3 best small office routers

Small office routers are essential networking devices designed to connect multiple devices within a small office or home office environment to the internet. These routers play a critical role in managing and directing network traffic, ensuring security, and providing a stable internet connection. Here are some key aspects of small office routers:

Connectivity: Small office routers typically offer a range of connectivity options, including Ethernet ports (both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet), Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity), and sometimes even USB ports for connecting external devices like printers or storage drives.
Wireless Standards: Most modern small office routers support Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac or the newer 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) for faster wireless connections. These routers may also support multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) to reduce interference and improve network performance.
Security Features: Security is a crucial aspect of routers. Small office routers often include features like WPA3 encryption, firewall protection, and the ability to set up virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure remote access.
Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features allow users to prioritize certain types of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications get the necessary bandwidth and low-latency connections. This is especially important for VoIP calls, video streaming, or online gaming.
Guest Network: Many small office routers offer a guest network feature, which allows you to create a separate network for visitors. This keeps your main network secure while still providing internet access to guests.
Parental Controls: Some routers include parental control features that enable you to filter and restrict internet access for specific devices or at certain times to protect children from inappropriate content.
Port Forwarding: Port forwarding is a feature that allows users to route incoming network traffic to specific devices on the local network.This is useful for hosting servers or accessing devices remotely.
Ease of Setup: Manufacturers often provide user-friendly setup wizards and interfaces to make it easy for non-technical users to set up and configure their routers.
Firmware Updates: Regular firmware updates are important for keeping the router secure and up to date with the latest features and improvements. Users should check for and apply updates regularly.
Brand and Model Variations: There are many router manufacturers, including popular brands like Cisco, Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, Linksys, and more. Each offers various models with different features and price points to cater to different needs and budgets.
Scalability: Consider whether the router can handle the number of devices and the amount of network traffic your small office requires. Some routers are designed for larger networks and may be overkill for a very small office.
Support and Warranty: Check the manufacturer's support options and warranty coverage for the router. Having access to customer support and warranty services can be crucial if any issues arise.

In summary, small office routers are crucial networking devices for establishing and managing internet connectivity in small office or home office environments. When choosing a router, consider factors like connectivity options, security features, QoS support, and ease of setup to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best small office routers on the market

TP-Link Safestream Multi WAN VPN Router | 1 Gigabit WAN+3 Gigabit WAN/LAN+1 Gigabit LAN Port | IPsec/L2TP/PPTP VPN Supported| SPI Firewall | DoS Defense | Lightning Protection(TL-R600VPN)

TP-Link

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

What This Product Does

TL R600VPN, TP LINK's SafeStream Gigabit Broadband VPN Router, supports Gigabit Ethernet connections on both WAN and LAN ports which guarantee high speed wired connectivity. What’s more, it integrates multiple VPN protocols, high security and high performance VPN capabilities, which enable employees’ remote connections to their main offices as secure as if they were in the main office. Besides, TL R600VPN’s abundant security strategies such as SPI Firewall, DoS Defense and IP MAC Binding help protect your network against most known attacks. TL R600VPN is an ideal partner for small offices, which need cost effective and reliable VPN solutions. If you want your Internet connection to remain active at all times, enter 0 in the Max Idle Time field. Otherwise, enter the number of minutes you want to have elapsed before your Internet connection terminates

High security VPN Capabilities

TL R600VPN supports IPsec and PPTP VPN protocols and can handle IPsec/PPTP/L2TP pass through traffic as well. It also features a built in hardware based VPN engine allowing the router to support and manage up to 20 LAN to LAN IPsec and 16 PPTP VPN connections. Advanced VPN features include: DES/3DES/AES128/AES192/AES256 encryption, MD5/SHA1 authentication, Manual/IKE key management, and Main/Aggressive negotiation modes.

Abundant Security Features

For defense against external threats, TL R600VPN features SPI Firewall function. Additionally, it can automatically detect and block Denial of service (DoS) attacks such as TCP/UDP/ICMP Flooding, Ping of Death and other related threats. Moreover, this router provides IP/MAC/Domain name filtering functions, which forcefully prevent attacks from intruders and viruses. For applications such as FTP, TFTP, H.323 and RTSP which are not well compatible with NAT, TL R600VPN offers administrators one click enable of ALG choices corresponding to the above four mentioned applications.

Safety Minded Enterprise Investments

Professional lightning protection technology is designed to prevent electrical surges from penetrating the interior of the electrical equipment and is discharged harmlessly into the Earth. This router is designed to prevent lightning up to 4KV in well grounded connection conditions. This feature ensures that networking infrastructure investments remain as safe as possible from one of mother nature's more violent situations.

