The Best Wired Router for a Stable Connection
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TP-Link Multi-WAN High-Performance Wired Router -
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Switch 8-Port 150 Watts Wired Router -
TP-LINK Multi-WAN Wired VPN Wired Router -
TRENDnet 8-Port Gigabit Wired Router -
Buyer's Guide
While wireless routers have become more affordable and popular in many network setups, they're not always necessary or ideal for every situation. A wired router provides connectivity for multiple computers on a local area network (LAN) and gives them access to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Ethernet cables are typically used for these connections and most modern wired routers support 10/100 Mbps connections for optimal data transfer speeds. These devices often have different numbers of ports for setting up a network, so consider how many systems you want connected on your LAN before making a purchase. Additional features like firewalls and simple network controls can also vary from one router to the next.
These are the best wired routers in 2022 thanks to at least four connection ports for computers and devices, in addition to the input port that connects to your modem or other networking device. You get great speed and performance through these routers since they all support 10/100Mpbs ethernet connections, though some of them offer gigabit support for even faster data rates. All of these routers include excellent performance and security features, such as port forwarding, DoS protection, and firewall protection.
Best Wired Routers of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
TP-Link Multi-WAN High-Performance Wired Router - Top Pick
This router has five networking ports which should be enough for most setups, but probably is not ideal for a business or classroom. One of the best features with this model is three of those ports can be used for either WAN or LAN connectivity. Most routers have a single dedicated WAN port such as this one, as well as three others can be used for WAN or LAN connectivity. With this model you can set up a lot of different networking configurations and if the dedicated WAN port ever stops working, simply use one of the changeable ports for an internet connection. The remaining port is fixed for LAN use and is a DMZ port for added security when needed, plus the router includes flood defense and web content filtering for added security. Added load-balancing features let this router control bandwidth across the ports as necessary, making it a great choice for any gigabit network.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Switch 8-Port 150 Watts Wired Router - Runner Up
For high-speed performance between systems on your local network, this wired router is pretty hard to beat. This is definitely designed for professional use, as it has a rackmount design with a 1U metal chassis. With that in mind, you get eight ports on this model along with gigabit support for the best speed and performance possible. This model has great security tools including not only firewall organization, but you can set firewall groups with different rules filtered by network address or port number. The included software makes it easy to monitor the network and provides various administration tools such as web caching, static IP addressing, and logging. This router even has 2GB of DDR3 memory to boost performance to help your network run as efficiently as possible.
TP-LINK Multi-WAN Wired VPN Wired Router - Honorable Mention
This is a great wired router for small-scale LAN parties or for small businesses that need up to eight connections on a network. There's a single WAN port and eight LAN ports allowing you to easily connect between multiple systems on a network. TP-LINK includes excellent software for securing and managing your network, including DoS protection and remote management tools. You can also access IP-based bandwidth controls which let you adjust how much bandwidth is used by each system thus ensuring high performance for bandwidth-intensive programs. This is not a Gigabit router so keep that in mind if you want the fastest speed possible. The management tools with this one are pretty good, including access limitations based on IP address or even time of day, so parents and administrators can limit access to children or employees.
TRENDnet 8-Port Gigabit Wired Router - Consider
Though lacking any noteworthy bells and whistles, this is an excellent choice for a simple home or small business network. It has a single dedicated WAN connection and four 10/100Mbps half/full duplex LAN ports. This pick isn't ideal if you want to connect five or more computers together, but otherwise it's a great choice as the firewall and network management tools included by TRENDnet are powerful and easy to use, so you don't need a lot of networking experience to effectively set up this router. These tools include features like virtual server and DMZ support, along with web URL filtering and a firewall. This is a great option if you need to set up multiple small networks on individual routers because you can get this model at a very reasonable price, even if you need more than one.
Buyer's Guide
The wired router is an old but time-tested medium to set up a network with a stable, secure, and high-speed internet connection. While wireless networks are more prone to cyber-attacks, wired networks provide high-level security simply because they require a physical connection to access. Thus, network admins can easily detect intruders and prevent them from connecting to your network. However, since wired networks can also be attacked by cybercriminals, wired routers are reinforced with various security features, including administrative control, encryption protocols, and integrated firewalls.
