Which wireless router do i need

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article Steps. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. This wikiHow teaches you how to research and decide on a model and type of wireless router. Figure out your Internet's top speed.

Internet speed, which is typically measured in megabits per second Mbps , will dictate your router's bare minimum speed.

For example: if your Internet's top speed is Mbps, you'll need a router that can handle at least Mbps. Look up local internet service providers. There may be better alternatives than what you're already using, and your current local internet service provider may dictate the kind of router you use. Renting will be more costly in the long run, but a good choice for people who can't afford to replace or update a several hundred-dollar router every few years.

Find out whether or not you already have a modem. If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to purchase both a modem and a router. The modem interfaces with the Internet access point e. If you already have a modem from a different service provider, be sure to check with your current ISP to ensure that it will work with their services. You can buy modem and router combination units for a lower price, though these units tend to be more expensive to fix or replace.

It's easy to spend much more money than is necessary on a router and modem. Knowing how much you're willing to spend and how much you absolutely can spend will help eliminate some of the higher-end routers from your search. Determine the amount of space the router needs to cover. A good way to do this is by figuring out where the router needs to be e.

Walls and floors impede a wireless signal, meaning you'll need a router with a greater signal strength for a multi-floor or multi-room area than you would for a smaller space e.

Make a note of each device that your router will support. Writing down a list of devices that will be connected to the router e. A small, average-power router can typically take care of a group of standard computers performing low-bandwidth operations, while you'll need a stronger router to handle high-bandwidth operations and other devices e. Understand what's entailed in router speed and range. It can be tempting to pick up the fastest face-value router you can afford; however, your router can at best provide the top speed of your Internet connection e.

Some other things to keep in mind include the following: [5] X Research source Advertised speed - A rounded-up combination of all router bands' speeds. This is the number you'll see advertised on your router's product description. Since most devices can't connect to more than one band at once, this number is a technical fallacy.

Often, people complain about a device when the device wasn't well-chosen for their circumstances in the first place. Years ago, it was commonplace to purchase external network adapters with routers. Networking vendors sometimes added proprietary extensions to their products that resulted in slightly higher performance when brand-matched. Vendors may also thoroughly test compatibility with their own equipment.

If you own some consumer electronic gear, brand-matching your Wi-Fi router might make sense. Otherwise, research the available brands and pick one you trust.

Some network routers support only wired Ethernet interfaces. Home broadband routers support Wi-Fi and are often are widely known as wireless routers, yet all home routers include integrated Ethernet switch support for anywhere between one and five wired devices as a standard feature. Most households with home networks even today use only one router without major issues. There are a few scenarios when adding a second home router is helpful or even necessary:.

The tech industry envisions a future where each home contains hundreds of connected appliances and gadgets inside, everything from light bulbs to televisions and toys. To the extent Wi-Fi is a wireless communication standard for all of this gear, the demands on home broadband routers will continue to grow. Whether Wi-Fi or some combination of wireless tech, some think that routers have a future as the centerpiece of a smart home. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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By Whitson Gordon. Shopping Best smart locks to shop this year. Shopping Expert shopping: Light alarm clocks. Best Buy. Shopping How to buy your next TV, according to a tech expert. Shopping Gifting a streaming device? Your Wi-Fi connection is stretched across your computer, gaming console, smartphone, tablet and streaming devices. And with more devices being added to the mix, such as smart lights or thermostats, that load is only getting larger, and over time, a router's performance can degrade.

If you've had the same router for a few years and can find no other explanation for a dip the reliability of your network, it may be time to consider replacing the router. That, or it might be time to clean your router. Your needs and your budget will ultimately dictate where you fall on that spectrum.

It's difficult to recommend a super high-end router to an average consumer for at least two reasons. First, the pace of the advancement of the technology is very fast.

So while a top-of-the-range router may very well future-proof you for the next few years, it's nearly as susceptible to obsolescence as one that costs half as much. Second, networking hardware is moving faster than ISPs, which means mid-tier routers are usually more than enough for the average user and even some power users. And if you just need something to provide wireless access and your home internet speeds are as low as 20Mbps or 30Mbps, you can save yourself some serious cash by opting for a less pricey router.

Fiber is becoming more common around the nation, but in no way is it commonplace yet. Even more scarce are Gigabit 1,Mbps speeds. That doesn't mean you don't need a router that can reach a Gigabit, though. In other words, get a Gigabit router for future-proofing purposes. You may need it before your next upgrade. Wireless routers work on two different frequency bands -- 2.

The 2.