Are you in search of a reliable wireless router for the Exede satellite internet? After testing over 24 devices from known brands, I finally took out the 7 reliable options that gave me consistent speeds and performance in my extensive lab tests.
Since Exede offers satellites connections, internet speeds aren’t as high as other ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, or Cox Internet. Although, it’s good enough for daily use with no heavy data requirements. That’s why all you need is a decent wireless router that can handle speeds up to 12Mbps. But which one?
Table of Contents
Equipment Setup
Many consumers are under the impression that they will have to buy huge equipment to enjoy satellite internet. However, you no longer require those eight feet long equipment that you needed 20 years back. Let’s take a look at how technology has evolved:
- Satellite Dish: On your first day of satellite internet service, the company will send an installation professional to mount a satellite dish. This will point towards a geostationary satellite in space about 22,000 miles away from you. The dish will transmit and receive signals from the satellite. Your installation professional will check that the dish is in an optimal position and functions well during the initial installation.
- Wi-Fi Modem Router: The next step is to connect it to a modem with a coaxial cable. Then your Exede Modem Router will be connected to your device and interpret satellite signals so your website request can display. If your modem has a built-in router then you do not need to worry about additional equipment. But in case it doesn’t, you’ll need a separate router to set up the internet connection.
- Compatible Internet Device: You will then need a device compatible with your chosen internet service to set up the connection. Preferably, you must go with a computer with Ethernet ports. After the initial setup, you can connect all your wireless devices to the internet service.
7 Best Routers for Exede Satellite Internet in 2023
Exede Satellite Internet works by transmitting radio signals from Exede’s hub that travels about 23,000 miles before reaching your home. Your satellite dish then detects the signals, and the rest of the process is similar to other types of internet services.
Now that you’ve understood the features to look for when buying a router for satellite internet, let’s take a look at the best suitable routers for Exede satellite internet:
1. Best Overall: TP-Link Archer A20
TP-Link has been in the industry for a long to meet the wireless requirements of small living spaces and medium to large offices. One such device is the TP-Link Archer A20 that provides great value and qualifies as the best router to buy under $150.
Speeds
This router can deliver a maximum combined speed of 4Gbps. If I talk about the individual speeds, it delivers up to 750mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1625mbps on its dual 5GHz bands. It also has MU-MIMO and OFDMA support for improved wireless connectivity.
Hardware
The router is powered by a dual-core processor that clocks in at 1.8GHz. It has 512MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory that allows you to install any app if needed. This RAM and storage configuration is perfectly fine to handle the requirements of large households.
Antennas & Coverage
The router has 6 external antennas to deliver a stronger signal via better bandwidth distribution and beamforming features. This tri-band router operates using one 2.4GHz and dual 5GHz bands and covers up to 3000 Sq Ft area.
Design & Connectivity
The router features an elegant black plastic body that measures 14.45 x 10.67 x 3.7 inches and weighs just 1.8 lbs.
It has 4 gigabit LAN ports, out of which two LAN ports support link aggregation. It also has an external high-speed WAN port that helps your router to connect to the internet.
Configuration & App Support
Using the Tether app available on Android and iOS devices, the real-time settings and guest network access of your TP-Link A20 router can be enabled easily.
Conclusion
This TP-Link device is a good option to consider for the Liberty plans. Long wireless range, tri-band operation, link aggregation, and support of three co-processors are a few features that are relevant for every large household in 2023.
- Affordable
- Tri-band operation
- Link aggregation
- MU-MIMO, Beamforming
- Two USB ports
- HomeCare security
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
2. Best Runner Up: Motorola MR2600
Motorola’s internet equipment always stays true to what they say and delivers consistent and reliable performance at all costs. The Motorola MR2600 is an excellent router for working professionals wanting an affordable router for working from home.
Speeds
This monster delivers a combined maximum speed of 2.6Gbps. Individually speaking, the 2.4GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 800mbps, and the 5GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 1733mbps.
Hardware
The device is powered by a dual-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.2GHz. It has 512B of RAM that is sufficient to power your everyday operations, high-end gaming, and other business tasks. It also has a 128MB flash memory that can be used to install extra security features and applications.
