Author - Network Admin

Change Network Security Key

It is a good idea to change your network security key every once in a while. You should treat it just like a password.

Just so we’re on the same page: your network security key is the key/password/passphrase used to add new devices to your network. It is, for all intents and purposes, a “password” to join your network.

The first place you’ll want to change this security key is on your router. Once you’ve done that, you’ll then need to change the key on all devices that connect to your router. If you change it on your computers or phones first, you’ll have a hard time trying to connect to your router to change the setting there.

1. Change The Security Key On Your Router

Start by logging into the administration interface of your router. Do this by typing your router’s IP address into your internet browser. You will need to enter your router’s admin username and password.

The screenshot below shows how I would change the security key in my Linksys WRT100 RangePlus wireless router. Depending on your brand of router, your entire interface may look different. However, the general idea is the same. You want to look for the wireless security settings page in your router.

The setting you will change will be the pass phrase. It may be labeled Security Key or something along those lines. Just type the key you’d like into the corresponding text box, then save it.

How To Change Your Network Security Key

2. Change The Security Key On Your Computer(s)

I have a tutorial for finding your security key on PCs and Macs right here. Once you find it, you can just type in the new network security key you set on your router in step 1.

Buffalo Airstation Extreme N600 Review

Buffalo Airstation Extreme N600 Linksys E2500
WiFi Performance N600 WiFi (300 + 300 Mbps) N600 WiFi (300 + 300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Port USB 2.0 No USB ports
Security WPA2-PSK (AES, TKIP)
WPA-PSK (AES, TKIP) 128/64-bit WEP		 64-bit WEP
WPA2 encryption
Antennas 2 X 2 Internal MIMO antenna array
Firewall Features VPN pass through
PPTP Server
OpenVPN Server		 NAT
SPI
MSRP $79.99 $89.99

Designed to be a complete solution both in a home or a small office, the Buffalo Airstation N600 is a router that is rapidly gaining in popularity. A relatively inexpensive router, it can be purchased for less than $100 at most retailers and has been noted for its impressive performance. Considered a dual-band router, the N600 operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, making it more versatile than many other routers. It allows an individual or business connect to multiple wireless clients and devices, with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps on the single band and 600 Mbps on both bands.

One of the best features of the N600 is its customizable interface. It provides options that are well-suited for both experienced network users as well as first-timers who are hoping to connect their PC’s to their game consoles. The firmware’s overall design is made to give a greater stability to users while also increasing performance.

The N600 also provides network sharing via USB and Gigabit Ethernet. Combine that with HighPower Technology, VPN Access and extremely easy setup Wizard and you’ve got a router that can meet the daily demands of any home or office. For some people, the easy setup Wizard alone is worth the purchase. Many routers make is difficult for people to connect them to other devices, but the N600 and its Wizard makes installation and connection easy even for beginners or those who are technologically-challenged.

The wireless LAN interface of the N600 has a standard compliance of IEEE 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11g and 802.11b. Its wireless security consists of WPA-2, WPA-PSK and 128/64-bit WEP. The Wired LAN interface consists of a Speed and Flow Control of 10/100/1000 Mbps along with Auto Sensing and Auto MDIX. It has four LAN ports and one WAN port, all of which are RJ-45. The WAN Port Security includes VPN Pass Through, SPI and Dynamic Packet Filtering. The USB interface of the N600 is a standard compliance of 2.0 with an A-type connector and one USB port available to users.

After you’ve got the N600 unpacked and are ready to begin the set-up, you’ll find it comes complete with an Ethernet cable, a setup card for Wi-Fi access and a utility CD that contains the product manual and client software. The two external antennas can be moved and positioned individually, letting you get them in just the right position for maximum performance. The only drawback to the antennas is they are not removable, making it a bit more difficult if one has to be replaced.

Like most of today’s routers, the N600 has a feature that lets the user select from different wireless encryption models in order to keep prying eyes of neighbors or others from gaining access to the network. The N600 has the ability to choose the strongest level of encryption that can be supported by the connecting client.

With all these features and reasonable price, the Buffalo Airstation N600 is considered to be a router that provides a good bang for the buck for both novices and those more experienced with computer hardware.

