Back To School Fast Performance Routers
Find fast-performance routers for back to school to help keep online classes, research, and study sessions running smoothly. Compare Wi-Fi routers by speed, coverage, and device capacity to find an option that suits your space and supports laptops, tablets, and other connected devices.
FAQ
These names identify generations of Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi 6 uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6E adds access to the 6 GHz band. Wi-Fi 7 introduces newer features, including Multi-Link Operation on compatible devices. Your laptop, tablet or phone must support a feature to use it.
Dual-band routers typically offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Tri-band routers add a third band, which may be another 5 GHz band or a 6 GHz band, depending on the model. Check the listed bands rather than assuming every tri-band router includes 6 GHz.
A modem connects to your internet provider through services such as cable or DSL, while a router connects your household devices to that internet connection. Fibre service typically uses an optical network terminal instead of a modem. Some providers supply a gateway that combines modem and router functions, so check your existing equipment before adding a separate router.
The WAN or internet port usually connects the router to a modem, optical network terminal or provider gateway. LAN ports connect wired devices such as desktop computers, printers and docking stations. For a school laptop without an Ethernet port, a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter or dock can provide a wired connection.
A standalone router provides Wi-Fi from one unit. A mesh system uses a main router and additional nodes placed around the home, usually managed through one app or interface under a shared network name. Some systems support Ethernet connections between nodes, while others connect them wirelessly.
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