Top 10 key points to look at when choosing a wireless router
Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
When it comes to some good internet, a wireless router sits at the heart of your wireless network hardware requirements.
A good router choice will save you the headache of having to replace this hardware every other day, or the frustration of slow internet just when you need some really good Wi-Fi for your games, movie streaming or assignments.
Many end users get themselves at crossroads not knowing which router they should go for. With the immense marketing by product companies, one may fall for a raw deal…but not to worry.
We are here to help you choose the right router, the best wireless router perfect for all your needs.
Here are the top ten things you need to establish when choosing a wireless router:
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Consider the WI-FI standard version supported by the router
Currently, the best wireless router falls in the AC version. This router supports most of the new devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and personal computers.
With the increase in the internet of things, other home appliances can also be connected to the network through this router.
Also note that this latest version has a very high throughput of up to 1300Mbps and it is also compatible with older devices. It also supports more concurrent connections that the 802.11N and other lower versions of WIFI standard.
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Router Range
How far you want the network to reach is a great determinant in the choice of a wireless router. Pick a router that offers great signal strength. But how do I establish the range of the router? You may ask.
It is this easy: find online reviews by users who have bought the router, one of the features mostly likely to have been highlighted is the range. You can also try and connect to the router directly if you are allowed access before purchasing.
Similarly, the best wireless router should have replaceable antennae that can be used to expand the router range if need be.
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Router Frequency
Routers operate with a frequency of 2.4Hz or/and 5Hz. Dual band routers offers both frequencies. 2.4Hz is more susceptible to intrusion thus if the network is in a congested neighborhood, one would consider the 5Hz or the double band.
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Concurrent Connection
The number of simultaneous connections you intend to have is a key feature to look at. It is good to establish the maximum number of devices the router can support at any given point. N model routers support a maximum of 30 devices while AC can carry up to 100 devices.
If you stay alone and only need Wi-Fi for your phone and laptop, the number of concurrent corrections may not be entirely an issue, but if you love parties, or are setting up an office, then you would get a router with a higher number of connections to accommodate all the phones and computers.
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Your desired network speed
If you are a heavy gamer, love streaming, or simply love speed, then consider a router that can support higher internet package.
Older WI-FI standard versions have a speed of around 11Mbps, and the next layer offers up to 54Mbps. The current 802.11n has speeds of between 150Mbps and 600Mbps and 802.11ac go above 1,300Mbps.
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The router’s life span
Like all other hardware devices, even the best wireless router is subject to wear and tear. Also, internet standards are changing quite fast. It is therefore good to consider how long the router can serve you.
It would be pointless to buy a current router, only to be phased out a few months later by a new standard especially if you need it for basic purposes.
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Price of the router
A personal budget is a key point in purchasing anything, a router included. Sources have it that most router prices range from $15 to above $400.
Depending on your needs and number of devices, you can get a good router of your choice within your budget. For instance, if speed is not an issue to you, then older router models would be just fine, and their price could be slightly lower than the top-notch high-speed routers.
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Your individual or company network needs
What do you want the network for? If data sharing is important to you, for instance, you would love to check whether the router has USB ports because that will allow you to share data with all devices on the network through a single USB connection.
Also, if your printer doesn’t support WI-FI printing, you might need a router with USB to connect it.
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The ISP and Retailer terms
Some ISPs have a router already included in their quote for internet provision. In this case, you may have very little say in what type of wireless router you want.
It is, however, advisable to establish this and discuss with the ISP on your desires.
Similarly, some retailers do not accept returns once a customer purchases their router. Given that experiences are different from one user to another, it is essential to buy a router from a store that accepts returns, just in case it doesn’t fit your needs.
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Additional Features
A smart router could be a better deal in some cases since this feature will help you control your network. For instance, a smart router allows you to manage your network allocations, which device to give more bandwidth and so on.
Some routers are fitted with advanced firmware, and others have an extra feature for home automation.
Getting the best wireless router is not rocket science. Despite the many companies and products, consumers can use the internet to mine information on each router and the manufacturing company.
The bottom line is that as a user, identify your network need, compare with your budget and go for the best bargain. It is better to get it right on the first purchase than to have continuous replacements and frustrations.
All the best in your search!
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