A router is the heart of a local network. Each network needs one router, and preferably no more than one.
At a minimum, a router includes a WAN port to connect to an Internet source and a few LAN ports for connecting local wired devices. Technically, a router is a layer 3 network switch.
Nowadays, the term “router” is often used to refer to a “Wi-Fi router” — one that has a built-in Wi-Fi access point. Consequently, we use “non-Wi-Fi” to refer to a standard router that lacks built-in Wi-Fi capability.
Ubiquiti today announced the UniFi Dream Machine Beast (model UDM-Beast) as the latest in its “Dream Machine” series of UniFi Cloud Gateways. And boys, the thing drops with a bang! This brief first take will fill you in on the details, but let me cut right to the chase: from …
The headline says it. It’s perfectly fine to feel attached to that almost-decade-old Wi-Fi 6 router. In fact, it’s a relevant Wi-Fi standard for at least the next half-decade, possibly longer. The gist is that, practically speaking, it’s currently the prime time for a Wi-Fi 6 access point—as a standalone …
The ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI has arguably been the most significant Wi-Fi 7 router for the home, thanks to its much-hyped “AI-driven” features. And the router proved to be an excellent Wi-Fi machine in my testing, delivering the fastest performance in real-world tests to date. But like all things, it’s far …
When connecting to the Internet, you might have come across different devices you might, quite correctly, call “my Internet box”. But this box, or boxes, can actually be different devices with a different technical name depending on your situation. Knowing how to differentiate between them will ensure you get the …
The head says it. On March 23, 2026, in an unexpected move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it would ban all new consumer-grade routers manufactured abroad for national security reasons. This applies to hardware made in all other countries, regardless of the manufacturers’ nationality. In a way, this new development is …
Since the beginning of 2025, Ubiquiti’s UniFi has become increasingly relevant for the home, in addition to the business and enterprise environments that were once its original sole focus. This post includes the current five best UniFi Cloud Gateways, a.k.a. UniFi consoles or “routers” if you will, based on my real-world experience, …
Ubiquiti’s UniFi Dream Router 5G Max (model UDR-5G-Max), first announced in late 2025 and now available for purchase, is a unique UniFi Cloud Gateway (a.k.a. “router”). It’s the first among its peers to feature a built-in 5G cellular modem, and for those who’ve used the AmpliFi Alien, it evokes a …
You probably already know that a router can connect several wired devices in a home network while simultaneously provide Wi-Fi access to multiple wireless clients. That’s generally how a Wi-Fi router works. However, there are also “router NAS options” in which a Wi-Fi router can also function as a mini …
At the request of many, this post, a supplement to the one detailing the UniFi Network, provides a quick yet comprehensive buying guide for UniFi Cloud Gateways. When through, you’ll be able to pick the right UniFi “router” for your needs. It also includes tips, upgrades, or replacement if you …
A big part of the questions I get daily is about Wi-Fi router or mesh recommendations for specific situations. Some readers even sent me a detailed sketch of their home or even personal information—you know who you are! Everyone wants to pick up that perfect “Wi-Fi machine”. This post will …