Antennas & Coverage
There are 4 high-performance external antennas for beamforming and bandwidth prioritization. The router covers a wireless range of up to 2000 Sq Ft that is sufficient for small to medium living spaces.
Design & Connectivity
The machine has a beautiful black build with a USB port in the front. It measures 7.06 x 12 x 7.13 inches and weighs just 1.1 pounds.
The MR2600 has one WAN port and four LAN ports for faster-wired connections.
Configuration & App Support
The device does not offer app support, which certainly is a drawback. To control your router and enable guest access, Motorola has a simple yet effective browser-based setup. The web GUI also offers security features like Guest access, basic parental controls, etc.
Conclusion
This Exede compatible wireless router is a must-buy due to its affordability, real-time speeds, good coverage, and parental controls.
- Affordable
- Excellent dual band speeds
- MU-MIMO technology
- Parental controls
- Beamforming
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
- No app support
3. Best for Home Use: Netgear Nighthawk R7350
If you’ve been looking for the best satellite-compatible router that will absolutely wow you with its performance and affordability, then let me introduce you to the Netgear Nighthawk R7350.
Speeds
The sub $100 router delivers a maximum speed of 2400mbps. Individually, the 2.4GHz band delivers a maximum speed of 600mbps while the 5GHz band maxes at 1733mbps. The device supports the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology.
Hardware
The router is powered by the Broadcom BCM4709A0, a dual-core processor that clocks at a frequency of 1GHz. It has 256MB RAM space that is more than enough to support gaming, and is great for day-to-day tasks. It also has 128MB of flash memory that can be used to download extra features that you desire.
Antennas & Coverage
The device has 3 high-performance external antennas that perform Beamforming+ and QoS prioritization to deliver a stronger signal and better performance. It can cover medium to large homes spanning up to 2500 Sq Ft. With all these advanced features, the router is capable of serving internet connections for up to 30 devices.
Design & Connectivity
The router is available in a black plastic body and measures 13.35 x 12.68 x 3.94 inches. It weighs 1.65 pounds and is a bit on the heavier side.
It has 1 WAN and 4 LAN ports that can deliver a maximum speed of 1000 Mbps to all your wired connections. You also get one USB 3.0 port which is placed in the front.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a good satellite router with support for 30 devices, parental controls, WPA 3 encryption, extensive range, and dynamic QoS. You can even set up your router at home in just five minutes, thanks to the Netgear user-friendly setup system.
- Affordable
- Parental & Access controls
- MU-MIMO and Beamforming+
- Supports over 30 devices
- WPA 3 encryption standards
- Dynamic QoS
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
4. Best Tri-Band Router: Linksys EA8300
Count your lucky stars because your hunt for an affordable satellite internet compatible router ends. Let me introduce you to the Linksys EA8300. It’s a tri-band router that costs around $100 and provides stable internet with Exede satellite.
Speeds
This tri-band router delivers a combined maximum speed of 2.2Gbps. Talking about individual band speeds, the 2.4GHz band can deliver up to 400mbps, and the high-speed dual 5GHz bands can deliver a speed of up 867mbps. Furthermore, the router supports MU-MIMO, DFS, and Airtime Fairness for efficient performance.
Hardware
The router is powered by a 716MHz quad-core processor with the co-operation of 3 offload processors. The 256MB RAM can handle HD streaming on Firestick, high-quality Wi-Fi calling, and other tasks without any screen lags, freezes, and wireless dead zones. Furthermore, it also has a 256MB flash memory to store router configurations, settings, security features, and firmware.
Antennas & Coverage
The Linksys EA8300 has 4 high-performance internal antennas for better bandwidth distribution, stronger signal, and beamforming. This router can cover a range of up to 2000 Sq Ft easily.
Design & Connectivity
The router has a beautiful black plastic body, measures 6.37 x 8.41 x 2.16 inches, and weighs only 1 pound.
The router sports standard ports with 1 WAN and 4 external LAN ports for faster-wired connections such as computers, laptops, etc. In addition to the LAN ports also have one USB 3.0 port that can connect extra devices such as printers, televisions, etc.
