How to choose which Wi-Fi router to buy and what they are for

How to choose which Wi-Fi router to buy

Nowadays it is almost essential to have a router to connect to the Internet quickly, safely and stably. Not everyone is equal and there are many to choose from. This is what you should know before buying one. Here you can know more about best wifi routers under 100.

Cable router or Wi-Fi router

In a cable router the connections between it and the PCs must be made using cables (Ethernet).

It is impractical if you want to connect several devices. Especially if they are in different rooms. It would be your turn to make holes in the walls to pass the cables.

Routers with Wi-Fi do the same as a cable and also allow you to create a wireless network . You can connect several PCs to the Internet and to each other without using cables for everyone. You save boring walls and filling everything with wires.

Most routers for sale today are Wi-Fi. Is the best option. Use one cable only if you have no choice and you intend to connect to the Internet a single PC or several that are together.

Speed ​​(in Mbps)

Normally, only the "download" speed value is indicated. Sometimes the "rise" is also indicated, which is almost always quite minor. A router is better the higher its speed. Ideally, choose a broadband one (see below for available types). But keep in mind that:

Speed ​​values ​​are maximum values

For ideal conditions that are almost never met. The speed varies greatly depending on aspects such as the position of the router, the thickness of the walls or the proximity of other devices operating on the same frequency (such as a cordless telephone).

Tricks to increase Wi-Fi signal

A router will never be faster than the connection you hire.

If you hire a 1 Mbps connection with your Internet provider, your Wi-Fi network cannot exceed that speed even if your router allows 1000 Mbps.

Even so it makes sense to spend a little more money on a faster router. In the future you may want to hire a better connection, or maybe your provider will do a free upgrade. In addition, the higher level have a more powerful and stable signal. And they include improved security, capacity and stability options.

Speed ​​(according to the 802.11 standard type)

There are several standards based on the Wi-Fi 802.11 standard. Each offers different transfer speeds and ranges. Many vendors indicate the router speed in that way instead of in Mbps.

Simple, dual band or tri-band technology

Wireless routers work on certain frequencies or bands. It's something like radio channels, which are on specific dial frequencies. Wi-Fi communications usually use 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. 

A router that uses only one frequency is called simple technology. If you can use both, it is called dual or dual band. And if you use the 2.4 GHz and "two" channels in 5 GHz it is called triband.

The best in general is to buy a dual router. Get the best out of both frequencies. Get the maximum range of 2.4 GHz and less interference in the 5 GHz band. And it allows you to connect devices other than your PC that use only one of the bands (your tablet, phone, console, Kindle, etc.). Not all devices manage to use both.

For now it is not worth buying a tri-band router. They are usually much more expensive than dual ones and do not really offer clear advantages over them.