Nowadays a lot of devices and even appliance in our homes have become connected. The array of connected home products, smartphones, smart TVs, and other mobile devices is huge and it is very important to equip your home or business with one of the best wireless routers that can handle the increased demand for Wi-Fi connectivity.
Choosing a suitable wireless router is no easy task. There are many factors that you need to consider before you should set out to buying one. We are going to help you through the selection process. Here we have compiled a list of the very best wireless routers that are available in the market as well. Our collection has all types of routers from those that are suitable for low-level users to wireless routers best for uninterrupted high-level online gaming.
1) What to look for when buying a new router
2)Best Wireless Routers
3)How can you secure your wireless router?
4)How to upgrade your wireless router firmware and
5)How To Increase Your Wireless Router’s Speed and Range
Now the first thing that you need to take into account when buying a router is the coverage area. Different routers offer different ranges so it is important to make sure that the router meets your range demands. Other aspects that you need to take into account include the number of clients that will be connected and the types of devices that will connect to the router.
What to look for when buying a new router:
The more money you are willing to spend on a wireless router the more features you will get. Some of the router’s software also offer a few perks over the others. It is important to take all these capabilities into aspect when buying a router. Below are the main functionalities and features that you need to look out for when buying a new wireless router.
- Single or Dual Band:
There are two basic types of routers, one that communicates over a single radio band, and the second that can communicate over two. Single-band routers are perfectly adequate for things like Web surfing and connecting to social media services like Facebook and Twitter. However, if you are going to be streaming video from a service such as Netflix, or connecting to an online gaming service such as Xbox Live, consider a dual-band router.
Tri-band routers also exist and are suitable for multi-device households that experience heavy network traffic via lots of video streaming, torrent downloading, file transfers, and online gaming.
- Wireless Protocols:
Wireless networks use 802.11 protocols to send and receive data. Devices that use the older 802.11b and 802.11g standards are limited to data transfer rates of 11Mbps and 54Mbps, respectively. These only operate on the 2.4GHz band.
802.11 protocols are the most widely used WiFi protocol and it allows data rates of up to 600Mbps. This protocol operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and it utilizes Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology. The routers with 802.11ac have labels like AC1200, AC1750, AC 3200, and so on. The number designates the theoretical maximum speed achievable by the router.
- Features:
Routers come with all sorts of features depending on the price tag. When buying a wireless router you need to make sure to buy one that comes with at least four 10/100/1000 (gigabit) Ethernet ports which allow you to connect to wired devices such as desktop PCs, network-attached storage (NAS) drives, and home-automation hubs.
The next feature you need to look out for is a USB port, it will make it easy to connect a printer or a USB drive and share it across the network. If you want to connect both simultaneously then look for one with multiple USB ports.
Routers also come with detachable antennas. This will offer you an easy way to extend or limit the range of your router easily. To manage you WiFi usage, look for options like Quality of Service (QoS), and a guest network.
Last and most important of all is security and all routers offer some sort of it. The more you are willing to spend the better security yo can get. Routers with WPA-Enterprise security offer a higher level of security than WPA/WPA2 but require a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server to authenticate each client.
- Price:
Like all devices, wireless router pricing is based on performance and features that it offers. A basic, single-band 802.11n router can cost anywhere from $25 to $100. For a dual band router, the starting price is around $130. A tri-band wireless with high-end features will cost somewhere around $300.
- WiFi Types:
The letter in the router name indicates the type of WiFi. The A,B standards are outdated. The newer ones are G and N and the are most widely adopted. They are capable of handling 54Mbps and 600Mbps of maximum bandwidth respectively at any given time.
- Range:
The size of the antenna plays a huge part in the WiFi range. It sets what kind of distance or power you can achieve with any given model. The larger the antenna, the longer the signal will transmit before eventually fading out.
- Media server:
If your wireless router has a USB port then you can use it to mount an external hard drive packed to the nines with downloaded shows, movies, and music. This way you can have your very own media server that you can rely on 24/7.
