A wireless router connects multiple wireless devices to the Internet in a home. The new generation is the “tri-band” type, or “AC3200”- class routers, which claim to deliver faster Wi-Fi speed.
A wireless router connects multiple wireless devices to the Internet in a home. The new generation is the “tri-band” type, or “AC3200”- class routers, which claim to deliver faster Wi-Fi speed.
HOW IT WORKS
The popular dual-band router broadcasts a 5 GHz signal and the older, slower 2.4 GHz signal. The tri-band router, on the other hand, hosts a 2.4 GHz signal and two separate 5 GHz signals. Having one is akin to having three Wi-Fi networks. If you have many devices requiring Internet connection, a tri-band router could be the solution to preventing the devices from interfering with each other.
ASK BEFORE YOU BUY
If you don’t have that many devices at home, a tri-band router may not be necessary as you might find no difference in Wi-Fi speed between the dual-band and tri-band routers.
OUR PICKS
■ Linksys EA9500, $539 The Linksys EA9500 router features eight adjustable external antennas, which can be positioned for optimal performance in multilevel homes. It provides powerful streams of data to your devices, ensuring complete Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. This impressive router comes with eight Gigabit ethernet LAN ports for wired devices, such as the TV set, game console and network-attached storage device.
■ D-Link DIR-895L, $449 D-Link claims that its DIR-895L is able to provide Wi-Fi coverage of up to 500 sq m. With its Smart Connect technology, the router chooses from the three Wi-Fi bands and automatically connects each device to the best and less congested band for optimal wireless experience. This router comes with four Gigabit ethernet LAN ports.
■ Asus RT-AC5300, $469 Designed as the ultimate state-of-the-art router for gamers, the RT-AC5300 by Asus includes an exclusive built-in game accelerator, powered by Gamers Private Network. This significantly reduces ping times and latency for virtually all competitive multiplayer online games. Its Smart Connect technology selects the optimum frequency band for each device, based on the device’s speed, its signal strength, and how busy each band is.
