Wireless Router 150mbps Vs 300mbps
A 150mbps router does offer less range coverage when compared to a 300mbps router; the later also accommodates more devices when compared to a 150mbps router and is twice faster when it comes to the speed of data transfer.
Until recently 300mbps was the standard speed for most routers, and one of the reasons was because they have been equipped with two 802.11n 150 Mbps wireless radios. So the range and speed of a 300mbps router will be high when compared to 150mbps router, remember also that a 300mbps router has been equipped with two antennas each of which supports 150mbps.
What are the differences between a Wireless Router 150mbps and 300mbps
Model |
150mbps Wireless Router |
300mbps Wireless Router |
Speed |
17.88mb/s download speeds10mbps upload speeds |
1.94mbps download speeds2.00mbps upload speeds |
Coverage/range |
None |
10,000sq. ft. |
Devices |
12 |
100 |
Antenna |
1 |
2 |
The Wireless Router 150 Mbps vs the 300mps-How do they compare?
Speed
The 300mpbs router comes equipped with two antennas, the above enables the radio to run on diversity mode and selects the best signal from either of the antennas and in the long run, improves coverage. Antennas come in two different categories, one is the Omni-directional Wi-Fi antenna and the other one is the Semi directional antenna.
The above offer users two distinct functions and it will, therefore, depend on the router brand that you have invested in. So the Omnidirectional Wi-Fi antenna releases electromagnetic waves equall to all directions, while the semi-directional antennas release radio waves in a particular pattern, while the directional antennas transmit energy in one direction.
As regards speeds offered by the 150mbps and the 300mbps router, the latter tends to perform much better but this can also be attributed to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). A router cannot be used to enhance slow internet speeds provided by your ISP, so in essence is that it matches the energy, if your ISP offers faster internet speeds then you can expect your router to offer just as much.
A 150mbps router features one antenna, which means that it can only pick up the 2.4GHz band whereas the 300mbps router with two antennas will pick up both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz frequencies. Speeds and coverage can also be enhanced through the use of Mu-MIMO and the Beamforming capabilities that prioritize deliverability of the internet speeds to specific devices.
Capacity and Design
When installing a router in your office or home, there are two things that many people aim to achieve such as long-range coverage and the ability of the router to cater to many devices. Well does your router have the capacity? The 150mbps router does not offer high capacity nor does it offer wider range coverage.
There is only so much that you can do with a 150mbps router when compared to a 300mbps router. The former will comfortably cater to video streaming, internet calling, and online gaming; therefore, if you are looking for a router to use in the office then the 150 Mbps router will give you minimal coverage.
For home use, the router will suffice more so if it is an IP based bandwidth, as it will give you the liberty to allocate bandwidth to the PC’s that are connected to the network. A 300mpbs router is a perfect unit for the office given the plethora of activities that are done using the internet. You will, therefore, be able to access coverage of about 10,000 sq. ft, and this also makes it a good option for the expansive homes.
The number of devices that can be catered to is also very high and here you can expect up to 100 devices to be provided with the internet. Important to note is that if you have devices that are engaging in higher bandwidth activities then you can expect that number to drop down significantly. Some routers, however, have been equipped with customization settings that allow users to prioritize devices that can engage in higher bandwidth activities and be comfortably catered to in terms of speed and range.
The latter allows roaming while using the internet but remember that you have to be within the proposed sq. ft.
Design
TP-Link TL-WR720N Wireless N150 Router features a very simple but classy flat design, at the front of the unit you have been provided with the controlled led lights meant to inform you which of the functions is working and the one that is not. At the back you will find one antenna and at least three Ethernet ports; the positioning of the ports is very convenient because it allows users to comfortably position their units on a flat surface with the antenna exposed.
The TP-LINK 300Mbps Wireless N Router TL-WR841N features two antennas at the back thus can transmit both the 2.5GHz and the 5GHz. The unit is not very different from the Tp-Link TL- WR720N in design, in any case, it does look much more sophisticated than the Tp-Link WR841N however in terms of performance the 300 Mbps router tend to outdo the 150 Mbps router.
So at the back of the Tp-Link 300Mbps, you will be able to use up to five Ethernet ports an upgrade from the three Ethernet ports incorporated on the Tp-Link TL WR720N.
The Wireless Router 150mbps and the 300mbps- A Comparison Overview
TP-Link TL-WR720N Wireless N150 Router
- 150Mbps wireless transmission rate ideal for Internet surfing, e-mail and online chat
- Up to 4 SSIDs support multiple wireless networks with different SSIDs and passwords
The 150mbps TP-Link router is not going to be of much help for gaming or HD streaming so the best that it can offer you is online chatting, internet surfing, and emailing. The router has been equipped with up to 4 Service Set Identifier meaning that users will be able to integrate multiple wireless networks, and this by using different SSID’s and passwords.
Despite not being able to perform many functions the router has been equipped with significant security features, for example, users will be able to access the wireless security encryption just by pushing the WPS button, there is also the option of giving specific devices priority bandwidth allocation. And even more important is that if you are using the router at home, you can restrict access to some of the explicit sites that you don’t want your child to visit.
Pros
- Allows customization of the security features
- Can integrate multiple wireless networks
- Accessing wireless security encryption has been made easy
- Allows higher bandwidth device prioritization
Cons
- Not convenient for the long haul
- The router constantly drops the signal
The TP-LINK 300Mbps Wireless N Router TL-WR841N
- 300Mbps wireless speed ideal for interruption sensitive applications like HD video streaming
- Two antennas greatly increase the wireless robustness and stability
Users who love to stream in higher bandwidth then this is your router, either for the home or office given the wide coverage that it offers its users. What’s more is that it caters to a huge number of devices, meaning that it can allow users who are roaming within the proposed sq. ft to enjoy faster speeds.
You could, therefore, use the router for HD streaming, or gaming, the two antennas also adds to the routers functionality and here you will be able to increase the wireless robustness and stability. And apart from the low price with which the router comes with, security features abound and you will be able to access the wireless security encryption at the push of the WPS button.
Pros
- Allows higher bandwidth streaming
- Two antennas contribute to the unit’s functionality
- Equipped with easy wireless security encryption at the push of a WPS button
- The router is fairly priced
Cons
- Does not connect on higher transmit
- The material used to construct the router is not sturdy thus fragile
Conclusion
Investing in a router can be a very tricky affair especially if you are not sure of the specs that are suitable for your home or office. A good router should be able to offer higher speeds on at least two frequencies the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz, the coverage is also of paramount importance if you are using the router in an office with multiple rooms.
The number of devices that the router can cater to has to be high unless if it is for one person, the above will cater to different devices at the same time without compromising on speed unless if most of the users connected to the network are streaming in higher bandwidth. And that is why you have been given the option of prioritizing the devices that can stream in higher bandwidth and that is for the 300mbps router.
Verdict: Which is better? Wireless router 150mbps or 300mbps
The 300 Mbps router is better than the 150mbps router first because it can offer faster speeds and covers a large area while connecting up to 100 devices. The unit has been equipped with two antennas, thus users can expect to enjoy faster data speeds when compared to the 150mbps router.
Even more important is that the 300mbps router can handle the higher bandwidth streaming such as the HD streaming, and gaming, whereas the 150 Mbps router only caters to small applications like emailing, surfing and chatting.
FAQ’s
How can I optimize the performance of my 300mbps wireless router?
You can always update your router’s firmware, replace the antenna, change your wireless channels or position the router in an open space.
How can I improve the slow internet speeds of my 150mbps router?
Ensure that the router is placed away from any electronic devices and then set it to re-boot regularly.