Buffalo Airstation Extreme AC1900 Review

Linksys EA6900 NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000 Buffalo Airstation AC1900
WiFi Performance AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port		 1 USB 2.0 port
1 USB 3.0 port		 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port
Processor 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 Dual-Core 1GHz Dual-Core 1GHz Dual-Core
RAM 256MB 256 MB 512 MB
Flash Memory 128MB 128 MB 128 MB
MSRP $199.99 $199.99 $149.99

The Buffalo AirStation Extreme AC1900 represents another Buffalo product that features the 802.11ac wireless standard. A test run is the best way to see if the router performs as well as the specifications promise.

Initial Setup

The setup is as simple as advertized, but taking some time to review the pages ahead is a good idea. Preparing for the next steps can help to prevent confusion, particularly when identifying the ports that will be used. The diagrams in the user guide make it easy to locate the components and determine which connections will go into which designated ports. Connecting via Ethernet is the fastest and most foolproof way to get to the initial login and the setup wizard. After setting up the passwords and SSID information for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network bands, users can further customize and configure the router.

With each of the major configuration categories represented on the screen, the settings page is sufficiently intuitive. Be sure to locate the correct IP address for finding the administrative page. The user guide lists it in the setup section. Changing the admin login credentials to the router is strongly recommended. The initial admin name and password are generic, and they should not be kept.

Features

The USB storage configuration is included in the major categories. The options are easy to understand, and a new storage device is connected and ready to use quickly. One of the most convenient features is the option to allow BitTorrent access on the USB storage device. Users can also enable DLNA on the device, creating a streaming media server from the router. Users must be comfortable with the media players on their devices, though, to take advantage of this option.

The QoS configuration is a little less intuitive, but the setup effort proves to be worth it. Once configured, the type of service prioritized sees improved performance. Setting the priority to video, for example, limits bandwidth usage of other tasks so that video streaming quality is prioritized. Using the custom option on the QoS page allows for more flexibility in setting a variety of priorities, but it does take a little practice to get the settings exactly as desired.

Users who are uncomfortable with finding and using local ports on their devices will have a tough time with manual QoS rules. The IP addresses of the applications and the local computers on the network must also be configured when adding manual rules for QoS. Most users will likely settle for only adjusting the basic or custom QoS settings.

Performance

Having dual frequencies makes the router flexible. The router is capable of offering both frequencies simultaneously, giving device users the option that suits them best. The 1900 Mbps speed is the total from both bands. Users on the 5 GHz frequency enjoy speeds up to 1300 Mbps, but those on the 2.4 GHz frequency see speeds up to 600 Mbps. Video on the 5 GHz band is particularly sharp and clear, but the streaming media performance on the 2.4 GHz band is also very good. With a fast broadband connection, the router easily handles streaming video to two devices simultaneously.

To take full advantage of the 5.0 GHz band, though, proximity is important. Distance weakens the signal, as will too many walls and shelves between a device and the router. The devices on the network must also have the capability of using the newer technology. Not all devices will be able to connect to the 5 GHz band and make use of the full speed. Those devices will still benefit from impressive speeds and the longer range of the 2.4 GHz band.

Overall Impressions

Most of the steps needed to get the most of the router are easy to find and apply, giving this AirStation respectable marks for user friendliness. The router also delivers on performance, both frequencies smoothly delivering content to a number of devices at once. The pricing is also competitive for routers in its class, making it a good value for the money.

Buffalo Airstation Extreme AC1750 Review

Buffalo Airstation AC1750 ASUS RT-AC66R TP-LINK Archer C8
WiFi Performance AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 2 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port
CPU 800 MHz dual core Broadcom BCM4706 Qualcomm QCA9005AP
RAM 512 MB 256 MB 128 MB
Flash Memory 128 MB 128 MB 8 MB
Antennas Internal 3 detachable antennas 3 dual band detachable antennas
MSRP $169.99 $169.99 $139.99

The Buffalo AirStation Extreme AC1750 is a gigabit dual band router that comes with DD-WRT. It features high speed Wi-Fi connectivity on the 5GHz band.

Rather than using Buffalo’s default firmware, the AirStation Extreme uses a popular open source platform from DD-WRT. In fact, it is the first 802.11ac router with DD-WRT firmware. While this may not be of particular use to home users, network enthusiasts and advanced users will find it more appealing to use an interface that they’re already familiar with.

