How to choose a router: tips, technical requirements, tips and more
[ad_1]
Everyone wants to be trusted and fast internet, and a good facilitator can help. The trick is working on how to confuse the intricate mix of standards, confusing acronyms, and science fiction sound features into better Wi-Fi in your home. Come with us while we throw the curtain to reveal important data about Wi-Fi, routers, network systems, and other slang. Hopefully, you will eventually be better equipped to buy a router.
Table of contents
Special offer for Gear readers: get it One year subscription to WIRED for $ 5 ($ 25 discount). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (optional). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Who is your internet service provider?
Internet service providers (ISPs) connect your home to the Internet and usually send you a modem and router (sometimes on a single device). The modem connects your home to the wider internet; the router connects to the modem, and you connect all of your devices wirelessly or wirelessly to the router to access that connectivity. ISPs often charge you a rental fee for this equipment, and their routers are usually basic in terms of performance and features. The good news is that ISPs no longer force you to use their equipment or charge you to use your own. hardware by lawhowever, you may need to return their belongings to avoid charges.
In this guide we are largely exploring the use of your own router and the use of your ISP modem. By using yours, you can save money in the long run, but you can also find faster Wi-Fi, better coverage, easier setup, and additional features such as parental controls and guest Wi-Fi networks. We will use your router options, but if you decide to use any system, check your compatibility with your ISP before purchasing. You can also search your ISP forums to find posts that people discuss using different routers and modems. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of headaches.
What type of router do you need?
There are several Ways to make Wi-Fi faster, and buying a new router is one of the most obvious. To help you decide on the type of router you need to target, calculate the approximate square area of your home.
The only facilitator
The easiest solution for most people is to choose a single router or a combination of router and modem. Keep in mind that this device will need to be connected to your socket or modem via an Ethernet cable, which limits the amount of space that can be located. The Wi-Fi signal will be the strongest next to the router and will gradually go down and slow down as you get there.
Routers should always indicate a square meter of coverage, but some types of construction (thick walls, insulation, and other devices) can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to enjoy full-speed Wi-Fi over longer distances. Powerful routers with wide coverage tend to be large outdoor multi-antenna devices, but they are usually very expensive.
Mesh Systems
If you have a larger home and want solid coverage in your garden, or if you have thick walls and specific places with the current setup, Wi-Fi over the network may be the answer. The mesh systems form a central hub that connects as a single router, as well as additional satellites or nodes that you can place around the house.
Devices connect to the Internet through the nearest node, so you can get wider WiFi coverage and a more reliable connection by adding a node in different areas. Note that each node will need a power outlet. Mesh systems are more expensive than single router configurations (though not always), but they improve coverage and reliability, and often have additional features and control options. They are smaller than conventional routers and are usually designed to blend in harmony with your decor.
Alternatives to a new router
If your problem is more about coverage and you only have one problem room that you want to improve on a particular device that needs Wi-Fi or a faster connection, you may not need to purchase a new router. Try one of these alternatives. Each has its own technical challenges and potential problems. Even if deployed successfully, they won’t come close to matching the convenience of a good network system, but they are much cheaper.
Wi-Fi repeaters
You can use Wi-Fi repeaters to extend more Wi-Fi from a single router and increase the signal to a dead spot. These devices are a good solution for some people, but they can be effective, prone to interference, and can usually create a secondary network with a different name for your regular Wi-Fi.
Power line adapters
Sold in pairs, power line adapters pass the Internet signal through your power cord. You connect one to an outlet next to your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, while the other power line adapter connects you to the room where you want faster internet. It may be a good solution if you have a console or smart TV in the living room at the back of the house, but your router is on the front porch, for example. Unfortunately, the efficiency depends on your electrical cable.
Access Points
If you don’t mind a challenge and an old replacement router is around, you can consider setting it up as an access point or using it as a Wi-Fi router. This can be especially effective if you are able to connect to the main cable router, but setup can be difficult.
There is a lot to consider when trying to decide what speed your router should be. The maximum internet speed is determined by the ISP. Internet speed is expressed in Mbps (megabits per second). The average speed of the fixed fixed bandwidth is 106 Mbps for downloads and 57 Mbps for upload, Ooklaren Speedtest. Most ISPs will indicate up to a certain speed or give you a range (e.g. 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps download), but what you actually get is less than the maximum (especially the upload speed), and should be shared among all of you. connected devices.
[ad_2]
Source link