Do you know your router is not as simple as a device with a single job? Every router comes with multiple antennas, radio frequencies, and other features that make it a high-end networking device. You might think that any router will do the job of connecting your devices to the internet, but this isn’t always the case! Routers are actually quite complex machines that give you much more than just an internet connection. They can also be pretty expensive pieces of kit. But why is this so? Why are they so costly? Do they really make a difference? Let’s find ou.
Do Routers Make A Difference?
No, at least not for me. I have 2 routers, and there is no difference between them in network speed or signal quality. Please check the below images and judge yourself. I have one router next to me which I bought 1 year back, its TP-Link TL-WR841N v8. And another one is Belkin N750DB F9K1102 1212F1KUI 702065131 which I bought 3 months back.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Routers?
1. Wireless Routers
These routers are like small computers and have a single Ethernet port. You connect your modem to this router and then connect your computers, tablets, and other devices to this router wirelessly.
2. Cable Modem/Router Combos
These devices are two-in-one devices that support both cable modem and router functions. They come with multiple Ethernet ports so you can connect your devices directly to the device instead of through a wireless connection.
3. Powerline Routers
Powerline Routers use the power lines in your house to create a network connection between two devices that are located far from each other (e.g., two floors apart). The data gets transmitted over the power lines as electrical signals instead of radio waves, thereby reducing interference from other appliances that may be using the same frequency band (e.g., microwaves) for their operations. One device will act as a router and the other will act as a modem.
4. Wireless Mesh Routers
A wireless mesh network is a network that makes use of multiple nodes to create a single wireless network. These nodes can be routers, adapters, or both. The wireless mesh network uses two or more routers instead of just one to create an extended wireless network that covers much more area than you would normally be able to with just one router. This way, you’ll get better coverage in large houses and properties without having to invest in additional access points and repeaters.
5. Wireless Broadband Routers
These are routers that can connect to DSL and cable modems as well as your computers wirelessly through Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables. They offer an easy way to connect your devices wirelessly to your modem and router, while also improving your internet speeds by reducing interference from other wireless devices on your Wi-Fi network.
6. Wireless Travel Routers
These are compact routers that can be easily carried around with you when you travel abroad so that you can get access to local Wi-Fi networks without having to buy a new SIM card for every country.
Why Are Routers So Important?
- Routers are important because they need to be able to interact with the Internet using various protocols, such as IPv4 and IPv6.
- Routers are also important because they allow different devices on a network to communicate with each other.
- Routers are also important because they can help protect a network from outside intruders by routing packets around the network so that they don’t reach their destination.
- Routers are also important because they can be used to configure devices on a network, such as setting up a wireless network or connecting two different networks together so that they can communicate with each other more easily.
- Routers are also important because when a router is configured properly it can provide security for both wireless and wired networks by protecting them from outsiders and from each other by preventing unauthorized access to resources on the network or sending traffic between networks that shouldn’t be allowed to communicate with one another (such as traffic intended for one computer being sent to an unauthorized computer).
How To Choose The Best Router For Your Home
1. Budget
The first thing you will have to consider is your budget. If you are on a tight budget, then you should look for routers that come in a cheap price. But if you have a little bit of extra money to spend, then go for the best routers. In this case, I would suggest you to go for the TP-Link Archer C7 or the Linksys AC1900 Wi-Fi Router (WRT1900ACS). These are two of the best routers available in today’s market and they offer a speed of up to 1900 Mbps which is quite good.
2. Coverage
Another important factor that will determine whether or not you need a router is its coverage area. If you live in an apartment complex with a limited coverage area, then it would be better if your router supports the E-beam technology so that it can easily cover all areas inside your apartment complex.
3. Speed and Range
The next thing you will have to consider before buying a router is its speed. If you want to stream movies, download large files or play multiplayer games online, then you need a router that offers a speed of at least 2000 Mbps. If you are looking for the best router for gaming, then look for the Asus RT-AC87U which offers a speed of up to 1750 Mbps.
4. Security
A good router should have security features like Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and WPA/WPA2 Encryption. You can also enable these features on your router using the Smart Connect feature which will automatically connect your computer to your router after you turn on your Wi-Fi connection. This is another reason why I always recommend routers with this feature enabled it will make it easier for you to connect your devices to the internet when they are in the range of the router’s signal.
5. Compatibility
The last thing you will have to consider before buying a router is its compatibility with different operating systems. If you are looking for a router that will work well with Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS devices then you should go for a router that is compatible with these operating systems. The best router for gaming is the Asus RT-AC87U which is compatible with all the above-mentioned operating systems.
6. Features
The best routers also have some other features like parental controls and guest networking. You can also use your router as a wireless repeater to extend its range. There are also routers like the Eero which have built-in mesh networking technology and they can create a mesh network of up to 1000 devices, so you can easily create multiple networks in your home by using one device.
7. Router Specifications
You should also look at the specifications of the router before buying it because if it’s not powerful enough, then you might end up wasting money on something that won’t work well for your home network. The best routers available in today’s market are TP- are compatible with all of them. I would suggest you to go for the Asus RT-AC87U which is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS devices.
Conclusion
Routers are a key part of connecting all your devices to the internet. They are crucial in deciding the speed and strength of your connection. The brand of the router that you choose to install can even affect the connection that you’re able to get. When buying a new router, it’s important to consider the number of devices that you want to connect, the space that the router will take in your home, and the type of connection that you’d like.