Configuration & App Support
Using the Linksys app available on Android and iOS devices, you can control your router settings and enable guest networks, parental controls, etc. You can also set up your router by using this app in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
It is compatible with Exede Gold 50 Plan and is one of the best budget routers with the tri-band operation, airtime fairness, beamforming+, parental controls, app support, guest network, etc.
- Tri-band operation
- MU-MIMO, Beamforming+
- Airtime Fairness
- DFS certified
- Device prioritization
- Guest access
- parental controls
- WPA2 security
5. Best Wi-Fi Mesh System: TP-Link Deco X20
If you want to enjoy a seamless wireless connection in every nook and cranny of your 2 story house, and have a router that suits the modern decor of your office or living space at the same time, then you’ve got to check out the TP-Link Deco X20.
Speeds
This two-pack Wi-Fi 6 mesh router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1800mbps. The router has support for OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology. Both Wi-Fi points in this system are powered by a 1GHz quad-core processor for fast and reliable performance.
Hardware
It has a 512MB RAM that can efficiently perform every task such as basic daily operations, 4K streaming, OTT streaming on Firestick, and all the business operations that you have in mind with ease. It also has a flash memory of 128MB to download extra security features and applications.
Antennas & Coverage
The Deco X20 doesn’t offer any external antennas; however, each unit comes with 4 high-performance internal antennas for better wireless coverage and speed. Furthermore, it provides a long wireless range of up to 4000 Sq Ft, meaning that this two-pack mesh system can cover large homes or apartments.
Design & Connectivity
As discussed in my dedicated Deco X20 review, this mesh system looks gorgeous in white color. Both the units stand 4.4-inches tall and 4.3-inches wide, making them light and portable. The routers weigh 1.9 lbs, and you would also witness the Deco logo on both units.
When it comes to connectivity, The device offers only 2 ethernet ports on each pack that deliver a speed of up to 1000mbps to all your wired connections such as computers, laptops, gaming consoles, etc. Much to my disappointment, the router does not have any USB ports.
Conclusion
Overall, this mesh system offers the latest wireless standards, great speed, and long coverage with features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA. With its incredible Deco app available on Android and iOS devices, you can easily set up the Wi-Fi system at your home and control its settings remotely.
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Elegant design
- Extensive coverage
- Robust parental controls
- MU-MIMO & OFDMA
- WPA 3 encryption
- Supports up to 100 devices
- No USB Ports
6. Best for Platinum Plan: ASUS RT-ACRH18
The ASUS RT-ACRH18 is a perfect router for Exede satellite internet that covers every corner of a large home and delivers excellent performance with the help of its technically advanced features at a competitive price.
Speeds
It can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1.7Gbps. As for the individual speeds, the 2.4GHz band can deliver a maximum speed of 450mbps, and the 5GHz band can go up to 1300mbps.
Hardware
This router is powered by a Quad-Core chipset that clocks at a 1.8GHz frequency. It has a 128MB RAM space that can perform everyday basic operations with ease. It also has a flash memory of 128MB that can install extra security features and applications.
Antennas & Coverage
The dual-band router has 3 high-performance non-detachable external antennas that can perform bandwidth prioritization, beamforming, and delivering stronger signals. The router has excellent coverage of 3000 Sq Ft that is sufficient for medium to large households.
Design & Connectivity
The router has a gorgeous black plastic body that measures 8.66 x 6.3 x 3.43 inches and weighs just 1.03 pounds. This lightweight form factor makes it portable and even mountable on a wall.
The device sports a pretty standard port setup. It features 4 LAN ports and 1 WAN port. It also has one high-speed USB 3.0 port for connecting printers and smartphones.
Conclusion
Furthermore, this router is compatible with the Exede Viasat Satellite Unlimited Platinum Plan 100, allowing a download speed of up to 100 Mbps. The device has excellent connectivity, USB ports, and long coverage at a reasonable price.
