The world is now a global village, all thanks to the internet. The advent of the internet has brought information and everything that was previously out of our reach right to us. Perhaps the most popular way by which internet connectivity is provided these days is via wireless routers. These wireless routers provide the means by which users connect their smart phones, computers, tablets, and smart watches, and other internet enabled devices to the internet.
Given the importance of wireless routers in 2018, both in our homes and offices, there are many brands and models in the market. This variety makes it difficult to choose or decide on the best wireless router for your home or office. Many people do not know what to look out for when deciding on a wireless router. In truth, there are several factors that can be considered, but which ones are the most important?
This post will solve all your selection problems by providing you with ten most important points to consider when choosing a wireless router for your home or office in 2018. More than enough insight will be provided about each of these key points, leaving you with all the information you need to select the best wireless router for your home or office.
Ten Key Points to consider in home/office wireless routers in 2018
These key points have been curated by experts, leaving nothing to chance. In no particular order, the ten key points to consider in home or office routers in 2018 are explained below:
Price: This is undoubtedly the most important point to consider when looking to choose a wireless router. If you have a budget, you could search for wireless routers that are within your financial ability. However, if you are after specifications, you can look out for wireless routers that have the specifications you desire and work your budget from there. In all of these, It is worthy of note that the fact that a wireless router costs so much does not mean it is of the highest quality. Also, if a wireless router does not cost so much, it does not mean it is inferior.
Number of users router can accommodate: This is another very key thing to consider. If you are using the wireless router at home, you need to figure out how many people might need to be connected to the wireless router at a time. This will guide you in choosing a wireless router that can accommodate all your users at once. If the wireless router is for your office, then you might need a higher number of users to be connected at a time. The important thing to do is to know the number of users that need to use the wireless router at once, and then check for one that can accommodate this number.
Band type: There are two frequency bands on which wireless routers can operate on – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band is very common amongst devices. This band is likely to be congested and suffer interference. On the other hand, the 5GHz is less congested and usually provides faster internet connections. A single band wireless router operates only the 2.4GHz frequency band, while dual band wireless routers operate both frequency bands. If you are living or working in a place where there are other wireless routers that can interfere with yours, then you are better off with a dual band wireless router. However, if the opposite is the case, then a single band wireless router could work for you.
Range of Wireless router: The range of a wireless router is as important as any of its other features. The last thing you want is for internet connectivity to not reach some parts of your homes or offices. Different wireless routers have different range of wireless signals. You need to select the best one for you depending on the size and need of your home or office.
Wireless Standard of router: There are different standards in wireless technology – 802.11a, 802.11c and several others. Different computers and devices are compatible with different wireless technology standards. This means that you need to know the compatibility of the devices that will be connecting to your wireless router before making a purchase.
Security level of router: More than ever, security is important in 2018. You have to be sure that you’re the wireless router has the latest encryption levels available. This is particularly necessary if it is an office wireless router where devices connected will house important documents.
Processor and RAM Size: When people hear processors and RAM size, they instantly think laptops or smartphones. The truth is that your wireless routers contain these hardware and they are as important as they are in laptops or smartphones. It is advisable to get a wireless router with a good number of cores and a good RAM size.
Availability of LAN and USB Ports: Many times, we will need to connect some devices to the wireless router with a USB. This highlights the importance of a USB port in a wireless router. It is also great if the USB port is a 3.0. There are also times when the need for a Local Area Network connection might be needed, particularly in offices. Hence, the need for a LAN port.
Real Life Speed of router: Often times, the speed ratings on wireless routers are not the same as their real life speeds. This is why it is important to make some research about the wireless router’s. The comment sections of online stores can provide good information, as well as reviews about the wireless router.
Smart Features: It is 2018, and smart features are in all our devices. The wireless router is no different. Many wireless routers have smartphone apps that make operating them easy and seamless. Some wireless routers also have virtual assistants that enhance their mode of control. All of these should be considered in the wireless router you are looking to purchase for your home or office.
Conclusion
There are many things that make up a wireless router, but the ten key points listed here make sure to cater for them all. The information provided here will be important in helping you to wisely and correctly choose the best wireless router for your home or office in 2018. The importance of internet in 2018 cannot be overstated. With these key points, you can be sure to purchase a wireless router that will provide you uninterrupted internet.
