Networking

Bing speed testerPicture this scene. You’re out at your favorite coffee shop, and you suddenly need to be in a meeting. There’s Wi-Fi (or failing that, you can set up a hotspot on your phone), so you think you’re ready to rock.However, within seconds of starting the meeting, everyone starts to look like they’re made of Lego in the video. The frustration sets in, and things start to go downhill.Also: Best internet speed test: Test your connectionYeah, you might have had an internet connection, but you didn’t have a good internet connection.If you’d managed to test the connection in advance, you might have had time to move to a different spot or use a different network to get a better connection.If only you’d known.But there are some quick and easy ways to test your internet connection — no apps required, just your web browser.The quickest and simplest way I go about this is to type ‘speed test’ into Google (or Bing on a desktop or laptop). Here you’ll find internet speed testers built into the search engine’s web pages.A single click will give you an overview of your internet connection.

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You can use this information to determine if your bandwidth is up to the job or running Zoom or Teams.Also: Best internet service providers: Top expert picksIf you don’t want to rely on the internet speed checkers built into search engines, then another option is to download an app. My app of choice, which is available for a wide range of platforms, is Ookla SpeedTest. I find this service offers a fast, reliable, and accurate test.I use these tests regularly, both when out and about and when at home or the office. It offers a bit of an internet health check and lets me keep an eye out for possible problems with my network and internet connection.

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Demand for fast and reliable Wi-Fi is probably at an all-time high, as millions of people continue to work from home, relying on Zoom and other video conferencing apps to keep in touch with colleagues and clients. Many organizations are also finding that video calls reduce the need for business travel and client visits. That increased reliance on Wi-Fi can reveal problems, though — especially in larger offices or homes, where the Wi-Fi signal may struggle to reach more distant rooms on other floors. Instead of relying on a conventional Wi-Fi router and access points or range extenders, an alternative solution is to opt for a “mesh” networking system. Depending on the size of the building, mesh systems typically use a main router with a wired connection to a broadband modem, plus two or more wireless nodes that can be placed in different rooms or locations. The main router and the satellite nodes form their own “mesh” Wi-Fi network, covering a wider area and delivering greater speed and reliability than a conventional Wi-Fi router, even with extra access points or range extenders. Most mesh systems are aimed at home users and marketed as easily-configured solutions for “whole home Wi-Fi,” but some are particularly suitable for business users. These can include features such as multiple Ethernet ports, or the ability to create several networks with different passwords. The latest mesh systems are now adopting the new Wi-Fi 6 standard (aka IEEE 802.11ax), which is certainly worth considering for businesses wanting to maximize the performance and flexibility of their Wi-Fi setups.

Asus AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi System (RT-AX92U)

Two-piece tri-band Wi-Fi 6

Images: Asus

Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 1Gbps | Ports – RJ45 for Wan, 4 RJ45 for LAN, 2 USB | CPU – 1.8GHz, dual-core | Range – 5,500sq.ft | Price – $329.99Asus claims that the AX6100 Wi-Fi System is the “world’s first Wi-Fi 6 mesh system” — a claim that will doubtless be questioned by a few of its rivals. Nonetheless, the AiMesh AX6100 is an impressive mesh system that will be suitable for larger office buildings or public venues such as hotels or warehouses.You can buy a single RT-AX92U router for $229.99, which offers tri-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with a top speed of 6.1Gbps, as well as four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. Or, for more extensive Wi-Fi coverage, there’s this twin-pack mesh system currently priced at $340.99. This covers areas of up to 5,500 square feet and uses one of the 5GHz bands as a 4.8Gbps “backhaul” that links the two routers in order to provide strong performance across the entire network. The price is similar to that of other high-end Wi-Fi 6 systems, but Asus also offers its ZenWifi range of mesh systems for smaller offices or working from home, including new Wi-Fi 6 models such as the affordable ZenWifi AX Mini ($229.99 for a three-pack system).Pros:Tri-band Wi-Fi 6Excellent wireless speeds2 PackCons:Older computers and devices not Wi-Fi 6 compatibleParental controls are clunky

Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next

PowerLine dual-band Wi-Fi 5 systems

Images: Devolo

Wi-Fi – dual-band Wi-Fi 5 | Speed – 2000 Mbps | Ports – 2 Ethernet, 120V plug | CPU – N/A | Range – 1,600sq.ft | Price – $299.99Mesh networking systems can be pretty expensive, and if you’re just having trouble with the Wi-Fi signal in one room then a range extender is an affordable option that can boost the Wi-Fi signal in just that specific location. Alternatively, you could use a PowerLine adapter to send a wired network connection over your home or office electrical wiring — an ingenious and somewhat magical solution.Several companies make range extenders and PowerLine adapters, but Devolo specializes in this area with its extensive Magic range of devices. Devolo’s latest Magic 2 adapters combine a Wi-Fi range extender with PowerLine wired connectivity, and are compatible with existing routers from other manufacturers. Unlike conventional range extenders, Devolo’s Magic adapters also include a “mesh” option that allows you to link two or more devices in different rooms in order to create a more extensive Wi-Fi network.Devolo offers the Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next starter kit with two adapters (a Magic 2 LAN adapter that plugs into your broadband modem, and a Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next adapter) priced at £141.67 (ex. VAT; £169.99 inc. VAT) or $236. This supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi at up to 2400Mbps, and will boost Wi-Fi coverage in a room or floor, covering an area up to 120 square meters. Additional Wi-Fi Next adapters cost £91.67 (ex. VAT; £109.99 inc. VAT) or $152; there’s also a three-piece Wi-Fi Next Whole Home Kit, which costs £224.99 (ex. VAT; £269.99 inc. VAT).Pros:3-packIntegrated 120V plug2 Ethernet ports per unitCons:Not Wi-Fi 6Shorter range than other mesh systemsSlower Wi-Fi speeds

Google/Nest Wifi

Two-piece 802.11s system

Images: Google/Nest

Wi-Fi – dual-band Wi-Fi 5 | Speed – 2200 Mbps | Ports – 4 Ethernet ports | CPU – N/A | Range – 4,400sq.ft | Price – $229The original Google Wifi mesh system got very good reviews when it was first launched in 2016, and it helped to introduce mesh technology to a mainstream audience. The original Google Wi-Fi product has since been discontinued, but its successor emerged at the end of 2019 as part of the Google-owned Nest range of smart home devices.The two-piece Nest Wi-Fi system shown here consists of a primary Nest Wi-Fi router (110mm diameter, 380g) which plugs into your broadband modem and a secondary Nest Wi-Fi point (102.2mm diameter, 350g). This system, which costs $229, provides dual-band 802.11s Wi-Fi (a mesh-oriented variation of standard 802.11ac) with the main router running at 2200Mbps. The Wi-Fi point runs at a more modest 1200Mbps, but that should still be more than adequate for streaming video, music, or Zoom calls with colleagues.The Wi-Fi point also includes a speaker and microphone that support the voice-controlled Google Assistant. The two-piece system should be able to cover homes of up to 4,400 square feet (353 square meters), Google says, and you can purchase additional Wi-Fi points for $149 if required, each of which can cover an additional 1,600 square feet (149 square meters).Pros:Dual band Wi-FiDecent coverage rangeVoice-enabledCons:Not Wi-Fi 6

Linksys Atlas Max 6E

Tri-band Wi-Fi 6E

Images: Linksys

Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6E | Speed – 5Gbps | Ports – 5Gbps WAN, 4 LAN, USB | CPU – 2.2GHz quad-core | Range – 9,000sq.ft | Price – $999.99This is another “first,” with Linksys claiming to be the first company to ship a mesh system that supports the new Wi-Fi 6E standard, which can use the 6GHz frequency band in addition to existing 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.The tall, white plastic design looks very similar to Linksys’s popular Velop mesh systems, and houses no less than 12 internal antennae, powered by a 2.2GHz quad-core processor. However, Linksys has clearly decided that this new Wi-Fi 6E system deserves a powerful new name befitting its high-performance credentials — hence the Linksys Atlas Max 6E.Prices start at $499.99 for a single Atlas router, which provides tri-band Wi-Fi 6E with a top speed of 8.4Gbps (referred to as AXE8400). To match its high-end wireless speed, the Atlas also includes a 5-Gigabit Ethernet port for your internet connection, along with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for devices that require a wired connection. There’s also a USB 3.0 port for connecting USB storage devices that can be shared on the network.One Atlas router can cover an area of up to 3,000 square feet, but there’s a two-pack mesh system available for $899.99, or a three-pack for $999.99, with professional installation also available for business users. And, of course, the existing Velop range continues to be available for smaller offices or working from home.Pros:Excellent coverage rangeTri-band Wi-FiExcellent wireless speedsCons:Very expensive

Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000)

Two-piece tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system

Images: Netgear

Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 6Gbps | Ports – 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN each | CPU – 2.2GHz quad-core | Range – 5,000sq.ft | Price – $636.99Netgear’s Orbi range of mesh systems includes a variety of different designs and price points — including the Orbi Voice with a built-in smart-speaker that supports Amazon Alexa. The Orbi Wi-Fi 6, as the name suggests, employs the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology (aka 802.11ax).The Orbi Wi-Fi 6 System AX6000 is very much a top-of-the-range mesh system, starting at $636.99 for a two-piece system comprised of a primary router and a secondary satellite. It offers impressive performance, though, with tri-band Wi-Fi capable of a combined top speed of 6Gbps — twice that of even the fastest Orbi systems based on Wi-Fi 5/802.11ac.It’s fast when it comes to wired connections too, with the primary router including a 2.5Gbps WAN port for a high-speed internet connection for office networks, along with four Gigabit Ethernet ports on both router and satellite for wired connections. The two-piece system is designed to cover buildings of up to 5,000 square feet. There’s also a three-piece system that covers up to 7,500 square feet, but it won’t leave you much change from £1,000/$1,400.Pros:Great coverage rangeTri-band Wi-Fi 6Great wireless speedsCons:

Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 (AX6000)

Two-piece tri-band Wi-Fi 6 system

Images: Netgear

Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 6Gbps | Ports – 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN each | CPU – 2.2GHz quad-core | Range – 6,000sq.ft | Price – $549.99Last year, Netgear’s Orbi Pro was one of the few mesh systems specifically designed for business users, and stood out by allowing business users to set up three separate networks for IT staff, employees, and guests who may be visiting offices or retail locations. The original Orbi Pro model, using 802.11ac (now known as Wi-Fi 5), is still available but, as the name suggests, the new AX6000 Tri-Band Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 ups the ante in terms of both Wi-Fi performance and features. Orbi Pro mesh systems consist of a primary router with either one, two, or three additional satellites that help to extend the range of your new mesh network. Prices start at $549.99 for a two-piece mesh system with one router and one satellite. That system supports tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with a maximum speed of 6Gbps, and the ability to cover areas of up to 6,000 square feet. Both router and satellite also include four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one 2.5Gbps — although the router will need to use the latter for your main internet connection. For larger premises, there are systems available with two or three satellites, with the top-end bundle bringing the price to a hefty $1,049.99. This latest model also adds a fourth network (SSID) option, which could be reserved for Zoom calls or managing smart IoT devices.Pros:Great coverage rangeGreat wireless speedsVPN subscription availableCons:ExpensiveNot best option for home use

Netgear Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 Mini (AX1800)

Two-piece dual-band Wi-Fi 6 system

Images: Netgear

Wi-Fi – dual-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 6Gbps | Ports – 1 Gigabit Ethernet WAN, 3 Gigabit Ethernet LAN on Router, 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN on satellite | CPU – N/A | Range – 4,000sq.ft | Price – $169.99The tri-band Orbi Pro provides impressive Wi-Fi 6 performance, and is well-suited for organizations that need to manage multiple networks with different groups of users. It’s pretty expensive, though, so Netgear recently introduced the more affordable dual-band Orbi Pro Wi-Fi 6 Mini for small businesses and remote workers. Like other Orbi systems, the Mini consists of a primary router, with either one or two additional satellites that are used to extend the range of the mesh network. Prices start at $299.99 for a system consisting of a router and one satellite. Both devices provide dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) running at 1.8Gbps, which isn’t going to win any awards, but is still perfectly adequate for Zoom calls and some after-hours Netflix video or gaming action. Each device has four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, although the primary router will need to use one of those ports for your internet connection. Customers in the UK can also opt for a three-pack system that consists of a router and two satellites for £324.67 (ex. VAT, or £389.60 inc. VAT). The three-pack is currently priced at $239.99. The Orbi Pro Mini is still relatively expensive for a dual-band system, but like other Orbi Pro models, the Mini stands out with additional features that cater specifically to business users. The key feature here is the ability to create four separate networks, each with its own password, which allows you to provide different levels of network access for admin and IT staff, guests who may be visiting your office or other public venues. And, when working from home, you can reserve one network to ensure that your Zoom calls aren’t affected by family members bingeing on Netflix or the kids’ gaming console.Pros:Great coverage and wireless speedsPlenty of Ethernet portsSupports up to 40 simultaneous devicesCons:VPN costs extraNo USB ports

TP-Link Deco X60

Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 systems

Images: TP-Link

Wi-Fi – dual-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 1Gbps | Ports – 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN each | CPU – N/A | Range – 5,000sq.ft | Price – $219.99TP-Link’s Deco range can be a little confusing at times, with many different models that all share the same distinctive cylindrical design (there’s even a model with a built-in microphone for Alexa voice controls), so it’s important to pay close attention to the model numbers when buying. The Deco M4 that we reviewed last year is still available and provides a very affordable mesh system for home users and small businesses that only need modest 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) performance. But, of course, the latest Deco models offer Wi-Fi 6 (a.k.a. 802.11ax), with the new Deco X60 offering a good mid-range option at a competitive price. Customers in the US get the best deal, as a two-piece X60 system covering up to 5,000 square feet currently costs just $219.99, compared to £270.99 (inc. VAT) in the UK. However, UK customers get an additional option that doesn’t currently seem to be available in the US (on Amazon, at least), with a three-piece system covering 7,000 square feet for £374.45 (inc. VAT). Both options provide dual-band Wi-Fi 6 running at 3Gbps, which should be able to cope with Zoom calls and other bandwidth-hungry tasks with no trouble at all. The only sign of cost-cutting is the modest pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports provided by each unit. And, since one router will need to use one of those ports for your internet connection, the Deco X60 might not be the best option for users who need additional wired connections for laptops and other devices.Pros:Good coverage and wireless speedsParental controls and anti-virus includedData encryptionCons:Expensive for a dual-band systemOnly twin packs for American customers

