Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Wi-Fi Router!

We are at this stage now that we can’t imagine our life without the internet. After the coronavirus pandemic, our life has revolved around the internet. Be it working from home or taking classes online or watching movies and web series, we look for a fast and reliable Wi-fi internet connection. If you are spending enormous amounts of money on internet bills, you definitely crave for high Wi-fi connection. To get a fast internet connection, you require the right Wi-fi router. So, if you are planning to buy a new Wi-fi router to get fast internet, you need to understand the basic terminologies of the right router.

For your better understanding of the Wi-fi router, here’s the complete guide for you which helps you select the right router.

1. What is the difference between a Wi-fi router and a Modem?

Whenever you search for Wi-Fi routers on e-commerce platforms, you come across various devices that describe themselves as ‘routers and not modems’. So, the first thing you should know is that Wi-Fi routers and modems are two different things and are used for two different purposes.

The router distributes the same internet connection- wired or wireless to multiple devices whereas the modem connects to the main supply cable provided by the Internet Service Provider.

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2. How 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and 5GHz Wi-Fi affect the internet connection speed?

Wi-fi at 2.4GHz and 5GHz are called bands that decide the speed and range of the connection. They relate to the radio wavelength. To get better clarity on this, you should understand that the Wi-Fi connection at 2.4GHz has a greater range but slower speed as compared to Wi-Fi at 5GHz. Whereas, Wi-Fi at 5GHz provides a lesser range but higher speed, though this connection has nothing to do with 5G networks.

3. Which type of router should you buy- Single or Dual?

If you require a connection for a limited number of devices, then you go with single-band routers. Single-band routers only operate at 2.4GHz and provide a maximum speed of 300Mbps. Though it offers a longer range if you connect to lots of devices, the internet speed slows down.

If you are looking to connect multiple devices, then you should consider dual-band routers. This router operates at both connections- 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Because of more speed and wider coverage, dual-band routers are more suitable for multiple device connections.

4. What are Tri-band routers?

If you are looking for routers for heavy internet usage, then you must opt for tri-band routers. Though tri-band routers are usually expensive but suitable for multi-story buildings. They have an additional 5GHz band, provide wider coverage and offer upto 11000Mbps speed. It is suitable for gamers and those with big houses.

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5. What do you know about Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers?

In this century, Wi-Fi 6 router is highly recommended. But before buying this router, make sure your mobile phones and laptops support this Wi-Fi network. It is more efficient, consumes less power, and provides faster speed on Wi-Fi 6 enabled devices as compared to Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 6E is an extended version of Wi-Fi 6 with a 6Hz band. This band is more suitable for gaming, VR, and heavy use cases due to its more speed and low latency. But to get the advantage of both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, you need to make sure your smartphones and laptops must support this connection.

6. What is an N Series Router?

Wi-Fi with N series routers such as Wi-Fi 802.11n is affordable and available in dual-band configurations. These routers have MIMO (Multi-in Multi-Out) technology which enables manufacturers to place more antennas for better speed and coverage.