

Tri-band routers provide an additional 5GHz band to sort devices into, further reducing congestion when multiple devices are attached to a network at once.


Dual-band devices typically supply 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, with the 5GHz band providing more peak bandwidth. Routers increasingly are offering multiple data bands (think of traffic lanes) in an effort to reduce bottlenecking and increase efficiency in directing network traffic. The maximum bandwidth is indicated in gigabits per second (Gbps) and is usually prominently displayed in a modem/router's title or description.
Best modem router for mac full#
To take full advantage of the bandwidth your ISP provides, you'll need a modem/router combo that at the very least matches, and ideally exceeds, the top speed promised by your provider. What to Look for in a Modem/Router Combo Bandwidth If you’re looking for even broader coverage, then Netgear’s Orbi CBK752 (view at Amazon) combines a top-rated Wi-Fi 6 mesh system with a fast (and future-ready) cable modem to let you take full advantage of the fastest internet plans in even the largest of homes. Motorola’s MG7700 (view at Amazon) checks all the right boxes when it comes to delivering the performance and features most users need in a cable modem/router. Wireless Spec: 802.11ax | Security: WPA3 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.1 / AX4200 | Bands: Tri-band | MU-MIMO: Yes | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4 (Base) / 2 (Satellite) The Ethernet ports on the satellites aren’t wired in the same way as the the base unit (since the base unit is physically connected to your ISP’s line), and the satellites allow devices without Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. The main unit has four Ethernet ports and the satellite has two as well. Thanks to friendly software, configuration is really quite easy. Instead of having strong and weak sections of your home, the Orbi units talk to one another to make sure the signal is strong everywhere. Sure, it’s the same modem/router combo, but rather than being one unit, it’s two to ensure your home is covered with a strong Wi-Fi signal. The Orbi CBK752 is different from the other products on this page because it is a different product. Subscription required for advanced security features Wireless Spec: 802.11ac | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1200 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 2 Don’t worry-despite its modest performance, it can handle Zoom calls and 4K streaming with ease. This could be totally fine depending on what you have. There are only two ethernet ports (which let you plug in devices with a cable, which is faster ad more reliable). Who is this model aimed at? Folks who rent their modems from their cable companies, don’t have super-big homes, don’t have a really high-speed connection (no more than a 200Mbps connection), and (last one) don’t have a lot of additional devices to hook up. And it’s sorta ugly (tastes vary of course, but we bet you agree with us).įor this model, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have a faster connection than this modem can handle.
Best modem router for mac plus#
The plus of the Netgear C6220 AC1200: it's affordable! The negative (other than the name, come on companies, pull yourselves together): modest performance. Wireless Spec: 802.11ac | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: DOCSIS 3.0 / AC1900 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: Yes | Wired Ports: 4 Do you need the MT7711? If you didn’t get a phone number with your internet connection then, no, you don’t. If your internet connection includes a voice package (confusingly called VOIP), you’ll need to look at this model's older brother: the Motorola MT7711 (view at Amazon). This modem router combo is fast enough for any Zoom or FaceTime calls as well as any 4K content you wish to stream. The MG7700 has four ethernet ports for you to hook up some additional equipment (Xbox, Apple TV, etc). But this unit is just inoffensive enough you can put it on a side table in the living room and not be embarrassed. In order to get the best range from its wireless signal, you don’t want to hide the modem/router behind furniture or in a closet (lots of folks do that because most of these things are ugly with a capital U). One of the features of the Motorola MG7700 we like most has nothing to do with its technical prowess: It’s not terribly ugly. It’s the right size even for larger homes (about 2,000 square feet, roughly speaking) and for internet connections under 1 gigabit (you’ll know if you have a 1 gigabit connection since it’s pretty expensive).
Best modem router for mac upgrade#
If it’s time to upgrade your modem and your router, the Motorola MG7700 is likely the right one for you. Motorola MG7700 Cable Modem and Router Review