The router performs extremely well on the 5GHz frequency band. It also delivers a stable Wi-Fi signal. While clearly not the router with the longest range, it still qualifies as an attractive deal for its price. If you’re fond of the DD-WRT firmware, then this router is meant for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a multitude of customization options for your home router, buying the Buffalo Extreme AC1750 still makes sense.

Design

In design, it resembles the WZR-D1800H, which was the first 802.11ac router introduced by the same manufacturer. It’s a box shaped router with two detachable stands that allow you to position the router both vertically and horizontally. Four LAN ports and a WAN port is housed on the back of the device. It also gets two USB ports, a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port. These ports come in handy for connecting the router to an external storage device or a printer.

An LED light glows in white or red color to highlight the word “Buffalo”. The LED glows in white color when everything is working in order. The red color is displayed when the user’s attention is required. Three smaller LEDs display the status of wired network, Wi-Fi network and Internet connectivity. It also features a button label AOSS that doesn’t perform any function by default. The button is designed for use with Buffalo’s stock firmware and allows a user to connect Buffalo Wi-Fi devices to the Wi-Fi network of the router. The button can be programmed to work with DD-WRT as well.

Hardware

It features powerful hardware capabilities that include dual-band support for three-stream 802.11ac on its 5GHz band and three-stream 802.11n on the 2.4GHz band. It yields up to 1300 Mbps and 450 Mbps on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands respectively, qualifying as an AC1750 router. While the router has support for both 802.11ac and 802.11n clients, you must be connected with a compatible client to the router to enjoy the fastest Wi-Fi speed.

Setup

The router is very easy to setup. Owing to its two default networks, you can start using the device right after taking it out of the box. All that’s required is to plug an Internet source to the WAN port of the router, and connect the router to a power source.

To customize the network features and settings, visit the Web interface of the router. The router comes with a tiny label that includes this information as well. In the URL bar of the browser, point to the default IP address of the router, which is 192.168,1,1. The default credentials for logging in are: admin / password.

Firmware

The Extreme AirStation AC1750 gets its default firmware from DD-WRT, which is a Linux-based open source firmware used for access points and wireless routers. The powerful firmware offers a range of operational modes that enable the router to be used as an access point, wireless extender or client bridge. It also extends several controls to the router, such as the ability to define advance access controls, modify wireless radio power and create a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Best Wireless Router for PlayStation 4

Video game consoles have become more advanced than ever in recent years. Not only have game options expanded and graphics improved to become more realistic, but modern day consoles such as the PlayStation 4 offer more than just video games. These gaming systems can become connected devices that allow you to purchase games, compete with players around the world, and even surf the web. In order to do that, the right equipment is needed and that includes a wireless router.

What is a Wireless Router?

A wireless router is an electronic device that is hooked to your modem to allow you to connect to the internet without having to be hardwired directly to any equipment. A wireless router allows you to connect all your internet-enabled devices including laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and even video game consoles directly to the internet wirelessly. Instead, a router is connected to the modem using an Ethernet cable, and the router allows the signal to be transmitted across your other devices. If you have Wi-Fi in your home or business, you have a wireless router that is attached to your modem to wirelessly transmit the signal to different devices.

Why You Need a Router for Your PlayStation 4

Now that you understand the purpose of a router, you may wonder why you need one for your PlayStation 4. While it is entirely possible to enjoy your game console without an internet connection, you will not get the most out of your system without it. Your PlayStation 4 is much more than just a gaming console. When hooked to the internet, you can take your gaming to the next level, and even go beyond that for a full entertainment experience. (http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/ps4-questions)

When connected to the internet, you can buy games, add-ons, character packs, and other additional features that can be downloaded right to your console – no game discs required. Don’t have a partner to battle it out with on the latest fighting game? Not a problem if you have an internet connection. You can connect through the PlayStation network with other players all around the world. In addition to just gaming, you can also use your internet connection to surf the web, download music and movies, access popular apps like Netflix, and so much more. However, you can only do this when you have an internet connection, and the best way to go about connecting your system is with a wireless router that easily hooks up to your modem.

What You Need to Have Before Making Your Purchase

Purchasing a wireless router for your PlayStation 4 doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be connected to the internet just by connecting a few wires. In fact, you’ll need to make sure that you have all required services and equipment before you even make the purchase. The most important thing that you’ll need is high-speed internet service. You can purchase this from your cable or satellite provider, or you may want to shop around for ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in your area.

