Top Networking Devices List 2021: Ultimate Buying Guide

Networking Devices List 2021: A Buying Guide for Routers, Modems & Hotspots

Top Networking Devices list 2021, Routers, Modems, Hubs, Gateways, Hotspots, Switches, etc. Select the best for Home and Office as per requirements & Specs.

Networks connect us all in the modern world. Whether it is sending an email, posting a picture to social media, submitting projects or assignments online, everything requires a networked device.

A networking device is defined as an electronic device that is needed to communicate and interact between devices on a computer network. If this sounds difficult to understand, then let’s simplify this definition. Networking devices are hardware devices that connect computers, laptops, mobiles, printers, and other devices to a network.

 

Why Are Networking Devices Becoming Essential?

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more organizations have switched over to the work-from-home method. Due to the increase of people working from home, the need for instant connection and fast sharing of information and files became essential. Every aspect of online life experienced a surge, from virtual meetings to online classes to online shopping.

The need to connect instantly for work or classes becomes challenging using just your mobile data. In such dire straits, networking devices like Wi-Fi routers and modems come in handy, especially if you are working from home.

In case you are a teacher and giving tuitions from home, you may find great deals on online teaching tools that are available on Amazon Business.

 

What Are the Different Types of Networking Devices?

When it comes to selecting the right device for your needs, you are clearly spoilt for choice. With a plethora of networking devices available online, one should expect to be bewildered.

Examples of such devices include:

 

Router

 A device that connects two or more IP networks. Essentially, a router serves two purposes: 1) It manages transmissions between networks by forwarding data packets to their appropriate IP addresses 2) It allows multiple devices to share a single internet connection.

 

Modem

A modem is a hardware device that allows computers, routers, or switches to connect to the internet.

 

Switch

A multiport device used to connect several computers via the Ethernet port.

 

Hotspots

Are Physical locations where people use Wi-Fi to access the internet via a wireless local area network with a router that is connected to an internet service provider.

 

Ethernet Hubs

An ethernet hub connects several computers together. It also acts as a repeater and amplifies signals.

 

Gateway

A gateway in the computer networking acts as a ‘gate’ or entry and exit point between networks.

 

Repeater

Repeaters are essentially range extenders as they forward wireless signals from a WiFi router in order to cover a larger area.

 

Bridges

To connect multiple LAN network, one needs a bridge; it acts as a network aggregator, connecting multiple LAN networks to create one large LAN network.

It is important to understand the features, benefits, and ideal usage of the devices. There are several devices that are suited for professional and personal uses. While working from home, you might not need all the above-mentioned devices. Therefore, choose a device that echoes your purpose.

 

Which Networking Device Is Right for Your Home

The internet is used for different purposes at home. Some people use it for work, others for gaming, and some for other purposes. The networking devices that are mostly required are routers, modems and hotspots.

Let's take a look at how these devices function and how they differ from each other.

 

 

Router

Modem

Hotspot

Purpose

To provide wired/wireless connection

Purpose

To provide wired connection

Purpose

To provide wireless connection

Usage

Mostly for multiple users

Usage

For single-user

Usage

For multiple-users.

Since it's portable,

it can be carried

along while travelling.

Speed

Fast speed. However, as more

devices connect,

the speed often reduces.

Speed

Highest speed as it

is used by a single device

Speed

Slower than the two due

to connectivity incoherence.

 

Which Networking Device Is Right for Your Office?

When working from an office, networking devices such as routers, modems, hotspots and switches are largely needed. The amount of bandwidth required for devices in an office is higher due to the greater number of users.

The networking devices you will normally need in an office are routers, switches, modems, and Ethernet cables. Devices can be chosen according to the size of the organization and data-access requirements.

You can also read our blog on comfortable WFH set up to get ideas on how to setup your home office.

 

Consider These Top Brands for Networking Devices

While there are numerous companies and brands with networking devices on the market, there are a few that stand out among the rest. Some of them are:

 

Modems:

 

Routers:

Modem
wifi modem

Switches:

Hotspots:

 

Hubs:

 

Repeaters:

 

Bridges:

 

For more options, you can also browse Amazon Business' electronics and accessories category.

 

Points to Consider Before Purchasing Networking Devices for Home and Office:

 

Speed

Needless to say, speed is, of course, the first thing that we look for when buying routers and other similar devices. A number of devices are connected to the internet while working from home or in the office. In addition, smart gadgets and devices require an internet connection. The speed of the router is a major concern for buyers since there are so many devices connected to it. In other words, you really want to pick a networking device that ensures steadier and faster speed, even with many devices already connected to it.

 

It is also important to consider whether you have a wired or a wireless connection. In the age of technology where we are talking about wireless earphones and chargers and whatnot, you wouldn’t certainly want wires running across your home. However, prior to choosing beauty over functionality, remember that wired connections provide faster speeds because there is no interference from external factors, as opposed to wireless connections.

 

Other factors that could determine the speed factor are the number of antennas, the maximum speed of the router, and the bandwidth of the router.

 

Number of connections

There is always the expectation that no matter how many devices we are connecting to the internet, our routers or modems must offer the fastest speeds. Apart from laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, smart devices, which are slowly and surely entering our homes and offices, also require an internet connection. In such a scenario, it would make sense to select a networking device that can support multiple devices and connections. You can check out the D-Link DIR-825 AC 1200 Wi-Fi Dual-Band Gigabit (LAN/WAN) Router that supports up to 20 devices.

