In today’s world, it is more important than ever to have a fast and reliable internet connection. And while there are many different types of internet services, DSL is still one of the most popular.
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a type of internet connection that uses your existing phone line to deliver high-speed internet service. Unlike dial-up, which relies on a modem to connect you to the internet, DSL uses your phone line to connect you to a high-speed internet connection.
However, in order to take advantage of DSL speeds, you need to have a router that can handle it. Not all routers are created equal, and some are better equipped to deal with high-speed internet than others. We have reviewed dozens of Wi-Fi routers for DSL internet so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Here are our top picks for the best Wi-Fi routers for DSL internet:
- Best Overall: ASUS DSL-AC68U
- Best for Performance: TP-Link VR2800
- Best Value: TP-Link TD-W8961N
- Best Speed: Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S
- Best Range: Arris Surfboard G36
#1 Best Overall: ASUS DSL-AC68U
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- For up to 30 devices and 3,000 square feet
- Combined speeds of up to 1900 Mbps
- 1GHz dual-core CPU
- 802.11ac
- Easy setup
The ASUS DSL-AC68U is one of the foremost Wi-Fi routers on the market for DSL internet. It’s a dual-band AC1900 router that offers speeds up to 1900Mbps, making it one of the fastest routers available. It also has a built-in VDSL modem for connecting to broadband services, and it supports both ADSL2+ and VDSL2 standards. Four gigabit Ethernet ports are available for wired connections, and it features two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage devices or printers.
It is equipped with four external antennas for maximum range. The DSL-AC86U also supports MU-MIMO, which allows it to handle multiple simultaneous connections without slowing you down.
This high-performance modem router has a host of features that make it ideal for homes and businesses alike, including support for VoIP, parental controls, and guest networking. The AC68U also includes AiProtection, which is a built-in security system that guards against online threats.
The ASUS DSL-AC68U also has some great features that make it easy to use and set up. It comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it a breeze to change settings or check your connection status.
The router offers excellent speeds and range, and it is compatible with all major DSL providers. The ASUS DSL-AC68U is an absolute bargain and is guaranteed to give you the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
Check out the ASUS DSL-AC68U on Amazon.
Best for Performance: TP-Link VR2800
If you’re looking for a top-performing Wi-Fi router for your DSL connection, the TP-Link VR2800 is a great choice. It delivers excellent speeds and performance, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
It supports speeds of up to 2.8 Gbps and offers a number of features to make your network more efficient and secure. One of the most notable features of the TP-Link VR2800 is its MU-MIMO technology, which allows it to support multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance. It also has four external antennas that provide strong signal coverage and allow you to connect more devices wirelessly.
Additionally, the TP-Link VR2800 comes with a USB port that lets you connect an external storage device or printer for sharing across your network. The router also features advanced security features to protect your network from intrusion and malicious attacks. The TP-Link VR2800 includes a built-in firewall and supports WPA/WPA2 encryption standards.
You can also use the TP-Link Tether app to manage your network settings and monitor your traffic from anywhere. Overall, the TP-Link VR2800 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-performance Wi-Fi router for their DSL connection.
Check out the TP-Link VR2800 on Amazon.
Best Value: TP-Link TD-W8961N
- Interface: 4 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ports/1 RJ11 Port
- IEEE Standards: IEEE 802.3, 802.3u
- Antenna Type: Omni directional, Detachable, Reverse SMA
- Frequency: 2.400-2.4835GHz
- Wireless Security: Support 64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, Wireless MAC Filtering. Please refer the start up guide before use.
The TP-Link TD-W8961N is a 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router that supports 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN standards and provides backward compatibility with 802.11b/g devices. It also features two 5dBi external antennas for improved wireless range and coverage. The TD-W8961N also has four Ethernet ports for wired connections, a USB port for connecting storage devices, and an integrated firewall to help protect your network from outside intruders.
It supports both ADSL and ADSL2+ connections, giving you speeds of up to 300Mbps. The TD-W8961N also has a built-in firewall to protect your network from malicious attacks.
Check out the TP-Link TD-W8961N on Amazon.
Best Speed: Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps) and Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Future speeds with these...
- Up to 2,500 sq. ft. wireless coverage with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps)
- Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port give fast wired connections to your computer, printer, game box, storage drive, and other devices
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
- Save monthly rental fees: Replaces your cable modem and WiFi router saving you up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
The Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router designed for gaming and streaming. It delivers ultra-fast speeds of up to 3Gbps, reduced latency, and wider coverage than previous-generation Wi-Fi routers.