Interface Available: 1 Fixed Gigabit WAN Port, 1 Fixed Gigabit LAN Port, 3 Changeable Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports; Protocols Supported: IEEE 802.3 802.3u 802.3ab, TCP/IP DHCP ICMP NAT PPPoE SNTP HTTP DNS IPsec PPTP; System Requirement: Microsoft Windows 8 7 Vista, XP or MAC OS NetWare UNIX or Linux

1 Gigabit WAN port, 1 Gigabit LAN Port, and 3 Gigabit WAN/LAN ports provide high-speed wired connectivity
Supports IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP VPN protocols, Simultaneous supports up to 20 IPsec VPN tunnels, 16 L2TP VPN tunnels and 16 PPTP VPN tunnels
DoS defense and IP/MAC/Domain name filtering protect your network.
Professional 4KV lightning protection keeps your investment safe and sound
Note: Please kindly refer to the manual when setting up

User questions & answers

Question:	How many Port Forwards or Virtual Servers are supported? Most consumer class routers only allow 16-20, I need more than that
Answer:	No it does not- I received my order today (1/11/21) and it is the same one at my local grocery store.
Question:	Does this switch support link aggregation ? Looking to hook up a decent Synology NAS which has two Ethernet ports to utilize the higher throughput
Answer:	We do not. Only ship in the US
Question:	Is the radio power adjustable? I.e., can you turn the transmission power down for smaller areas
Answer:	No. It is a thick luscious syrup and does not leave any after taste like artificial sweeteners can. The only difference I can detect between it and real maple syrup is it does not seem quite as sweet.
Question:	Can I attach this to a cable modem and use simply as a router
Answer:	The Lavanko syrup is thinner and sweeter at first, but does have an off after taste and feeling on the tongue. This one is thicker and more like 'real' syrup but not as sweet at Lavanko or the real deal. I'm planning to try the other flavors to see if they are sweeter than this maple flavor version, but between the two, I choose this one over Lavanko.

Product features

TP-Link SafeStream TL-R600VPN Gigabit Broadband Desktop VPN Router, 680M NAT throughput

What This Product Does?

TL-R600VPN, TP-LINK's SafeStream Gigabit Broadband VPN Router, supports Gigabit Ethernet connections on both WAN and LAN ports which guarantee high-speed wired connectivity. What’s more, it integrates multiple VPN protocols, high-security and high-performance VPN capabilities, which enable employees’ remote connections to their main offices as secure as if they were in the main office. Besides, TL-R600VPN’s abundant security strategies such as SPI Firewall, DoS Defense and IP-MAC Binding help protect your network against most known attacks. TL-R600VPN is an ideal partner for small offices, which need cost-effective and reliable VPN solutions.

High-security VPN Capabilities:

TL-R600VPN supports IPsec and PPTP VPN protocols and can handle IPsec/PPTP/L2TP pass-through traffic as well. It also features a built-in hardware-based VPN engine allowing the router to support and manage up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec and 16 PPTP VPN connections.

Peplink Balance Two | Small Branch Office Router | BPL-Two

Peplink

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Balance Two provides everything needed to ensure uninterrupted access to critical business applications hosted in the headquarters and on the cloud. It supports 1Gbps of throughput, enabling you to handle a gigabit connection. It has two GE WAN ports, providing backup and increasing your network's available bandwidth. Within a PepVPN tunnel, use traffic steering to get the most out of your WANs: assign session-sensitive traffic such as VoIP to your most reliable WAN, while assigning higher-volume traffic to your most affordable WAN.

2x 10/100/1000M Ethernet WAN Ports | 1x USB WAN Interface
4x 10/100/1000M Ethernet LAN Ports
1Gbps Router Throughput
25-150 Recommended Users
The fanless design keeps the Balance Two whisper-quiet
Ample connectivity for smaller enterprise branch offices

Product features

iGen600s Portable Power Station

A battery backup supply that's small and quiet. Perfect for power outages at home or as a solar generator for on the go.

Outdoor Use

The iGen600s Portable Power Station is designed for outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, or festivals where you need power on the go.

It supports charging for all your necessities and more like mini refrigerators, GoPros, drones, lights, or speakers.

Indoor Use

Functional for indoor use as well, it is perfect for the house as an emergency blackout kit or power source in construction environments.

From charging your phone, tablet, or laptop to watching TV, it's all made easier with the iGen600s.

No Engine, No Hassle

The iGen600s is engineered without an engine which means it uses no fuel, needs no maintenance, and generates no noise for a hassle-free experience.

Without fumes or special care, this is the ultra-versatile silent power source to take anywhere.

