What Is The Best Router For Multiple Devices 2016

Ed Bradley

2 min read

·

09-12-2024

17

0

Share

The year is 2016. Streaming services are booming, smart home devices are emerging, and multiple devices connecting to a single internet connection is becoming the norm, not the exception. Finding the right router to handle this increased demand for bandwidth is crucial. So, what was the best router for multiple devices back then? It's not a simple "one size fits all" answer, as the best option depends on individual needs and budget. However, we can highlight some top contenders that garnered significant praise at the time.

Top Contenders for Best Multi-Device Router in 2016

Several routers stood out in 2016 for their ability to handle numerous connected devices without significant performance degradation. Factors like speed (measured in gigabits per second or Gbps), range, and features played a significant role in their popularity.

High-Performance Options:

• Netgear Nighthawk X6 (R8000): This router was frequently lauded for its exceptional speed and range, thanks to its tri-band AC3200 Wi-Fi capabilities. Multiple antennas and advanced features made it well-suited for homes with many connected devices and large floor plans. Its processing power also helped it manage multiple simultaneous connections efficiently. Many reviews highlighted its ability to maintain strong performance even under heavy load.

• ASUS RT-AC88U: Another powerhouse, the ASUS RT-AC88U, also boasted tri-band AC3100 technology and impressive performance capabilities. It frequently appeared in "best of" lists, praised for its robust features and stability, particularly beneficial when handling many devices. Its advanced parental controls and quality of service (QoS) features were additional selling points.

More Budget-Friendly Choices:

While the high-end routers offered superior performance, several more affordable options also provided solid performance for multiple devices in 2016. These typically featured dual-band AC Wi-Fi and a less powerful processor, but still offered a significant improvement over basic routers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Router (2016 and Beyond)

Even though this article focuses on 2016, the following factors remain relevant when considering a router, regardless of the year:

• Number of Devices: A household with 10+ connected devices will require a much more powerful router than one with only 2 or 3.
• Wi-Fi Standard: AC Wi-Fi (AC1200, AC1750, AC3200, etc.) offers significantly faster speeds than older standards like N. Look for a higher number to indicate better performance.
• Number of Antennas: More antennas generally translate to better range and coverage.
• Features: Consider features like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing bandwidth to specific devices and parental controls for managing internet access.
• Processor Speed and RAM: A faster processor and more RAM allow the router to handle more connections efficiently.

Important Note: Router technology has advanced significantly since 2016. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers now offer even greater speed, efficiency, and capacity. This article provides context for what was considered "best" at the time, but modern routers offer substantial improvements.