If you have internet service, you should already have a modem. If you’re signing up for internet service, you can typically rent or buy a modem from your ISP, or you can purchase one online or from an electronics store. You must have a modem in order to use your router.

You may also need to purchase separate Ethernet cables that are used to connect your new router to your modem. In many cases, your purchased router will include all cables that you need to get started. However, this is not always the case, so you will want to make sure you have all required wiring in order for your router to work properly.

Things to Consider Before You Buy a Wireless Router for Your PlayStation 4

Since there are so many wireless routers on the market, you want to make sure that you know what to look for before making your purchase. You want to ensure that you’re going to get the best performance at a price that fits your budget. Not all routers are created equally, and you need to know what your new equipment should have before you make your purchase.

The first thing you should consider is the price. You want to buy something that you can afford, but at the same time, you also don’t want to purchase something that is too cheap and doesn’t perform as expected. In general, you should expect to spend around $100 for a high-quality router that can be used with your PlayStation 4, as well as your other wireless internet-enabled devices.

A very important thing to look for is the ability to easily change your settings. (https://www.flashrouters.com/blog/2014/01/08/what-are-the-fastest-best-ps4-routers/) To get the most out of a router for your PlayStation 4, you want to make sure that you can change such settings as advanced security options to protect your privacy, extending your wireless range (which is especially important if your router will be located a good distance away from your console), and controls that allow you to change how your bandwidth is allocated. If you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll want to make sure that you have the best possible internet connection to avoid interruptions during gameplay.

You will also want to consider the speed of the processor and the stability of the firmware. By investing in a quality router now, you will be able to avoid dropped connections and you will enable your system to handle uploads, downloads, and updates.

Reviews of Wireless Routers for PlayStation 4

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (R7000)

Pros

  • This product has advanced features that allow you to easily change settings, including bandwidth priority.
  • This router has Beamforming+ technology for extended range and signal for a reliable connection.
  • This product is easy to install and configure.
  • It comes equipped with automatic backup software.
  • It has a Dual Core 1GHz processor and 1900Mbps combined WiFi speed for the speed you need.
  • It is equipped to prevent network lag.
  • At under $200, it’s a reliable device at a midrange price point.

Cons

  • Occasional lags may result in need for system reboot, which would then require settings and passwords to be manually reset, which could be a hassle.
  • Long delays between changing settings can prove to be frustrating.
  • It may require some tweaking and troubleshooting out of the box to get the fastest, most reliable wireless connection.

Check out our full review here.

Pros

  • At a price point under $100, this is an option for the budget-minded gamer.
  • This product has dual band 1200Mbps Wi-Fi speeds.
  • The Tether app that works with this router makes setup quick and easy.
  • The router has three external antennas that provide extended range.
  • It is easy to update the firmware, which is made available immediately so your product is always up-to-date.

Cons

  • Boost in speed isn’t as noticeable on more expensive, high-tech routers.
  • It is not as fast as other routers, which may prove to be a deal breaker for hardcore gamers.
  • The range is not as far as more expensive gaming routers.
  • It works better than standard routers, but is not as fast and reliable as other gaming routers.

NETGEAR Nighthawk X4 Ultimate Gaming Router – AC2350 4X4 MU-MIMO Dual Band WiFi Gigabit Route

Pros

  • The four-stream architecture is not just ideal for gaming but also for high-definition 4K video streaming.
  • It has AC2350 WiFi-600+1733 Mbps speeds, making it one of the fastest routers on the market.
  • It supports Open Source software and has Open Source support.
  • The 1.4GHz dual Core Processor prevents lag.
  • Dynamic QoS allocates bandwidth exclusively to gaming if so desired.
  • It has four external ports for connecting various devices.
  • Setup is quick and easy. Cons
  • At over $200, it is one of the more high-end gaming routers.
  • If being used with Apple devices, it is more prone to lags and other issues.
  • Customer service for the company is lacking.

Check out our full review here.

