Data Byte: This router's signal strength beat most competitors in our lab test

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For those who work remotely, a reliable Wi-Fi router is essential for maintaining a solid connection not only for video calls, but for streaming movies and games after work. But how do you really know how good a Wi-Fi router is without testing it first?

At ZDNET, we're all about backing up our recommendations with data, which is why we vigorously test products in our lab to truly see which ones we can confidently stand behind. We recently tested 15 Wi-Fi routers and their signal strength, and while the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S won a Lab Award for widest coverage, there was another router that also stood out in our testing.

Also: We tested 15 Wi-Fi 7 routers in our lab - this one had the best coverage

For our second Data Byte series, the Netgear Orbi 370 had the best coverage for the low Distance and Interference (D&I) range at a signal strength of -27.2 dBm in a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Low D&I is described as up to 25 feet from the router with up to one wall of interference. It scored in the "excellent" dBm range (−15 to −30 dBm), which means it is a great router option for just about any use, providing a very strong signal and maximum throughput.

To get these findings, our unique testing consisted of measuring signal strength across 61 chosen locations throughout our 12,500 sq. ft. lab that consists of over 20 rooms. For our testing, values closer to zero indicate a stronger signal.