Asus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4)

Great for homes with thicker walls

ASUS

Wi-Fi – dual-band Wi-Fi 6, with PowerLine AV | Speed – 1800Mbps | Ports – 1x Gigabit Ethernet WAN, 2x Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 1x USB 3.2 | CPU – 1.2GHz, quad-core | Range – 5,500sq.ft | Price – $329.99Even the fastest mesh wi-fi systems can – quite literally – run into a brick wall, or other obstacles that block your wi-fi signal. However, Asus’ ZenWiFi AX Hybrid provides a useful solution to that problem by combining wide-ranging mesh wi-fi with wired PowerLine connectivity. The wi-fi side of things is fairly straightforward, with the AX Hybrid providing dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a top speed of 1800Mbps. It’s currently only available as a kit with two routers, costing $329.99/£270, but that should cover areas of up to 5,500sq.ft, which should be more than adequate for most medium-size homes or offices. That’s a relatively modest speed, but the AX Hybrid also uses PowerLine connectivity to provide a wired ‘backhaul’ that connects its two routers by using the mains electrical wiring in your home or office. This allows the two routers to communicate even when the wi-fi signal is blocked by thick walls, or ceilings between floors, ensuring that you maintain a fast, reliable network at all times. Other features include two Gigabit Ethernet ports to provide wired connections for an office network (or a games console…) and a USB port that allows network users to share connected USB storage devices. And, for Mac users, the AX Hybrid also supports Apple’s Time Machine for automatic backups onto connected storage devices. Pros:Mesh Wi-Fi with PowerLine connectivitySupports Wi-Fi 62x Ethernet ports for wired connectionsUSB ports for network storageCons:Modest wireless speedsNo tri-band option

TP-Link Deco X68

An affordable upgrade to existing mesh networks

TP-Link

Wi-Fi – tri-band Wi-Fi 6 | Speed – 3600Mbps | Ports – 1x Gigabit Ethernet WAN, 1x Gigabit Ethernet LAN | CPU – 1.5GHz, quad-core | Range – 5,500sq.ft | Price – $279.99TP-Link has an extensive range of mesh systems in its popular Deco range, including a number of highly affordable models that still support the older – but perfectly reliable – Wi-Fi 5 standard (aka 802.11ac).But, if you prefer to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, then its Deco X68 is a good, affordable option for larger homes or businesses. The X68 costs $279.99 for a kit that provides two mesh routers – although, oddly, the UK price is much higher at £385.60. It provides tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with a good, mid-range speed of 3.6GBps, which should be more than adequate for most homes and offices, and is designed to cover areas of up to 5,500sq.ft, and handle simultaneous connections to as many as 150 devices. The TP-Link web site also indicates that a pack with three routers is also available for larger premises, although pricing for that option hasn’t been announced at the time of writing. The TP-Link app is also well-designed and easy to use, making it easy to quickly set up the new mesh network, and providing useful features such as a guest network for visitors, and the ability to prioritise individual devices that need maximum performance. Pros:Tri-band Wi-Fi 63.6Gbps top speedEasy-to-use appCons:Only one Ethernet LAN portNo USB ports

How did we choose these mesh Wi-Fi systems?

We’ve focused on two key areas, starting with affordable systems that simply provide greater range and reliability than a single, conventional Wi-Fi router. However, we’ve also included a number of high-end mesh systems — primarily using the new Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax) — that provide greater performance than older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) routers. As well as being suitable for homes and offices, these high-end systems also offer greater range and reliability for buildings such as warehouses and public venues such as restaurants and hotels.

Which is the right mesh system for you?

As mentioned, the size of your home or office building is the key factor in choosing a mesh system. The good news here is that even less-expensive mesh systems that still use older Wi-Fi 5 networking are fast enough to cope with Zoom calls, music, video, and gaming. However, more expensive Wi-Fi 6 systems can offer increased speed, and are also more efficient at streaming data to multiple connected devices all at the same time. So, as well as providing greater speed, Wi-Fi 6 systems are the best option for homes or offices that have lots of computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices that are in use all day long.

ProductPriceRange (in square feet)SpeedAsus AiMexh AX6100$229.9955001GbpsDevolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next$299.9916002,000MbpsGoogle Nest Wi-Fi$22944002,200MbpsLinksys Atlas Max 6E$999.9990005GbpsNetgear Orbi AX6000$636.9950006GbpsNetgear Orbi Pro AX6000$549.9960006GbpsNetgear Orbi Pro Mini AX1800$169.9940006GbpsTP-Link Deco X60$219.9950001GbpsAsus ZenWiFi AX Hybrid (XP4)$329.9955001800MbpsTP-Link Deco X68$279.9955003600Mbps

How many mesh devices do I need?

