Everyone wants fast and reliable internet, such as Spectrum Internet, and a good router makes it all the better.
It gets a little overwhelming to shop for the perfect router because of all the options out there on the market. The trick is to understand the different types of routers, the Wi-Fi standards, and the speed you need.
In this article, we wil’ll help break down all the important things you should know when shopping for a router. Hopefully, by the end of it, you wil’ll be better equipped to purchase the perfect router for your household needs.
Who is Your Internet Service Provider?
Internet service providers (ISPs) are the source from which you receive an internet connection. They usually also provide you with a router and modem, and sometimes, it’s in a single device.a single device performs both the functions.
So what exactly do a modem and router do? Well, a modem connects a home to the border broader internet, while the router is plugged into the modem, and allows your devices to connect to the internet.
ISPs
ISPs tend to charge a small rental fee for the equipment provided, and in all honesty, their router is rather mediocre in terms of features and performance. That said, you’re not bound to use your ISP’s router, you can always choose to buy one yourself.
In this article, we a’re focusing on how you can buy and use your own router on your while using your ISP’s modem. Buying your a router will help save money in the futurelonger run, and you get to enjoy better coverage, faster Wi-Fi, and extra features that are unlikely to be your in the ISP’s router.
That said, before you decide to shop for a router, always check its compatibility with your ISP. You can search online, or if you’re a Spectrum subscriber, you can call Spectrum Customer ServiceSpectrum customer service here.
It does not hurt to get a little research done, as you don’t want to buy a router that just doesn’t work with your ISP.
What Type of Router Do You Require?
There are multiple ways to improve your Wi-Fi speed, and investing in a new router is one of the most apparent and common ways.
To help decidemake a decision on the kind of router you need, remember to calculate how large your home is.
Single Regular Router
This is the easiest solution for the majority of people – to choose a single router or a combo of both a router and modem.
However, be mindful of the fact that you will plug your router into your modem or an existing socket through an Ethernet cable. This usually restricts where the router can be placed. The Wi-Fi signals are usually the strongest when your device is nearest to it.
In other words, the further you move from the router, the slower the Wi-Fi signal you can expect.
Routers
Routers tend to have their footage coverage mentioned on them, but certain obstructions such as thick walls , can internet interfere with your Wi-Fi signals.
If you want a powerful router with more than two antennas, you should be willing to invest a little more in the router.
Mesh Wi-Fi System
If you live in a bigger home and want coverage in every corner of the house, or have one too many obstructions that may interfere with the Wi-Fi signals, perhaps you should invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system.
A mesh Wi-Fi system has a central hub that acts as your the single router, alongside wi-fi access nodes that can be placed within and around your home. Your device will connect to the internet via the nearest node.
This allows you to receive better coverage and a more reliable internet connection. That said, every node needs a power outlet. Also, mesh Wi-Fi systems are much more expensive in comparison to single or regular routers.
The Different Wi-Fi Standards
There are a couple of different Wi-Fi standards, all supporting different speeds, and ranges. All of them start with IEEE 802.11.
The trick is to pay attention to the letters followed after that. You should at least have Wi-Fi 5, but if given the option, Wi-Fi 6 is the best option. It not only offers faster speeds but improved coverage, security, and performance.
What Speed Do You Need?
This is by far the most important thing to consider when buying a Wi-Fi router. There i’s the speed of your router and the speeds offered by your ISP.
So, buying the most expensive router may sound tempting, but do you need it? For instance, if you have a 60Mbps plan from your ISP, and live by yourself, it makes no sense to invest in a router that offers immense high speeds.
Moreover, it also depends on the number of devices that use the internet dailyon a daily basis. If there are more people in the house and you live in a multiple-story home, perhaps a mesh system is preferable.
All in All
Well, there you go!
Purchasing the perfect router that fits all your household needs is a big responsibility. Moreover, you don’t want to be spending money twice to figure out the type of router you need. We’ve managed to share the different kinds of routers and Wi-Fi standards.
We hope you now know what type of router works best for you and how you can choose one.
We hope you have a better understanding of how to purchase a router on your own, and what points should you consider.