Internet came into our life long ago and is firmly. Today it is developing along with all other technologies. Internet speed is no longer measured in kilobytes, as in the 90s, not in megabits, as in the 2000s, and gigabytes! Internet access has also changed: previously it was only through wires, but today we have access to wireless mode (WI-FI). How to choose the right WI-FI device for personal use, we will tell you with this article.
How to choose a WI-FI router
Get a basic overview of what a WI-FI router (also called a router) is all about. This is a special device that connects smartphones, laptops, PCs, tablets, smartphones (and other gadgets) into a single wireless network with Internet access.
When choosing a router, consider its price and brand. A good router can not cost cheap, as high-quality assembly, reliable components and warranty in operation create a certain price of the goods. Cheap models have low-quality parts, which often break, have a poor signal and a low coverage area. In the case if your financial situation allows – choose a more expensive router, you should not skimp on buying it. Choose routers of well-known brands, because they have a fairly long reputation on the market of Internet services. For example, one of the leaders in sales of WI-FI routers are the following firms: D-Link, Zyxel, Asus, TP-Link, Linksys. Despite the fame, even these firms have router models that have proved themselves differently. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake when buying, first read the reviews of different models on the relevant sites.
Also, we do not recommend buying the latest models of WI-FI routers, because due to deficiencies, they can work with errors.
How to choose a WI-FI router
Choosing a router depends largely on its technical characteristics. First of all, when choosing a WI-FI device pay attention to the type of WAN port. There are several types of connections:
ADSL – connection to the network through a telephone line. The router connector will be designated as RJ-11.
Ethernet is a network cable (“twisted pair”), it has a RJ-45 connector.
USB 3G -this kind of connection is provided by mobile operators. This type of connection is used with a 3G modem.
SFP – such a router is connected to a fiber (optical fiber), which is used as a network cable.
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a suitable router for you, you should specify the required type of WAN port with your provider. In order not to be tied to one technology, buy routers with several WAN ports at once.
Another important characteristic when choosing a WI-FI router – protocol support. Therefore, it is also extremely important to find out from your provider what protocol is used to connect the Internet:
PPTP
PPPoE
L2YP
IPsec
The next necessary characteristics are the speed and number of LAN-ports, frequency range and WI-FI speed. For regular Internet users it will be enough to buy a 4-port LAN Fast-Ethernet switch.
When choosing a router ask the dealer about wireless network speed of the router (there are 3 standards: up to 54 Mbps, up to 450 Mbps and up to 1 Mbps).3 Gbps).
How to choose a WI-FI router
We recommend buying routers with speeds up to 450 Mbps (with WIFI 802.11n).
Do not forget to look at the antenna of the router. Antennas can be built in or be on the outside of the router. Accordingly, the more external antennas, the better the signal quality of the wireless network will be. But if you’re buying a router for a small apartment, one external antenna will be quite enough for you. But if you are choosing WI-FI device for the house, buy options with multiple antennas, it will allow you to receive a good signal in any room and even near the house.
