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Oct 3, 2024 · Here's what you need to build a snappy home Wi-Fi network, along with reviews of the best Wi-Fi routers we've tested for a range of needs and budgets.
- Wi-Fi Range Extender
Besides serving as a mesh alternative when coupled with a...
- Wi-Fi Range Extender
Mar 21, 2024 · Routers create a local wired and wireless network in a home or business. It connects to your modem and distributes access to all internet-capable devices.
- Kevin Parrish
- Overview
- What Is a Wireless Router?
- Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Wireless Router
- How Much Should You Spend on a Wi-Fi Router?
- How Fast Does a Wi-Fi Router Need to Be?
- How Far Does the Wi-Fi Range Extend?
- Do You Need a Smart Router?
- What Brand Should You Choose?
- Who Should Buy a Wireless Router?
- What to Do After You Buy
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To set up a home Wi-fi network, you need a wireless router. Picking the right router can be a challenge because hundreds of models offer different features.
A Wi-Fi router is a computer network device that broadcasts the internet signal from your modem, allowing you to wirelessly connect devices to the internet. Some modems have built-in routers, but you'll need to connect a router to access the web via Wi-Fi if yours doesn't.
Keep in mind that the performance of your network equipment (i.e., your router and modem) is limited by your internet service provider (ISP). If you have a high-end router, you will only enjoy the full benefits if you have a comparable internet plan.
There are hundreds of router models, but these are the main factors to consider:
•Price
•Speed
•Wi-Fi Range
•Usability
Price comparison shopping for routers requires patience and attention to detail. Router A can cost twice as much as Router B, yet their differences may be critical to some people and immaterial to others.
Price Range What You Can Expect
$50-$99 Suitable for video streaming, video chat, and other basic online activities for a single user or a small family living in an apartment or small home.
$100-$300 Suitable for larger homes and more intensive online activities like high-speed online gaming and live-streaming.
$300-$400+ Ideal for large buildings with a lot of users. High-end models usually come with extra security features.
The primary factors that determine the selling price of a consumer broadband router are:
Wireless routers advertise their speed in megabits per second (Mbps). The first consumer Wi-Fi models offered 11 Mbps, but those have been long replaced by 802.11g routers at 54 Mbps, 802.11n routers that cap out around 600 Mbps, and now Wi-Fi 6 routers (802.11ax) offering above 1 Gbps.
Look at more than just routers with the highest Mbps rating. The actual performance you'll achieve in practice typically averages lower than the maximum rating shown on the package.
The actual router speed is determined by the number of devices on the network, physical interferences that degrade the wireless signal, the distance between the connected device and the router, and more.
A high-speed router can't speed up a slow internet connection. For example, if an ISP provides 25 Mbps service, a router that delivers speeds exceeding 1 Gbps will only work at 25 Mbps.
The router determines the maximum speed of a network and the speed provided by the ISP—whichever is slower. So, if a router delivers ultra-fast speeds and your ISP provides a small amount of bandwidth, that lesser amount will be all the router will provide. The same is true in reverse (that is, a slow router will deliver slow speeds even if you have fast bandwidth).
To maximize the speed of your wireless network, buy a router that delivers speeds at least as fast as what your ISP provides.
Does your router need to reach a few rooms on one floor or throughout a three-story home and a garage? This feature determines the strength of the router you need.
Some standalone routers that come with one unit may or may not be able to deliver Wi-Fi throughout a whole home (depending on how big the house is and how powerful the router is). However, consider a long-range router, a mesh network with several routers bundled into one, or a Wi-Fi repeater/range extender if you have a large area.
Mesh Network vs. Range Extender: Which Is Best?
Adding a second home router can also be helpful in large, multi-level homes or if you want to extend Wi-Fi outdoors.
The Best Long-Range Routers of 2024
The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Network Systems of 2024
If you're new to setting up a network or unfamiliar with technology, choose a router with an interface optimized for casual home buyers. Here's how to determine what kind of router you need:
•Older types of routers provide access to their settings by typing the router's IP address into a web browser. This procedure is a difficult way for beginners to manage a network because you must remember the password and be at home when you make changes to the network (such as changing the Wi-Fi password and other settings).
•Smart routers are managed from a smartphone using an app that connects directly to the network from anywhere you are, even if you're away from home. The initial setup involved with these routers is straightforward and can be completed in minutes.
Choose the first type of wireless router if you want something cheap because the other kind's convenience usually increases its price. Also, mesh Wi-Fi network systems typically use a mobile app, whereas routers that use the IP address method are often seen only with standalone devices.
Years ago, it was commonplace to purchase external network adapters with routers. Networking vendors sometimes added proprietary extensions to their products, resulting in slightly higher brand-matched performance. Vendors may also thoroughly test compatibility with their equipment.
Brand-matching your Wi-Fi router might make sense if you own some consumer electronic gear. If not, research the available brands and pick one you trust.
Top router brands include:
•Asus
•Netgear
•Linksys
Since routers are a necessary component of any network, anyone who needs Wi-Fi needs a router:
•Home Wi-Fi users. If you want to surf the web, stream movies, and play online games, you'll need a router to support all your wireless devices.
•Offices. High-speed internet and Wi-Fi are essential for most work environments.
•Businesses. If you own a business, you'll probably need Wi-Fi for managing operations, and you may want to provide free Wi-Fi for your clients.
•Public Places. Libraries, churches, community centers, and other public venues can offer free Wi-Fi for guests.
The Best Wireless Routers of 2024
Once you have your router, it's time to set it up:
•Connect your router to your modem. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router, then plug the other end into your modem.
•Connect to Wi-Fi. Connect to the Wi-Fi network and enter the password on your wireless device. You can find this information on the router or in the manual.
•Log in to your router. Access the administrative console to change the Wi-Fi password, configure security settings, block websites, etc.
- Bradley Mitchell
- 37 sec
Sep 13, 2024 · Looking for the best wi-fi router for your budget? Is your wi-fi slow or lacking coverage? You may need a new router. Which? explains the differences between and benefits of wi-fi routers.
Apr 25, 2024 · Routers connect devices such as computers, laptops and smartphones to the internet. They can be wired or linked to your devices using a wireless (WiFi) connection.
Sep 24, 2024 · Quick List. Best for Most People. Best Wi-Fi 6E. Best Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router. Best Wi-Fi 6E Value. Wi-Fi 6 Performance. For Metered Internet. Best Looking. What to Look for in a Wi-Fi Router. How...
Oct 17, 2024 · The best Wi-Fi router we've tested is the TP-Link Archer BE550, a tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. If you have newer devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, you'll benefit from its blazing-fast 6GHz band.
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