Pros

  • Upgrades to 802.11ac for the fastest internet connection.
  • This product works seamlessly for gaming or 4K video streaming with 5GHz (1300Mbps) and 2.4GHz (600Mbps) speeds.
  • The 1GHz dual-core processor allows for multiple processes without lags or interruptions.
  • This router uses beam forming for the strongest, most reliable connections.
  • This product features a touchscreen interface can be used to set up your PlayStation 4 and other connected devices.
  • Priced at just under $200, this router has a lot of features of the more expensive routers without breaking the bank. Cons
  • It is slightly more difficult to set up than other routers.
  • The parental controls are difficult to set up, which may be a problem for those with children who go online.
  • If router has to be reset, new Wi-Fi name and password will need to be set up each time, which can be time-consuming and an annoyance.

NETGEAR Orbi High-performance AC3000 Tri-band Mesh WiFi System

  • This state-of-the-art system provides whole-home Wi-Fi connections that are fast and reliable.
  • The system covers up to 4,000 square feet for strong connections no matter where you are at home.
  • This product provides speeds that are comparable to wired systems.
  • It is easy to set up and configure right out of the box.
  • It offers reliable support for multiple devices. Cons
  • The price point is around $400, making it one of the most expensive routers on the market.
  • The mobile app and software seem a bit outdated when compared to the current technology used in the product.
  • It is difficult to perform manual upgrades of firmware.
  • It does not have QoS settings.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

For those who don’t want to completely break the bank but want a quality router for PlayStation 4 gaming, the TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with Touch Screen Setup is a great choice. The touch screen functionality makes it easy to set up and configure settings, while the router is equipped to handle multiple devices while maintaining fast speeds and a reliable connection. This isn’t the cheapest router out there, but it’s priced well below some of the higher-end products that don’t perform quite as well, and offers many features that the cheapest models do not. This product is known for its speed, wide range, and ease of use, whether it’s being used to play the latest PlayStation game or watch 4K UHD videos. Gamers that want to be able to play uninterrupted will want to invest in this high-quality router.

Belkin N750 Review

Belkin N750 Linksys E2500 TP-LINK TL-WR841N
WiFi Performance N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps) N600 WiFi (300 + 300 Mbps) N300 WiFi (300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
Security 128-bit WEP
256-bit WPA
64-bit WEP
WPA2		 64-bit WEP
WPA2 encryption		 64/128/152-bit WEP / WPA / WPA2,WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK
Antennas Internal integrated MIMO antenna array Two 5dBi Fixed Omni Directional Antenna
Firewall Features NAT and SPI NAT
SPI		 DoS, SPI Firewall
IP Address Filter/MAC Address Filter/Domain Filter
IP and MAC Address Binding
IP and MAC Address Binding
MSRP $79.99 $89.99 $29.99

The Belkin N750 wireless dual band router provides ultra fast wireless Internet speeds of up to 5GHz. It is equipped with 2 USB ports to host a printer or another type of external storage device and legitimate dual band Gigabit Ethernet. The router looks quite sleek and will appeal to just about everyone who uses the web on a computer. It appears almost like a futuristic unidentified flying object when it is positioned upright on its base.

The primary benefit of the Belkin N750 is that it provides lightning fast speeds at an affordable price. Other 450Mbps dual band routers typically cost at least as much as the Belkin N750 and oftentimes will set a buyer back much more. The Belkin N750 usually sells for below $100. This is an excellent deal considering that it provides a 5GHz band and 450Mbps speed.

It’s also chock full of advanced features. There’s 4 Gigabit local access network ports to support wired clients. There’s also a WAN port to go online with an Internet source. Like most Belkin routers, the N750 is built with 2 wireless networks with one on each band. There is a label on the router’s body that shows the encryption keys and names of each wireless network. This comes in handy so that users don’t have to establish networks. They can simply rely on the default connections that have been pre-established, though the encryption keys and network names might be difficult to remember.

Users who want to customize the router just have to log in to the web interface through a connected device by directing the web browser to the default IP address. The password to log in will be set as a blank text box by default. The router also comes with special desktop software referred to as Belkin Router Monitor. This assists with the setup and establishes a map of the network drives associated with the paired USB drive, allows users to change the Belkin N750 settings and establishes the Web interface.

The router’s only significant fault is that it doesn’t provide support for WEP wireless encryption so it won’t be backwards compatible with some wireless clients. It also doesn’t support Ipv6. Also, a few users have mentioned that the router’s stand design forces it to be positioned vertically so that it can fall over when brushed by a passerby. It is very lightweight. Yet those who criticize the Belkin N750′s vertical stand tend to admit that it looks much cooler when in the vertical position than routers that are designed to rest in the horizontal position.

