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 oldest internet connection technology. It offers download speeds of up to 24 Mbps. Although it was widely used in the past, it is now considered outdated.

VDSL2

It offers much higher speeds compared to ADSL2+. It usually starts from 50Mbps and can reach 100Mbps or even 200Mbps, easily supporting triple play services (TV, telephone, internet) and seamless streaming.

Don’t have a fixed connection? 

Then choose a router with 4G or  5G, that is, 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 the maximum internet speed of your connection, either via ethernet or wirelessly. 

3. Wi-Fi Generation

The newer the Wi-Fi standard, the better the overall connection. To achieve the stated speed, your device (mobile, laptop, etc.) must also support it.

• Wi‑Fi 4 & 5: The older standards. Wi-Fi 5 is quite widespread and covers basic needs, but it lags in speed compared to newer ones.

• Wi‑Fi 6 & 6E: The modern generation of Wi-Fi. They offer much faster speeds, the ability to connect many devices simultaneously, and reduced interference from neighboring networks (especially 6E).

• Wi-Fi 7: The brand new and most powerful generation! Designed for fiber optic speeds, Wi-Fi 7 takes speed to the next level, eliminates "lags," and perfectly manages dozens of smart devices at home simultaneously.

4. Smart Technologies

• MU-MIMO: Don’t let the name confuse you! It simply means that your router can "talk" to many devices at the same time, without any of them waiting in line. Perfect if you have a lot of people at home!

• Beamforming: Instead of scattering the signal blindly, the router detects exactly where your mobile is and sends the signal directly to it, improving range and stability!
• QoS (Quality of Service): Allows you to set priorities. For example, you can tell the router "gaming on the PC has priority," so you don’t experience lag when someone else at home is watching a movie on Netflix.

5. Range & Coverage

There are several factors that affect the device’s range, from where you place the router and its distance from your devices to physical obstacles like walls.

However, there are also factors related to the router’s capabilities! 

Let’s take a look at 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 on two frequencies. They offer higher speeds compared to single band and allow more devices to connect.

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 band and allow more devices to connect.

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 the use you intend for it? We tell you the features you need to pay attention to!

1. Gaming

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

You should choose a powerful router, ideally for fiber optic line (FTTH) or at least VDSL2, with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 standard.

Make sure it has a QoS function so you can give absolute priority to your game over other devices.

And of course, it definitely needs to have Gigabit ethernet ports, for those tough moments when you want to connect your computer with a cable and make sure nothing goes wrong!

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!