The SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) segment encompasses all those network solutions designed for small offices, professional studios, and homes with requirements exceeding those of a standard ISP router. Here is how to navigate the selection process.
Single router or mesh system?
For small environments without too many wall obstacles, a well-positioned WiFi 6 router may be sufficient. Beyond a certain square footage, or in the presence of multiple floors and thick walls, a mesh system (consisting of two or more units working together) ensures more uniform coverage, with automatic roaming between nodes that prevents interruptions when moving between rooms with a mobile device.
WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E: what really changes
The WiFi 6 standard improves network efficiency when many devices are connected simultaneously, reducing interference and latency. WiFi 6E adds access to the 6 GHz band, which is less crowded than the classic 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, but requires compatible client devices to take full advantage of it. For a small office with many connected devices (PCs, network printers, VoIP phones, cameras), these improvements translate into a network perceived as more stable and responsive.
Network segmentation: why it pays off even in a small office
Even on small networks, it makes sense to separate guest traffic from business traffic, and isolate any IoT devices (cameras, smart plugs, printers) from the main network through dedicated VLANs. In the event of a compromise of an insecure IoT device, this segmentation prevents the attack from spreading to computers containing sensitive data.
Centralized cloud management
The latest SOHO systems offer a cloud management panel that allows you to monitor network status, apply firmware updates, and configure new rules remotely, without having to physically connect to the router. For those managing the networks of multiple clients or locations, this feature significantly reduces the time spent on routine maintenance.
How much bandwidth is really needed
Before choosing a data plan and hardware, it is worth estimating the actual traffic: HD video calls, cloud backups, and any surveillance cameras and streaming can add up quickly. A good rule of thumb is to size the network for peak simultaneous usage, not for the daily average.
Take a look at our range of routers and networking solutions for office and home.