How to Pick the Right Router

At the very core of all your home Internet using activities is your wireless router. This device is the key component of broadcasting high speed Internet to all corners of your house, and the efficiency at which it can do this is dependent upon the router you choose.

You might not know much about WiFi or just don’t know what to look for in a router. There are several factors that can lead to disruptions in the signals being output by your router such as other WiFi networks in close proximity, structures such as walls, and even microwaves. We can help guide you through your journey of picking the right router for your needs so follow along.

Everyone’s housing situation is different. Some people are located in apartments, others in houses. Some in the city, and some in more rural areas. There are many options out there tailored to fit specific requirements and needs of different spaces, so do not worry.

A great majority of Internet service providers (ISPs) offer modem and router rentals, but if you are wanting one of your own, there is always the option to buy. If you decide to get your own, you might want to consider also getting an extender to cover larger areas. You also have the option to try out a home-mesh WiFi system.

The first step in the process of buying a router is to determine the amount you want to spend. They can range in price from about $100 to more than $300, but you need one that will accommodate all of your housewide needs. If you are a lucrative gamer or have multiple people in your residence working from home, you’ll want something with a higher performance rating than a standard router, otherwise, something standard will suffice.

Something with a higher capacity for speed and more features will cost much more than something with more average aspects. The ones that also carry telephone service and tri-band routers will be more pricey as well.

Next, you’ll want to confirm what routers will be compatible with the ISP you are going to connect with. This shouldn’t be too much of a worry since most routers are compatible with most ISPs, but if you are purchasing both a modem and a router, you will want to be sure. The technology that modem’s use needs to match up with the type of connection your ISP provides. DSL won’t work with the use of a cable, so keep that in mind. Oftentimes, ISPs will publish a list of compatible routers on their websites, so you can check there.

The router you decide on must also be able to support whatever speed the plan you purchase provides. Picking a router with a higher capacity for speed than the Internet plan you have is ideal because then you will be able to get the quickest connections possible. You want to be sure you are getting the most out of what you pay for.

If you live in a larger house, your connection might require extenders and ethernet cables or a mesh WiFi system in order to spread the connection to devices throughout the house.

If you aren’t familiar with what an ethernet connection is, click here to read our next article.

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