Recommended Routers and Network Specifications
Play-Fi is compatible with all routers that are Wi-Fi certified and meet Wi-Fi standards. Uncertified routers may cause problems for your Play-Fi products. A list of known problematic routers is here.
Recommended Specifications
While all certified routers should work, for the optimal Play-Fi streaming experience, we recommend using a router that is rated at least “N600”. This designation means the router supports 802.11n dual band with a speed of 300Mbps on each band. You’ll see the rating “N600” in the router name, or on the front of the box.
These are the detailed N600 specifications you should look for:
LAN Ports:
- WAN x 1, LAN x 4 RJ-45 for 10/100/1000 Base T
Antenna:
- 2 x antenna for 2.4 GHz with 3.8dBi gain
- 3 x antenna for 5 GHz with 5.1dBi gain
Memory:
- 8 MB flash and 128 MB RAM
Operating Frequency:
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Data Rate:
- 802.11n: up to 300Mbps
Please note that these are recommendations and not requirements. Play-Fi does work with routers with lower performance specifications, and the experience may be acceptable or good. However, using a router with these performance levels will dramatically reduce the chances that your network set up will interfere with the enjoyment of your Play-Fi products.
Examples of Routers that meet this specification:
This series of routers has reliable and consistent performance in our internal testing and strong customer reviews. We’ve organized them in a “Good, Better, Best” format:
| Router | Description | Type of Home | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS RT-N56U | This router meets the recommended specs, is low-cost, and is superb for providing a quality Play-Fi experience | Apartment or Condo | |
| ASUS RT-N66U | This router exceeds the recommended specs, provides faster speeds and greater ranges, and provides a superior Play-Fi experience | 1-2 Story Home or Ranch Home | Amazon Best Buy Fry's Others |
| ASUS RT-AC68U | This router greatly exceeds the recommended specs, provides incredible speed and range, has the newest Wi-Fi standard, and provides one of the best Play-Fi experiences. | Large, Multistory Home | Amazon Best Buy Fry's Others |