The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Wireless Router

Wireless networks have become an increasingly popular choice of home connectivity. They are not only quicker than wired options but also typically work more reliably. The upshot is that they have become increasingly commonplace. Consequently, the demand for wireless access point (AP) and wireless router solutions has also increased dramatically over the last few years.

If you are thinking of buying a new wireless router, then our guide to wireless routers will help to provide you with the information you need to make the right decision. This will help you to plan your network and to identify the perfect wireless router for your needs.

In our guide, we will provide you with our top wireless router tips and tricks, as well as answering your questions.

How to choose a wireless router for your home?

In our recent research into the best wireless routers, we found that 51% of users use wireless routers in order to manage their home broadband connection. As this is a key consideration, it is essential that you choose a wireless router that meets the exact needs of your home. You will also need a router with the following features:

• Shared network
• Wi-Fi mesh (whole-home Wi-Fi)
• Easy setup
• Advanced features
• Easy management

We want to help you pick out the right router for your home. We have tested many routers and have come up with a few suggestions. We recommend setting up the router on a wireless signal booster if your home has signal problems. A wireless booster can give you stronger coverage and more options when it comes to how you connect devices to your router.

A few of our recommendations include:

Apple Wi-Fi

Apple Wi-Fi is a brand of Wi-Fi router that is optimized for Apple devices and iPhones. Its feature set is equivalent to that of the more expensive Apple AirPort Extreme, but is also highly compact and features AirPort compatibility. The Apple Wi-Fi is the only dedicated wireless router to work exclusively with Apple devices. Apple Wi-Fi is the recommended choice for the MacBook Pro, the latest MacBook and MacBook Air models as well as the Apple iPad Mini.

Amazon has the Apple Wi-Fi router on sale, which is a good deal cheaper than the Apple AirPort Extreme with added external antenna that you could buy from Apple. Unfortunately, the Apple Wi-Fi router is only compatible with macOS and iOS. A Windows version is in development, but this is not due to be released until next year. This makes Apple Wi-Fi the only wireless router with this list of compatibility that does not work with macOS and iOS.

Toshiba AC3100 Dual Band Wireless AC1200 802.11ac Router

Apple Wi-Fi is not the only solution to manage your home internet connection. In terms of features, the sleek, compact and easy to set up Toshiba AC3100 Dual Band Wireless AC1200 802.11ac Router is certainly worth considering. Compared to Apple Wi-Fi, it costs slightly more, but it boasts all the features that you would want from a premium wireless router. This includes a top speed of 2.5Gbps on the 5GHz band.

The Toshiba AC3100 router supports beamforming, which means it can transmit data directly to devices that are closer to the router and which receive the maximum speed benefit. The Toshiba AC3100 is also available as a stand-alone router, which can be set up as a wireless bridge to transfer data between the router and a desktop computer. This flexibility means that you can setup the Toshiba AC3100 as a wireless bridge without needing to buy a separate bridge adapter. The Toshiba AC3100 is compatible with Windows XP, 7 and 10.

TP-Link Archer C50 Router

TP-Link Archer C50 offers a unique design and a host of additional features that make it a superb wireless router. This model is designed to reduce cabling and connects to the back of your router using two MU-MIMO antennae. This ensures that you only have to connect one cable to the back of your router, and that you can use your modem at the same time.

The TP-Link Archer C50 is a great choice for families. It comes in a 4-in-1 design and is compatible with 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. It also provides support for beamforming technology. This increases the range of the router and reduces signal interference, which enables you to use devices such as a tablet, smartphone, or laptop while browsing the internet at the same time. This is also a good choice for streaming 4K video and is able to handle large data files.

Apple AirPort Extreme

The Apple AirPort Extreme is designed to give you the best possible connection to your Apple devices. As with Apple Wi-Fi, it features a dual-band design. However, it also features built-in 802.11ac 2×2 beamforming technology, which means it can better direct and receive signal from your devices. As a result, there is no need for you to purchase an extra external antenna.

AirPort Extreme also includes Gigabit Ethernet, and can easily support multiple network devices, and a second Apple TV, for example. AirPort Extreme also has a number of additional features, including the ability to manage your network traffic from an iOS device. It also includes a battery-backed 2×2 antenna, so it can use two antennas to best improve your wireless signal.

