Purchasing a WiFi router can be a hassle-free experience if you are aware of what to consider and what to steer clear of. Below are some typical blunders that you should avoid when in the market for a new wireless router.
As requirements vary for each individual seeking a new wireless router, it is best to identify more general errors to avoid in the process of selecting and purchasing a model.
Buy a combo unit
Wi-Fi router/Internet modem combo units are commonly supplied by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are often used by many people. However, not everyone is aware that there are ready-made combo units available for personal use. Despite their popularity, combo units have their downsides. One of the major drawbacks is that you don’t always get the best modem or router for the money you spend. While combo units might be suitable for some, we generally recommend that most people avoid them.
Moreover, these units may not be the most compatible with future technology. If you have a combo cable modem and wireless router, the cable modem part becomes obsolete if you switch to a fiber company or move to an area where cable Internet is not available. Similarly, if your cable company upgrades to a new DOCSIS standard and your combo unit doesn’t support it, you will have to replace the whole unit. Investing in a standalone router is often a better use of funds and can provide a better overall experience.
Buying an outdated WiFi router
Comparing routers to car models can help understand the importance of technology and keeping up with advancements. Just like buying a new car model ensures that you have access to the latest technology, buying a new router can give you access to the latest and greatest features that enhance your internet experience. Even if you have a perfectly functioning router from years ago, it may not be able to keep up with modern demands and may not offer the latest security features. Therefore, it is recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest router models to ensure the best performance and security.
Purchasing a router that was released five years ago means you’re not getting the latest Wi-Fi technology and advancements. To ensure that you have access to the latest features, it’s recommended that you upgrade your wireless router every 3-5 years. If you choose to buy a popular model that was first released five years ago, it means that you’re already investing in an outdated generation of Wi-Fi.
Not considering the size of your house
For most people, having a strong and stable wireless connection is more important than having a wired fiber network. A common problem that people face is weak WiFi signals in certain areas of their property, which can lead to frustration and a reliance on mobile data.
To avoid this problem, it is recommended to invest in an inexpensive Mesh WiFi system that can cover every inch of your home, including outdoor areas. This is often a better option than purchasing a more expensive standalone router that may work well in one part of your home but leaves other areas with poor coverage. By ensuring that your entire property has a strong and reliable WiFi connection, you can avoid the need to rely on mobile data and enjoy a seamless internet experience.
Ignore smart home demands
When considering purchasing a new WiFi router, it is important not to only focus on high-profile devices such as smart TVs or smartphones. You should also take into account all the other devices that are connected to your home network. Even if you don’t have a cutting-edge smart home setup, you may still have a surprising number of devices that rely on a stable and strong WiFi connection.
It’s important to take into consideration all the smart devices that are connected to your home network when purchasing a new WiFi router, not just high-profile devices like smartphones and smart TVs. With the increasing popularity of smart home devices such as video doorbells, smart cameras, smart plugs, smart thermostats, and smart speakers, you may be surprised to discover that you have more devices than you initially thought.
While most smart devices do not require a lot of bandwidth, they still require a stable and reliable connection to function properly. Therefore, it’s important to choose a router that can handle the number of devices on your network and provide a strong and stable connection for all of them.
Choosing one that is too simple or too technical
Over the years, router manufacturers have improved the user experience by streamlining and simplifying router design, especially for those that make mesh network platforms. This is a trend that benefits consumers greatly.
In the past, router interfaces were outdated, and some models still have outdated interfaces, which made it difficult for people to configure them correctly, and they may have missed out on useful features.
For people who are not particularly interested in networking and tinkering with their router, choosing a model with a simple user interface is perfectly fine. Most people do not require custom virtual LANs, running startup scripts or software on their routers, or SSH tunnels into them.
However, for those who are interested in those features or similar ones, purchasing a closed system with a simple interface, such as an Eero, will leave them feeling frustrated as if their hardware has training wheels and won’t let them ride a bike without them.