A handful of users have also complained about the unit’s wireless range and network storage capabilities. Some similarly priced routers offer more built-in network storage space. Another minor criticism is that the Belkin N750′s USB ports fail to provide enough power to support two portable devices like external hard drives. It functions best with only one plugged in.

Yet the Belkin N750 router provides good bang for the buck. It is durable, efficient, fast and quite stylish. It holds strong appeal for casual web surfers and those who spend the majority of their work day and free time online.

Belkin AC1750 Review

D-Link AC1750 TP-LINK Archer C8 Belkin AC1750
WiFi Performance AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps) AC1750 WiFi (450 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 1 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port		 1 USB 3.0 port
1 USB 2.0 port
Security WPA, WPA2, WPS 64/128-bit WEP
WPA / WPA2,
WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK		 128-bit WEP, 256-bit WPA, 256-bit WPA2
Antennas Internal 3 dual band detachable antennas Internal
Firewall Features Network Address Translation (NAT)
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)		 DoS, SPI Firewall
IP Address Filter/MAC Address Filter/Domain Filter
IP and MAC Address Binding
IP and MAC Address Binding		 IPSec
L2TP
Static IP Routing
MSRP $149.99 $139.99 $149.99

Not everyone needs a router that can do everything, and most people wouldn’t want to try setting one up anyway. That’s where the Belkin AC1750 comes in. A basic dual-band router, the Belkin comes with enough extras, combined with ease of setup, to justify the price—but just barely.

The Belkin broadcasts on both 2.4 GHz and 5Ghz bands, and comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports in the back along with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. On the front, a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button and a status light complete the hardware; it has no external antennas. It does have parental controls that can be set up to filter Internet traffic in case your kids decide to explore just a bit too far, and guest and media networks can be dealt with during the initial setup.

Easy setup and use has both critics and users happy

Setting up the Belkin is easy. PC World Australia liked the way the Web interface was set up, with large buttons for the most used tasks and more advanced settings below the buttons. Depending on what you want, you may never need to use it since the Web wizard thoughtfully provided takes care of most problems on its own. If you’re looking to do things like change passwords or Wi-Fi channels, you’ll need to go into the advanced settings.

Users raved about the speeds in both bands, and parents loved the ability to keep offensive materials away from their children. The vast majority were also happy with the range of the Belkin, with one owner noting that he lived in a three-story house and had no problems on any floor.

The verdict: a simple router for simple tasks

If you’re looking to connect gaming consoles, tablets, media players and computers to your router all at the same time, this isn’t the router for you. If you need a router to handle general computer work and maybe a media player and tablet, the Belkin will fit the bill.

One caveat, though: some say the range on the Belkin has a definite drop-off after 50 feet, and this might be due to not having external antennas. For most people in apartments or small houses, this won’t be a problem; if you live in a large house or on a large property, you might need a higher-range router or range extenders. We recommend the router.

Belkin AC1200 Review

Belkin AC1200 D-Link AC1200 Linksys EA6300
WiFi Performance AC1200 WiFi (300 + 867 Mbps) AC1200 WiFi (300 + 867 Mbps) AC1200 WiFi (300 + 867 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Fast Ethernet LAN port
1 Fast Ethernet WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 2 USB ports 1 USB 2.0 port 1 USB 3.0 port
Encryption 128-bit WEP
256-bit WPA
256-bit WPA2		 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2)
WPS		 WEP
WPA Personal
WPA Enterprise
WPA2 Personal
WPA2 Enterprise
WPA2/WPA Mixed Personal
WPA2/WPA Mixed Enterprise
Antennas Internal Internal Smart Antennas Five Galtronics bent-metal internal antennas:
three for the 5 GHz and two for the 2.4 GHz
Firewall Features Network Address Translation (NAT)
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)		 Network Address Translation (NAT)
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)		 Advanced Network Protection (WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall)
MSRP $99.99 $99.99 $99.99

The Belkin AC1200 comes with all the features of an N600 router. Formerly, the 802.11ac routers were only introduced as N900 routers that would support the 802.11ac standard on their 5Ghz band. The Belkin AC1200 is the first 802.11ac-capable router that only supports dual-stream setup (N600) of the Wireless-N standard. Other than these differences in specs, the Belkin AC1200 resembles the N900 router of the company in terms of features and design.

