Not all Wi-Fi routers are equal. If you’re looking to upgrade to a new router, it’s wise to research your options before making a purchase. For example, you can check out the rankings of popular router brands to make sure you’re getting a unit that’s likely to be reliable. Likewise, you should familiarize yourself with the different features offered by some wireless routers that might not be available with other models.
The more you learn about the different routers available, the more you will discover everything a router can do. Remember that there is no one router that is ideal for everyone. By understanding both the features that different routers can offer, as well as your own needs and uses, you’ll be more likely to invest in a router that’s worth your money. Here are some features to look out for when looking for a router that best fits your situation.
Find LAN ports for use with smart home devices
A LAN (Local Area Network) port allows you to connect to the Internet by plugging your computer directly into the router with an Ethernet cable. If you use Wi-Fi exclusively, you might assume that this isn’t a feature you need to worry about when choosing routers. However, even if you don’t anticipate needing to plug your computer into the router, looking for models with enough LAN ports can still be a good idea.
This is because various smart home devices often need a hub with a LAN port connection to work as intended. If you already own such devices, when selecting your next router it is naturally important to check whether access to a LAN port is required to continue using them. If you do not yet have such smart devices, it is worth considering the possibility of purchasing them in the future. So while you might not have much use currently for the multiple LAN ports available with some Wi-Fi routers, that could easily change over time.
Check Router Apps Before Buying a New Router
These days, many routers offer apps that allow users to enjoy a variety of functions from the comfort of their smartphone. For example, if you’re a parent concerned about what content your children might be exposed to online, some router apps allow you to set parental controls. Router apps can also allow users to quickly check which devices are connected to a network, as well as establish profiles for the different devices that may be connected.
These are just a few examples of features that different Wi-Fi router apps can offer. Again, it’s a good idea to carefully consider your options to find an app that meets your needs. Taking the time to evaluate wireless router apps will also give you the opportunity to discover how different apps use your data. While an app is certainly a feature you might prioritize when choosing a new router, you also want to be comfortable with how it handles privacy concerns.
Consider routers with high quality of service options
In this digital age, chances are you won’t connect a single device to your Wi-Fi router. However, not all devices deserve the same connectivity. For example, it is very important that you receive reliable service when using your work computer for important work-related tasks, such as video conferencing that may require significant bandwidth. While you ideally want to never have one of your devices plagued by Wi-Fi issues, it’s admittedly less important to avoid interruptions while scrolling on your phone.
This is why routers can offer quality of service features. Other common names for this type of feature include “media prioritization” and “traffic control.” Basically, these features allow a user to program the router so that its performance is optimized to support certain devices or specific use cases. Again, you can hope that your router never offers anything less than superb and smooth connectivity in all circumstances. Unfortunately, no device is perfect at all times. With quality of service features, you can at least increase the chances that your router will be the most reliable when you need it.
Review security features
Security features may also vary from router to router. Common features you can find in various router offerings include automatic scanning of devices on the network for red flags, network monitoring to detect problems in real time, and even automatic threat blocking. While you obviously want the highest level of security possible, you also need to consider price differences. It’s not uncommon for router security features to be subscription services. Your goal is to find something that provides the protection and security you need without costing more than you can afford.
As a general rule, don’t make the mistake of assuming that the router provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will do the job just fine. First of all, the cost of renting a router over the course of a year can be higher than the cost of simply purchasing a new one. Second, if you are shopping for a router of your choice, you can look for one that offers the features that matter most to you. These are some key examples to watch out for.
And, once you’ve upgraded, don’t just throw away your old router! It turns out there are some smart ways to use an old router that can help you squeeze even more value out of the device.
