How to choose a Wireless Router
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Wireless Internet routers seem to appear very much similar regardless of their brands at first glance. However, differences among these wireless router models vary greatly and each router actually has its own distinct set of attributes and features. Follow the steps and some points below to better decide which brand of wireless router fits your very need.
Materials Needed:- computer
- Internet access/phone/appropriate magazines (for research purposes)
Step 1
Be mindful of the Speed Ratings. Wireless routers usually market their product by the speed features in megabits per second or Mbps. Product users are often interested to purchase the product based on which models offer the highest Mbps rating. Some latest wireless router models offer up to 300 Mbps while older models perform at 11 Mbps to 54 Mbps. However, in actual, the performance that you will achieve in practice generally averages lower than expected.
Step 2
Popularity matters. Consumers patronizing a particular brand give such product brand edge to stay updated with current trends and technology. However, cutting-edge features can also be offered by start up router firms. To play it safe, it is best therefore to check and compare sales rankings to make a short list of possible Internet wireless router that suits your need.
Step 3
Always check the warranty package. Wireless router manufacturers offer various warranty packages. Greater warranty packages are indicative of the manufacturer’s commitment to product support and quality. Lesser warranty could imply low standard product reliability.
Step 4
Carefully validate testimonials about wireless routers. Diversity of home and office networking does not guarantee a consumer that the success of a given brand in other home and office would be replicated in his home and office. A smooth router performance in one person’s network could possibly fail in your home network.
Step 5
Always check for brand compatibility. If you are currently using one particular brand for your network adapters, it might be good to purchase the same brand when choosing a wireless Internet router too. Naturally, product brands tend to maximize their communications protocols and compatibility within the various products that they are selling.
Step 6
Size and style matter. Some buyers purchase wireless routers not only to use them for their home or office networks but also to match the design of their homes and offices. Router manufacturers offer various sizes, shapes and colors that might suit one’s lifestyle. Choose a wireless router that satisfies your needs in terms of performance, overall design, and security features.