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’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 on upgrades or replacement if …
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 …
Multi-Gigabit is the term used to describe data rates at least twice that of Gigabit. To experience it, we generally rely on the Multi-Gig wired network standard, which has multiple port grades ranging from 2.5Gbps to 10Gbps. Confused about multi-Gigabit vs. Multi-Gig? Here’s the crash course on the subject! This post features the …
This post features the top five 10Gbps Multi-Gig routers among those I’ve evaluated. They matter because 10Gbps is the highest theoretical bandwidth available for any home or small business. I’ve used all of these devices for an extended period—from over a month to over a year—with my 10Gbps Sonic Fiber-optic …
This post lists the current five best Wi-Fi 7 routers. They are all excellent options to consider when you need a new router in a home where a single Wi-Fi access point is enough. Need extended Wi-Fi coverage? Some of the units mentioned here are mesh-ready and can be a good …