That’s why most businesses and homes across the globe prefer wired routers over wireless. Though the router is the heart of your online world, there is no one size fits all solution. In this buying guide, you will find various factors you should keep in mind to purchase the best wired router that meets your requirements.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Wired Router?
Speed
The first aspect to determine is the speed you require from your internet service provider (ISP), which depends on the number of users as well as their data requirements. For instance, online video streaming will need more speed than simple web browsing or messaging.
Basically, routers that have the potential to suffice higher bandwidth needs are quite expensive. So, you must ask your ISP about your internet speed and purchase a wired router that can easily handle that speed. Otherwise, you will end up wasting your hard-earned money on your internet service by paying for a higher speed than you’re actually using.
Security
Since the router protects your network from cyberattacks, make sure your model has a built-in firewall to fend off any threats from intruders. Some advanced level routers also feature full unified threat management (UTM) that meets PCI or HIPAA compliance to help businesses protect their confidential data. However, UTM also needs a subscription level up the network’s security against cyber attacks.
WAN
Ask your ISP what kind of WAN port is required to build a connection with the system. If you run an online business, you might need a second ISP for backup service. Therefore, make sure the router you choose has multiple WAN ports, allowing you to make a separate connection seamlessly.
LAN Ports
Considering the number of ethernet ports along with their speed is imperative when looking for the best router. These ports are basically the main connection of your network to the internet service. Most models come with up to four LAN Ethernet ports, enabling you to connect network switches to any of them and increase the number of connections for wired equipment like printers and computers.
Additionally, LAN ports commonly run at 10/100 Mbps, but some routers also feature faster ports that offer 1,000 Mbps. Even if you currently don’t possess devices that can take advantage of the higher speed, you should choose a model with a faster LAN port because you might need it in the future.
VPN
If you think that you need access to your network from a remote location, your router requires virtual private network (VPN) capability. Also, ensure the model is compatible with a protocol like PPTP, IPsec, or L2TP required for VPN.
IPv6
It is essential for your ISP and router to support IPv6. As multiple devices connect to your internet services, IPv6 will enable each device to obtain its own IP address without the need for network address translation.
DMZ
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a subnetwork that bridges the gap between public and private internet networks. It secures the internal LAN of an organization from untrusted traffic by adding a security layer. Thus, it protects the confidential information stored on internal networks. The key goal of a DMZ is to enable a business to access untrusted networks while protecting LAN or private networks, so make sure your router has DMZ capability.
Service Life
Since no hardware lasts forever, each router has a lifespan. Ensure the router you choose is made of materials that can withstand room temperature fluctuations as well as the heat generated by your device. So, if you do not pay heed to the shelf life of your router, you may have to change it earlier than planned.
Router Configuration
When looking for a router, make sure it is easy to configure and install. If you don’t have experience in this field, you may need outside help if you encounter some issues during installation. A router with easy configuration will enable you to use your device quickly. It will also save you time and money you may have to spend on hiring a specialist to install your device.
Price
Pick a model that supports your internet speed, has robust security features, and comes with adequate connectivity ports to meet your network requirements. You must meticulously compare the features and prices of different wired routers to get your hands on a device with the most functionalities within your budget.
Final Words
Though wireless devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones have driven the need for wireless routers, wired routers are still hugely popular. Wired networks supported by wired routers provide a highly secure environment as compared to wireless networks. The burgeoning demand and models of wired routers can make it difficult for anybody to select the perfect one. We hope this guide has cleared all of your doubts and provided nuggets of information that help you invest in the best wired router.
Wired Router FAQ
Q: What does a dual WAN router mean?
A: A dual WAN router refers to a device with two internet ports rather than a standard one. It allows a router to connect with two different internet networks.
Q: Should I put my wired router high or low?
A: Unlike a wireless router, a wired router does not rely on transmission of radio waves for connectivity. There's no impact on network performance based on where you choose to place the router, so you're free to put it wherever you want. On the other hand, keeping the router in a convenient location can make it much easier to access in the future when the need to troubleshoot inevitably arises.