 

Range

Range is basically the total area where your router can send signals up to. Placement of the device plays a significant role in this matter. While placing a router, it must be placed at some central location of the house or the office so that it can send signals across all the locations. In case you already have a router with a lower bandwidth, you can use an extender to amplify the range.

 

Best Networking Devices for Home

Whether or not working from home, networking devices are still required in houses for better speed and internet connections. With a large number of devices available online, finding the right one can be an uphill task. To help you out, here is a guide you can refer to before making any purchasing decisions.

 

Routers

Modems

Hotspots

Switches

TP-Link TL-WR841N

300Mbps

Wireless N Cable

TENDA D303

Wireless

Modem Router

(All in One)

 

Coconut WUD04

4G Dongle

TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit

Ethernet Network

Switch Hub

Speed up to 300 Mbps

Speed up to

300 Mbps

Speed up to

150 Mbps

Speed up to

1000 Mbps

Connects

5-10 devices

Connects

5-10 devices

Connects Up to

9 devices

Connects

5 devices

Covers Up to

500 sq. ft. area

Covers Up to

500 sq. ft. area

NA

NA

 

Best Networking Devices for Office

The number of people using the internet at work is undoubtedly higher than those using it at home. Most offices are in need of devices that will ensure a smooth working environment. Although there are many options available online, here is a quick guide that you can use before purchasing the devices.

 

Routers

Modems

Hotspots

Switches

D-Link DIR-825

AC 1200 Wi-Fi Router

 

TP-Link Archer C60 AC1350

Dual Band MU-MIMO Router

Airtel AMF-311WW

Data Card

 TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit

Ethernet Network Switch Hub

AC-1200 with

up to 1.2Gbps of speed

Speed up to

300 Mbps

Speed up to

150 Mbps

Speed up to

1000 Mbps

Connects up to

20 devices

Connects up to

15 devices

Connects

10 devices

Connects

8 devices

Covers up to

850 sq. ft. area

Covers up to

1800 sq. ft. area

NA

NA

As we've discussed features and usage, let's move on to the next important determinant that comes into play when purchasing these devices and that is budget. While most of the new devices offer lucrative features, they are also quite expensive. Moreover, the requirements at home and at work are unalike.

 

Depending upon your requirements, you can choose the devices that best fits your budget and gets the work done decently.

 

Speaking about budget, all the products available on Amazon Business come with GST invoice. So, buyers can claim input tax benefit by purchasing from Amazon Business.

 

Routers

Modems

Hotspots

Switches

INR 2K to 90K

INR 999 to 2K

~ INR 2K

INR 9K to 1.5L

Features
Frequency Band

+

Single/Dual Band+

Port supported

(RJ-45 or RJ-11)

+

Number of Antennas

+

Paretnal control

+

App support.

Features
Frequency

+

Inputs ISP

Supported

+

Port (RJ-11 or RJ 45)

+

No. Of Antennas

Features
Output Speed

+

Sim Supported

+

Battery backup

(If present)

Features
No. Of Ports

+

Gigabit

+

RJ45/RJ11

+

No. Of

Gigabit Ports

+

POE or not

Brands
D-link, Tenda,

TP-Link, Netgear,

ASUS, Linksys,

Cisco, Mercusys,

Brands
D-Link, Tenda,

TP-Link

Brands
Airtel,

Coconut

Brands
Cisco, TP-Link,

D-link,

Linkys, Tenda

Covers 1Bhk

(500 Sqft)

to 3bhk

(1800 Sqft+)

NA (Wired)

Covers 1Bhk

(up to 500sqft)

NA

Regular Usage:

Audio-Video Streaming;

Work from Home;

Heavy usage:

HD Video

streaming/Conference calls;

Multiple users,

Gaming;

Very Heavy usage:

Heavy downloads

 

Office Employees

using the internet.

Devices can easily be

moved from one place to

another since sim based.

Interconnectivity

between

multiple systems

in office;

Routing internet

over

wired medium to

redistribute

efficiently compared

to routers

 

Networking devices for office

To Conclude

Offices need good-quality networking devices for seamless internet and intranet connectivity. Since the market is flooded with products from different manufacturers, it becomes crucial to find the best one. With that said, the pricing of the product also pays an essential role in determining value for money.

 

Besides, one should keep in mind his or her need. For example, paying a premium for a router with wider range may not be a wise move if you have a compact home office. You may also not need a repeater in networking in offices. However, for large office spaces or small business to manage WFH, range extenders may prove more valuable investment than multiple switches and routers.

 

If you want to procure top-quality networking components and hardware, browse through the host of electronics and accessories available on Amazon Business. You can also purchase other office essentials at a competitive pricing from Amazon Business. It is the largest online marketplace that has everything you need.

 

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FAQs

  • A multipurpose network device can connect multiple devices to create a bridge for data travel. For example, a switch, router, and wireless access point can be connected together to form an aggregated network for office or home.

  • Networking devices like switches, hubs, and bridges are used for network aggregation while routers and modems are standalone network devices. Some of these devices can also act as gateways.

  • A modem connects the device to the internet while a router distributes internet connection among multiple devices.

  • Mesh topology uses point-to-point link to connect devices

    Star and hybrid topology use hubs to connect devices

    Bus and ring topology use drop-lines and cables to connect devices

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