handy, since the choice of location will have to be taken seriously. Cisco EA6400 received four internal antennas (two for each band), theoretically possible connection speeds are 300 and 1300 Mbps. However, the signal is not the most powerful and in some cases can be jammed even by interior walls. The new beamforming technology mentioned by the manufacturer is not very efficient.

Considering this fact, it is worth considering buying Cisco EA6400 only as a router for small rooms. The combination of gigabit network ports and one USB 3.0 connector allows you to organize a relatively fast file storage based on the Cisco EA6400 for storing backups or a collection of multimedia content. In addition, the model supports connecting to the network through authorization using NFC chips (read more about this technology in our article).

The main feature of the software part of the router is a set of Cisco Connect Cloud services for managing the device and the local network. This service allows using the browser of a mobile device (be it a laptop, tablet or even a smartphone) to access your home network. With Cisco Connect Cloud services, the user can monitor the status of connection parameters and the router itself, change guest connection settings, parental controls, and network priorities for games or applications.

Asus RT-AC87U

The RT-AC87U is Asus' flagship wireless router and the most advanced router for everyday users. This powerful harvester is suitable for both home and office use. In almost any environment, its functionality and performance will suffice.

This router is assembled in the most dimensional case of all presented in our selection. The device is supposed to be used in a horizontal position, but wall mounts are also provided. Four detachable antennas are available. In addition to the standard set of controls, there is a separate button to turn off the LED backlight on the front panel. The USB 3.0 port is located on the side and is covered with a plug, there is also USB 2.0.

The model provides the highest theoretical data exchange rate of all considered in this collection: up to 450 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band (using TurboQAM technology - up to 600 Mbps) and up to 1734 Mbps in the 5 GHz band. As a result, the total speed reaches a record 2334 Mbps. According to the manufacturer, this is the fastest router of this type in the world. The model is best suited for creating a wireless network, which in terms of its speed characteristics is not inferior to a wired connection. Perhaps this is only when using external IEEE 802.11ac adapters with multiple antennas, such as Asus USB-AC53.

Like other manufacturers, Asus uses the same firmware in several similar devices within the same model range. The software capabilities of the Asus RT-AC87U are generally similar to the Asus RT-AC56U we reviewed. The router can act as a productive file storage or a personal cloud service with the ability to interact with mobile devices. The model perfectly performs the functions of a print or media server, and also provides simultaneous operation with a large number of client devices.

Impressive load balancing, IP filtering and other traffic management features make the Asus RT-AC87U an indispensable device in the office. However, the router does not support list services for blocking Internet addresses, which means that creating various filters and rules can take a lot of time. There is also no support for webcams for video surveillance. But for home use, there is nothing to complain about. Note that the device is compatible with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and is optimized to transfer game traffic without delays (lags). And the manufacturer notes that the device will even cope with broadcasting video in UHD (4K) format.