A two-piece mesh should be able to cover homes or offices up to 4,000 – 5,000 square feet (check the manufacturer’s specifications to see what they recommend). Buildings or outdoor venues larger than 5,000 square feet may need another satellite device.

Why should you buy a mesh system?

A single, standalone router is generally adequate for smaller offices, or single-story homes with one or two bedrooms. But if you have rooms on other floors, or thick walls that can block your Wi-Fi signal, then you may experience “dead zones” that have weak Wi-Fi. A mesh system uses several devices — usually a main router and one or more satellite nodes — in different locations to extend the Wi-Fi signal beyond the range of a single router.

What about range extenders?

If you just have one or two rooms where the Wi-Fi is weak, then a low-cost “range extender” may be able to boost the Wi-Fi signal just in those rooms, with prices starting as low as £50 ($69). However, multi-device mesh Wi-Fi systems are designed to provide a more extensive Wi-Fi network that covers your entire home or office.

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Image: TPG Telecom
The company responsible for the National Broadband Network said on Tuesday it would spend AU$750 million to get its fixed wireless network 5G-enabled at over 2,200 sites and 22,000 cells. As part of the upgrade, all users will be able to get up to 100Mbps speeds with 85% of the network capable of 250Mbps, have busy hours at minimum speeds of 50Mbps, 120,000 homes will shift from satellite to fixed wireless coverage, and those left on satellite will see off-peak quota-free window expanded from midnight to 4pm each day by mid-year. The program is expected to take two and a half years, at which point satellite users will see data quotas boosted to 90GB. “By using the latest 4G and 5G wireless technology, this upgrade will extend the coverage range from a tower, and allow higher speed services to everyone served by the tower,” Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said. “The upgrade will expand the fixed wireless footprint coverage by up to 50%.” The government funding is set to be part of the upcoming federal budget. Speeds on fixed wireless connections have been heading backwards compared to a year ago, according a recent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report, with only 49% of plan speeds able to be attained, and upload speeds continuing to be awful. According to the ACCC’s report from December, users on 25/5Mbps plans could only average 4Mbps uploads during busy periods. “Consumers on the NBN Fixed Wireless Plus plan are experiencing relatively low upload speeds,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said at the time. “A typical video conference will require 2Mbps of available upload, which means some consumers might have trouble achieving high quality while video conferencing, particularly if there are multiple conferences occurring.” Related Coverage More

Are you lost? Do you now know where you are? Don’t know how to get to where you’re going? Well, if you’re using Google Maps or a navigation service that depends upon it, you’re in good company. Earlier today, just before noon Eastern time, according to Down Detector, Google Maps started messing up. 

Users began reporting that while you could still get text directions, reviews, and recommendations, you couldn’t get the directions on the maps themselves. The problem, by the reports on Google Maps Platform Status Dashboard, is with the directions and several other Maps-related application programming interfaces (APIs). As of 3 PM Eastern, all these services were in a Service Outage state. Shortly, thereafter, Google announced, “Multiple Geo Enterprise services [were] experiencing high rates of error.” It is being worked on though: “Mitigation work is currently underway by our engineering team.” As of 3 pm Eastern, Google reports that “Maps API Services are starting to return to normal.”Hang in there. You should soon be able to find your way around with a friendly helping app soon.

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After Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukraine asked the internet governing groups to cut Russia off from the internet. These bodies, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), refused. Two of the main backbone internet providers, Lumen Technologies and Cogent, indicated they would sever Russia’s internet ties. Their actions speak louder than their words though. Internet analysis company ThousandEyes has shown that Russia’s backbone Internet connectivity remains pretty much the same as ever. In other words, Russia has not been disconnected from the net. 

