All posts tagged: Routers

TP-Link Routers Could Be Banned Next Year. Are They Actually Dangerous?

TP-Link Routers Could Be Banned Next Year. Are They Actually Dangerous?

Published by skeptic

If you’ve purchased a Wi-Fi router in the past year, there’s a good chance it was made by TP-Link. That might not be possible in 2025. Investigators at the Commerce, Defense and Justice departments have all opened probes into the company due to its ties to Chinese cyberattacks and are weighing a potential ban on the sale of TP-Link routers, says a Wall Street Journal article published last week. TP-Link has become increasingly dominant in the US router market since the pandemic. According to the Journal report, it grew from 20% of total router sales in 2019 to around 65% this year. TP-Link disputed these numbers to CNET, and a separate analysis from the IT platform Lansweeper found that 12% of home routers in the US are TP-Link.  While there have been high-profile cyberattacks involving TP-Link routers, this potential ban is more about the company’s ties to China than specific security issues that have been publicly identified, according to cybersecurity researchers I spoke with.  “People expect there to be some smoking gun or something in …

Eero 6 Series Wi-Fi Mesh Routers Are Down to Just 0

Eero 6 Series Wi-Fi Mesh Routers Are Down to Just $110

Published by skeptic

Most people today have multiple devices they depend on to get through the day. From basics such as laptops, phones and tablets to smart home technology, you’ll notice that using these at the same time can’t be avoided and can struggle if you have a weak internet signal that’s too clogged. Mesh routers can help you improve signal at your home or apartment and make sure you can use your Wi-Fi connected devices much more easily.  One that we really like is the Amazon Eero 6 mesh Wi-Fi system. And now this already affordable option just got even cheaper. Amazon knocked the price down to just $110, scoring you a savings of $30. It even makes for a great holiday gift, especially for someone who’s always plugged in. Amazon is offering savings on the Eero 6 two-pack router system that works with Alexa and can cover spaces of up to 3,000 square feet. These include a smart hub so you can connect Zigbee or Thread-compatible devices without the need to buy an extra hub. It …

Vodafone Pro II Ultra Hub Review: Wi-Fi 6E With 4G Backup

Vodafone Pro II Ultra Hub Review: Wi-Fi 6E With 4G Backup

Published by skeptic

While it works well, the 4G backup is likely a superfluous extra for most folks. If your internet service is stable, as it should be if you have full fibre, you’ll never need the 4G service. Folks lucky enough to live in an area with 5G coverage can get much faster backup service or even consider 5G home internet instead of wired broadband. The Vodafone app is pretty barebones, but it’s easy to use. You can review connected devices, set up a guest network, and easily share login details with a QR code. There’s also a built-in assistance option that attempts to automatically troubleshoot and fix network issues. Parental controls and security features would be a welcome addition. Competition and Availability Photograph: Simon Hill You can pay for fast internet service, but a decent router is required to get the most from it. Sadly, most ISPs in the UK do not supply good equipment. The worst offender is BT (British Telecom), which sends most customers the aging Smart Hub 2, a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router that’s woefully out-of-date. …

12 Best Wi-Fi Routers (2024): Budget, Gaming, Mesh

12 Best Wi-Fi Routers (2024): Budget, Gaming, Mesh

Published by skeptic

We have tested some other routers we like and have several more in the queue. These aren’t as great as the picks above but are worth considering. Vodafone Pro II from £39 a month: Folks in the UK looking for a new internet service provider (ISP) should check out Vodafone’s Pro II. While ISPs have traditionally provided shoddy routers to their customers, that seems to be changing. The Vodafone Pro II is a tri-band router that supports Wi-Fi 6E, and it delivered lightning-fast speeds in my tests on a par with many of my picks above. The range is limited, especially on the 6-GHz band, but this service comes with a range extender that appears as part of the same network. You can also get a 4G backup that connects to Vodafone’s mobile network to keep you online should your regular internet connection fail. It’s only available with a two-year Vodafone service contract, starting from £39 a month. Firewalla Gold SE for $449: This quirky portable device is perfect for people who worry about security …

The best VPN routers of 2024

The best VPN routers of 2024

Published by skeptic

When you’re looking for a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) setup, there is a choice to make: software that will need to be individually installed on PCs, mobile devices, and TVs, or you can choose to install a VPN directly on your router for blanket coverage. VPNs provide encrypted tunnels to protect online communication, making it more difficult to track or steal your information. Setting up a VPN environment via your router can take the legwork out of protecting the multitude of devices we tend to run these days, and it can be far easier to do than you think — as long as you have a compatible router to start with and are comfortable with undergoing the VPN installation process. Others, too, will have a VPN ready and waiting to go, so all you need to do is click a button. Also: The best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you) What is the best VPN router right now? ZDNET has years of experience in testing VPN solutions and hardware, …

Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers of 2024

Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers of 2024

Published by skeptic

$90 at Amazon Netgear R6700AX Best budget router for gigabit networks Show more (2 items) Wi-Fi 7 routers are just around the corner but until they arrive, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi supported by your gadgets and devices. Having fast and stable internet in your home or office starts with having a good provider. Once you’ve got that sorted, you’ll need the best Wi-Fi 6 router your budget will allow. To help you equip your home with the fastest and most stable internet connection possible, we’ve rounded up the best Wi-Fi 6 router options on the market right now. What is the best Wi-Fi 6 router overall? Our top pick is the TP-Link Archer AX21 because it’s simple but effective. It utilizes easy-to-use app controls, offers faster performance speeds and better ranges than most other Wi-Fi 6 routers. You can typically find a high-quality Wi-Fi 6 router for less than $100, as well as mesh systems, gaming routers and range extenders. Some do the job better than others — but that’s where …

One of Our Favorite Wi-Fi 6 Routers Is Going for Just

One of Our Favorite Wi-Fi 6 Routers Is Going for Just $70

Published by skeptic

If it’s been a while since you updated your Wi-Fi router, and you’re finding that it slows down a lot, it may be because older routers aren’t good for connecting to several devices. Now’s the perfect time to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which is made to connect to dozens of devices. And one of our favorite Wi-Fi 6 routers is this TP-Link AX21. Not only is it fast, it’s also packed with features, so if you feel the need to upgrade, check out the AX21. You’ll be happy to know that Amazon has discounted it down to just $70, which is a nice $30 off the usual price. We don’t know exactly when this deal will end, so be sure to snap it up quickly while it’s still around. The Archer AX21 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, which means that it supports lighting-fast data transfer speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. However, it’s also backward compatible, so you can use it with any previous-gen networks or devices as well. It’s also …

5 Best VPN Services (2024): For Routers, PC, iPhone, Android, and More

5 Best VPN Services (2024): For Routers, PC, iPhone, Android, and More

Published by skeptic

Mullvad offers apps for every major platform, as well as routers. The applications are all open source, and you can check the code yourself on GitHub. The service has been independently audited as well. Advanced users can download configuration files and use them directly with OpenVPN or Wireguard. In my testing, speeds were very good. I never encountered a situation where I couldn’t get a fast connection. Over the years Mullvad remains the VPN I rely on day-to-day. Mullvad VPN costs 5 euros (around $6) per month, cash or charge. Best Free VPN Proton VPN is part of a suite of privacy tools from Proton, which is most famous for its encrypted email service, ProtonMail. The company is based in Switzerland, which has no data retention laws so Proton VPN can have a no-logs policy. It has been independently audited and maintains a warrant canary page. All the usual features of a good VPN are here, including support for multi-hop connections, a kill switch in the app, split tunneling support, pretty good geo evasion for …

Best gaming routers in 2024 (UK)

Best gaming routers in 2024 (UK)

Published by skeptic

If you spend a lot of time playing the latest and best games online, you’re guaranteed to run into network issues now and again. You might experience a frustrating lag that comes with a slow WiFi connection, or you might get booted out of your favourite game just as you’re about to win – the kind of gaming faux pas that might put a black stain on your usually impeccable record and leave you red-faced.   Unless you’re typically playing with a wired LAN connection, these issues are almost inevitable. Online game sessions will drop out. You will experience lag. It’s going to affect your gaming, no question. And it can be maddening, that’s for sure. But you don’t have to stress, because all you need is a gaming router. But buying a gaming-friendly router comes with the same problems as any other high-end device. Unless your deeply embedded in the tech, it’s almost impossible to decipher all the jargon and know exactly what you’re buying. Does that sound familiar? Well, we’re here to help. …

8 Best President’s Day Deals on Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems

8 Best President’s Day Deals on Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems

Published by skeptic

Whether you’re working from home, gaming online with friends, or kicking back with a movie on Netflix, you need a decent internet connection. Who wants to deal with buffering or pixelated videos? The good news is that some of our favorite mesh systems and Wi-Fi routers are on sale ahead of President’s Day. Not sure what’s right for you? Read our How to Shop for a Router guide. Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Mesh Wi-Fi Router Deals Eero Pro 6 Photograph: Eero Simple to set up and use, Amazon’s Eero range blends in and is the perfect mesh system if you prefer to set and forget. A three-pack of this tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh will cover a large, busy home and cope with loads of devices …