Residential routers are the workhorses of home networking. They provide a gateway to the internet and connect multiple devices within a home or small office. These devices are typically small, easy to set up, and offer basic features for home users.
Key features of residential routers:
- Wireless connectivity: Most residential routers offer built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to connect to the internet wirelessly.
- Ethernet ports: These provide a wired connection for devices that don’t have Wi-Fi, such as desktop computers or gaming consoles.
- NAT (Network Address Translation): This feature hides the internal IP addresses of devices on your network from the internet, providing a layer of security.
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices connected to the router.
- Firewall: Offers basic protection against unauthorized access to your network.
Common brands and models:
- NETGEAR: Nighthawk, Orbi
- TP-Link: Archer, Deco
- ASUS: RT-AX, XT8
- Linksys: Velop, MR7350
Factors to consider when choosing a residential router:
- Speed: Look for routers with high data transfer rates, especially if you stream high-definition video or play online games.
- Range: If your home is large or has thick walls, consider a router with a strong wireless signal.
- Features: Decide which features are important to you, such as guest networks, parental controls, or quality of service (QoS).
- Price: Residential routers vary in price depending on their features and performance.