A Router is a networking device that advances the packets between two networks. Wireless Routers have one additional function of Wireless Access Point. It is used to provide Internet access or access to a private network. In simple words, the wireless router sends the data from the router to the connected device through radio signals. One can always use a router to make calls over the Internet. To connect to your router, you need to enter a password. The required password is given by your ISP and after initial set up you can change it according to your convenience. Nowadays, every electronic device like a laptop, tablet, smartphone, gaming console, and a personal computer has Wi-Fi capability. Lets see in more details about wireless router at Pick My router .
Things to consider while choosing a Wireless Router
- Speed and Range of the Wi-Fi: Everyone needs a fast and secure router. The speed of the Internet is Router dependent. There is a concept called Advertised Speed. It is the combination of all router bands’ speeds. This is the maximum speed you can see advertised on your router. The value which determines the speed at which your devices can access the Internet is ceiling speed. The range of the router is variable in nature. Range means how far the radio signal can travel and communicate with the wireless routers. For a small region, you need a less strong Wi-Fi.
- WPA2 Security: During the installation of the Wi-Fi, you need to assign a password for accessing the Internet. Using WPA2, that password is encrypted. Out of all the security types, Encryption is most secure and recent. Any router with “AC” designation supports encryption and one should always buy this type of router. One should avoid WEP and WPA because they are outdated methods. One should always check whether the router is encryption supportive or not. It is not easy to breach the WPA2 security.
- Life Span of a Router: One thing you need to know about the networking hardware’s is that the technology doesn’t last forever. It keeps on changing and you need to upgrade the systems accordingly. The Wi-Fi is used by your computer, laptop, gaming console, and many more devices, this increases the load on the router. As the load increase on the router the performance degrades. If you are using the same router for a few years and the Internet is not working up to the expectations then it is time to replace it with a new one.
- Selection of the band: Wireless router works on two different bands. One is of 2.4GHz and the other one is 5.0GHz. Most of the people use 2.4GHz band and therefore it very crowded. It is more prone to Interference and Congestion. The new 5.0GHz band is less crowded and comparatively fast. A dual-band router offers both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz; sometimes it uses both the band simultaneously. Selection of single-band or dual-band is very simple. If you live in a crowded neighborhood, then you should use dual-band router. Otherwise, single-band router will do the trick. Be cautious during the selection of the band.
- Cost: The cost of the router ranges from $15 to $400. One should always decide the budget on the router. Because the budget will narrow down the choices from which it will be easy to choose a router. It is difficult to recommend a high-end router to an average customer. The mid-tier routers are more than enough for an average user and some power user. If you need a top-tier router for an average user then don’t buy it. The router with $100-$200 will be enough for an average user. And if you just need an Internet Access then you will save more money.
- USB Ports: A USB port on the router was very important for connecting the printer. This was before the printers with built-in wireless capabilities were common. Routers with USB ports are now more commonly used for cheap networked storage. You can connect a Hard Disk or flash storage drive from your router and share the files with any connected device on the network. It can also be used as a media hub for watching movies; music or television shows which runs locally.
- Selection by Categories: Limit your search to routers in the “N” and “AC” categories. Every router has a numerical classification of 802.11, which is nothing but the Wi-Fi standard. Every router has a model number and the first two letters in the name of the model number are the Version of the router. Buy a router with “AC” initials printed before the model number. Other Designations like A, B, and G are obsolete. This category is more compatible with the new 802.11ac standard and therefore the preferred Category. Mostly, the local Service providers provide the compatible Router.
- Is Gigabit necessary yet: Fiber-optic is becoming more and more popular these days! Fiber-optic can provide speed up to several Gigabits/sec. But it is not that common in the market yet. Even scarcer are Gigabit (1000Mbps) speeds. That doesn’t mean you don’t need a router that can reach a Gigabit, though. Even the most advanced routers have a theoretical speed of 1300 Mbps that does not mean that it can transfer the data at that speed practically. All I am saying is you may require a Gigabit router in near future or you may need it before your next upgrade.
Conclusion: During the selection of a Wireless Router one must know some things. These things will surely increase the chance of getting the right one. One should always check the information and the necessary details from local service providers. The true beacons in your life who will guide you. Check the range of the router, how long it can transmit the radio signal. After a certain number of years, you must buy a new one because networking hardware doesn’t last forever. Selecting a band is a very important thing. And it all comes down to the budget of the person, spend wisely and outline your budget.