Best Wireless Routers:
There is a vast range of wireless routers out there and picking one appropriate to your needs and budget isn’t an easy task. But don’t worry because we are here to help you out with a complete list of the very best wireless routers.
Best Wireless Router For Home:
Asus RT-AC88U AC 3100 Wi-Fi Routers
The Asus RT is a high-end wireless router that has a lot of great perks and features. This router is one of those that is going to last a long time into the future. It is a worthy investment if you can afford the hefty price tag. The manufacturer has boosted the technology used to transmit wireless data and proclaims that the 5GHz band can go as fast as 2,100Mbps, while the 2.4GHz band can go as fast as 1,000Mbps. While this won’t improve your bandwidth, but it will help you with Wi-Fi network speeds and certain slow-down issues.
The smart connection technology in the AC88U can choose the best band for your device and location. Its range can span across 5,000 square feet thanks to the antenna design. The router includes eight Gigabit LAN ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB 2.0 port. All the LAN ports indicate that the router is ready for a business environment, but it can also be used in homes, dorms, and apartments with ease.
The AC88U also comes with AiProtection, Trend Micro software that searches for vulnerabilities, detects threats, blocks suspicious sites, and offers the level of parental control that has become a must-have for growing families. Best of all this is MU-MIMO prepared. MU-MIMO is a new type of wireless standard that allows a router to communicate with several compatible devices at the same time.
Most of the users find this router very reliable. The interface is also said to be user-friendly and the setup is easy as well. This router is also wall mountable there are two holes on the bottom with rubber plugs in them that, when removed, will allow the router to be hung on two screw heads.
Best Wireless Router For NAS Users:
Synology Router RT2600 Wireless Router
If you are going to be hosting an external hard drive connected to its USB 3.0 port, the RT2600ac is indeed a formidable storage server. However, this router is great in both cases as either a Wi-Fi router or a NAS server.
This router is great. The Network range of RT2600ac is up to 800 megabits per second on 2.5GHz and over 1700 megabits /sec on 5GHz at the price of just $199.99, this router is the least expensive.
That said, if you want a router that delivers excellent Wi-Fi performance and can also work as a host for Time Machine backup, file sharing, media streaming, and pretty much anything else you can do with a typical NAS drive, the Synology router RT2600AC is an excellent buy. Moreover, It offers a 1.7GHz dual-core processor. There’s also great support for shared storage, with well-designed iOS and Android apps to access files. You can directly manage the router from your iPhone, Web, or Mac. There’s also an SD card slot joining the single USB 3 port for shared external storage. Most of the users of the Synology RT2600AC love its range and easy setup. Users with large homes and multiple devices especially like this router. This router is also wall-mountable. The router also features reach and it is very easy to add functionality through the Synology Ease DS Router app that quickly installs. It also features powerful Parental controls.
Best Wireless Router For Fast Internet:
Linksys Smart WRT AC 1900Wi-Fi Router
Linksys Smart WRT is the affordable option compared to the Asus AC88U that has most of the same features. It is one of the best wireless routers and is great for both home and office. The only thing that is missing is the MU-MIMO. Aside from that, this router has many similar features as the Asus router.
The Smart WRT is a dual band router with a 600Mbps 2.4GHz band, and a 1,300Mbps 5GHz band. It also has smart technology that can focus reception on particular devices that seem to be having a tough time connecting. The processor is a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM, and it includes ports for both Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 and 3.0. The . Firmware is also flashable via OpenWRT. QoS feature cuts down the time to buffer a video.
The one aspect this router lacks in compared to Asus is the level of security. The level of control and parental security on this router isn’t as high. However, the manufacturer offers an interesting alternative which is an “open source ready” router that can be customized via a number of different applications to help improve components such as security. Users that like to tinker with their routers would love this one but it is not for those who want a simple connect and forget wireless router.
The majority of users who bought this router really love it. However, there are some users report that the 5-GHz band shuts down when there’s not enough activity.
Best WiFi Router For General Use:
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Router
The New York Times has dubbed this router “the best router for most people” and rightfully so. TP-Link Archer C7 is very affordable, but it still manages to offer a solid set of specs for any home or small office. The 2.4GHz band has sped up to 450Mbps, and the 5GHz band offers speeds up to 1,300Mbps.
