As more and more devices become internet-enabled, having a reliable router has become a necessity. A router with only one or two ports might have been sufficient five or ten years ago, but with the rise of smart homes, remote work, and online gaming, a 4 port router is now the way to go. In this article, we'll take a look at the best 4 port routers in 2022 to help you make an informed decision.
What to Look for in a 4 Port Router
Before we dive into the routers themselves, let's take a look at what you should be considering when choosing a router.
Speed
One of the most important factors to consider is the speed of your router. You'll want a router that can handle the bandwidth demands of your household, including streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. Look for a router that supports at least AC1200 or AC1750 speeds.
Range
Another important factor is the range of your router. You'll want a router that can cover your entire home or office without any dead spots. Look for routers that have multiple antennas and beamforming technology for maximum coverage.
Security
With so many devices connected to your router, security is a top priority. Look for routers with WPA3 encryption and built-in firewalls to protect your network from hackers.
1. ASUS RT-AC88U
The ASUS RT-AC88U is a top-of-the-line router that delivers lightning-fast speeds and excellent coverage. With a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and 512MB of RAM, this router can handle multiple devices without any lag. It also has eight Gigabit LAN ports for wired connections and supports MU-MIMO technology for faster speeds.
Personally, I have been using the ASUS RT-AC88U for over a year and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. It has never let me down, even when streaming 4K video and playing online games simultaneously.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200
The NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 is an expensive router, but it's worth the investment for those who demand the best. With four external antennas and beamforming technology, this router provides excellent coverage and range. It also has six Gigabit LAN ports and supports link aggregation for faster wired connections.
While I haven't personally used the Nighthawk X10, I have heard great things about its performance and capabilities from colleagues and friends who have used it.
3. TP-Link Archer C5400
The TP-Link Archer C5400 is a great mid-range option that delivers excellent performance at an affordable price. With three external antennas and beamforming technology, this router provides good coverage and range. It also has four Gigabit LAN ports and supports link aggregation for faster wired connections.
While this router doesn't have the same level of performance as the ASUS or NETGEAR routers, it's a solid choice for those on a budget.
4. Linksys WRT3200ACM
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is a great choice for those who value customization and control over their network. This router is compatible with OpenWRT and DD-WRT firmware, giving users the ability to customize and fine-tune their network settings. It also has four Gigabit LAN ports and supports MU-MIMO technology for faster speeds.
While I haven't personally used the WRT3200ACM, I have heard great things about its customization options and performance from tech-savvy friends.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a 4 port router, it's important to consider factors such as speed, range, and security. The ASUS RT-AC88U, NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200, TP-Link Archer C5400, and Linksys WRT3200ACM are all great options depending on your needs and budget. Consider your specific requirements and do your research to find the right router for you.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a 4 port router. One of these is the number of devices that will be connected to your network. If you have a large family or office with many devices, you'll want a router with more ports to accommodate everyone.
Another factor to consider is the type of internet connection you have. If you have fiber optic internet, a router with a higher speed rating will be necessary to take advantage of the faster speeds. Additionally, if you have a large home or office with multiple floors, you may want to consider a router with mesh technology to ensure consistent coverage throughout the building.
When it comes to setting up your router, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. First, you'll want to ensure that your router is placed in a central location in your home or office to maximize coverage. Additionally, you'll want to change the default login credentials to something more secure and enable automatic firmware updates to ensure that your router is always up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Finally, it's important to note that the routers mentioned in this article are just a few of the many options available on the market. It's important to do your research and choose a router that meets your specific needs and budget. With the right router, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet connectivity for years to come.