AirPort Time Capsule

If you are looking to use an old Apple AirPort Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme as a wireless router, it is worth noting that this is currently sold as a router and time capsule in the same device. However, this change was introduced in early 2015, meaning it is not currently the cheapest option. If you already own an AirPort Time Capsule and you do not require Wi-Fi Mesh capability, then it might be worth waiting until those changes.

Apple AirPort Extreme is also compatible with the latest Apple hardware, so it is likely that it will work on newer Apple devices, such as the MacBook and iPhone X. It is compatible with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, and features MU-MIMO support and 802.11ac 2×2 beamforming technology. It can also handle large file transfers, and supports 802.11ad. This technology is designed for high-speed wireless links up to 4.6Gbps. It also has a 10/100 Ethernet port, so you can connect a printer or an external hard drive to it, for example.

Eero Mesh Wi-Fi System

Eero is one of the best-known wireless routers and network devices on the market today, and its Wi-Fi mesh system is very effective. This system creates a wireless network that covers the entire home. Unlike other routers, it is not reliant on one wireless radio, instead it uses different wireless nodes that are placed in the spaces between your doors and windows. With Eero, you can control all of your devices from one device, including lights, your TV, your stereo, and more.

One of the unique features of Eero is that it does not rely on one single radio band. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. It also supports beamforming technology, and can provide up to 2.4Gbps of download speed and 150Mbps of upload speed. Furthermore, Eero is also compatible with the Apple devices, so it is likely that it will work on newer Apple devices, such as the MacBook and iPhone X.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Wireless Router

Have you made the switch to the internet? Did you know it’s a good idea to have multiple internet access points so that you can have the fastest and strongest network possible for your home? When you’re choosing a router, you’re deciding which one will be connected to your home’s network and the strongest. The faster your internet, the more useful your browser and e-mail can be.

There are a few things to consider before you buy a router to make sure you’re making a good choice.

1.    Wi-Fi Compatible Devices

When you’re looking for a router, you want it to have wireless technology that’s compatible with the devices you own. Think about what devices you’re going to be using at home, and what device and operating system (OS) you’re going to be using. You don’t want to have to buy a new router to be able to use your current devices. You should check to make sure your router is compatible with the devices you have.

Another thing to consider is how many devices you’re going to be using at home. Are you only going to be using one device? Do you have a home business? You can usually find the Wi-Fi symbol for wireless devices, which will indicate if your router is compatible with those devices.

2.    Ethernet Ports

You need to be sure that your router has an Ethernet port. An Ethernet port connects to your home network and gives you a fast connection for data transfers between your router and the devices that you connect to your router. If you have a home business, you’re going to need a faster connection so that you can be on the same network as the rest of your home. You can still use a wireless router to connect to your business, but you’ll want a wired Ethernet connection if you have many clients who aren’t in your home.

3.    Setup Time

An important factor is how long it takes to set up your new router. Don’t be too impatient. It’s best to wait a few hours until you’ve completed the installation and set it up correctly before you switch to it. This is so you can switch back to a real connection if you need to. If you get a wireless router with a three-step setup, then it might be a good idea to give it a try. That way, you can easily reset it and access your data later if needed.

4.    How Many Wireless Devices Will You Have at Home

Will you be connecting several devices to your router at home? That can also be a deciding factor when you’re choosing a router. There’s nothing worse than a slow connection in your home, and you want a router that is easy to set up and uses little power so that it’s more efficient. The number of wireless devices you have will also affect how well the router performs. While not everyone needs a fast connection, those that do will have to be satisfied with a fast router.

5.    Price

Finally, the cost of the router will determine what you decide to spend on it. When you buy a router, you can choose between low-cost options and premium ones. If you’re not a very tech-savvy person, then it may be best to purchase a low-cost option. You want to make sure that the price tag is reasonable. Is it cheap? Will you have to worry about it breaking? Is it easy to manage? You want to be sure it’s a good choice. You’ll get the most bang for your buck.

In the end, it comes down to what you want your router to do. A good one will help you get the best performance from the device you have. So, think about what you want to use your router for, and if it’s compatible with what you want to use it for.

Concluding Words:

With so many products on the market, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the choices. This article should have given you some starting points for your purchase. But you’ll have to do your own research to decide which one is best for you. There are a lot of options out there, and you want the best one that will fit your needs.

Get a router that you’re comfortable with and you’ll be happy you did. A great router will make a huge difference in your productivity at home, so don’t settle for a mediocre router. Do your research, find a good deal, and you’ll be well on your way to having a great setup. Here’s hoping you have a great day!

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