In recent years, the North American country has toughened its stance on Chinese-origin technological products and services, citing cybersecurity concerns and potential risks to national security. One example is the U.S. government’s current consideration of banning TP-Link, a Chinese-made brand of home Internet routers, due to fears that its links to cyberattacks pose a threat to national security.

In today’s digital age, where connectivity is paramount, the router—an essential device in homes and offices—has shifted from being a technical luxury to an indispensable necessity in modern life.

According to data from research firm Statista, more than 1.2 billion routers are estimated to be in use worldwide in 2024. This figure not only reflects the expansion of the internet but also highlights the need for efficient connectivity in an increasingly interconnected world. In developed countries, routers have evolved into smart devices featuring advanced security systems, support for Wi-Fi 6 networks, and compatibility with the Internet of Things (IoT). On the other hand, in less developed regions, adoption still faces challenges such as limited infrastructure and high access costs.

In this context, the same source highlights TP-Link, Netgear, and Huawei as the most prominent brands in the router market.

What’s next for TP-Link routers in the U.S.?

On Wednesday, reports revealed that the U.S. government is considering banning a popular Chinese-made brand of home Internet routers over concerns that its connections to cyberattacks pose a risk to national security.

TP-Link, a manufacturer of high-speed cable modems, routers, range extenders, and smart home devices, which holds a 65% market share in the U.S., is currently under investigation by multiple federal agencies.

According to documents, the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice have launched probes into the company, sources familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

As a result, the sale of TP-Link products could be banned sometime next year after the newly elected president, Donald Trump, assumes office.

The report also indicates that a division of the Department of Commerce has gone as far as issuing a subpoena to TP-Link.

Interestingly, TP-Link is Amazon’s top choice for routers and provides web communication systems for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, according to the report.

The company has gained market dominance partly due to its lower prices, with its routers often costing less than half the price of competitors, according to market data.

Concerns about Chinese-made routers first surfaced in October when Microsoft published a cybersecurity report revealing that a hacker network was exploiting compromised TP-Link devices.

The report stated that China-based cybercriminals were using TP-Link routers to launch ransomware and other cyberattacks. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. government investigators believe TP-Link often fails to address vulnerabilities in its products, which are then shipped to customers who use the routers for both residential and commercial purposes.

Hackers have allegedly exploited these vulnerabilities to conduct ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes. Cybersecurity experts claim that when they point out flaws in TP-Link routers, the company refuses to engage with them, according to The Journal.

“We welcome any opportunity to collaborate with the U.S. government to demonstrate that our security practices fully align with industry standards and to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, American consumers, and addressing U.S. national security risks,” a company spokesperson told the U.S. media outlet.

Additionally, reports indicate that the federal government is preparing to launch a trade investigation into Chinese semiconductors in the coming days. This investigation could result in tariffs or other measures targeting older-model chips and the products containing them, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News.

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