The Nighthawk CAX30S also includes support for OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, which allows it to handle more devices simultaneously without sacrificing performance. In addition, the CAX30S features built-in security features such as WPA3 encryption and a dedicated gaming VPN server.
Its ultra-fast speeds allow it to support 4K streaming and gaming seamlessly. The Nighthawk CAX30S also includes advanced features such as VPN support, MU-MIMO technology, and Smart Connect to make it easy to connect all your devices.
Check out the Netgear Nighthawk CAX30S on Amazon.
Best Range: Arris Surfboard G36
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Wi-Fi coverage for up to 2,500 square feet
- Approved for cable internet speeds up to 2.5 Gbps
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3 Gbps
- East setup through the SURFboard Central App
The Arris Surfboard G36 is a powerful and feature-rich DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that is perfect for use with the latest high-speed internet plans from leading providers. It is compatible with major US cable internet providers such as Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
Arris Surfboard G36 uses DOCSIS 3.1 which is the newest modem technology and offers ten times more speed than DOCSIS 3.0. Arris Surfboard G36 delivers ultra-fast internet as it delivers Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. The Arris Surfboard G36 is ideal for homes with multiple devices. In addition, the G36 includes a built-in AC2600 dual-band Wi-Fi router with support for MU-MIMO technology, making it easy to connect all of your wireless devices to the internet. It has a range of up to 2,500 sq ft.
Check out the Arris Surfboard G36 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Wi-Fi Router for DSL Internet
DSL Internet is a great alternative for those who want a fast and reliable connection. However, picking the best Wi-Fi router for DSL Internet can be tricky. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Wi-Fi router for your DSL Internet connection:
Speed
When searching for the the best Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection, speed is definitely one of the factors you need to consider. Download and upload speeds are important when choosing a router, especially if you plan on using the internet for gaming or streaming purposes.
A faster router will be able to better handle things like video streaming and gaming, ensuring that you have a smooth and lag-free experience. If you are looking for a router that can provide fast speeds for all your devices, then you will need a router that supports the most recent 802.11ax standard.
Range
If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi router to use with your DSL internet connection, you’ll want to make sure that it has a good range. Range is the measure of how far away from the router your devices can be and still receive a strong signal.
The range of a router is determined by its transmit power, antenna type, and antenna gain. The transmit power is measured in milliwatts (mW) and determines how far the signal can travel. The antenna type determines the shape of the coverage area, and the antenna gain determines how focused the signal is.
The average home router has a range of about 150 feet, but this can vary depending on things like the layout of your home, the number of walls between the router and your devices, and other interference. If you live in a large home or have a lot of walls or other obstacles between your router and your computer, you may need a router with a longer range.
If you are using your router in an office or other commercial setting, you may need an even longer range. There are some routers that have been designed for use in large buildings and can provide coverage for up to 5,000 square feet. When choosing a router, it is important to consider the range that you need.
If you only need coverage for a small area, such as an apartment or small home, a router with a shorter range should be sufficient. However, if you need coverage for a larger area, such as an office or commercial building, you will need a router with a longer range.
Compatibility
One of the main factors to consider when choosing a Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection is compatibility. Not all routers are compatible with all types of DSL internet service, so it’s important to do your research to ensure that the router you choose is compatible with your particular type of DSL service.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the router is compatible with any other devices or services you may be using.
For example, if you have a home security system that uses a Wi-Fi connection, you’ll want to check that the router you want is compatible with that system. The same goes for any other devices or services that use a Wi-Fi connection, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.
Making sure that your chosen router is compatible with your DSL internet service and any other devices or services you’re using is essential to ensuring that you have the best possible Wi-Fi experience.
Dual-Band or Tri-Band
When it comes to choosing a new Wi-Fi router, one of the principal considerations is the number of bands that the router supports. Single-band routers only support one frequency, while dual-band routers operate on two different frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Tri-band routers on the other hand operate on three frequencies for more efficiency.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is better for a longer range and is the most commonly used frequency for things like baby monitors, cordless phones, and other devices that don’t require a lot of bandwidth.
The 5 GHz frequency is better for a shorter range but can handle more data at once, making it ideal for things like streaming video or gaming. Tri-band routers add an additional 5 GHz frequency band, giving you even more options for how to use your Wi-Fi. Choose a tri-band router if you have multiple devices, or if you do a lot of online gaming or streaming.