Ukraine Crisis

Ironically, the most significant interference with Russians reaching the world via the internet doesn’t come from outside Russia but from within Russia itself. Russia has blocked Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Russia is also trying to set up its own alternative to the Domain Name System (DNS). This is the internet’s universal address system. Russia is also attempting to create its own TLS certificate authority (CA). These certificates are essential for ensuring there are secure connections between web browsers and sites. Russian companies and agencies, however, can’t renew CAs now from Western countries. The rub, however, is that CA certificates must be trusted to work. And the only web browsers that regard these new CA certificates as trustworthy are Russia’s Yandex browser and Atom products. Good luck getting these to work with Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.But, as for Russia’s actual major internet connections, they’re still working just fine. According to ThousandEyes, “Russia’s connection to the rest of the world via these vital networks remains intact, with major Russian ISPs, such as JSC Rostelecom, continuing to peer with global transit providers outside of Russia, just as they did long before recent events. As a result, the Russian people continue to have access to the global Internet — at least at an infrastructure level.”That’s not to say that Russian internet sites haven’t been hit by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. They have been. But, Russian sites have largely remained up in the same way that they stay up in the West when they’re attacked: By using content delivery networks (CDN)s such as those from Cloudflare and Akamai. These CDN companies continue to operate in Russia because, as Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince wrote, “Russia needs more internet access, not less… we’ve seen a dramatic increase in requests from Russian networks to worldwide media, reflecting a desire by ordinary Russian citizens to see world news beyond that provided within Russia.”Russian sites are also protecting themselves from attacks by ISP traffic blackholing. As the name suggests, this works by routing potentially malicious network traffic into a “black hole.” If you’re outside Russia trying to reach a Russian site, you’re more likely to have trouble connecting. Within Russia, working with Russian websites continues pretty much as normal. But, for the million-ruble problem of Russians connecting to the outside world, despite what’s been said, the backbone connectivity is still up and working. That’s because Cogent and Lucent, along with many other global transit providers, such as TeliaNet and Telstra, continue to peer with major Russian Internet Service Providers (ISP)s via transit points outside Russia proper.  That said, at ThousandEyes points out, “just because network connectivity persists between Russia and the rest of the world, as it does with China, that doesn’t mean that the Internet experienced by Russian users mirrors that of the rest of the world — or that users outside of Russia have unfiltered access to websites served from inside of Russia.” The Russian government ultimately controls much of Russian citizens see, and don’t see, on the net. In effect, it is creating a virtual internet prison. 

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More and more, remote work and home offices are becoming common fixtures in our careers, with either permanent work-from-home options available or hybrid flextime models. What was once a rapid response to a global pandemic may lead to permanent, long-term changes in how we work and what we will expect our employers to offer in the future.  According to a Salesforce survey on the future of work, 64% of employees still want to spend some time in a traditional workplace environment, and 74% of Generation Z — soon to become the majority of the labor pool — is interested in hybrid work practices, splitting time between home and the office. However, such a change in the foundation of our workday will create a tradeoff: some of the resource requirements will move from employer to employee.  If you want to take advantage of the quality of service that any potential future hybrid work offers, companies may require you to show you have the equipment at home to work. While a comfortable desk, chair, Alexa smart speaker or other smart home devices, a camera and microphone for remote meetings, and simply the space to concentrate and knuckle down are necessary, hybrid and fully remote roles demand one critical component: connectivity.  While you might already have internet connectivity and a wireless router good enough to support mobile devices, smart home products, and content streaming services such as Netflix, you may need to add work-related systems, Wi-Fi extenders, and software to the mix to make a high-end network with minimal dead spots. If this sounds like what you are looking for, then think about getting a new router or modem to keep up with the square footage of your home. The more connections there are the greater the risk of bottlenecks and connectivity drops. Basic routers supplied by your ISP and older models may not be enough now we spend more time at home and connect to even more devices and services, and so without a quality Wi-Fi router, work productivity and performance can be impacted. Some of you at home may only need a Wi-Fi router able to generate a strong signal in one or two areas of your home to prevent dead zones, or you may want additional ports, security controls, and child locks. Others may opt for mesh Wi-Fi, which while often a more expensive option, can improve coverage over larger areas and extend connectivity to home offices located away from your main house.  ZDNet has listed our top picks for Wi-Fi routers suitable for different budgets and needs. Here are a few of the best Wi-Fi routers and best wireless routers on the market today.

Google Nest Wifi

Best for Google ecosystem users

One of the most suitable devices on the market for Google ecosystem users is Google Nest Wifi. This router option aims to keep things easy to set up with “Network Assist,” a system that works in the background to automatically select the best channels for your connected devices. The Wi-Fi router offers coverage of up to 2,200 sq ft. However, as a mesh Wi-Fi device, the more access points you add to the router system, the better the blanket coverage on your home network. You can select a single pack that comes with one router and one additional Wi-Fi access point, or Google also offers a two-pack option, with an estimated coverage area of up to 4,400 sq ft. Google Nest Wifi is capable of managing roughly 200 connections per access point and also two Gigabit Ethernet ports are included with each router. Each point has an integrated smart speaker with Google Assistant. Pros:Blanket coverage for small and medium-sized homesScalable with additional routersBluetooth & voice compatibilityCons:The cost can add up in larger propertiesSome users report setup problems

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

Best for gamers

Best Buy

If Google’s Nest WiFi router does not provide enough streaming power for you — whether for gaming or online work systems that require quick and stable connectivity — the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is a tri-band router for heavy use and gamers who require high levels of bandwidth.  The Asus ROG Rapture AX11000 is a 10-gigabit, Wi-Fi 6 router. It comes with a 1.8Ghz quad-core processor, 2.5G gaming port, port forwarding, 256MB NAND flash, 1GB RAM, and a range of up to 2,500 sq ft. It is possible to select an option to prioritize gaming traffic, which may be a useful feature for those employed in the gaming or review sector. Asus has also implemented dynamic frequency selection (DFS) to automatically select the least-congested 5GHz bands for streaming. A VPN and support for ASUS AiMesh are included for expanded home coverage.Pros:Automatic boosts for 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz connectionsUp to 11000 Mbps data transfer rates802.11ax WiFi standardCons:ExpensiveThe design won’t appeal to everyone

