You can’t go wrong with a Wi-Fi router.
Wi-Fi is the biggest thing in home networking, and it’s only getting bigger. As the Internet of Things continues to grow, so does the need for strong and reliable Wi-Fi connections. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you choose the best Wi-Fi router for your home.
We’ll walk you through 6 simple steps that will ensure you pick out a router that’s up to par with your needs and expectations. No matter what kind of home network you have—or if you’re just starting out—we’ve got something here for everyone!
6 Simple Steps to Choose a Perfect Wi-Fi Router!
1. Wi-Fi Standards
When it comes to choosing a Wi-Fi router, one of the most important considerations is the standards that it supports. There are currently three major wireless networking standards in use: 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11g. Here’s a brief overview of each standard and what you need to know about them!
- 802.11ac: This is the newest and fastest wireless networking standard, capable of speeds up to 3 Gbps (gigabits per second). It operates on the 5 GHz frequency band and uses beamforming technology to focus its signal directly at connected devices for improved range and performance. If you have newer devices that support 802.11ac or if you need maximum speed for things like 4K video streaming or gaming, then an ac router is your best choice.
- 802.11n: This is the most common wireless networking standard in use today, found in everything from budget routers to high-end gaming models. It offers speeds up to 600 Mbps (megabits per second) and can operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
- 802.11g: This older standard has largely been replaced by 802.11n at this point, but you may still find it in some legacy devices or budget routers. It offers speeds up to 54 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz frequency band only.
So, when choosing a Wi-Fi router, be sure to check what standards it supports and choose one that meets your needs for speed and compatibility with your devices.
2. Wired Interfaces
A router’s wired interfaces are important to consider when choosing a Wi-Fi router because they provide the connection between the devices on your network and the outside world. The number of wired interfaces, as well as their speed and type, will determine how many devices you can connect to your network and how fast those connections will be.
If you have a small home or office with only a few devices that need to be connected to the internet, then you probably won’t need more than one or two wired Ethernet ports on your router. However, if you have a larger home or office with multiple computers, printers, gaming consoles, and other devices that need to be online at all times, then you’ll want a router with more Ethernet ports so that everyone can stay connected without slowing down the network.
When it comes to speed, most routers nowadays come equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports which offer speeds up 10x faster than standard Fast Ethernet (100Mbps). If you have any newer computers or other networking equipment that supports higher speeds like 1000Mbps (1Gbps), then make sure your chosen router also has Gigabit Ethernet ports so there’s no bottleneck in terms of speed.
3. Broadband Provider Compatibility
The third crucial factor to consider while choosing the best Wi-Fi router is broadband provider compatibility. Not all routers are compatible with every broadband provider, so it’s important to check compatibility before making your purchase.
Different providers use different technologies, and not all routers support all technologies. For example, some providers use ADSL technology while others use cable or fiber optic technology. If you’re not sure which type of technology your provider uses, check with them before buying a router.
Once you know what type of connection your provider uses, you can narrow down your choices and find a compatible router.
4. Security
As the world becomes increasingly connected, it’s more important than ever to make sure your home network is secure. A Wi-Fi router is one of the most important components of a home network, so it’s crucial to choose one that has robust security features. Here are some things to look for when choosing a Wi-Fi router!
- WPA2 Encryption: WPA2 is the latest and most secure form of wireless encryption. Make sure your router supports WPA2 encryption in order to keep your data safe from hackers.
- Firewall: A firewall helps protect your network from outside attacks by blocking unwanted traffic. Look for a router that includes a built-in firewall or one that can support third-party firewalls such as PF Sense or Untangle NG Firewall.
- VPN Support: VPNs encrypt all of the traffic passing through your router, making it much more difficult for hackers to snoop on your activities or steal sensitive data. Many routers now come with built-in VPN servers which makes setting up a VPN easier than ever before. Alternatively, you can also use a dedicated VPN appliance such as an Asus Merlin Router if you want even more control over your home networking setup.
5. Wi-Fi Bands
There are two main types of wireless routers – single band and dual band. A single band router operates on the 2.4GHz frequency, while a dual-band router can operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
The 5GHz frequency is less congested than the 2.4 GHz frequency and offers faster speeds, so it’s ideal for online gaming or streaming HD video content. However, not all devices support the 5 GHz frequency, so if you have older devices that only support 2 .4 GHz, then you can also opt for a single band router.
6. Beam Forming
If you’re looking for a new Wi-Fi router, one of the things you’ll want to consider is beamforming. Beamforming is an important feature that can help improve your wireless signal strength and range.
Beamforming is a type of antenna technology that helps direct the wireless signal from the router to where it’s needed most. This can be especially helpful if there are obstacles in your home or office that might block or weaken the signal.
By focusing the signal in a specific direction, beamforming can help ensure that you have a strong connection even if there are walls or other objects in between your device and the router. Not all routers support beamforming (since its a pretty high-end tech), so it’s something to keep in mind when shopping for a new one.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, we hope that this guide has been helpful in helping you choose the right Wi-Fi router for your needs. We’ve provided lots of information that can help you decide which router is best for your situation.
If you’re still unsure, or got confused somewhere, you can always contact us in the comments below. We would love to help!
