Don't buy a new router unless it has these features
Having a good router is essential to have a perfect internet connection and not encounter problems. Although it is a device that can last for many years, without problems, sometimes it is advisable to buy a new one. We will tell you the features that should not be missing today if you are planning to buy one that improves the one you already have. It may happen that there is a malfunction or you simply want to get the most out of your fiber optics.
We usually use the router provided by our internet provider. But that doesn't mean we should limit ourselves to this device. In fact, you may have an old router, and it may be a good idea to use a newer one, with superior features, allowing you to achieve higher speeds or improve wireless coverage.
- What to look for when buying a router
In recent years, routers have improved a lot in some aspects. There are protocols that allow you to improve the wireless network, for example, as well as security. If you simply connect to browse, use email and social networks, you won't really notice anything. On the other hand, if you are a more demanding user, for example, if you play games or watch streaming content in high quality, then yes, you need a good router.
- Buy a router with at least Wi-Fi 6, preferably Wi-Fi 7
The main thing today is to have the latest Wi-Fi protocols. If possible, ideally you should have a router with Wi-Fi 7, which is the latest and is equivalent in speed to a network cable. It is the best way to connect devices to the network, wirelessly, and get a perfect connection, without interruptions and at high speeds.
- 5 reasons why I advise you to change your router to a new router with Wi-Fi 7
If you don't have Wi-Fi 7-compatible routers right now, and if you don't plan on having a router in the very long term, the bare minimum is to buy a router with Wi-Fi 6. It also offers significant improvements over the previous version, such as faster speeds and improved coverage.
- It should have enough Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Of course, we consider having a router with enough Gigabit Ethernet ports a must. Although it is true that today we connect many devices via Wi-Fi, this does not mean that there are no wired devices as well. At a minimum, make sure that there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports on your router because there are models that have less.
Beyond Gigabit Ethernet, it's a good idea to have at least one Multigigabit port. Getting to 10Gbps per cable is a good option to take advantage of the fiber speeds we can already achieve with some carriers, but that will be essential in a few years.
- WPA3 encryption
When it comes to security, it's a good idea to have the latest encryption standard for your Wi-Fi key. There are older encryptions that don't protect your wireless network today, such as WEP or WPA. There's also WPA2, which is secure, but has weaknesses that may not be enough in some cases.
For maximum security, which currently makes it impossible to steal a Wi-Fi network, having WPA3 is key. So, if you are going to buy a router, it is a good idea to buy a model that has this compatibility.
- USB ports
Not all routers have USB ports, but it's another feature that can come in handy. This allows you to connect devices, such as a storage drive, to the device. You can create a NAS server quickly, easily, and without a large investment.
There are models that have multiple USB ports available, but having one or two may be more than enough. It can also be useful for exchanging files between devices, for example, or doing all of these things we explained in this article: What is the USB port on the back of the router and what uses can I give it?
In short, these are some of the features that you should consider if you are going to buy a good router. It is important to make sure that you have a router that allows you to achieve optimal performance, while also maintaining security.