Best Wired Router for Home or Small Business
Introduction
Wireless routers have become more economical and popular in many network installations, but they aren’t necessarily required or suitable in all situations. A wired router connects numerous computers on a local area network (LAN) and connects them to a wide area network (WAN) like the Internet. Most modern wired routers enable 10/100 Mbps connections for the best data transfer speeds, and Ethernet cables are commonly used for these connections. We have compiled a list of the best-wired routers in this article.
These devices often have varied numbers of ports for building up a network, so before you buy one, think about how many systems you want to connect to your LAN. Firewalls and basic network controls are examples of optional features that differ from one router to the next.
When we talk about “wired routers,” we’re talking about networking devices that only have wired Ethernet connections for connecting LAN devices to them (such as local computers, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, etc).
The Wired Router is then linked to the Internet (via its WAN port), allowing it to route traffic from LAN devices to the Internet.
Despite the fact that these devices appear to be quite old… In terms of connectivity, speed, and firewall protection, they are unrivaled.
Especially if you want to be more “Hands-On” with your management. Wired routers are typically more flexible and powerful than conventional SOHO wireless devices, but you may need some networking knowledge to fully leverage their features.
Wired routers can handle high-speed internet connections and can often support Gigabit Internet plans without lag or packet loss.
Another key element of wired router systems is their extensive software capabilities. Deep packet inspection for application security, QoS features, firewall controls, VPN, and much more are all available.
Best Wired Routers of 2023
TP-Link ER605 Multi-WAN Wired VPN Router
TRENDnet TW100-S4W1CA 4-Port Broadband Router
Ubiquiti Networks Wired Router
Cisco RV160 Wired Router
The TP-Link ER605 is a wired VPN router that supports up to five Gigabit WAN ports, including one dedicated WAN port, three WAN/LAN ports, and one dedicated LAN port. It’s also a highly secure router, thanks to its support for numerous VPN connections.
Users will be able to monitor network capacity while also optimizing usage for each connection thanks to features like flexible traffic control. The ER605 also features a compact design for quick installation and a sturdy metal case for use in a variety of situations. However, some users have complained about issues with the firmware.
The router also includes a powerful firewall that protects the network and data from virtual threats, as well as a built-in speed test tool that allows users to determine how fast their network is. Due to the adoption of the Omada Software Defined Networking Platform, owners will also appreciate the convenience of operating the router from anywhere via remote management.
The TRENDnet TW100-S4W1CA is a tiny wired router with four Ethernet ports for increased connection and a data transmission rate of up to 100Mbps. The router is designed for people with high-speed Cable/xDSL Internet connectivity and incorporates a Network Address Translation (NAT) feature to avoid PC hacking.
It’s very simple to set up because to its simple web browser settings, and since it also allows for remote management, it’s much easier to use. Unfortunately, the fact that it does not restrict external IP addresses may irritate certain users.
This 4-port broadband router also enables multiple VPN pass-throughs and can connect up to 253 users to the Internet using a single Internet service provider account. Users will also like its support for virtual servers and static routes, as well as the ability to grant or restrict access based on MAC address.
When it comes to manufacturing devices and providing IT and networking services, Ubiquiti Networks is another well-known name.
That so, we’ve ranked this wired router in second place since it’s well-built and designed, and it’s also one of the most expensive routers on the market. The ER-8 Edgerouter is unique in that it has a rackmount design that allows it to be simply mounted to any rack.
It includes all of the essential screws and nuts for mounting in the package. This wired router has a strong Dual-core 800MHz CPU and 2GB DDR3 RAM, to name a few characteristics.
This much processing power is undoubtedly required for a gadget that can handle up to eight devices at once. This wired router has a total of 8 Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet RJ45 ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB port.
Furthermore, thanks to hardware-accelerated routing, which allows the router to transfer 2 million packets per second, the router’s speeds are quite good.
Cisco, as you may know, is a global leader in the IT and networking business, and has been providing high-quality networking devices for quite some time.
As a result, we chose this quality wired router choice from the brand, which you will undoubtedly like using. Thanks to IPsec VPN functionality and hardware firewall protection for secure surfing and site-to-site communication, the Cisco RV160 VPN router is a safe solution for business owners.
This wired router is ideal for businesses, home offices, restaurants, and other such establishments since it features four Gigabit Ethernet ports capable of delivering speeds of up to 1000Mbps. Even though this router is so pricey, there is only one 1 Gigabit WAN port accessible.
One remarkable feature of this router is that it supports the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, allowing you to control it remotely. Its performance is commendable, with 600Mbps NAT throughput and up to 50Mbps VPN throughput, both of which are respectable. You’ll be pleased to learn that all Cisco products are covered by a limited lifetime guarantee.
Buying Guide for the Best Wired Router
Despite the fact that some of the greatest Wired Router alternatives on the market have already been highlighted in the list. If you are shopping for such a gadget for the first time or are unfamiliar with its functions, it may be difficult to choose the correct one for you. There’s no need to be concerned because we’ll make this work much easier for you by offering all of the important information in this shopping guide. As a result, make sure to read our buying guide all the way to the conclusion so that you can choose the best-wired router from the list above.
Speed
First and foremost, before choosing a router, make sure you know what type of internet connection you have and how much speed your internet subscription offers. If you intend to use a wired router in your workplace or business, you will undoubtedly require adequate internet speeds. As a result, signing up for a 1Gbps plan should be an excellent idea. However, if you are a casual user, a 100Mbps connection will suffice.
