In an age where the need for fast and reliable internet is increasing, the role of the router emerges as a key element in achieving an optimal connection experience at home. However, with a complex array of standards, confusing shortcuts, and features that seem like they belong in a science fiction world, how can the average user understand exactly what they need? In this article, we will break down various internet terms such as Wi-Fi, mesh networking systems, and more, to help you make an informed decision when purchasing the right router. We will also review alternative options to routers and the latest in technology, including information about Wi-Fi 7 and renewed internet speeds. Join us on a journey to understand the world of wireless communications, and get ready for a more effective connection in your home.
Who is your Internet Service Provider?
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are those who connect your home to the internet, and they typically provide you with a modem and a router, whether as a single device or as two separate devices. The modem is what connects your home to the wider internet, while the router connects to the modem to provide internet access to your devices via cables or through a wireless network. Often, service providers charge fees for renting these devices, and the routers they offer are often basic in terms of performance and features. The good news is that the law prevents service providers from forcing you to use their equipment and prohibits them from charging fees for the use of devices that you own.
This context focuses on using your own router with the service provider’s modem. Using your own router can save you money in the long run, as well as provide a faster Wi-Fi network, better coverage, easier setup, and additional features like parental controls and guest Wi-Fi networks. When considering router options, it’s important to check their compatibility with your service provider before making a purchase. It is also advisable to research forums specific to your service provider to find out about others’ experiences with different routers and modems. Spending some time researching before purchasing can save you a big headache later.
What type of router do you need?
There are several ways to make your Wi-Fi network faster, and buying a new router is one of the most obvious options. To help determine what type of router you need, it’s advisable to calculate the total area of your home before starting. If you live in a small home, shared solutions like purchasing one router or a combined router and modem device are often the most practical way. It should be noted that this device will need to connect to a power outlet or your existing modem via an Ethernet cable, which may limit where it can be placed.
The Wi-Fi signal is stronger near the router and gradually weakens with distance. It is best to place the router in a central location in the home and leave it in an open space for best results. Each router should specify the square footage it covers, but different building types such as thick walls, insulation, and other devices may interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to get a fast Wi-Fi network at distant locations.
If you live in a large home and need good coverage in the yard, or have thick walls and specific dead spots with your current setup, a Mesh networking system may be the solution. Mesh systems consist of a central hub that connects just like a single router, plus additional satellites that you can place around the home. Devices connect to the internet via the nearest node, allowing you to achieve wider Wi-Fi coverage and provide more reliable connections in different areas by adding nodes.
Alternatives
For the New Router
If your issue pertains to coverage in a specific room or you have a device that needs a faster connection, you may not need to purchase a new router. Instead, there are several alternatives you can try, although each comes with its own technical challenges and potential issues. Even when successfully implemented, they won’t match the convenience of a good wireless network system, but they are all much cheaper options.
Ethernet cables are one of the fundamental options, as they were widely used in the past before the advent of Wi-Fi. Ethernet cable connections provide faster speeds, better stability, and improved security compared to Wi-Fi. However, the downsides are that the device you want to connect must have an Ethernet port, and you will need to run cables from the router to the device. To use Ethernet cables in multiple locations, you can rely on an Ethernet switch, where you can connect one cable from the router and branch out to several devices.
There are also Powerline adapters, which transmit the internet signal through electrical wiring. This method can be a good alternative if you have tools like remotes in the living room but your router is located in the hallway of the house. However, the efficiency depends on the quality of the electrical wiring in your home. Another method involves using MoCA standards if you already have coaxial cables installed in your home, which can be utilized to create a reliable network. This method offers high speeds and lower latency compared to Wi-Fi.
What Speed Do You Need?
Determining the required speed from your router involves considering several factors. Your maximum internet speed is determined by your service provider, with internet speeds expressed in Mbps (megabits per second). Statistics indicate that the average global speed for fixed broadband is 94 Mbps for downloads and 49 Mbps for uploads. Typically, service providers specify their speeds as a maximum rate or range, such as 300 Mbps for downloads and 30 Mbps for uploads, but what you actually receive is often less than these maximum values.
You can check your download and upload speeds by conducting an online speed test. Simply type “internet speed test” into your search engine for multiple options. The FCC’s broadband speed guidelines provide a rough idea of how to utilize Mbps. For example, you need 3 to 4 Mbps to stream standard definition video and 5 to 8 Mbps for high definition video.
If you have several devices connected to the internet in your home, you may need to focus on providing enough speed to meet everyone’s needs. In other words, you may need to gather accurate information about the number of connected devices and your usage habits to achieve a balance between requirements and the budget allocated for purchasing the router.
Internet Speed and Its Applications in Daily Life
Internet speed is one of the key factors that affect users’ experiences in today’s digital age. Generally, streaming high-definition (HD) content requires a speed of at least 5 megabits per second, while 4K resolution needs 25 megabits per second. As the number of devices connected to the internet in homes increases, it becomes crucial to have speeds of 200 megabits per second or more if multiple people are streaming simultaneously. Conversely, if you primarily use the internet for web browsing and watching some videos, speeds ranging from 50 to 100 megabits per second will be sufficient.
It is noteworthy that…
It is important to note that the maximum speed that home devices can reach directly depends on the dedicated connection speed provided by the service. If the maximum speed of the connected internet is 100 megabits per second, then any connected device will be limited to that speed, even if the router is capable of supporting higher speeds. It is also important to know that manufacturers of routers often list theoretical speeds or lab results, meaning that the speed that can be expected in reality is usually lower due to various living conditions.
