Most of us think so much about the Wi-Fi plan, data speed, data limit, etc. before getting a connection but not enough about the Wi-Fi router. It’s easy to forget that the small device in the corner of the room plays an important role in how good or bad your internet experience is. But with increasing demand for smart home technology, super-fast internet, and online gaming, the importance of Wi-Fi routers are coming to the surface. So, if you too are planning on getting a new Wi-Fi router for home, here are 7 things you should check.
Wi-Fi Band – Single, dual or tri-band
The Wi-Fi signal your router emits can be in different frequencies, and how many frequencies a router can host defines whether it’s a single-band router or multi-band. Older routers only work at 2.4 GHz frequency which means all devices are connected through a single channel. This easily gets congested which means when multiple devices are connected to it, you start noticing disconnections and slower Wi-Fi speeds.
On the other hand, dual-band routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and tri-band routers host 2.4 GHz and two separate 5 GHz networks. This allows different devices to connect to different networks and clear the line. So, if you’ll be connecting multiple devices at the same time, it’s best to go for a dual or tri-band router.
Wi-fi Range
This is extremely important because the farther away you are from your Wi-Fi router, the slower and weaker your connection will be. In larger homes, you might need to keep it in a central location so that you don’t have any Wi-Fi “dead zones”. External antennas help increase the overall range of Wi-Fi routers for the home, helping you extend the range beyond glass doors and walls.
Pro Tip: If you live in a large or a multi-story house, you don’t need to get multiple Wi-fi connections to cover the whole area. UK NET has introduced mesh routers, which can easily cover up to 3500 sq feet of area with a single connection.
Speed
One of the most important factors in choosing a Wi-Fi router for the home is how much bandwidth or speed it can deliver. For example, if you have a 1Gbps plan from UK NET but your router can only deliver up to 300Mbps, then you won’t be able to utilize the full bandwidth of the connection.
Most of the best wireless routers for 2021 provide fast speeds, but it’s best to do your due diligence before purchasing one.
But if you are an UK NET Fiber customer or plan on getting a new connection, you don’t need to worry because the plan comes with a router at no extra cost. In fact, the 1Gbps plan comes with an industry-first Wi-Fi router that can deliver the whole bandwidth wirelessly.
Security
Wireless devices can be convenient, but security is always a problem. To ensure that you are protected digitally, you must have advanced firmware, a firewall, and additional security features. Of the three Wi-Fi protected access protocols, it is best to get one with WPA2, as it is the most secure, followed by WEP and WPA. Make sure you check your modem to understand what level of security you will get.
UK NET customers can also opt for their latest service Secure Internet, a plan that not only protects your network but also your devices from viruses and malware. With this service, you can block out certain content you don’t want to see or use one of the four pre-built profiles that do it for you.