The Best Non Wifi Router: Buyer's Guide in 2025

Source: Amazon

Our pick: Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway

The Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway is a high-performance, professional network security appliance that offers a variety of features tailored for businesses and home users alike. After thoroughly testing this device, I can confidently say that it provides solid security, performance, and flexibility in a compact and quiet form factor. Here’s an in-depth review based on my experience:

Pros

1. Exceptional Performance: Equipped with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz processor, the Netgate 1100 delivers impressive performance. I found it capable of routing near gigabit speeds with common home iPerf3 traffic, and it handled firewall throughput of over 650 Mbps without any noticeable issues. This makes it a great choice for businesses and users who need reliable, high-speed network security.

2. Pre-loaded pfSense+ Software: The device comes with pfSense+ pre-installed, which makes the setup process very user-friendly. Whether you are a networking novice or a professional, the intuitive interface and extensive customization options allow for a smooth configuration to suit any security needs. The free 24/7 technical support available from the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is also a big plus, ensuring that you can get help whenever needed.

3. Compact and Quiet Design: One of the standout features is the small form factor. The Netgate 1100 is compact enough to fit unobtrusively on a desktop, rack, or even mounted on a wall. Despite its powerful performance, the device operates silently, which is crucial for environments that require minimal noise.

4. Flexible Networking Options: The three 1 GbE switched ports (WAN/LAN/OPT) offer flexibility, allowing you to configure multiple network interfaces. This makes it easy to set up separate networks or ensure high-speed traffic routing without bottlenecks. It's a very adaptable device, perfect for users who require different configurations for their network setup.

5. Lifetime Support and Software Updates: With lifetime access to pfSense+ software updates and TAC Lite support, you can be confident that your device will remain secure and up-to-date without worrying about additional costs. This makes it an excellent investment for both personal and business use, ensuring long-term reliability.

Cons

1. Adult Signature Required for Delivery: While this isn’t a huge drawback, it’s worth noting that the delivery requires an adult signature. This can be inconvenient if you're not available to sign for the package upon delivery, requiring extra coordination with the shipping service.

2. Limited to Gigabit Speed: While the Netgate 1100 performs excellently in terms of routing and firewall throughput, it is limited to 1 GbE ports. This may not be ideal for businesses or users with larger networks that require faster speeds or greater bandwidth, as 2.5 GbE or 10 GbE ports are becoming more common in higher-end appliances.

Overall, the Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway is an outstanding choice for those looking for a reliable and compact security appliance. It offers excellent performance, flexible networking options, and lifetime support, making it a solid investment for both home and small business use. While the adult signature delivery requirement and gigabit speed limitation may be minor inconveniences for some, they don't detract from the device's overall value. If you're looking for a powerful yet affordable network security solution, the Netgate 1100 is definitely worth considering.

Also great: Alta Labs Route10 | 10 Gig Multi-WAN Router

The Route10 10 Gig Multi-WAN Router is a powerful networking device designed to meet the needs of high-demand environments where speed, reliability, and security are paramount. This router combines cutting-edge technology with advanced features to provide a robust solution for both business and home users who require top-tier performance. After testing this device in a real-world scenario, here is a detailed review:

Pros

1. Blazing Fast 10 Gbps Performance: One of the most impressive features of the Route10 is its ability to support two 10 Gbps SFP+ ports and four 2.5 Gbps autosensing Ethernet ports. This setup delivers exceptional speed for both wired and wireless devices, ensuring minimal latency and maximum throughput. Whether you're managing a high-traffic network or running data-intensive applications, this router can handle it with ease, making it a perfect choice for businesses with high-performance needs.

2. Quad-Core Qualcomm Processor for Enhanced Performance: Powered by a Qualcomm quad-core processor, the Route10 delivers robust performance with hardware acceleration. The processing power ensures that routing, load balancing, and network management tasks are handled efficiently. This translates to smooth operation, even with multiple devices and heavy traffic loads, making it ideal for environments that need consistent and reliable performance.

3. Advanced Real-Time Network Monitoring: The router is equipped with advanced tools such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), intrusion detection, and real-time statistics reporting. These features provide excellent insights into network traffic, helping users monitor security threats and optimize network performance. The ability to view real-time data allows for proactive network management, ensuring that potential issues are detected and resolved quickly.

4. Native VPN Support: The inclusion of native support for both WireGuard and IPSEC VPN protocols is a major plus for businesses and power users. This allows for secure remote access and encryption, which is essential for maintaining data security in a multi-user network. The built-in VPN functionality provides peace of mind, especially for businesses that need to ensure secure connections for remote workers or branch offices.

5. Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Capabilities: The Route10 supports 802.3at PoE+ on two of its RJ45 ports, allowing users to power compatible devices directly through the network cable. This feature is particularly useful for devices like access points, IP cameras, or VoIP phones, reducing the need for additional power sources and simplifying setup, especially in remote locations or places where power outlets are scarce.

Cons

1. Power Consumption: With its high-performance capabilities, the Route10 consumes 40W of power, which is relatively high compared to other routers in its class. While this power consumption is justified by the device's advanced features and performance, it may be a concern for users looking to minimize energy usage, especially in large-scale deployments.

2. SFP+ Port Compatibility: While the two 10 Gbps SFP+ ports are fantastic for high-speed connections, they require compatible SFP+ modules or fiber cables. This adds an extra layer of complexity for users who may not have the necessary hardware or experience with fiber networking. While this is standard for high-end routers, it could be a barrier for users who are not familiar with SFP+ connections or lack the required accessories.