Security
One of the major factors to consider when picking a router for your home or office is security. A good Wi-Fi router will have robust security features to protect your network from intruders. It’s even more important to pick a router with good security if you’re using a DSL internet connection because DSL is often targeted by hackers. Here are some security features to keep in mind before buying a Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection:
WPA3
WPA3 is the most secure form of Wi-Fi encryption. It uses a strong form of AES encryption to protect your data. When buying a Wi-Fi router for DSL Internet, be sure to check that it supports WPA2 encryption.
Guest Networking
Guest networking allows you to create a separate network for guests. This is a great way to keep your main network secure while still providing internet access to guests.
Guest networking protects your personal data and devices, and it can also help prevent them from inadvertently infecting your network with malware.
VPN Support
A VPN is a virtual private network, making a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through another server, making it difficult for anyone to snoop on your traffic or see what you’re doing online. When choosing a Wi-Fi router for DSL internet, be sure to check that it supports VPNs. This will ensure that you can always keep your data safe and secure.
Firewall
A firewall is one of the principal security features to consider when deciding on a Wi-Fi router for DSL Internet. A firewall protects your home network from malicious attacks by blocking incoming traffic that is not authorized.
Parental Controls
Most routers come with some form of parental control, which can be a great way to keep your children safe online. Parental controls allow you to set limits on internet usage and block specific types of content. This can be a valuable tool if you have young children in the house who need to be protected from inappropriate material online.
Ports
If you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi router for DSL internet, one of the factors you’ll need to consider is the number and type of ports. Most routers have at least four Ethernet ports, which is the standard for connecting wired devices. If you have a number of devices that need to be connected via Ethernet, you’ll want a router with more than four ports. You may also want to consider a router with USB ports, which can be used to connect external storage devices or printers.
Wireless Protocol
Wireless Protocol is one of the factors to consider in order to pick the right Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection. If you’re looking for a router that can handle high speeds and large amounts of data, then you’ll need to make sure that it supports the latest 802.11ax standard.
Advanced Features
Advanced features are among the factors you should consider when picking the best Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet. Some features you may want to look for include:
MU-MIMO
Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) is one of the features you should look out for while buying a Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection. MU-MIMO allows multiple devices to connect to the Internet at the same time without slowing down the connection. This is perfect for households with multiple devices that need to be connected to the internet simultaneously, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Beamforming
Beamforming is a feature to consider when buying a Wi-Fi router for DSL Internet. With beamforming, the router can focus the wireless signal in a specific direction. This can be helpful in improving range and performance, especially in homes with multiple floors or rooms.
Quality of Service (QoS)
When you’re shopping for a Wi-Fi router for DSL Internet, one of the key features to consider is the QoS, or quality of service. QoS determines how your router will prioritize traffic on your network, and it can be the difference between a smooth, uninterrupted browsing experience and constant buffering and lag.
What to Know Before Buying a Wi-Fi Router for DSL Internet
When selecting a Wi-Fi router for your DSL internet connection, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you need to determine that the router you choose is compatible with the modem. Most routers these days are, but it’s always best to check before you buy. Secondly, you need to decide what kind of speed and coverage you need from your router. If you have a small home or apartment, you probably don’t need the most powerful and expensive router on the market. But if you have a large home or office, or if you live in an area with a lot of interference from other wireless networks, you might want to consider upgrading to a more powerful model.
Also, keep in mind that Wi-Fi routers can be complex devices, and they sometimes require special setup or configuration in order to work properly. If you’re not confident in your ability to set up and configure a router, it might be best to buy one that comes with easy-to-follow instructions or even hire someone to do it for you.
Finally, consider your budget when selecting a Wi-Fi router. There are many affordable options on the market, but if you need top-of-the-line performance, be prepared to spend a bit more. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect Wi-Fi router for your DSL Internet connection.
Using a Wi-Fi Router for DSL Internet: What It’s Like
When you use a Wi-Fi router for your DSL Internet connection, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits. For starters, you’ll be able to connect multiple devices to the internet at once – which is great if you have many devices in your home that need to be online. You’ll also enjoy increased range and flexibility when it comes to where you can put your router. And, because Wi-Fi is such a popular standard, it’s easy to find compatible devices and accessories.
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