Compared to other routers with similar capabilities, the AC1200 performs better on the 5Ghz band than the 2.4Ghz band. However, when compared with three-stream 802.11ac routers, it delivers slower performance, which is obvious due to its N600 capabilities.

To make up for the slower performance, Belkin has introduced it at an attractive price in the market. It is an economical router that is good for home use.

Design

It resembles the Belkin N750 DB and the Belkin Advance N900 DB in design. It has the shape of a flying object with a hidden antenna design. It is a sleek router that is made to function vertically on a small base. Given its light weight and the small base on which it stands, the router can topple easily. There is no other way of positioning the router.

It features four gigabit LAN ports that are used to connect wired clients to the router. It also hosts a WAN port to connect to an Internet source. It has two USB2.0 ports, which can take a while to detect a connected device, such as printer or hard drive.

Two wireless networks are configured on the Belkin AC1200; one is for the 5Ghz band and the other for 2.4Ghz frequency band. The names and encryption keys are listed on a label that comes attached to the router. They are also printed on bottom of the base. An additional guest network is available only on the 2.4Ghz frequency band. The name and encryption key for the guest network is also found on the attached label. The information varies for each unit and is the only requirement you must provide when you want to set up the wireless network after connecting to an Internet and power source. To further simplify the setup, the router comes with a networking cable plugged in the WAN port, requiring you to simply connect the other end to an Internet source, such as cable modem.

Software

The Belkin Router Monitor is the software used for setting up the router. It comes in a CD enclosed in the box. It offers a simple setup in the form of step-by-step instructions. To access advanced features and settings, you are required to access the router’s Web interface. To directly access the Web interface, simply point to the router’s default IP address, 192.168.1.1 in the URL bar of a Web browser. It will require a password to proceed. The default password is a blank field.

Features

It is a dual band router that does not support three-stream setup of 802.11n, making it the first N600 router with support for 802.11ac.

It also comes with parental control feature, which wasn’t found in the previous models. However, there is very little support for customizing the four parental control levels that it offers. It also doesn’t let you control the clients that are affected by this feature either.

A new, customized QoS feature termed IntelliStream is also included in the AC1200. This feature seeks to improve a user’s online experience by prioritizing high-bandwidth. It isn’t of any particular use though, as it doesn’t effectively test the Internet speed and allocate optimum upload and download speeds.

Conclusion

While offering decent performance on both 802.11n and 802.11ac standards, it doesn’t offer anything peculiarly different from the N600 and N900 routers available on the market.

ASUS RT-N66U Review

TP-LINK TL-WDR4300 NETGEAR WNDR4000 ASUS RT-N66U
WiFi Performance N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps) N750 WiFi (300 + 450 Mbps) N900 WiFi (300 + 600 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 2 USB 2.0 ports 1 USB 2.0 port 2 USB 2.0 ports
Antennas 3 detachable dual band external antennas Internal 3 detachable antennas
MSRP $99.99 $99.99 $129.99

The ASUS RT-N66U dual-band wireless-N900 gigabit router brings unbelievable performance and range in coverage in its range. Using ASUSWRT, you can swiftly set-up your network, verify and monitor the signal strength, and tailor user access. Succeeding the prized RT-N56U, the newer RT-N66U escalates your WiFi speeds for the 5 GHz as well as 2.4 GHz transmission by 50% and then up to 900Mbps. Meaning it is the perfect choice for demanding bandwidth responsibilities like high-definition video streaming, gaming with multiplayer functioning capabilities, USB file-sharing as well as USB linked print sharing.

The integral WiFi amplifiers push the RT-N66U to perfection. It’s an ideal wireless router for bigger, 2-3 story homes along with locations where the signal strength range will practically extend anywhere.

If you are a savvy high-tech enthusiast or a novice, the RT-N66U is brilliantly simple to operate. Devoid of CD installation, the Quick Installation Setup (QIS) allows you to easily plug-in and connect, straight out of the box. You’ be connecting computers, smartphones and any other wireless devices, in no time at all. It offers control like no other, allowing you to monitor signal strength, tailor parental controls and settings along with many other valuable features in intuitive actions, thanks to advanced interface tools selection.