The router also has dual USB ports that give you some connectivity options for sharing or printing, and the Guest Network features lets you set up walls for security purposes. It provides Internet access via ADSL service and creates a wired sharing network. Moreover, the live parental controls allow parents or administrators to establish restricted access policies for children or staff. There are also IP QoS features for improved bandwidth control across the network.
There’s no smart beaming in this router. However, it does offer bandwidth control so you can adjust the focus of WiFi on particular devices. Just remember that you’ll have to spend some time in settings if you want it to imitate the automatic smart tech that more expensive routers usually offer.
This TP-Link wireless router is among the top rated wireless routers. However, a few users say that the TP-Link RMA service isn’t up to par. The speed, range, and web-interface are all highly praised by the users.
Best Wireless Router For Gaming Users:
D-Link AC3200 Ultra Wireless Routers
Th unique space ship-like model of this router has made it quite intriguing but an attractive design isn’t the only thing this router is known for. When D-Link AC3200 Ultra was released it came with a set of cutting-edge features which are, admittedly, more common now than they used to be. But, these features are still quite exceptional. AC3200 is a tri-band gaming router with smart beam technology.
This router also has another model that sports a second 5Ghz band to push up speed numbers and handle heavy device loads, however, 600Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1,300MBps on 5GHz is as fast as you are likely to see. The smart beam technology of this router is also pretty solid. It gives the Asus some competition in reaching devices with poor reception.
This router is great for gaming and for connected homes that have high WiFi demands. The Router management is done via an app that you can access and monitor from anywhere. The only con is that the 1GHz processor is a little slow, and those six antennas may need a little extra room than a router typically requires. The antennas are also not detachable and the router is a little expensive but the pros of this device balance out the cons.
The majority of the tech savvy users have high praises regarding this router. The range and the performance have also been highly praised. The smart connect feature is also a great feature and doesn’t drop connections.
Best WiFi Router For Streaming & Gaming:
Netgear Nighthawk X4S Wireless Routers
This router is perfect for those who are looking for a powerful and dependable router that can handle gaming and streaming. Netgear Nighthawk X4S comes with great cutting edge features. It also has four antennas and can deliver much faster speeds than a standard 802.11ac router. It also features MU-MIMO for faster results and more reliable Wi-Fi, along with an eSATA connection for linking up an external hard drive more easily. This router comes wit a 1.7GHz processor and offers boosted speeds with an 800Mbps 2.4GHz band and a 1,733MBps 5GHz band.
Nighthawk X4S also has a VDSL 2 modem built-in. The software is pretty good too, with a simple Dynamic QOS system to make it easier to manage a home network with a massive amount of devices. However, it Lacks 1024-QAM and before buying it make sure your hardware is capable of achieving the fastest speed that this router can offer.
This Nighthawk router also comes with smart beam features. Smartbeam can lengthen the range of the router. The built-in ports include two USB 3.0 connections and five Gigabit Ethernet ports, Which will allow you to setup even the craziest, multi-device gaming setup. Pretty much everything about this router is perfect for gaming and the only slightly awkward thing is the design.
Many experienced users even claim that this is the best router currently available in the market. It is also easy to configure and the user interface is also easy to use. This router is also quite bulky and covers up a lot of space.
Best WiFi Router For Crowdy Home:
TP-Link Archer AC3200 Wi-Fi Routers
This router has a six antennas that are intended for triple wireless networks for a situation where you might have dozens of computers and other devices all needing access to wireless resources. The Archer AC3200 has two 5GHz bands support using 802.11ac, so even when a large transfer is using up all the space on one channel, you can keep other devices running at full speed on the other one.
The router also had plenty of internal processing power. It features TP-Link’s Smart Wi-Fi tech that automatically picks the most suitable frequency band to assign to your various devices based on network traffic. The router is fitted with a 1GHz Dual-core processor along with three co-processors.