Pure Sine Wave

All outlets, including the cigarette style port, produce the cleanest form of power with pure sine waves. The iGen600s keeps your electronics safe from harmful voltage spikes.

3 Mode Lighting

The iGen600s keeps you going with a tri-mode front flashlight (100%-50%-SOS) to illuminate your way through the darkness when you need it the most.

LED Data Center

Conveniently accessible, the LED Data Center provides easy-to-read information from wattages used to remaining battery levels to diagnostic messages.

4 Charging Styles

Comes with AC and cigarette lighter outlet accessories for use with cars, walls, and generators. Includes solar panel capability to maintain the power bank of the iGen600s.

Dependable Choice

Peace of mind and preparation is always important. When you're working from home and need a dependable backup power solution or battery generator, it acts as a power pack for laptops, phones, internet routers, and security systems. Perfect as a charging station or emergency power kit.

Adventure Ready

When you're on the road, it's engineered to be easy to use and ready to go as a solar power bank. A small generator that's portable and quiet when you're camping, hunting, fishing, tailgating, at trade shows, or music festivals. It keeps drones, GoPros, heated blankets, lights, and mini coolers on for the day.

Versatile Use

From power outages to travel, Westinghouse Portable Power Stations are a great choice for an indoor generator or for outdoor generators. It's a mini generator that requires no engine maintenance and is rechargeable with a built-in carrying handle. A backup battery supply with a flashlight to picnic power supply, it's all here.

HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro (1 Base + 1 Satellite) WiFi Router Gigabit 5G Hybrid Router Home Mesh Office Internet Router

HUAWEI

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro (1 Base + 1 Satellite)

Dimensions：

Base: 112mm x 73.3mm x 183.5mm

Satellite: 75mm x 46.3mm x 103mm

Wi-Fi:

Transmission Standard: 802.11ac 2 x 2 & 802.11n 2 x 2 MU-MIMO, 1167Mbps

Wireless Transmission Rate: 1Gbps G.hn PLC connection, Support HUAWEI PLC Turbo technology

Interface:

Base: 1 x GE WAN, 2 x GE LAN

Satellite: 1 x GE LAN

Button:

H button for one-key pairing and WPS compatible;

Independent Reset

Led Indicator: 1 state indicator light

Power Supply: AC 100 - 240V, consumption < 24W

Software Functions

APP: HUAWEI smarthome App

More Functions: 802.11v & 802.11s protocol, PPPoE / DHCP / static IP address WAN connection methods, Wi-Fi timer, guest Wi-Fi, device speed limiting, MAC address filter, parental control, VPN pass through, virtual server

Security: Anti-brute force algorithms, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK Wi-Fi encryption, firewall, DMZ, PAP / CHAP, DMZ / DoS attack protection

【Self-Learning Network, Improving All the Time】 HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro learns and adapts to the changing Wi-Fi environment every day and automatically optimises the Wi-Fi channel in real-time to avoid interference. Your router will actively remember your online surfing habits to understand and support you for more efficiency in daily tasks.

【 Weak Signal and Slow Connectivity?】 Your Wi-Fi signal can sometimes be weak and slow with the walls inside your home. To get a better Wi-Fi experience, you will need more than one individual router to cover the full proximity.
【 Where There is a Socket, There is Wi-Fi】 Supported by HUAWEI’s gigabit powerline chip and PLC Turbo, the HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro is capable of expanding 200 Mbps broadband effectively. Also, it can support 1 Base with 15 Satellites, allowing you to enjoy the high-speed Wi-Fi everywhere.
【Plug in and Enjoy Wi-Fi】 Once the Satellite is plugged in, it will synchronize the Wi-Fi name and password from the Base without any extra configuration. 【HUAWEI AI Life APP】 Managing Wi-Fi has never been easier. With the HUAWEI AI Life APP, you can see what happens, set speed limits, allow guest connections, set Wi-Fi timing, pause connectivity on your kids’ devices and more.
【High-Speed Connection for Wired Devices】 The Gigabit Ethernet port on the Satellite effectively satisfies the high-speed connection needs of wired devices like your computer, TV and NAS. Your gaming experience, video playback and data copy speed, all can be leveled up efficiently.
【Seamless Roaming. Always connects you to the best Wi-Fi】 Supporting seamless roaming and band steering innovative technology, HUAWEI WiFi Q2 Pro can automatically switch between better Wi-Fi bands and hotspots with just once connection.

User questions & answers

Question:	How to get extra satellite
Answer:	Hello, the package include the 1 Base + 1 Satellite. You just order it.
Question:	Funciona para Costa Rica
Answer:	Por supuesto útil, tenga la seguridad de comprar.