The global pandemic made us realize a lot in terms of life in general. The COVID chaos has had the world turn upside down, impacting every bit of personal and professional routine. Apart from the health concerns, it also allowed us to get off the hamster wheel we all had been on, chasing our career goals and pursuits, and made us realize that it is important to take out time for ourselves and our loved ones. However, just like everything else, it also made us realize the importance of having a reliable Wi-Fi router.
Be it our office work, daily communication, online classes, or any other routine activity, while the COVID-19 virus has been a major obstacle in carrying out routine work, the internet has been our rock throughout the social distancing mania. This is why investing in a high-quality and reliable router and internet plan was one of the wisest decisions to make, to be able to enjoy high-speed internet at home. If you seem to be experiencing any sluggish speeds or disconnection issues, you can either switch to a more reliable internet provider or you should update your router. You can always try top-notch yet cost-effective internet packages like RCN internet plans for instance and get a new Wi-Fi router to be sure of experiencing consistently faster speeds.
If you are on the hunt to find the perfect router for your household then allow us to help you out. But first, you must be clear about the difference between a Wi-Fi router and a modem:
Wi-Fi Router vs Modem-What is the difference?
If you are checking out routers online, you can come across modems too that might leave you a bit confused regarding what is the difference between these two devices and which one should you choose.
Both router and modem basically have different purposes. Technically speaking, a router distributes the internet signals while the modem links to the T3 cable line provided by the internet service provider.
Actually, we require the router to connect the multiple devices to the same internet while the modem is intended to connect to the main cable. It is a good idea to discuss the router compatibility with the ISP before purchasing one, and even ask for the best recommendation if you want.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi- Single or Dual Band Router
The main Wi-Fi bands are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They have a sound impact on the internet speeds and range you will experience. It is generally assumed that Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz provides better coverage and range as compared to 5GHz.However, Wi-Fi at 5 GHz offers higher speeds but a shorter range as compared to 2.4 GHz.
Single-band routers operate at 2.4 GHz only and can provide internet speeds up to 300 Mbps with a better range. Dual-band routers can function on both 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz and is more suitable for providing higher speeds for bigger homes. So dual-band routers are highly recommended for supporting multiple devices accessing the internet simultaneously.
Check Wi-Fi Standards
The tech world is always transitioning. Therefore pay attention to the wireless standard being used by the router you are planning to buy. Of course, you are purchasing a Wi-Fi to use for multiple years so make sure you pick one that supports the recent standards and can give a better performance. The latest standard is the 802.11ac routers that are capable of supporting internet speeds up to gigabits.
Is the router compatible with the broadband provider?
The Wi-Fi routers are related to the broadband provider in terms of performance. Before making a purchase, it is better to ensure that the chosen router is compatible with your internet service provider so you can make the most out of it and enjoying better internet speeds.
Inspect Router antennas
The antennas are extremely important when it comes to Wi-Fi routers. You will find some models with eternal while some with internal antennas. Go for a wireless router with stronger coverage, preferably the ones with external antennas. However, there might be more elegant-looking router models but coverage matters here. So, consider that a preference over the sleek look. Find a router that is a good balance of both, coverage and looks.
Prefer Router with built-in firewall or Antivirus
It is a fact that wireless networks are more prone to malware attacks or hacking attempts. So buy a wireless router that ensures maximum security features, including a built-in firewall, antivirus and supports WPA2.
Wrapping Up,
There are various aspects to consider when buying the perfect Wi-Fi router to enjoy excellent performance. The aforementioned discussion highlights the main factors you should definitely consider when purchasing a wireless router that fits your connectivity needs, budget and is compatible with your ISP to enjoy faster speeds.
