The key to a connected home is the connected part. A smart system without the wireless communication features is just a regular old gadget! Some smart devices communicate by way of Bluetooth, however the huge majority connect by means of Wi-Fi. Subsequently, the Wi-Fi router is one of the most essential components of a smart dwelling!
Generally your internet service provider offers to have you ever lease a router. This is normally a bad deal. You can typically lower your expenses by buying your own router. Read on to find the proper router to your home.
Router Speed
There are a number of totally different classifications of router speeds, denoted as 802.11 adopted by a letter. The Wi-Fi speed ranks go like this: a -> b -> g -> n -> ac, with “a” being the slowest, and “ac” being the fastest.
If you happen to’re within the market for a new router, beware 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g routers. These routers are a number of years old-fashioned, and unless you’re getting them for rock backside dollar, they aren’t worth the money.
802.11n routers tout speeds as much as 300 megabits per second, and 802.11ac routers can reach speeds around 1300+ megabits per second. Now keep in mind, the maximum speed you will get depends on the internet service you pay for. Most modern properties would not have access to speeds faster than 300 megabits, so you’ll likely be okay with purchasing an 802.11n router. However, if you want to be future-proof, purchasing an 802.11ac router should have you ever set for the following a number of years.
Dual Band vs. Single Band
Many routers provide twin band functionality, similar to 2.4 ghz signals and 5 ghz signals. Single band routers only provide 2.four ghz signals. When you have a variety of units or really want the extra speed, go for the twin band router. In case your router use will be modest, you can save some cash and stick with the only band.
Extenders and Mesh Networks
When you’ve got a large residence, it’s possible you’ll need to buy Wi-Fi extenders. These devices can boost the signal and attain further rooms within the house. I recommend setting up your new router first to see if extenders are necessary.
If cash is not any object, you could buy routers with mesh networking technology. These routers automatically work together to create a robust Wi-Fi network. The technology is mostly used in commercial buildings, however is now turning into more accessible for the consumer. That being said, mesh routers might be very costly!