When you set up a home network, you need to make sure that you buy the right router. If you don’t do it right, your Internet connection won’t work as well as it could. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help get your new router setup just right.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Choosing the right home network router is crucial for ensuring that your devices can communicate with one another and access the internet. |
| To avoid common pitfalls, check out resources like “15 Common Home Network Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” and “How to Secure Your Home Network Like a Pro.” |
| The right router for you depends on factors like speed, range, security features, and ease of use. |
| It’s important to update your router every three to four years to take advantage of advances in technology and security features. |
| Follow setup instructions closely when installing your home network router, and consider seeking expert help if necessary. |
Choose Between Single Or Dual Band?
You may have heard the phrase “dual band,” but what does it mean exactly? It’s simply a type of router that operates in two frequency ranges.
This allows the network to work more efficiently by having more bandwidth available and allowing you to have fewer issues keeping your devices connected.
The benefits of upgrading from single-band to dual-band include increased signal strength and better throughput speeds, which means you’ll be able to enjoy faster downloads and smoother video streaming without buffering or lag time.
Dual-band routers also generally offer additional features like MU-MIMO (multiuse multiple input/multiple output) technology that can increase performance for devices with multiple wireless receivers like laptops with USB dongles or smartphones with wireless charging capabilities.
When it comes to setting up a home network, simple mistakes can lead to major headaches. To avoid the most common pitfalls and keep your network running smoothly, check out our guide on 15 Common Home Network Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.
Look For A Router That Supports Mu-Mimo Technology
MU-MIMO is a wireless technology that allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously. It is different from the traditional MIMO technology and can improve the performance of your WiFi network, especially if you have many devices operating at once.
Additionally, MU-MIMO will work with 802.11ac routers; this means that if you’re buying an 802.11ac router now (and most newer home networks should be using them) it’s likely compatible with MU-MIMO technologies when they’re released in the next year or so.
Don’t Forget To Look At The Specs Of Your Internet Connection
When choosing the best router for your home, don’t forget to look at the specs of your Internet connection. For example, you’ll want to check out the upload speed of your Internet connection and what kind of minimum download speed it can support.
While looking at these stats might seem like a tedious task, they’re essential for understanding how well your network will function in practice.
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Choose A Router That Supports The Latest Security For Connections And Laptops
- Choose a router that supports the latest security for connections and laptops.
- Use a secure network.
- Use a VPN.
- Use a firewall.
- Use a password manager.
- Two-factor authentication is an additional step you can take to protect your router’s settings, including how it connects to the Internet and what type of encryption it uses to communicate with other devices on your network (and in turn, how private information about those devices is protected).
Home Network Routers with Latest Security Features
| Brand | Model | Security Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eero Pro Mesh WiFi System | Eero Pro | WPA3 encryption, frequent security updates |
| Netgear Nighthawk AX12 | AX6000 | WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates |
| ASUS RT-AX88U | RT-AX88U | AiProtection Pro with lifetime security updates, WPA3 encryption |
| Norton Core Secure WiFi Router | Norton Core | Intrusion Detection, Intelligent Threat Protection, and Network Security Scanning |
| Google Nest WiFi Router | Nest WiFi | Automatic security updates, proactive security using Google’s algorithms |
Note: The security features listed are examples only and not a comprehensive list of all available security features. Check manufacturer specifications before purchasing and consider consulting with a cybersecurity expert for optimal network security.
Consider How Long You Want Your Router To Last
When buying a router, it’s important to consider how long you want your router to last. There are several factors that determine this, including:
How long you plan to stay in your home. If you’re planning on moving in a couple of years, it might not be worth spending more money on a more expensive model if it won’t be around for much longer.
How long you plan on using the router. If you know that this is going to be a temporary setup while waiting for another one, then save yourself some money and buy something cheaper with less features.
How often do I expect myself or others around me plan update my network? This isn’t necessarily related solely or primarily
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Look For Quality At The Right Price
When you’re shopping for a router, you want to ensure that the product you buy is not only high quality but also reasonably priced.
When buying a new router, it’s important to look at the brand name and reputation of the company that manufactured it.
You can often determine how good a router is by checking out customer reviews and ratings on retail websites like Amazon and Best Buy.
If there are many positive reviews about a particular model of router, then that’s usually a good sign that it’s worth considering as an option in your search for new equipment.
If there are few or no reviews at all, then this may indicate that there aren’t many people using this particular product and therefore don’t feel compelled to write about their experience with it online (or maybe they just aren’t happy customers).
Don’t Forget About The Software And Features Offered By Router Manufacturers
Don’t forget about the software and features offered by router manufacturers.
You may decide that you want a router with “advanced” or “business class” capabilities, but then you’ll end up choosing one with a web-based interface that makes managing your network difficult. Or maybe you want to be able to access your router remotely, but the company’s app for that feature isn’t very good.
There are many types of software available on routers today: parental controls, guest networks (so friends can access the internet without messing up your settings), automatic updates for firmware and security patches, traffic monitoring and data reporting, remote management from other computers or mobile devices.
The list goes on! Make sure whichever router you choose has the right kind of software that will suit your needs best.
Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for homeowners, but there are steps you can take to protect your home network and devices. Learn how to secure your network like a pro with our guide on How to Secure Your Home Network Like a Pro.
Know What Kind Of Setup You Are Looking For With Your Router.
You should know how many devices you want to connect, how much bandwidth you need, and what features you want.
You should also consider what type of security you want. Some routers have more advanced security features than others, so it’s important that the router you choose has a level of protection that matches your needs.
