The wireless router is the core of any home network setup, whether you are setting up a new one or upgrading an existing one. It can make the difference between a network that works well and one that never works well.
So, here are some things to consider before purchasing a router.
Before that, make sure to also get a reliable connection because that would eventually matter the most. Grande internet plans are far by the most trusted and affordable available throughout Texas and nearby areas. With so little options in many States, Grande lets you stay connected to the internet without any lags.
Back to factors in order to choose the best router out there.
The life expectancy of a router
The life expectancy of a router is not infinite. Besides the fact that standards change frequently, networking hardware encounters many challenges every day. Streaming devices, gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, and computers all share your Wi-Fi. As smart lights and thermostats are added to the mix, the load continues to grow, and a router’s performance can deteriorate over time.
You may want to consider replacing your router if you have had the same router for several years and you cannot find any other explanation for the drop in network reliability. (Or perhaps your router needs a good cleaning.)
Cost
Typically, routers cost anywhere between $15 (£16 or about AU$30) and $400 (£390 or AU$699). Where you fall on that spectrum depends on your budget and needs.
There are at least two reasons why recommending a super high-end router to the average consumer is challenging. Firstly, technology advances at such a rapid pace. As a result, even though a top-of-the-line router may well keep up with the latest technology for a few years, it’s almost as vulnerable to obsolescence as one that costs half as much. In addition, networking hardware is evolving more quickly than ISPs, so mid-tier routers are usually more than adequate for most users and even power users.
For most people, a router priced at about $100 or $200 will be sufficient as long as they do not need the best possible performance. Moreover, you can save yourself some serious cash by choosing a less expensive router if you need something to just provide wireless access and your internet speed is less than 20Mbps or 30Mbps.
Can Gigabit replace today’s Ethernet connections?
The use of fiber is spreading across the US but is still far from widespread. It is also rare to get Gigabit speeds (1 GB/s). You still need a router with Gigabit capability, however. Gigabit Ethernet is available on most moderately priced routers today, but even those with a wireless channel of 5GHz, such as the TP-LINK Archer C7, can theoretically support 1,300Mbps.
To put it another way, you should take advantage of Gigabit routers for future-proofing. They may come in handy in the future.
Are your routers dual- or single-band?
These routers are configured to operate on two distinct frequency bands. You encounter interference and congestion on the 2.4GHz band because of the large number of devices around your house that use it. 5GHz bands are typically less cluttered and provide faster connection speeds. Both 2.4GHz and 5GHz are offered by a dual-band router, which often uses both bands simultaneously.
Dual-band and single-band routers differ in their capabilities. Dual-band routers are better for residents of densely populated areas or in crowded neighborhoods. The single-band router is an excellent option if you don’t require faster wireless speeds nor are you concerned about your neighbors’ wireless networks interfering with your own.
Range
Choosing the right location for your router is crucial. Ideally, it should be placed high up on a shelf away from other gadgets and obstructions.
Despite great positioning, your wireless signal is likely to encounter dead spots within your house, places where it won’t reach. You can maximize your wireless coverage by using heat map software, and a more expensive router may extend your range, but you won’t get your signal to the far corners or your basement.
A less expensive router (or two) and a few power-line adapters are usually better than almost anything else. You can extend your network through electrical wiring already in your walls with power-line adapters. Despite being relatively affordable, they’re great for reaching hard-to-reach spots in your house. Moreover, keep in mind that power-line adapters come in a variety of speeds since not everyone is the same.
App-Based Management
The setup and adjustment of your Wi-Fi network are made simpler by the apps included with almost every new router. Monitoring which devices are connected to your network and adjusting priority are made easier than ever before with the apps. Updates for your router will also be alerted to you when they become available with these apps.
Conclusion
Choosing a great router is surely a difficult task, especially with so many options out there. We hope this article helps you with improving your network connection. If you have questions and concerns, leave a comment in the comments section below. We will get to you soon.