ASUS’s RT-N66U N900 seems to be as feature-loaded as any potential buyer could be looking for, in a Wi-Fi router. It provides you with an excellent web-interface, making it very simple to use. It is a bit pricey, but we have determined it is truly worth the cost. Although Wi-Fi routers don’t typically excite us, this particular router impressive; the RT-N66U is proficient in transferring speeds of near 900Mbps, with so many intuitive features as well.

Pros:

• Sleek & Edgy design.
• Excellent data rates for 5GHz band.
• Complete Web interface
• Rock-Solid wireless signal.
• File Sharing Capabilities.
• VPN server Standalone ability.

Cons:

• Firmware has a few bugs to work-out.
• Data on the 2.4GHz band needs some enhancement.
• USB ports won’t support the USB 3.0 standard.
• A bit costly.

ASUS RT-AC87U Review

Linksys WRT1900AC ASUS RT-AC87U NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000
WiFi Performance AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps) AC2400 WiFi (600 + 1734 Mbps) AC1900 WiFi (600 + 1300 Mbps)
WiFi Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Ethernet Ports 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port		 4 Gigabit LAN port
1 Gigabit WAN port
USB Ports 1 USB 3.0 port
1 eSATA/USB 2.0 port		 1 USB 2.0 port
1 USB 3.0 port		 2 USB ports
1 USB 2.0 port
1 USB 3.0 port
Processor 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM-based 1GHz dual-core 1GHz dual-core
RAM 256MB DDR3 256MB DDR3 256 MB
Flash Memory 128MB 128MB 128 MB
MSRP $249.99 $279.99 $199.99

The Asus AC2400 RT-AC87U is a dual band wireless gigabit router that offers extremely fast Wi-Fi speed and long range connectivity. It has just about every feature that was found in the predecessor, the RT-AC68U, but also comes with a pack of new features for enhancing home Wi-Fi performance. To benefit from the top speed that the router offers, you need client devices that are compatible with 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The RT-AC87U delivers tremendously fast speed and supports long range connectivity. It is also handy for hosting external hard drive. The RT-AC87U is a good choice for use in a large house. If you need improved Wi-Fi coverage, then this device is meant for you.

The RT-AC87U comes with impressive hardware features. It is powered by a dual-core 500MHz Quantenna chip, delivering speed up to 1734Mbps on the 5GHz frequency band when connected via 802.11ac client and 600Mbps with a 802.11n client. On the 2.4GHz band, a dual-core 1GHz Broadcom chip delivers speed up to 600Mbps. Other functions of the router including NAT, system operation and USB are also executed via the Broadcom chip. It has 256MB of RAM and 128MB flash memory. These specs are sufficient to run a small home server. In home routers, the RT-AC87U offers some of the most powerful specs.

The RT-AC87U features four gigabit LAN ports and a gigabit WAN port, which is sufficient for home use. It also has two USB ports. The USB 3.0 port is located on the front of the device whereas the USB 2.0 finds its place towards the rear. Generally, the USB 3.0 port is used to connect the router to a permanent storage device. The router has LED status lights on the front of the device. However, the lights aren’t very visible as they face downwards. To view the lights, the user may have to bend down or lift the router up from the front side. The on/off power button can use some improvement as its current design makes it difficult to press the button.

In line with previous router models, the RT-AC87U is easy to set up. When the router is plugged in for the first time, you have to point the browser to the default IP address, 192.168.1.1. A Web-based wizard will take you through simple steps for router setup. If you need to customize the settings at a later point, you can always come back to the wizard. Asus hasn’t changed the settings structure, which is helpful for someone upgrading from the previous Asus models.

The two USB ports on the router can be used for a variety of purposes, such as hosting storage devices, printers and cellular modems. Data from a connected storage device can be shared with local clients as well as remote clients over the Internet. Data can also be accessed when the computer is powered off. Data sync and backup are also facilitated. It offers a built-in VPN server that can be used to create virtual private network for remote use. There are three guest networks on each frequency band. While the guest networks are turned off by default, it takes just a click to turn the guest networks on. Guest network allows you to limit the resources that are accessible to certain clients.

Overall, the Asus RT-87U is a top notch networking hub that offers excellent Wi-Fi range and fast speed connectivity. It’s a powerful router for home use and is filled with many useful features for basic as well as advanced users.