The Advanced Guide to Finding A Quality Wireless Router |
These days everything looks to be going wireless. The convenience is hard to deny, but the technology is not always there. With this new feature comes its flaws so finding products you can trust can be a challenge. Doing your research is always the first step to determining a quality product. When it comes to Wireless Routers, the options are also determined by the kind of user you are as well as your space/location. Finding one with the latest protocols and recommended frequencies, which have been independently tested for speed and range, and boast a great track record with consumers is a good place to start.
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A lot of things factor into your home network performance: the speeds in your internet plan, your home’s layout, the number of devices connected and the way they’re being used, and regional internet traffic. Routers vary from budget $20 picks to $400 powerhouses. Whereas top-of-the-line is always appealing, an expensive router is overkill for the majority of users and you may not need the features that make it worth that price tag. Not to mention the difference is users will highly affect the type of router you choose.
A router with the must-haves, latest protocol, dual frequencies, and security is out there.
Break the features down into two categories: basics that every router should have, and advanced options for power users (that most people don’t need) to determine which meets your needs.
Basic Features:
802.11ac: The latest network standard, or protocol, that dictates how your device communicates with your network (modified for efficiency with each new version). The latest is 802.11ac (often referred to as simply AC) and it’s essential for faster internet.
Dual-band frequency: Frequency bands are similar to radio waves, and the most common one, 2.4 GHz is really crowded. Most cheap (~$20) and rented routers will run on this frequency. Not only are all your neighbors using it, but so is your microwave. A router with dual bands allows you to switch to the less crowded 5GHz frequency (like switching channels on a walkie-talkie) giving you faster internet speeds.
Security: WiFi security enables you to password-protect your wireless connection, preventing unauthorized access to your devices. Without password security, anyone could hop onto your WiFi and weasel into online devices. The current security type is WPA/WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access).
Advanced features can be expensive, and take work both to setup and optimize. You have to know how to hack them to use them and that’s a little higher-level than your average router upgrade. But for more advanced users, these features may be worth the monetary upcharge.
Advanced Features:
Quality of Service (QoS): Allows you to designate apps or devices to get a higher or lower WiFi priority. So when a lot of devices are running a lot of different systems, your WiFi will automatically delegate which gets the best stream — kind of like the carpool lane, but for Netflix or gaming.
Beamforming: This feature enables the WiFi signal to beam straight to your device, rather than just out into space. This means a stronger signal reaches your device, making your connection faster.
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Ports: All routers come with designated ports to connect your cable modem to a hardware device, but extras can be utilized for connecting home security systems, printers, or personal media servers.
MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output): Normally, a router is communicating with just one device at a time, albeit at great speeds. With MU-MIMO, the router can communicate with multiple devices simultaneously — meaning fast just got faster.
Parental controls: If you’d like to set boundaries on your kids’ internet access, you want a router with parental controls. You can restrict types of online content (e.g. adult content), specific websites, and the hours a device is allowed online.
Once you have narrowed down your research you should be closer to finding a router that meets your needs and runs at a high speed. Some suggested routers are:
1. Best for High Traffic: Netgear Nighthawk R7000
If you’ve got a lot of people or a lot of devices, you’ll like this feature-heavy option with parental controls.
2. Best Budget: TP-LINK - Archer C7 AC1750
An affordable and reliable option for surprisingly fast speeds.
3. Best for Large Homes: Google Wifi AC1200
If you’re not getting enough reach from routers, this network is the best way to blanket your large home with connection.
4. Best for Gamers: Asus AC88U
A powerhouse for extreme speeds with limitless customization options.
Also Read: Should You Change the (SSID) of a Wireless Router?
Source: Reviews
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