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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For the FCC’s 2024 assessment of fixed broadband, high-speed service—its benchmark for “advanced telecommunications capability”—means access to at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. That is a regulatory benchmark, not a promise of the speed you will receive or a universal rule for what every household needs. The FCC set a separate long-term goal of 1,000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload.
What does 100/20 Mbps mean?
The two figures describe different directions of data transfer. Download speed is how quickly a connection receives data; upload speed is how quickly it sends data back. So 100/20 Mbps means 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload—not a single speed number.
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In its 2024 Section 706 report, the Federal Communications Commission raised its fixed-broadband benchmark from 25/3 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps, concluding that the earlier threshold no longer supported the advanced functions it assessed. The FCC’s long-term goal is 1,000/500 Mbps, a distinct and higher target, not the current benchmark. FCC 2024 Section 706 report
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What do internet connection types mean?
Connection technology describes how service reaches a location. It does not, on its own, establish the speed available there: availability and advertised rates vary by address.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
DSL over copper
DSL is fixed wireline service delivered over copper telephone lines. The FCC classifies it as copper wire.
Cable and hybrid fiber-coaxial
Cable service uses coaxial cable or a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, which combines fiber and coaxial cable.
Rank #2
- OneMesh Compatible Router - Form a seamless WiFi when work with TP-Link OneMesh WiFi Extenders
- Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 Technology – The Archer AX10 leverages advanced Wi-Fi 6 features like OFDMA and 1024-QAM to deliver improved efficiency across your entire network. Perfect for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and smart home connectivity.
- Next-gen Dual Band router - 300 Mbps on 2. 4 GHz (802. 11n) plus 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz (802. 11ax)
- Connect more devices than ever before - Wi-Fi 6 technology simultaneously communicates more data to more devices using OFDMA and MU-MIMO while reducing lag dramatically
- Powerful Dual-Core 900MHz Processor – Handles multiple data streams simultaneously for reliable performance across your devices. Ensures smooth streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing without buffering or lag.
Fiber to the premises
In this category, fiber reaches the home or business end user. The FCC’s definition excludes fiber-to-the-curb service.
Satellite
Satellite broadband is a fixed, non-terrestrial connection using geostationary or non-geostationary satellites.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Fixed wireless
Terrestrial fixed wireless connects a fixed location by radio. FCC reporting categories distinguish unlicensed, licensed, and licensed-by-rule spectrum; the licensed category includes fixed service delivered over a 4G LTE or 5G-NR mobile network. FCC technology codes
How to check what is available at your address
- Open the FCC National Broadband Map and enter the home or business address.
- Review the providers and technologies reported for that location.
- Compare each service’s maximum advertised download and upload speeds separately.
- If the map’s availability information appears wrong, use the FCC’s challenge process described in its Broadband Data Collection help center.
The map presents provider-reported availability and advertised maximum speeds; it does not measure the speed inside your home. An advertised rate therefore is not a guarantee of measured performance. The map can help establish which options are reported at an address, but it does not by itself establish actual performance, latency, data limits, price, or the speed a particular household needs.
Rank #4
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
How to compare available plans
Start with the options reported for the exact address, then compare the evidence the map provides:
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- Upload rate: the advertised rate for sending data.
- Technology: how the connection reaches the location.
- Address availability: whether the provider reports service at that specific location.
These figures help describe and compare reported offerings, but they do not tell you what performance you will measure in practice. The FCC benchmark is useful context for fixed broadband; it is not a substitute for checking address-specific availability or considering household requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟖𝐊 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, & obstacles such as walls.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐢 𝟔 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Equipped with 4T4R and HE160 technologies on the 5 GHz band to enable max 4.8 Gbps ultra-fast connections.Power:12 V 2.5 A
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 – Supports MU-MIMO and OFDMA to reduce congestion and 4X the average throughput
- 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. High-Power FEM, 6× Antennas, Beamforming, and 4T4R structures combine to adapt WiFi coverage to perfectly fit your home and concentrate signal strength towards your devices.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