Wi-Fi Standards and Their Importance
Wi-Fi standards are set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and there is a long list of protocols that support a variety of speeds and ranges. They all begin with the designation IEEE 802.11, followed by a set of letters such as 802.11 a/b/g/n. Currently, Wi-Fi versions have been reclassified to carry easily understood numbers such as Wi-Fi 4 for n, Wi-Fi 5 for ac, and Wi-Fi 6 for ax. These classifications illustrate the technological advancements made in Wi-Fi speeds and efficiency.
Today, it is recommended to invest in Wi-Fi 6 routers at a minimum, as these devices provide higher speeds and better efficiency compared to older versions. However, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 offer more future-proofing, meaning future users will benefit from new advancements in speed and efficiency. It is also essential that other devices in the home, such as mobile phones and laptops, support the latest Wi-Fi protocols to extract maximum benefit.
Wavelengths and Channels Affecting Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi standards offer protocols that support different frequencies, which affects overall performance. The most common frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Dual-band support always indicates that the router supports both frequencies. Tri-band routers provide an additional frequency, often within 6 GHz, allowing for more opportunities for data transfer without interference.
The 2.4 GHz band features a longer range but suffers from more interference due to limited channels. While the 5 GHz band boasts higher speeds and greater bandwidth, it suffers from a shorter range. Expanding to the 6 GHz band is a significant step, as it can support data transfer at high speeds with low interference. However, experiments have shown that the new band may face challenges in areas filled with physical obstructions, such as walls and ceilings.
Security and Protection Standards in Networks
Security is considered one of the pillars of home networks. The protection standards implemented by the router should be sufficient to ensure data safety and communication internally and externally. Older standards like WEP and WPA are outdated and ineffective, so WPA2 is currently the minimum acceptable, with WPA3 being the most advanced measure addressing vulnerabilities in WPA2.
WPA3 includes features aimed at enhancing network security, such as separately encrypting traffic for each connected device. This means that even if another device is monitoring the same network, it will be unable to decrypt the data, reducing the chances of data interception. Additionally, WPA3 makes it challenging for hackers to attempt to crack passwords through fast dictionary attacks, enhancing network security.
Choosing Modern Routers and Their Applications in Daily Life
With the advancement of technology in router design, managing the network has become easier through user-friendly applications. It now requires little technical knowledge to access router settings, as users can interact with apps on smartphones to adjust settings. Modern devices offer advanced options including guest network setup, regulating permissions for connected devices, and obtaining reports on activities.
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When using the latest routers, users can fully take advantage of high internet speeds, achieving a seamless experience in everything related to streaming, sharing, and communication. Considering that an increasing number of attacks target home networks, taking advantage of automatic security updates is a crucial step to ensure network security and the safety of connected devices. Considering devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6 or 7 is a smart investment that guarantees users access to modern and effective technology.
User Interface and Desired Features
When purchasing a router, looking at the device’s control interface is extremely important. The user-friendly interface provides multiple options that help users manage the network effectively. Modern mesh systems have available apps that allow you to see all devices connected to your network at a glance. These apps feature options like pausing the internet, creating schedules, and organizing devices into customized profiles. Many systems also include parental controls, allowing you to block certain types of sensitive content or whitelist specific sites.
It is important to note that some companies may require additional fees to use these features. For example, the Eero Plus system for parental protection requires a monthly subscription. Therefore, these fees should be taken into consideration when evaluating available options. Furthermore, some routers include advanced security features, such as built-in protection that monitors the network in real-time for virus and malware detection, allowing for periodic scanning of connected devices and identifying potential security issues.
Importance of Device Prioritization and Quality of Service
Device prioritization or Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that should be noted, especially in homes with multiple users at the same time. Many people face disruptions during video calls due to uploading or streaming content from other devices. QoS helps prioritize device communications; for example, you can specify that the computer you use for work is the priority device, ensuring sufficient bandwidth is allocated to it to avoid any delays or interruptions. Being cautious in utilizing this feature helps improve the internet experience for every family member.
Some routers provide the ability to prioritize activities as well, such as gaming, which reduces latency and ensures a smooth experience. Consider your family: each member may have different requirements from devices, and the importance of considering these needs may make QoS an effective means to enhance overall internet connection performance.
Understanding Technical Terms Related to Routers
When searching for a new router, you are likely to encounter many terms that may seem complex. For example, SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network, typically consisting of the manufacturer’s name and some numbers. You can change this name in the control app or web interface to make the network more identifiable.
Among other terms, MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) allows the router to serve more than one user simultaneously, improving efficiency. This technology is used in Wi-Fi 5 to deliver four connections at once, while Wi-Fi 6 can accommodate up to eight connections. It is important to check the extent to which the device you are looking for supports this technology to enhance performance.
Beamforming is another concept that helps direct the Wi-Fi signal towards a specific direction to improve connectivity. This technology illustrates how concentrated signals can increase internet connection speed and quality, leading to reduced errors and interference. Finally, backhaul refers to the connection between the main router and any units or access points you may have. Having a mesh system with wired backhaul connections provides a smoother user experience.
Considerations
Final Considerations When Choosing a Router
The maximum internet connection speed is determined by the service provider, but routers that offer higher speeds enable significant benefits in communications between devices on the home network. Therefore, it is important to always check for compatibility before purchasing a router or modem. Network systems may provide greater coverage and more reliable performance than individual routers, but the effectiveness of this largely depends on the size of the home and the router settings.
Experts recommend looking at Wi-Fi specifications, suggesting that you should have support for Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 ax) and WPA2 for security. If your budget allows, also consider Wi-Fi 6E and WPA3 or even Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11 be). Moving towards these future specifications provides security and improves the user experience.
Source link: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-a-router/
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