The modem handles the connection to the internet, while the router allows your devices to gain access to data by managing the connection to the modem. Here are some of the different parts of the router: Antennas: A wireless NETGEAR router will have two to several antennas. Handles several WiFi devices, has a USB port for a networked hard drive and is fast enough for gaming and streaming video. When you have either of these security protocols enabled, the network encrypts your data as it’s being sent, ensuring unauthorized users cannot access the data. Have a look at this one. Your ISP likely provides a list of compatible equipment that you can find online for around $50 and up. 5 things to know before you buy a new router in 2020 - CNET The RT-N12 can also work as a router, access point, or range extender, so it’s quite versatile, and provides the ability to configure 4 different SSIDs with different passwords to help control internet access, meaning you can use one SSID for yourself, one for your kids, and one for your Internet-of-Things devices, and manage what can be accessed and even how much bandwidth is allocated to each one. The best value router on the market. Most routers support a feature called Wi-Fi Protected Setup, or WPS, which is designed to help you quickly and easily connect supported devices by pressing a button on your router or using a PIN that's much shorter and easier to type than your full WPA2 password. Highly recommend if you are trying to up the security game for home network. Every modern secure router should support Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) as a bare minimum to ensure that the wireless connections between your devices and your router are securely encrypted. While there's naturally some overlap here with parental control routers, those actually form a more specialized category of their own, since parents are usually looking for age-appropriate controls and the ability to manage screen time—features which aren't inherently necessary in a secure router. In fact, some of the better routers let you easily switch your guest network on and off from either a smartphone app or even with Alexa voice commands like "My friends are leaving.". Prime members enjoy unlimited free, fast delivery on eligible items, video streaming, ad-free music, exclusive access to deals & more. Most moderately priced models these days come with Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, but even a router such as the TP-LINK Archer C7 is capable of theoretical speeds of 1,300Mbps through its 5GHz wireless channel. Speaking of extending your network, just because it may be time to upgrade your old router doesn't mean it's time for the old router to be retired. This is more secure if you can get a router that offers it, but keep in mind that WPA2 is still fully supported, and should be more than secure enough unless you're being very specifically targeted by skilled hackers. Synology’s biggest bonus is the package center where you can download NAS-grade apps such as VPN Plus or Intrusion Prevention to double up on the built-in security, so you'll have far more peace of mind when it comes to potential attacks. Linksys’ Smart Wi-Fi smartphone app also lets you manage and monitor your network from anywhere at any given time, but it’s the open-source aspect that really shines for security-focused router buyers, since you can easily use “packages” from trustworthy open source distributions such as OpenWRT or DD-WRT and establish a secure VPN, monitor and analyze network traffic or detect network intrusions instantaneously. Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews. Much obliged. The design has a utilitarian black casing and three large adjustable antennas for equal signal distribution throughout a home or office. Read more: Wi-Fi 6: Better, faster internet is coming this year -- here's everything you need to know. Asus RT-N12 N300 Wi-Fi Router, Best Value: The warranty is in addition to Amazon's standard return policy. Most routers offer guest networks that can be partitioned off from your main network, preventing your guests from accessing your computers, media servers, and smart devices. Amazon Renewed is a one stop destination for you to buy quality unboxed or refurbished selection across products like smartphones, computers, video games, kitchen appliances and even more products that come with 6 months Seller Warranty. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. "This router is worth a look if you want something that’s easy to set up but hides a lot of hidden potential under the hood." This means, for example, you can create a recipe that will unlock an August Smart Lock as your phone connects to the OnHub router's network. Jesse Hollington is a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience writing about technology and three decades of experience in information technology and networking.