What's the best wired ethernet router for multiple MacBooks (not wifi)?

Best and fastest results are obtained from a router that has Gigabit-capable Ethernet ports, when used with eight-wire cables and jumbo frames to attain Gigabit speeds all the way through.

However, since most Internet connections are far short of Gigabit speeds, and most home users have no need for computer-to-computer transfers at any speed, that is overkill for most uses.

So the short answer is, any that has enough built-in ports to support the number of connection you want to make. (Otherwise you will need an additional Ethernet Switch.)

If your needs change to include high-speed Wireless connections as well, the answer changes rather dramatically.

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¿what Router do you have now? How does it fall short of your expectations?