When buying a router, what do AC1200, AX3000, and BE5100 mean? Which one is better?

Introduction to WLAN 802.11 Standard Protocol
Wireless routers that support different protocols have different performances. If you are considering deploying a more powerful wireless network, you can choose a wireless router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or higher protocols. WLAN follows the 802.11 protocol standard, from the initial 802.11a/b/g, through 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), 802.1168-1168/Fi169802.15-19802.15-119802.15-119802.15-119802.15-11985-15-1. 6e), to the latest 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7). Each evolution has brought a leap in data transmission speed.

The first letter of the product specification: represents the WiFi protocol standard
Different first letters represent the WiFi protocol supported by the router, and the difference in the protocol directly affects the network performance.

(1) n

Corresponds to the 802.11n protocol, which is the old WiFi4. Its speed is usually around 150M, 300M, and 450M, and only supports the 2.4G frequency band. This frequency band has a wide signal coverage range, but the transmission speed is slow and it is also susceptible to interference. It is suitable for scenarios where the network speed requirements are not high and fewer devices are used, such as temporary use in old houses.


(2) AC

It means that it supports the 802.11ac protocol, which is WiFi5. It supports both 2.4G and 5G bands. The 5G band has fast transmission speed and less interference, which is suitable for high-speed Internet access at short distances; the 2.4G band has a wide coverage range and strong wall penetration ability, which is suitable for long distances or areas with obstacles. However, the performance of WiFi5 will decrease when multiple devices are connected.



(3) AX

Represents the 802.11ax protocol, which is the currently popular WiFi6. Common speeds are 1800M, 3000M, and 5400M. It also supports 2.4G and 5G frequency bands. The protocol stipulates that 6G can also be used (not available in China). WiFi6 uses new technologies such as MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which can significantly improve efficiency and reduce network congestion when multiple devices are connected. It is very suitable for situations where a large number of smart devices are connected at the same time in the home.


(4) BE

Indicates support for the 802.11be protocol, the latest WiFi7 technology. Common speeds are 3600M, 5100M, 6500M, and 7200M, supporting up to 3 frequency bands. Although it is not yet mature in China, it has higher speeds and lower latency, and is expected to provide better support for ultra-high-speed network needs in the future.

The summary is as follows: