Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Adams
Internet is a basic necessity of life. Nowadays, spending a few minutes without the use of internet can be challenging. Whenever you go out somewhere, one of the first things you check is the Internet because of all the business you have got going on in your phone or other device. We have compiled some of the best wireless routers for dorm room in the article. We suggest you have a look at them.
One of the most important things in life nowadays is a quick speed Internet. Without it, you are incomplete as you won’t be able to complete your everyday tasks. However, an internet with good speed and good-quality equipment can help you get your tasks done with ease.
One of the most important equipment related to Internet is “Router.” You might be wondering what a router is. In simple words, Router is a device that analyzes and forwards the data packets between a computer networks.
Router is used only for LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). Since, we are talking about the router for Dorm Room particularly; so, we are going to stick with Local Area Network only.
You might have an idea about routers now and what role they play in Computer Networking. A router is connected to multiple lines, each with their unique IP addresses. When a data packet is received in one of the lines, router analyzes it and forwards the data packet to another line. In easy words, a router helps you keep connected and share information with other lines in a network.
There are different types of routes including Fiber optics, copper wires, or Wireless routers. The ones that make the use of Fiber optics and copper wires are rarely used in this day and age because of their complex wiring systems.
The one type that is easy to use and fits the modern day requirements is the Wireless Router. Wireless routers save you from the hustle of connecting all the wires and cable. Anything with wires in it is difficult to use that is because if a wire has any issue, it creates problems for the device and the bunch of wires makes it much more difficult to identify the error.
But Wireless routers are much more accessible and less likely to get errors. Also, Wireless routers might be the best choice if you are using Internet for a LAN connection because of the small area that makes it easier for signals to reach out to all the devices in the network. However, there are some factors that you need to consider when you are buying a wireless router. Those factors include:
Dual-band
Multi-core processor
At least 128 MB RAM
The real-time internet speed of router
USB port 3.0
These factors will help you pick a wireless router for you but still you are going to need some recommendations about which brand or model should you pick. We have prepared a list of the best wireless routers for dorm room or other small places.
Best Wireless Router for Dorm Room (Comparison)
| Name | Dimensions | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link AC1750 Archer A7 | 9.59 x 6.32 x 1.29 inches | 0.93 Pounds | |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700 | 11.22 x 7.2 x 2.44 inches | 1.58 Pounds | Check Price |
| Linksys WRT3200ACM | 9.68 x 2.04 x 7.63 inches | 3.57 Pounds | Check Price |
| Linksys MR9600 | 11.82 x 6.67 x 2.26 inches | 3.7 Pounds | Check Price |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 | 13.98 x 10.12 x 5.2 inches | 4.45 Pounds | Check Price |
TP-Link AC1750 (Archer A7)
This dual-band and fast Wireless router will save you from everyday hustle of internet problems and keep you connected online all the time.
It comes with smart home integration features that work with ALEXA. This feature will save your time and effort as you can directly command ALEXA.
This router has proved itself for the highest ratings in customer satisfaction for two years (2017 and 2019). It is ideal for streaming high-quality videos such as 4K because Archer A7 supports high speed internet connection up to 1750 Mbps.
Also, it is compatible with all Wi-Fi devices and comes with USB port that allows you to share your USB media content.
The router is easy to manage as it comes with a mobile application that allows you to manage your dorm room network settings from anywhere. If you are a gamer, then trust us you would not find a better option than this.
TP-Link AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router (Archer A7) provides options to connect wirelessly or with cables.
Although, the wireless connections are an easier option, for gaming however, the cable connection directly from the device is more suitable. That is because the cables provide much more stable connection than the wireless signals. But that does not mean that the router has any signal issue, it has powerful signals antenna that provide reduced buffering.
Also, the router allows guest network connections and is compatible with OneMesh which makes it even more suitable for home or dorm room network connections.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart WiFi options | No TP-Link HomeCare option |
| Highest rated by users | Only 1 USB port |
| Compatible with all WiFi devices | |
| Affordable price range |
Conclusion:
For gaming, streaming, and many more purposes, this wireless router might be the best option you can pick. Suitable for smaller networks like dorm room, the router has a variety of useful features that will always keep you connected to the Internet. USB 2.0 cables allow you to share data and the ports of cable connection allow you to use internet without any risk of interruption.
Smart home integration options save your time and effort and help you command the device and the mobile application of the app manages the home network from anywhere. All these features make this router the easiest-to-use and efficient.
NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700
This router is very reliable for gaming, video streaming, and generally using Internet. It allows you to connect Smart home devices and interact with them easily and quickly.
The router comes with a USB 3.0 Port that allows you to share a storage device or printers with all the connected devices in a network.
Providing Ethernet ports, the router allows you to connect devices directly through a cable to surf internet without any interruption.
The router works best with up to 25 devices and provides a number of options. NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router R6700 is loaded with a 1GHz dual core processor that provides smooth using.
It has 3 amplified antennas powerful enough to spread its signals across a whole small network like a home or dorm room.
Moreover, the router is considered to be very secure as it allows WPA2 wireless security and its additional security features include Guest Network access, Firewall, DOS, and VPN.
The router also offers NETGEAR Armor mobile application that allows you to keep your network safe from viruses and malware with a strong anti-virus system.
It keeps the data of connected devices protected. The app offers a free 30-day trial to make you sure before you purchase it. The rich features and the strong security measures of the router make it as one of the best options available in the market.
