With an overwhelming amount of different routers brands and models available on the market, it can be challenging to make sure you pick out the right one. In order to make the right choice, make sure to do your research, and evaluate the pros, cons, advantages, and disadvantages of all of them, so you can make an informed decision.
Here are some of the basics you should consider when thinking about choosing a router:
- LAN ports: If you want to connect computers or other devices directly to the router using an ethernet cable, make sure the router you have selected has sufficient LAN ports.
- Application preference: Since most wireless routers can be configured with a smartphone app, it is a good idea to compare the different routers you are considering, to gain a sense of what your experience will be like.
- Compatibility: Check to see if your new router is compatible with your ISP. Even though most routers should be compatible with any ISP, it is still recommended to check anyway, especially if you are considering a modem-router combo.
- Signal: Pay attention to the antenna options that come with the router. If your router has two external antennas, you will get the best signal if one is pointed vertically and the other is pointed horizontally.
- Internet speed: It is important to make sure your router supports the internet speed you pay for. To get the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available, even when you have multiple devices and people connecting at the same time, you will want to choose a router that offers more speed than what is advertised with your internet plan. If you need the max speeds you can get from your router, it is better to connect to your router with an ethernet cable.
- Wireless protocol: When looking for a router, look for a newer wireless protocol to determine how good the router’s throughput and range are. A router that supports one of the newest wireless protocols should do the job. These include 11ax (Wi-Fi 6), 11ac (Wi-Fi 5), and 11n (Wi-Fi 4).
- Check your devices: If you are unsure if you need WiFi 6 or not, it is best to check your devices. It is likely that only your most current gear will be able to take advantage of WiFi 6 speeds.
- Optional features: When buying a router, you want to make sure you are getting the features you need in order to use your internet services to their full potential. Some features that are worth looking for are Quality of Service (QoS) and Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO).
- Price: Routers can vary in price and can range from being inexpensive to midrange. Make sure to choose the one that suits your budget best.
- Mesh Wi-Fi or extenders: The average wireless router covers about 2,500 square feet. If you get your router set up and it doesn’t beam a Wi-Fi signal to the farthest points of your home or office, you can always grab a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system to amplify the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.
No matter the brand of router you choose, you will want to make sure it meets your needs and has good reviews before buying it. Personally, I recommend routers from brands like NETGEAR, TP-Link, ASUS, and Linksys, or Google, D-Link, and Synology.
Routers are essential networking devices facilitating data transfer between computers and networks. They determine the best path for data packets between various destinations. Designed for efficiency and reliability, Routers improve connectivity in homes and businesses. Routers play a crucial role in managing network traffic. They offer features like traffic monitoring, bandwidth management, and layered security controls, which can significantly enhance network performance. The choice...
With an overwhelming amount of different routers brands and models available on the market, it can be challenging to make sure you pick out the right one. In order to make the right choice, make sure to do your research, and evaluate the pros, cons, advantages, and disadvantages of all of them, so you can make an informed decision.
Here are some of the basics you should consider when thinking about choosing a router:
- LAN ports: If you want to connect computers or other devices directly to the router using an ethernet cable, make sure the router you have selected has sufficient LAN ports.
- Application preference: Since most wireless routers can be configured with a smartphone app, it is a good idea to compare the different routers you are considering, to gain a sense of what your experience will be like.
- Compatibility: Check to see if your new router is compatible with your ISP. Even though most routers should be compatible with any ISP, it is still recommended to check anyway, especially if you are considering a modem-router combo.
- Signal: Pay attention to the antenna options that come with the router. If your router has two external antennas, you will get the best signal if one is pointed vertically and the other is pointed horizontally.
- Internet speed: It is important to make sure your router supports the internet speed you pay for. To get the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available, even when you have multiple devices and people connecting at the same time, you will want to choose a router that offers more speed than what is advertised with your internet plan. If you need the max speeds you can get from your router, it is better to connect to your router with an ethernet cable.
- Wireless protocol: When looking for a router, look for a newer wireless protocol to determine how good the router’s throughput and range are. A router that supports one of the newest wireless protocols should do the job. These include 11ax (Wi-Fi 6), 11ac (Wi-Fi 5), and 11n (Wi-Fi 4).
- Check your devices: If you are unsure if you need WiFi 6 or not, it is best to check your devices. It is likely that only your most current gear will be able to take advantage of WiFi 6 speeds.
- Optional features: When buying a router, you want to make sure you are getting the features you need in order to use your internet services to their full potential. Some features that are worth looking for are Quality of Service (QoS) and Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO).
- Price: Routers can vary in price and can range from being inexpensive to midrange. Make sure to choose the one that suits your budget best.
- Mesh Wi-Fi or extenders: The average wireless router covers about 2,500 square feet. If you get your router set up and it doesn’t beam a Wi-Fi signal to the farthest points of your home or office, you can always grab a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system to amplify the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.
No matter the brand of router you choose, you will want to make sure it meets your needs and has good reviews before buying it. Personally, I recommend routers from brands like NETGEAR, TP-Link, ASUS, and Linksys, or Google, D-Link, and Synology.