Synology RT2600ac

Best for remote workers who want a VPN option

If your employer requires a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while you work remotely, the Synology RT2600 Wi-Fi router may be a suitable option. A VPN makes internet connections more secure by encrypting communication between browser sessions and servers — and can also be used to mask your original IP address — and so if workers are asked to connect to corporate resources, a VPN can keep access secure.To take the guesswork out, the Synology RT2600 is a dual-band, MU-MIMO router already equipped with a VPN option, VPN Plus, to act as a VPN server or client, and support is also available for Synology SSL VPN, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec. To facilitate the use of VPN servers and clients, the router is powered by a 1.7Ghz dual-core processor, as well as 4×4 802.11ac wave 2 radios.The router is capable of speeds of up to 2.53Gbps. In addition, this product has a useful feature for streaming: The option to connect SD cards or USB 3.0 attached storage to stream content to TVs and other devices.Pros:VPN option — VPN Plus — acts as a VPN server or clientUpgradable with mesh optionsUp to 3,000 sq ft coverageCons:Mesh upgrades for larger homes are expensive

Netgear Orbi

Best for those with larger homes and big families

Mesh home Wi-Fi networks are increasing in popularity as we adopt smart, connected devices and streaming services in our homes. Mesh topologies can increase the stability and interconnections between IoT devices by working with ‘nodes’ placed around the home, reducing blind spots and buffering issues. While mesh Wi-Fi devices do not always offer the same advanced settings or features as some traditional routers, mesh devices can suit those who have a home office in an area with a weak Wi-Fi signal, for example, or who are competing for streaming capacity. The Orbi’s strength is its coverage — up to 5,000 sq ft, with support for up to 25 devices. The tri-band, MU-MIMO router offers decent Wi-Fi speeds on the 2.4GHz (400Mbps) + 5GHz (866Mbps) bands — and is powered by a quad-core ARM processor and comes with 512MB RAM on Wi-Fi 6. The included Ethernet port provides 1GB connectivity. The Netgear Orbi can be picked up with standard specifications or you can upgrade to the premium “Ultra Performance” range, which extends coverage and the number of devices connected via satellite bolt-ons; each of which expands coverage by up to 2,500 sq ft. See the review: Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi 6 AX4200 hands-onNetgear Orbi should be considered when more than one person is fighting for broadband resources, such as when multiple occupants are all working from home and children need stable connections for learning.Parental controls and the option to adopt Netgear Armor are included.Pros:An excellent option for home setupsScalableModern, clean designCons:Add-on satellites are costly Netgear Armor is a subscription service

TP-Link Archer AX6000

Best for those who want to future-proof their home

The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a high-performance router that shines as a Wi-Fi 6  model. Picking up a Wi-Fi 6 device now is an investment for future-proofing your home connectivity, as this standard provides the capacity for devices to send more data during transmissions, increasing speed.For those working from home for the foreseeable future, the TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a worthwhile option. The dual-band device supports 2.4GHz/5.0GHz frequency and is equipped with 128MB flash memory, 1GB RAM, and a 1.8GHz CPU. In speed tests conducted by CNET, it was top of the class, coming in at an average wireless network download speed of 1,523 Mbps at 5ft, with a strong performance recorded even at distances of up to 75ft.WPA2 encryption, Ethernet connectivity, and parental controls are also included. Pros:8 Ethernet ports, 1 WAN portWorks with Amazon AlexaSimple user interfaceCons:Bulky design

How did we choose these Wi-Fi routers?

ZDNet examined popular and new options on the market and selected our products with budgets and intended use in mind. With hybrid and remote working practices now becoming a permanent feature of day-to-day activities for many of us, dedicated and solid routers are now a necessity for both business use and home life.We also chose to include both traditional and mesh products, despite the recent changes in work environments, we can’t forget that family and friends also need stable connections for entertainment, education, and gaming.

What is the difference between a traditional router and mesh Wi-Fi?

Traditional Wi-Fi routers provide a single access point for your broadband/fiber connections. However, if there are too many connections made at the same time, this can cause bottlenecks and may impact the reliability of a connection. It is often the case that standard routers offer improved power and speed when the number of connections is manageable in comparison to mesh, but mesh offers extended, blanket coverage and more access points. As a result, wired and traditional routers are often better for gaming and streaming, whereas mesh is a solid option when you have multiple people and connections in a home. 

Is it worth upgrading from Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)?

