How to Choose the Best Wireless Router？

Routers play a vital role in a home network, but how to choose the best wireless router can be overwhelming due to the multitude of brands and models available. To simplify the process, we are providing guidance on the factors you should consider before purchasing the best wireless router. We begin with compatibility, ensuring that the router can support your internet speeds. These are the specifications we considered while making router recommendations, along with some additional features that could enhance your online experience.

Verify If Your Newly Acquired Router Is Compatible With Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

While the majority of routers are generally compatible with any internet service provider (ISP), it is advisable to verify compatibility, particularly if you are considering a modem-router combination. Modems operate based on the technology used by your internet provider, so it is essential to ensure compatibility. For instance, if you use a cable modem with DSL internet, it will not function properly. Therefore, checking compatibility is crucial to ensure seamless internet connectivity.

Ensure That Your Router Is Compatible With The Internet Speed You Are Subscribed to

It is advisable to select the best wireless router that offers higher speed than what is advertised with your internet plan. A suitable router increases the likelihood of achieving the fastest Wi-Fi speeds, even when multiple devices and users are connected simultaneously. This ensures that the speed you are paying for is fully utilized.

However, it is important to note that most routers promote a combined speed of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Since most devices do not utilize both Wi-Fi frequencies simultaneously, this combined speed can be somewhat misleading. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the maximum speed supported by each frequency (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) on your best wireless router. Furthermore, it is important to remember that wireless speeds can be affected by obstacles such as walls, floors, and furniture, which can cause slowdowns. If you require maximum speeds for activities like CS:GO gaming, it is recommended to connect your device to the router using an Ethernet cable.

Search for A Newer Wireless Protocol

When examining routers, you will come across numbers such as 802.11 followed by a letter or combination of letters. This denotes the wireless protocol or Wi-Fi standard, which indicates the router's throughput and range capabilities. Understanding these Wi-Fi standards doesn't require technical expertise. Simply look for the best wireless router that supports one of the latest wireless protocols:

• 11ax (Wi-Fi 6): This is the most recent standard, anticipated to provide speeds of up to 10 Gbps. However, many devices and internet connections do not yet support these speeds, so upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 may not be necessary at the moment.

• 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): You will likely find this standard on most routers, and it is perfectly capable of keeping you connected as it supports speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps.

• 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This was the first standard to facilitate the use of both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, supporting speeds of up to 600 Mbps.

Features to Consider

• LAN Ports:

LAN (local area network) ports are utilized to establish a connection between a computer and the router using an Ethernet cable. Various internet-connected smart home devices, like Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings products, necessitate a LAN port-connected hub for their functionality. If you require more LAN ports than what the router provides, you can expand the available number by incorporating an Ethernet switch, which functions similarly to a power strip, adding additional open Ethernet ports.

• USB Ports:

USB ports on a router serve the purpose of connecting devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, or USB printers, particularly if the router includes a built-in print server.

• Quality of Service (QoS):

Also known as media prioritization or traffic control, this feature offers flexibility in optimizing the router's performance based on your activities. If you enjoy tinkering with computer settings, you will appreciate the ability to customize the router's settings to best suit tasks like video streaming, Zoom calls, gaming, or music streaming. It grants priority to these applications in terms of bandwidth allocation, ensuring smooth performance. For instance, your Netflix movie won't pause or rebuff due to someone else downloading a large file in your household.

• App-Based Management:

Almost every new router comes with an accompanying app designed to simplify the process of setting up and adjusting your WiFi network. These apps make it easier to monitor which devices are connected to your network, prioritize specific devices, and receive notifications about available router updates.

Conclusion

A fast and reliable WiFi network is of utmost importance, particularly when working from home regularly. Additionally, considering the significant role the internet plays in our entertainment, banking, and staying connected with loved ones, it is undeniable that having access to a dependable WiFi signal has become a fundamental requirement in modern times. I hope the wireless router buying guide provided in this article can help you find the best wireless router.