How to Pick the Right Router
Today’s internet usage is way different from how it was in the nineties. During the early days, you could only access the internet from a computer plugged into a telephone line. Fast forward to 2017 and you need Wi-Fi inside your house to connect all your devices including phones, game consoles, TVs, tablets, computers and even your fridge. There are even smart homes now, meaning that you have to connect everything wirelessly via radio signals. The device for this task is a router.
You must know one thing:
Not all wireless routers are made equal.
Picking the right router is just like signing up with a good ISP. You need to know how you are going to use your connection, how many users will connect to it and the number of devices that will be connected at any given time.
There’s more:
You also have to take into account the shape and size of your house, the layout and even the materials used on the walls.
Every router has speed listed on it and no, this isn’t the speed of the ISP, it is the speed for transferring wirelessly from the modem to your device. Therefore, the speed on the router should be as fast as or faster than your connection. If the speed is lower, the router will “choke” your speeds.
The router may also list the number of maximum connections. 30 allowed connections may sound like a lot but the devices add up faster than you think, especially during a social gathering.
You may get a wireless router that is made for large homes. This type of device isn’t necessary if you live in an apartment. On the other hand, it can work wonders for you if you have a two-storey or larger home. If you find that your wireless connection is struggling in different parts of your home, set up relays to improve signal range and strength.
Budget is a challenge when making a major purchase – but if you have money to handle it, buy a cutting-edge device because you won’t have to replace it later. This is called future proofing and is good especially if your ISP starts offering higher speeds for less.