Home Technology Choosing a Router (2024): Tips, Key Terms, and Advice

Choosing a Router (2024): Tips, Key Terms, and Advice

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Choosing a Router (2024): Tips, Key Terms, and Advice

Reliable and fast internet is a common desire, and a quality router can contribute to achieving this. However, understanding the array of standards, acronyms, and features can be challenging when trying to improve home Wi-Fi. This report aims to demystify Wi-Fi, routers, mesh systems, and related terminology, equipping consumers to make informed router purchases.

Updated November 2024: This report now includes details on alternatives to acquiring a new router, information on the rollout of Wi-Fi 7, updated average speeds, insights into how mesh systems utilize bands, more on ports and speeds, and some useful resources.

Internet Connectivity and Equipment:

Internet service providers (ISPs) connect homes to the internet, typically providing a modem and router, sometimes as a single device. The modem links the home to the internet, while the router connects to the modem and provides wired or wireless access to connected devices. ISPs usually charge a rental fee for this equipment, which often offers basic performance and features. However, current regulations prevent ISPs from mandating the use of their equipment or charging for using personal hardware, although returning ISP equipment may be necessary to avoid fees.

This guide emphasizes using a personal router while retaining the ISP’s modem. Opting for a personal router can be cost-effective over time and may offer benefits such as faster Wi-Fi, improved coverage, easier configuration, and additional features like parental controls and guest networks. Before purchasing, ensure compatibility with the ISP by checking forums for discussions on different routers and modems, which can prevent future issues.

Choosing a Router:

There are several methods to enhance Wi-Fi speed, and acquiring a new router is a primary option. Before selecting a router, determine the approximate square footage of the residence.

Single Router:

For most people, a single router or a router-modem combination is the simplest solution. This device needs to connect to an existing socket or modem via Ethernet, which limits placement options. The Wi-Fi signal is strongest near the router and weakens with distance. Ideally, position the router centrally and in an open space. Routers usually specify coverage area, but construction materials like thick walls and insulation can impact signal strength, leading to diminished speeds at longer distances. High-powered routers with extensive coverage are typically larger with multiple antennas and are more expensive.

Mesh Systems:

For larger homes or areas with thick walls or garden coverage needs, mesh Wi-Fi can be effective. Mesh systems comprise a central hub connected like a single router, and additional satellites or nodes that extend coverage and reliability. Each node requires a power outlet. Though often costlier than single routers, mesh systems offer extensive features and integration options, and their design is usually discreet.

Mesh systems are generally expandable. Some manufacturers allow the linking of individual routers to form a mesh network, enabling users to start with a router and add nodes as required. Compatibility is critical; for instance, Asus routers supporting AiMesh are compatible with each other, while TP-Link’s OneMesh only supports specific extenders.

Alternatives to Buying a New Router:

For issues limited to coverage or single device connectivity, purchasing a new router might not be necessary. Alternatives, despite possible technical challenges, offer less expensive solutions compared to mesh systems.

Ethernet Cables:

Prior to widespread Wi-Fi use, Ethernet cables connected devices for stable, fast, and secure internet. Devices must have an Ethernet port, and cables need to connect from the router. An Ethernet switch can facilitate multiple connections, improving mesh system performance by freeing Wi-Fi bands through a wired backhaul.

Power Line Adapters:

These adapters use electrical wiring to transmit an internet signal. One adapter connects via Ethernet to the router, while another is placed in the desired room. Suitability depends on the quality of the electrical wiring, and while useful for rooms distant from the router, effectiveness varies.

MoCA (Multimedia Over Coax Alliance):

Homes with existing coaxial cables can use them for a fast, reliable network compared to Wi-Fi, using MoCA-supported routers, adapters, or extenders. This method is effective for devices like smart TVs or consoles located far from the main router.

Wi-Fi Repeaters:

Wi-Fi repeaters extend router signals, but they can be inefficient and prone to interference, often creating a secondary network. Opting for a mesh setup or secondary router, such as Asus’ AiMesh, can offer better performance at similar costs.

Access Points:

Old routers can be repurposed as access points or extenders, providing effective solutions if cabled to the main router, though setup can be complex.

Understanding Speeds:

Determining the required router speed involves considering the maximum speed provided by the ISP, expressed in Mbps. According to Ookla’s Speedtest, global median fixed broadband speeds are 94 Mbps for downloads and 49 Mbps for uploads. ISPs generally offer maximum speeds, but actual performance varies, especially upload speeds, as it is shared among devices.

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