The Route10 10 Gig Multi-WAN Router is an excellent choice for those in need of a high-performance, feature-rich router that can handle the demands of modern networks. Its combination of 10 Gbps performance, powerful quad-core processor, real-time monitoring tools, native VPN support, and PoE+ capabilities makes it a standout in the market. While its power consumption and SFP+ port compatibility may pose challenges for some users, these are relatively minor drawbacks compared to the router's overall performance. If you're looking for a top-tier networking solution that can handle demanding tasks with ease, the Route10 is a highly recommended option.

Also great: TP-Link ER707-M2 | Omada Multi-Gigabit

The TP-Link ER707-M2 Omada Multi-Gigabit VPN Router is a feature-packed device designed for high-performance networking, offering strong security features and easy cloud management. Aimed at businesses and power users who need robust routing, VPN, and load-balancing capabilities, the ER707-M2 promises a flexible, scalable solution to meet a wide range of networking needs. After testing it in various scenarios, here’s a detailed review:

Pros

1. Exceptional Network Capacity: The ER707-M2 shines in terms of its network capacity, supporting up to 500,000 concurrent sessions and 1,000+ clients. This makes it an ideal choice for medium to large-sized businesses with heavy traffic. Whether you're running a large office or managing a multi-site network, the ER707-M2 can easily handle the demands without slowing down.

2. Flexible and High-Performance Port Configuration: This router offers an impressive array of ports, including 2.5Gigabit WAN ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, and a Gigabit SFP WAN/LAN port, which is great for users needing flexible connectivity options. The ability to configure the ports based on specific needs (such as prioritizing LAN or WAN traffic) provides excellent scalability for businesses requiring high-bandwidth aggregation.

3. Omada Cloud Management: The integration with Omada SDN (Software-Defined Networking) allows for centralized cloud management, making it possible to manage the entire network from a single interface anywhere, anytime. This feature is especially useful for IT administrators managing multiple locations, enabling seamless remote access and control without being on-site.

4. Highly Secure VPN Capabilities: The ER707-M2 supports a wide range of VPN protocols, including up to 100 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 66 OpenVPN, 60 L2TP, and 60 PPTP connections. This makes it highly secure and capable of handling a large number of remote workers or branch offices, ensuring secure, encrypted connections for business-critical data.

5. Durability and Support: TP-Link backs this router with a 5-year warranty, along with free technical support from 6 am to 6 pm PST Monday through Friday. This extensive warranty and reliable customer support provide peace of mind for businesses, ensuring that any issues can be addressed promptly.

Cons

1. Limited USB Port Functionality: While the USB 2.0 port supports storage devices and LTE backup with a dongle, it is somewhat limited compared to newer USB 3.0 or USB-C standards. This might restrict the use of high-speed external devices, and the backup functionality could be slower compared to other options with faster USB ports.

2. Complex Initial Setup for Less Experienced Users: While the Omada Cloud app makes ongoing management easy, the initial setup may be complex for less experienced users, particularly when configuring VPNs or advanced network settings. While the router is powerful, those without a background in networking may find it challenging to fully leverage all its capabilities right out of the box.

The TP-Link ER707-M2 Omada Multi-Gigabit VPN Router is an excellent choice for businesses and users who need a high-capacity, secure, and flexible network solution. Its powerful performance, extensive VPN capabilities, and cloud-based management make it a reliable choice for managing modern network environments. While the USB port’s limitations and the router’s somewhat complex initial setup may be concerns for some, the overall performance, security features, and long-term support make the ER707-M2 a solid investment. If you’re looking for a router that can handle heavy traffic, provide secure VPN access, and offer centralized cloud management, this is a highly recommended option.

Can I get a non Wi-Fi router?

Yes, you can get a non Wi-Fi router. Non Wi-Fi routers, also known as wired routers, are designed to provide wired network connections without the need for a wireless connection. These routers typically have Ethernet ports that allow you to connect devices using Ethernet cables. Non Wi-Fi routers are useful if you prefer to have a more secure and stable wired network connection or if you have devices that do not support Wi-Fi connectivity.

What is a router without Wi-Fi called?

A router without Wi-Fi is commonly referred to as a wired router or a non-wireless router. It is a device that allows multiple devices to connect to a network using wired Ethernet connections rather than using wireless signals.

Are wired routers better?

Wired routers offer several advantages over wireless routers. Firstly, they provide a more reliable and stable internet connection compared to wireless connections, as they are not susceptible to interference from other devices or obstacles like walls. This makes them an ideal choice for tasks that require a consistent and fast connection, such as online gaming or streaming.Additionally, wired routers typically offer higher speeds compared to wireless routers. With Ethernet cables, users can enjoy gigabit speeds, which are much faster than what wireless connections can provide. This is especially beneficial for households with multiple devices that require high-speed internet simultaneously.

Moreover, wired routers usually have better security features compared to their wireless counterparts. Since wired connections are not broadcasted through the airwaves, they are less vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access. This makes them a more secure option for sensitive activities like online banking or transmitting confidential data.

However, it's important to note that wired routers require physical connections through Ethernet cables, which can limit mobility. Users cannot access the internet wirelessly from any location within the router's range. Additionally, setting up a wired network may require additional installation and cable management.

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