Compatible with Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10), Mac, Linux and various internet browsers, the router is much more accessible than many other routers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High speed of 802.11ac | Bit costly |
| Highly secure | Router firmware needs upgradation |
| 3 antennas |
Conclusion:
Everyone wants to surf the internet securely and to fulfill this desire, NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router R6700 offers all the security features as well as a mobile application. Along with its strong security options, the router is also great for gaming and streaming because of its powerful antennas and a powerful processor.
This router keeps you connected to the network and allows you share your data easily with a 3.0 USB port. The compatibility of the router with major platforms and the easy accessibility with all the devices provides uninterrupted connection that is best suitable for dorm room and other small area networks.
Linksys WRT3200ACM
Suitable for Home or other smaller area connections, this router has all the features that you may need from a router. The router has powerful antennas that provide coverage of Internet for small areas like a dorm or home.
It supports MUIMO (Multi User Multiple input Multiple Output) for all the devices connected to the Wi-Fi network at a very high speed.
As you may have guessed by its name, it is a Dual-band router that supports internet speed up to 2.6 Gbps. With a tri Stream 160 technology, the router doubles the bandwidth from 80MHz to high 160MHz.
Linksys WRT3200ACM router is also suitable for advanced Internet uses that require a high speed such as gaming and streaming. With this router, you can perform these actions without any interruption and lagging. Furthermore, it has Ethernet ports that allow you to connect devices to the router with the use of cables.
However, you will not need that option because the router has a strong Wi-Fi network coverage that keeps you connected to the Internet all the time. If you are looking to buy a router that provides all the essential features and help you get better Internet access, Linksys WRT3200ACM router is a great choice as it carries all the rich options.
The router has an open-source firmware. The compatibility of the router makes it much more accessible as it can be used on Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows 10. Also, it is accessible on MacOS with a 10.X or a higher version.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports MU-MIMO | May feel outdated |
| High Internet speed | Limited features on the mobile application |
| 160MHz Tri-stream technology | |
| Open-Source Firmware |
Conclusion:
To provide a clearer picture, Linksys WRT3200ACM is a moderately priced router that fits all the requirements related to Internet. Whether it is gaming, streaming, or just simply surfing the internet, this router provides all the vital features that will help you do so without any buffering.
The router also has capability of high internet speeds and compatibility with all of the most used versions of Windows and Mac. This router is suitable for dorm room and home internet networks. While you may find the price of this router a little high, the power-packed features of the router makes the price worth it.
Linksys WRT3200ACM (MR9600)
Many people want to stay away from the trouble as it takes time to install a wireless router, Linksys WRT3200 ACM (MR9600) router makes it easier to install and use the router without getting into any complexity.
Providing both Ethernet and Wi-Fi options, this router is an effective device to keep you on the Internet without any interruptions.
The router is powered by smart Mesh technology which allows the router to have smart Wi-Fi options which are not available in many other routers.
The router has a vast coverage of 3000 square feet and can be used with more than 40 devices at the same time. It also has options to sync with other Linksys Mesh products that increase its coverage even more.
However, since we are talking about the best wireless router here, its built-in capability of Wireless range is enough to connect all the devices throughout a home, dorm, or any other smaller areas. It allows fast connections for gaming, streaming in 4k or 8k, and video calls. And with its smart options, you can easily manage all the devices in a network through ALEXA.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smart WiFi features | Costly |
| Easy Installation | Limited options in terms of security |
| Supports up to 6Gbps speed | |
| Large area coverage |
Conclusion:
Easy installation is the most significant plus point of the router. While all the other features make the router a better option and one that can be helpful to you in small networks. Moreover, its smart WiFi options allow users to manage the devices and save a lot of their time and effort.
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Cable Modem Router
The CAX30s has been perfectly designed to let the Wi-Fi stay at one side as well. With this router system, the speed of the Wi-Fi will speed up to almost 4.8Gbps of bandwidth for the 5GHz devices, as well as 1.2Gbps over the 2.4GHz band.
There is also an access of four wired Gigabyte Ethernet ports which are around the backs for supporting the link aggregation. This will enable you to combine both of them into the single 2Gbps link.
In addition with the help of USB 3.0, it gets easier for you to stream and even share the media from any portable storage device.
It is often included with the Netgear Armor cybersecurity package for protecting all the devices which are part of your network against any malware attack, viruses or online threats.
This model router is extremely easy and quick with the process of setup and activation. All you need to do is to plug the coax cable into the modem router.
You can activate it simply by connecting the Ethernet cable with the computer and later on following the on-screen setup. If you are not having basic knowledge about it, then do call a cable provider to help and get it activated over your phone.
To set-up the whole network, availability of Nighthawk app is available for you. Through the access of our Gigabit Ethernet ports and with the one USB port, you will have the super-fast wired connections with your computer, printer, as well as game box, storage drive, and few other devices.
No doubt, it’s a great investment to get something which is easy to use and has the fastest Wi-Fi speed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Available with only one spare Ethernet port |
| Easy in usage | |
| Easy to add additional satellites |
Conclusion:
The Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System is no doubt the cheapest system of Wi-Fi 6 ready with the simple set-up and is quick to use. Its simple to set up and use, and its reach can be all the way expanded easily, simply by adding more satellites.
Final Verdict:
Surfing the internet without facing any problems is everyone’s wish. Whether it is gaming, streaming high-quality videos, or online meetings, buffering always causes troubles. To stay away from that, one should choose the right equipment for their Internet.
That is why we have presented some of the best wireless router for dorm room or other smaller area network options for you. With all their pros and cons mentioned, it is easy for you to pick the one that suits the best with your network.
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