Six Factors to Consider When Buying a Router

Most of us receive a free or have to rent a router from our internet service provider while opting for an ISP. Doing so saves us from the hassle of searching and purchasing. But, it can be troublesome in the long run, and you might have to pay rental fees for an outdated router that doesn’t allow seamless use of the internet. Therefore, it is better to purchase a new router, as it can be a great investment.

However, choosing a router is indeed a daunting task, as there are a plethora of brands and models to choose from. For your ease, we have curated a list of things you should consider before purchasing a router. This list will help narrow down your research, and you will easily find a good router. Read on to know more about it.

Do Your Budgeting

Since there is a great demand for routers, you can find countless routers at different prices, from $100 to $400. So, how much you want to spend depends on your budget and the features you want in your router.

If you have a small household, we do not recommend using a high-end router. If you still want a router with the best performance, you can easily find it for $100-$150. Routers in this range are perfect for streaming videos and completing all the basic work-related tasks.

Conversely, routers ranging from $200 to $300 are perfect for larger homes and more intensive activities such as streaming, video conferencing, gaming, and so on. Moreover, the speed and model determine the router’s price. Therefore, you should choose the latest model that offers your needed speed and suits your budget.

Ensure the Router Is Compatible with Your Internet Connection

Most internet connections do not support every type of router, so it is better to check with your ISP. For example, modems use technology based on the type of connection your internet service provider uses. If you use a cable modem with DSL, your internet will not work. Several providers publish the list of compatible routers on their websites. So, ensure you check the list or contact the provider’s support team. For example, if you are using Windstream internet, then you do not have to worry about not getting a good router. It is one of the popular internet service providers in the United States that only offers top-notch routers for rent. Unlike other ISPs, it only charges for the device and does not hold you captive by offering contracts. If you do not want to rent its router, then it has disclosed the complete list of routers compatible with its service. You can click here for more information regarding the provider. 

Quality of Service (QoS)

Quality of Service (QoS) is an advanced feature via which you can prioritize devices over others. For example, if you have a large household, you might need this feature to prioritize your device over your Kid’s smart TV.

USB Ports

USB ports on our routers are important as they are commonly used for cheap-networked storage. The ports allowed for the networking of your printer, and thus routers with USB ports became popular. Moreover, the user can plug an HDD or flash storage drive at the back of the device. Therefore, you can access the content from others’ computers or share your data.

You can even use it to create a networked media hub to stream your favorite movies or shows. This way, you leverage the fast speed of your router. But if you own a wireless printer or do not require networked storage, purchase a router without ports.

Consider Security Standards

Your router must protect you from cyber-attacks. So, look for a router with security features so hackers cannot penetrate your network easily. When you are choosing the router, make sure it uses WPA2. Most of the latest router manufacturers follow this rule. Implementation of this adds extra encryption, blocks unwanted users, and so on.

Wi-Fi Bands

Two major Wi-Fi bands are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and they are known as dual-band routers. This helps in creating two separate networks to improve the speed. People can divide the networks to ensure they use a speedy internet connection without facing network congestion. This type of router is best for bigger families with intensive internet needs.

To End Things Off

Most of the ISP are keen to offer you tips, so do discuss with them but keep the above points in mind. While there are countless factors that you can consider before purchasing a router, this article has covered the important ones.

A good router can indeed be the best investment because you get many security features and enhanced bandwidth. Thus, you can enjoy a stable and speedy internet connection with a quality router.