If a hacker attempts to break into your network while using one of these more advanced routers, they will be thwarted by the firewall or other security measures built into the router.
Check The Size And Location Of Usb Ports Before Buying The Router
An often overlooked aspect of a router is how many USB ports it has. Aside from networking, these ports can be used to connect printers and external storage devices.
Some routers have only two USB ports while others have four. They may also have one port on the back and one port on the front or they might all be located on one side of the device.
In addition to being able to double as a network hub for your home office, this feature makes it easy to expand your network’s capabilities by attaching multiple devices at once—especially if you use an external hard drive or printer that doesn’t plug directly into a computer.
The benefit of having multiple USB ports is that you can connect more than one peripheral device without needing an extra power adapter or having to switch cables around every time you want to print something out (or pull up some files).
For example: If your router only has two USB ports but there are three printers in your house; then someone will either need another adapter or they’ll have no way of printing anything out unless they unplug one printer first before connecting another peripheral device like an external hard drive or flash drive which should then allow them access through their browser because those types don’t require any kind of software installation just yet -and would therefore allow us all access later down the road without needing any additional hardware.
| Brand | Number of USB Ports | Location of USB Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Asus RT-AX88U | 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Back |
| Netgear Nighthawk AX12 | 2 USB 3.0 | Front and back |
| Linksys Max-Stream AC5400 | 1 eSATA, 2 USB 3.0 | Front |
| TP-Link Archer AX6000 | 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB-C 3.0 | Back |
| Google Nest WiFi Router | None | – |
Note: The number and location of USB ports may vary by router model. Check manufacturer specifications before purchasing.
Check Before Buying A Router That Has Support For Vpns, Gaming, Or Other Extra Features
Check before buying a router that has support for VPNs, gaming, or other extra features.
VPNs (virtual private networks) are an excellent way to keep your data secure when using public Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops and airports.
Look for a router that supports VPNs and make sure it comes with instructions on how to set up one. You’ll also want to research the best VPN service for your needs so that you can connect your router as soon as you get home from the store.
Gaming routers are designed with gamers in mind; they prioritize high-speed internet and can be configured specifically for online gaming by setting up speed limits per device or even blocking certain sites altogether.
If you’re looking into buying a gaming router, make sure it has built-in security features such as parental controls (to prevent kids from going down dark paths on YouTube) and antivirus software (to protect against any potential computer viruses).
Upgrading your home’s security doesn’t have to be a major project. Sometimes simple changes can make a big difference. To learn how, check out our guide on Maximize Your Home’s Security with These Simple Upgrades for expert advice and tips.
These Tips Will Help You Narrow Down Your Choices When Choosing A Home Network Router
Whether you’re just setting up your home network for the first time or looking for a new router, here are some tips that will help you choose the best option.
Look at the number of Wi-Fi bands supported by different routers. A dual band router will allow you to connect multiple devices on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections simultaneously while single band routers only support one connection type at a time.
Consider which features are important to you when choosing between a single and dual band router. For example, if speed is important to you then consider opting for a dual-band device instead of its slower counterpart.
Check if MU-MIMO technology is supported by any potential models so that all connected devices can enjoy optimal performance at all times regardless of where they may be located in your home or office space.
Make sure any potential models meet current requirements such as security standards that have been introduced since their last update was made available on market shelves (e.g., WPA3).
| Tip | Example |
|---|---|
| Consider internet speed needs | For high-speed internet, look for routers with 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, such as Google Nest Wifi or ASUS RT-AC88U. |
| Evaluate home size and distance | For larger homes with multiple floors, consider mesh network routers like Eero Pro or Netgear Orbi. |
| Assess device capabilities | For households with many IoT devices and smart home gadgets, consider routers with advanced security features like Norton Core or the Netgear Nighthawk X10. |
| Check budget | For budget-friendly options, consider TP-Link Archer A7 or D-Link DIR-1750. |
| Read reviews | Research customer reviews and ratings for routers on sites like Amazon and Best Buy to get an idea of verified user experiences. |
Note: Brand names used in the table are for illustrative purposes only and are not an endorsement of those brands.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips have helped you find the perfect home network router for your needs. If you’re still unsure about which one is the best fit for your needs and budget, consider asking an expert in the store or looking online for more information on each model.
Good luck!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about home network routers and how to choose the best one for your needs, check out these resources:
How to Choose a Router: A Guide to the Best Features to Look For: This comprehensive guide from Reviews.org covers everything from router basics to advanced features like network security and parental controls.
How to Pick the Best WiFi Router: Asurion offers an informative guide to help consumers find the best router for their home network. This article covers important considerations like speed, coverage, and brand reputation.
How to Buy a Router in 2021: Everything You Need to Know: This helpful guide from Wired covers current trends and top-rated routers to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
FAQs
What is a home network router?
A home network router is a device that connects multiple devices to a home network. It allows devices like computers, smartphones, and smart home gadgets to communicate with one another and access the internet.
Why is it important to choose the right router for my home network?
Choosing the right router is crucial for ensuring that your home network runs smoothly and supports all of your devices. A poorly performing router can result in slow internet speeds, dropped connections, and other issues.
What should I look for when choosing a home network router?
When choosing a home network router, consider factors like speed, range, security features, and ease of use. It’s also important to consider the number and type of devices that will be connected to your home network.
How often should I replace my home network router?
Experts generally recommend replacing your home network router every three to four years. This is because technology advances quickly and newer routers offer better performance and security features.
How do I set up my home network router?
Most home network routers come with setup instructions that walk you through the process step by step. You’ll typically need to connect the router to your modem, configure network settings, and set up your wireless network name and password.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
