Internet speed and bandwidth: Make sure your router supports the fastest internet connection speeds offered by IPS and has enough bandwidth to handle a large number of devices simultaneously.
cover area: Consider the square footage of your home or office and choose a router that can provide reliable coverage throughout. For example, a Wi-Fi router’s signal radius may be smaller in a building with thick walls.
“Determine your coverage requirements based on the size of your home,” says director Brian Mathews. computer technician. “After purchase, positioning is important. Place the router in the center of your living space to ensure even signal coverage.”
Wi-Fi standard: Look for a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6E, for faster speeds and better performance.
“The most advanced technologies today are Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, which offer faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices, but Wi-Fi 7 is on the horizon.” , said Harman Singh, a cybersecurity expert. Cypher. The new Wi-Fi 7 standard is expected to be available in May 2024, and some Wi-Fi routers are now available that support it (although they are quite expensive).
number of antennas: In general, the more antennas you have, the better your coverage, connection speed, and signal strength. Routers with more antennas are better.
Security features: Check out built-in features like WPA3, data encryption, and firewall protection. The goal is to keep your network (and all computers and smart devices connected to it) safe from threats.
Number of Ethernet ports: If you have devices that require a wired connection, make sure your router has enough Ethernet ports to accommodate them. The Ethernet ports support different bandwidths and different types of Cat network cables. The faster the better.
Dual-band, tri-band, or quad-band: Dual-band routers operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, while tri-band routers add an additional 5 GHz band for better performance in crowded environments. Quad-band routers offer four separate radio bands: one 2.4 GHz band, two 5 GHz bands, and a 6 GHz band.
parental controls: If you have children and want to restrict access to certain websites or limit their internet time, look for a router with strong parental control features. These can usually be managed from the router’s mobile app, but in some cases they require an ongoing subscription to use them.
User friendly interface: Look for a router with an intuitive interface and easy setup process. This simplifies initial configuration and ongoing management. Ideally, you’d like to be able to manage your router and your home’s internet connection through a mobile app running on your smartphone.
Number of devices supported: If you have turned various aspects of your home into a “smart home” with a smart TV; smart thermostat, video doorbell,or smart light bulb; If multiple people in your household use computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming gear, choose a wireless router that can support a large number of devices running at the same time.