You can choose a router that supports the speeds of your internet connection based on the speed of your internet connection. Even if you only have a 100Mbps plan, you can still acquire a 1Gbps router because you can upgrade your plan later and keep your current router.
WAN Ports
A WAN port is included on all wired routers, allowing you to connect to your ISP’s internet connection. In most circumstances, the router’s single WAN port suffices. If you’ve signed up for a second Internet service provider as a backup, your wired router may require multiple WAN ports. We’ve already mentioned that some of the best Wired Routers on the list include up to four WAN ports, allowing you to connect to numerous ISPs simultaneously.
Apart from that, you should be aware that Gigabit WAN ports can support speeds of up to 1000Mbps. The conventional ones, on the other hand, only offer rates of up to 100Mbps.
Security
When compared to wireless networks, the security of wired connections is considerably different. Most wired routers include advanced hardware firewalls and support for numerous VPN protocols, making the connection more secure and protected from attackers and online dangers. As a result, constantly examine the security features and make sure the router can provide you with a secure browsing experience.
LAN Ports
The LAN ports have the same appearance as the WAN ports and use the same RJ45 connector. You may choose a suitable wired router based on the number of devices you want to utilize at the same time. There are other possibilities on the list that include up to four LAN ports, and some even have eight.
That is, a four-LAN-port wired router can connect up to four devices at once, whereas an eight-port router can connect up to eight devices at once. Aside from that, if the LAN ports are listed as Gigabit Ethernet ports, that means they can handle rates of up to 1Gbps. Basic 10/100 LAN connectors, on the other hand, can only deliver speeds of up to 100Mbps.
VPN
Next, check to see if your router includes a secure VPN connectivity capability in case you need to access your network from afar. Routers that support VPN protocols like IPsec, L2TP, or PPTP are well-secured and provide adequate network access.
Setup
If you’re new to networking and aren’t sure how to properly set up a router. Then, stay away from alternatives that require a lengthy configuration process. Instead, we’ve included a few of the top Wired Routers that are simple to set up and configure. Not only can purchasing an easy-to-install router save you time, but it will also save you money. However, you will save money because you will not need to pay a networking specialist for the job.
Warranty
Finally, if you’re concerned about the device’s warranty, you can look into it. TP-link and Cisco, for example, provide a lifetime warranty on their products as well as free 24/7 technical support. However, since all of the products on the list are well-built and perform flawlessly, you may not need to use a warranty for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wired Routers?
If you just use an ethernet connector instead of WiFi, any router, including those that enable wireless internet access like the best router for Cox internet service, can be considered a wired router. Wired routers, on the other hand, are network equipment that does not support wireless connectivity. Only ethernet, WAN, and LAN connections are available on these routers.
The advantage is that you’ll get speeds that are near to what your internet subscription promises. It’s important to note that getting the speeds offered by your internet service provider in real-world situations (especially for residential users) is almost impossible (ISP). However, because your device is directly connected to the internet point of access using a wired router, your speeds will often be quicker than those on a wireless network.
The total number of devices that can be connected to a wired router is determined by the number of ports accessible. Even better, if you’re concerned about security, wired routers are frequently the better option. When opposed to a wireless network, it’s more difficult for hackers to obtain access because there’s a direct physical link between the router and the device.
How Wired Routers Work?
Wired routers work in the same way that wireless routers do. It connects devices on your local network to your ISP’s router as a go-between. The external connection is usually supported by a single primary ethernet cable. In comparison to wireless routers, setting up a wired router is usually rather simple.
Simply connect your router to an external ethernet cable, then connect your device to the router via another ethernet cable. You’re now connected to the network and have access to the internet after establishing a physical link.
Wired routers, like wireless routers, usually have security options you may configure, such as access control lists and firewall support. If you require further security, models with IPS, malware protection, VPN protocols, and other features are available.
Why You Should Buy a Wired Router?
Even though wireless routers are the most common choice for most home users, there is a case to be made for wired routers. Heavy data users, as well as anyone concerned about internet security, should consider switching to a wired router.
How Long Will a Wired Router Last?
A wired router, like its wireless counterpart, has a three to five-year lifespan. While individual mileage may vary, this timeframe is often determined by technological advancements. Although WiFi updates are usually the most important consideration for wireless routers, speed and security protocols are the most important considerations for wired routers.
You’ll need a router that can keep up when internet speeds improve, especially if you increase your internet plan to a faster choice. Hackers, on the other hand, are always learning new ways to get around security mechanisms. Even while most wired routers include support for keeping protocols up to date, you’ll eventually want to upgrade to a newer model with more functions to maintain your network safe.
Which router is best, wired or wireless?
A wired router is preferred if you’re a power user (residential or commercial) who sends or receives big amounts of data on a regular basis because you’ll get a dedicated link with better speeds and fewer lag or connectivity concerns. The usual wireless router, on the other hand, will be more than adequate for the normal consumer who only wants to browse the internet and may have one item that requires a dedicated connected connection.
Can I use a wireless router as a wired router?
Yes, you certainly can. The majority of wireless routers have a limited number of ethernet ports. An ethernet cable can be used to connect a device directly to your router. Alternatively, you can connect a second router to that one, but the secondary router will just serve as an access point rather than a distinct network.
Conclusion
We hope you found the products on the list to be of interest. If you are having trouble deciding which product is best for you, you may always judge them according to your budget. Aside from that, if you want to compare features, using the purchase guide to assist you will make things much easier.
