With the growing popularity of superfast fibre broadband and wireless access in homes and offices, the importance of wireless routers has changed dramatically in the last few years. Internet providers which supply these devices with their service need to make sure that their customers can get fast and secure connection.BT which launched its Home Hub wireless router series a few years ago, released its latest Home Hub 3 which is designed for use with its fibre broadband (BT Infinity). Virgin Media has launched two wireless routers so far – Virgin Media Hub and Virgin Media Super HUb which can support ultra-fast broadband speeds. New TalkTalk 523a wireless router and the latest Sky Hub SR101 are other latest routers of fibre type.
Now, how these wireless routers compare?
We have compared various features including performance (speed and wireless range), ease of setup & use, technical specs, security (firewall & wireless encryption) and value for money (price). TalkTalk 523a which does not feature in the table, is a modem/router with 2 Ethernet ports, wireless N standard and auto wi-fi channel selector.
ISP | BT | Virgin Media | Sky |
Product | BT Home Hub 3 | Virgin Media Superhub | Sky Hub SR101 |
Manufacturer | Atheros and Broadcom | NetGear (Netgear VMDG480) | Broadcom |
Modem/Router Type | ADSL/Fibre Wireless/wired | Cable DOCSIS 3.0 Wireless/wired | ADSL/Fibre Wireless/wired |
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Broadband speeds support | 300Mbps | 1000Mbps | 144mbps |
Wireless Features |
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Security Features |
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Number of ports |
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Power | 5watts | 12 watts | |
Size | 18.5cm x 11cm x 6cm | 19.2cm x 18cm x 7cm | 14cm x 14cm |
Setup (Difficulty level) | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Ease of use | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Value for money | Expensive | Cheap | Cheap |
Best features |
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Price |
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