Come and see their main features and which ones you should give more importance to, based on the use you want to make.

But before we start, what is the difference between a DSL Modem and a Router?

The modem is the device that provides internet access to the router, while the router is a device to which other devices are connected, (such as computers, mobile phones, televisions) either wirelessly or with a cable, and through it, internet access is shared. A router can have a built-in modem.

Did you know that? Now you know!

Main Features 

1. Compatibility:

First, choose a modem/router that is compatible with your provider's DSL technology. 

ADSL2+

The most common internet connection technology, but older compared to VDSL2. It offers download and upload speeds of up to 24 Mbit/s and 1.4 Mbit/s, respectively. 

VDSL2

Internet connection technology. It offers higher download and upload speeds compared to ADSL2+ (usually up to 50Mbps and 5Mbps) that can support triple play services (TV, telephone, internet).

Don't have a stable connection? 

Then choose a router with 4G or  5G, meaning a router with a SIM card slot for wireless internet access via mobile networks. 

5G offers significantly higher speeds than 4G!

2. Speed:

Check the maximum data transfer rate in Mbps of the modem/router and make sure it can support your internet connection's maximum speed, either through ethernet or wireless. 

3. Wi-Fi Generation

The newer the Wi-Fi standard, the better the overall connection. To achieve the advertised speed, it must also be supported by your device. 

Wi‑Fi 4: Older Wi-Fi standard, slower than Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6. Recommended for use with few devices and applications that do not require high speeds. 

Wi‑Fi 5: The most common Wi-Fi standard, significantly faster than Wi-Fi 4. Meets the needs of most users at present. 

Wi‑Fi 6: The newest generation of Wi-Fi.

It offers faster speed, the ability to connect more devices, and less battery consumption on their part. 

Wi‑Fi 6E: WiFi 6E offers more available channels to reduce interference in wireless networks, while also providing better speeds and less latency compared to WiFi 6.

4.  Range & Coverage

There are several factors that affect the range of the device, from the space where the router is placed and its distance from the devices to physical obstacles, such as walls.

However, there are also factors that concern the capabilities of the router! 

Let's see them.

Dual-band or Tri-band; 

Most modern routers transmit on two (2.4 & 5GHz) or even three frequencies.

Dual Band (2.4 & 5GHz): They transmit signals on two frequencies. They offer higher speeds compared to single bands and the ability to connect more devices.

Tri-Band (2.4 & 2x 5GHz): They transmit three signals, one at 2.4GHz and two separate ones at 5GHz. They offer higher speeds compared to dual and single bands and the ability to connect more devices.

Want to cover a large area? Try Mesh!

It is a complete home WiFi system with multiple access points, designed to eliminate dead zones and provide seamless WiFi coverage in your home, with faster speeds and more devices.

6. Security 

Connection Protocols

Let's start with the security protocols supported by the device for encrypting data transmitted wirelessly and helping to protect against third-party connections to the network! Anything below WPA2 is not considered secure today. The newer and more secure protocols are:

WPA2- Personal

The WPA2 protocol replaced WPA in 2004 and uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology, which is approved by the US government for classified documents. It is considered safe for home use.

WPA2 Enterprise

WPA2-Enterprise is intended for corporate use and provides increased security compared to WPA2-Personal.

WPA3 -Personal

WPA3 is the latest generation of WPA that will replace WPA2 and offers even greater protection for passwords, even when they are simple.

Additionally, it makes device connection even easier and more secure compared to previous generations.

Firewall

NAT "hides" the addresses of all devices on your local network behind a single address, while SPI monitors data traffic for patterns of known attack types (e.g., DDoS). They can be used simultaneously. 

NAT NAT (Network Address Translation) is a mechanism that "hides" the addresses of all devices on your local network behind a single address, increasing security.

Address Filtering

MAC (media access control) address filtering is the device's ability to allow specific devices to connect based on their unique MAC address, excluding any device with a MAC address that has not been defined as acceptable.

VPN

Finally, VPN functions as an intermediary between us and the rest of the internet. This way, we can give the impression that we are geographically located in another country, and the websites we visit see the VPN address as the visitor's address, not the actual one.

This provides us with anonymity and access to content with geographical restrictions. (e.g., some YouTube videos are only available in certain countries, the Netflix catalog is different depending on the country, etc.)

7. Ports 

Take into account the number of LAN ports for wired Ethernet connections. If you need to connect multiple devices this way, choose a router with enough ports.

Do you know its intended use? We'll tell you the features you need to pay attention to!

1. Gaming

Do you want the least possible delay and minimal lag for awesome gaming moments? What should you look out for?

You should choose a VDSL2 dual band router that matches the speed of your connection, with Wi-Fi 6 standard. It definitely needs to have an ethernet port for those difficult moments when you want to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Note: Remember that the corresponding speeds should always be supported by your connection.

2. Teleworking 

Are you teleworking? Choose a router that matches the speed of your connection, with a Wi-Fi standard like that of your computer, and give great importance to security! Firewall, address filtering, and the ability to use VPN and WP3 security protocol. 

3. Internet everywhere with you! 

Do you want to have access to the internet at all times? Then choose a portable router with 5G speeds, if supported by the sim, for faster connection everywhere!