- MU-MIMO
- Quad-Core processor
- AiRadar Beamforming
- Parental controls
- Supports over 30 devices
- Excellent coverage
- Middling RAM
7. Best for Bronze 12 Plan: D-Link DIR-1260
If you want the features of reliable and solid performance, affordability, portability, speed, and aesthetically pleasing design in one router, then you’ve got to check out the D-Link AC1200.
Speeds
The router can deliver a combined maximum speed of 1.2Gbps. The 2.4GHz band can deliver speed up to 300mbps, and the 5GHz band up to 867mbps. This router ensures that you encounter minimum Wi-Fi dead zones, lags, and screen freezes. The router supports the latest quad-stream MU-MIMO technology.
Hardware
The router is fueled by a quad-core processor that clocks in at a frequency of 1.2GHz. It has 128MB RAM that will efficiently power your every high-end task and other daily operations ease. The flash memory of 128MB can be used to download extra applications and security features.
Antennas & Coverage
The router has 4 high-performance external antennas that help the device to deliver better bandwidth distribution and a stronger signal using the beamforming features. The brand hasn’t revealed the exact coverage area. However, I assume the router can cover a small office space or house easily.
Design & Connectivity
The router has a beautiful plain black plastic body and measures 5.39 x 8.07 x 1.81 inches. It weighs 0.71 pounds only and is super portable.
The device has 4 LAN ports to help you connect to wired devices, and it also has a high-speed WAN port as well.
Conclusion
The router comes with Wi-Fi 5 support, MU-MIMO technology, and Alexa voice control. It provides good security, an easy setup interface, no dead zones, the ability to minimize congestion, and the capacity to support more devices than conventional routers. Furthermore, you can even control the real-time settings of the device using the D-Link app.
- Minimizes dead ones and Wi-Fi congestion
- Smarter security features
- Alexa Wi-Fi access
- Afforadable
- May need abrupt restart
Frequently Asked Questions
The best router to pair with a Viasat (formerly Exede) satellite internet is the TP-Link Archer A20 due to its incredible speed on tri-bands, excellent coverage, and other technologically advanced features.
Basically, what happens is, when you click on a particular website on your device, the request goes to the Viasat modem and further to the satellite dish, which then transmits the signals to the geostationary satellite in outer space. The satellite then sends a signal to the Viasat Gateway that is connected to your ground network. The station then transmits the signal to your selected website and connects you to it.
The following are the Exede Satellite Internet Plan options:
– Unlimited Bronze 12: $50/mo.
– Unlimited Silver 25: $70/mo.
– Unlimited Gold 50: $100/mo.
– Unlimited Platinum 100: $150/mo.
A satellite internet connection does exactly what it sounds like. It delivers an internet connection in your home by connecting you to a geostationary satellite in outer space using a satellite dish. Following are its pros and cons.
Pros:
– Is accessible even in remote locations.
– Is much more affordable than other internet options.
Cons:
– You need to install a satellite dish at your home.
– It may require a multi-year service contract.
– Data caps.
– Much more prone to disruption.
Verdict
Satellite internet is definitely a go-to option for people looking for an affordable internet connection that will provide reliable service even in remote locations. However, it does come with its cons, such as expensive data caps, bulky satellite dishes, and bandwidth interruptions.
But when you buy your own router for satellite internet like Exede, you can bid goodbye to all these problems. If you want my take, here are some of my recommendations:
- For gaming and data-intensive needs, the TP-Link Archer A20 servees best. Combining it with a high-speed Exede internet plan can give you blazing fast internet speed via tri-band operation.
- If you want an affordable router for your small business of office setup, the Netgear Nighthawk R7350 is a great option. It lets you connect over 25 devices and covers up to 2500 sq ft area.
- In case you need a cheaper option, go for D-Link DIR-1260.
Buying your own satellite-compatible router gives you the privilege of controlling your router features according to your network requirements and budget. So take enough time to make the best pick.
For Morton, reviewing a router is just like spending another day at the office. As BCCA’s senior copywriter, Morton believes is explaining every concept concerning routers, networking technologies, and additional routing specs. Also, Morton is our go-to man if we are looking to get the ISP-dependent internet plans tested across devices.