In short, yes, if you can and you are willing to front the expense for a better connection. With our world now dominated by smartphones, IoT devices, and streaming services, an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 gives you access to more streams and potentially faster services. 

Which is the right Wi-Fi router for you?

When you decide to either upgrade your existing router setup or replace the bog-standard device your ISP gave you — which are often poor and don’t allow consumers to enjoy the full potential of the speed they are paying for — you first need to decide what your connection priorities are. If you’re at home with multiple occupants and many devices, a mesh network is probably the best way to go, especially if you are on a large property. However, if it is more important to you to have speed and reliability over coverage potential, then a traditional router might be the best option. 

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Recently, Ukraine asked the official internet governing bodies for Russia to be booted off the net. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and related organizations rejected Ukraine’s request.  But, that didn’t stop major internet backbone providers, Lumen and Cogent, from cutting Russia from the world internet. It now appears, however, that Russia may sever its ties from the internet all on its own. 

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NEXTA, a free Belarusian news service based in Warsaw, Poland, released a purported Russian internet policy document. This stated that by Friday, March 11, all Russian websites must be switched to the Russian Domain Name System (DNS) service. DNS is the internet’s master address list. It translates from human-readable internet addresses, such as zdnet.com, to an Internet Protocol (IP) address. By forcing all Russian connections to use the Russian DNS zones, people in Russia could only reach sites recognized in the Russian DNS. This isn’t new. Russia has been trying for years to gain the power to unplug from the internet. This would make it trivial to block social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, and news sites including the New York Times, the BBC, and NEXTA. This would be all in a piece with Russia shutting down effectively all independent Russian media.  This would also make it easier for the Russian government to surveil its citizens.For years, Russia’s laws have required that all local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must route traffic through special servers managed by the Roskomnadzor, the country’s telecoms regulator. These servers can act as kill switches and disconnect Russia from external connections while rerouting internet traffic inside Russia’s own internet space. This Russian-only internet is called RuNet.Russia claims that RuNet has been tested and works. It’s not clear, however, that Russia was successful. Russian ISPs have many connections to the outside world beyond the government-controlled switches. However, if Russia’s government is successful in forcing everyone to use its DNS, it’s another story. Andrew Sullivan, CEO and President of the Internet Society, worries Russia may go even further.  Sullivan believes Russia’s government is “asking all sites to move to Russian-hosted servers and services.” This will ensure that Russian “government websites can continue to operate should more companies decide to stop providing services.”Sullivan also notes that “Russia’s government has been trying for years to disconnect from the global Internet, but they have been unsuccessful because their Internet infrastructure is actually quite robust.” If Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is successful, people in Russia will only get their information from state-sponsored propaganda. Sullivan believes “restricting Russia’s Internet will have disproportionate impacts on ordinary citizens, cutting off the average person from the outside world while sparing elites … who will always find the means to remain connected.”Related Stories:

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The internet’s governing bodies dismissed Ukraine’s requests to cut Russia off from the internet. But now, two of the main backbone internet providers, Lumen Technologies and Cogent, have severed Russia’s ties to the internet. 

Ukraine Crisis

Lumen, formerly CenturyLink, operates one of the world’s largest Internet backbones. Effective immediately, Lumen declared it couldn’t continue to operate in Russia and stopped all routing traffic for Russian organizations. Lumen’s decision comes mere days after Cogent bid the Russian market adieu.Oddly, Lumen tried to say this really didn’t make that much of a difference because the “business services we provide are extremely small and very limited, as is our physical presence.” And besides, “We do not have any consumer customers in Russia, but for the extremely small number of enterprise customers we have, this means we will no longer provide local Lumen services.”It’s actually a much bigger deal than Lumen lets on. According to Doug Madory, Director of Internet Analysis for network observability company Kentik, Lumen was the top international transit provider to Russia state telecom Rostelecom and all three of Russia’s major mobile operators: MTS, Megafon, and VEON.There will also be downstream problems from these actions. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will lose some connectivity. In addition, the internet in Iran, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Russian-occupied Crimea and Abkhazia will also be affected. In the meantime, Russia has been cutting its own ties to major internet services. Russia has blocked Facebook and Twitter. To access these and other Western services now, people living in Russia must use illegal Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or TOR routes.Of course, as the internet backbones are cut, connecting to outside resources will grow ever more slowly. As Madory explained, “Disconnecting their customers in Russia will not disconnect Russia… This reduction in bandwidth may lead to congestion as the remaining international carriers try to pick up the slack.”While many people welcome Russia losing the internet, this is also a mixed blessing. As Internet Society President Andrew Sullivan wrote in his essay, Why the World Must Resist Calls to Undermine the Internet, “without the Internet, ordinary citizens of many countries wouldn’t know what was being carried out in their name.” Sullivan continued. “Cutting a whole population off the Internet will stop disinformation coming from that population– but it also stops the flow of truth.”See also

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