The management interface of this router is also user-friendly and simple. It provides the usual basic settings page alongside advanced pages for each Wi-Fi band. There are also buttons on the router itself that allow you to initiate WPS, disable LED lights and switch Wi-Fi on and off. The bottom line is that this router uses three radio bands to help ease network congestion and offers a bunch of management options.
The user interface of this router has been highly praised for being sleek and simple. Users also indicated that it is great for streaming services and overall performance and range of the router is also sub par. However, some user found the design of the router a bit weird and gangly. This router does not have MU-MIMO streaming technology as well. But, overall the reviews are positive and the AC3200 router also works great in crowded areas.
Best Wireless Router For Multi-Tasking:
Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream AC5400 Wireless Routers
This router has the most antennas compared to any other router on this list. The 8-antennas makes this router look like a freaky spider. Linksys EA9500 is good for anything from gaming to professional work. It is equipped with a single 2.4GHz band that can reach up to 1000 Mbps. Additionally, there are also two 5GHz radios that max out at 2,167Mbps. Together, it adds up to a total of 5.3Gbps.
The AC5400 also has a bunch of interesting features s including MU-MIMO, a dual-core CPU, beamforming and eight adjustable antennas. The most useful feature is the Smart Connect. It lets you assign separate SSIDs for the two 5GHz bands, allowing you to have one network dedicated for your gaming desktop PC, and another purely for media streaming or professional work, without the two getting in the way.
Eight Gigabit LAN ports are a bit overkill. Most wireless routers max out at four. While four LAN ports are sufficient for most households, it’s always nice to have extra ports. Wired network connections are always faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi. This router isn’t for all but if you have an extremely fast broadband connection and want an all-powerful home network, the Linksys EA9500 fits the bill.
Most of the Users say that the user-interface of this router is user-friendly and the device is also easy to setup. The selling point of this router is its performance with multiple connected devices.
Best Wireless Router For Home:
D-Link WiFi Router, AC2600
Nowadays even the fastest computers and devices have a maximum Wi-Fi speed limit of 26000Mbps. There aren’t any laptops, tablets, or smartphones that are capable of more than that. So buying a top tier router like those that support AC5400 or AC2400 speed standards, will not likely bring you any speed benefits. The D-Link Dual-band router is an AC2600 router, which that as far as real-world performance goes, it’s as fast as you can get. That is until devices with faster Wi-Fi standards become available.
The D- Link EXO has an interesting black design with collapsible non-detachable antennas. The router features four Gigabit LAN ports and one Gigabit WAN port on the back. It has four collapsible antennas on the sides, the D-Link AC 2600 also nails it on practicality. Moreover, there is a USB port so you can share your hard drive or other devices on your network.
The design of the router is also slim and its price is also reasonable. t doesn’t do anything particularly clever or unique but is still proficient enough to work with the vast majority of all wireless hardware on the market at maximum capacity. The software is also minimalistic and easy to use. This is one of the best routers on the market suitable for most homes and offices.
Asus RT-AC68U Wireless Router
This is an old model but it is still pretty capable and efficient. Asus is known for making great routers with great software and the Asus RT-AC68U is the best choice if you can’t afford the RT-AC68U model. If you are looking for advanced home networking device at an affordable price then you can’t go wrong with this one.
The Asus RT-AC68U is equipped with a fast 800MHz dual-core processor and supports a new Wi-Fi chip that offers up to 1.3Gbps speed on the 5GHz frequency band and up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. This router also comes with a new firmware that adds a host of new features.
The cons of this router are that while it is less expensive than most advanced routers it still costs a hefty buck. Moreover, it is also not wall-mountable. The bottom line is that for advanced and professional users, the Asus RT-AC68U Dual-band Wireless-AC1900 Gigabit Router is worth every penny. The router has brilliant performance, solid build, and numerous useful features.
The router is not wall-mountable. But the speed, range, and interface are highly praised. There was a NAT loopback issue initially but Asus released a firmware to fix it. It is available on the Asus website.
TP-Link Archer C9 Wi-Fi Router
This router is relatively inexpensive, there’s very little lacking from its specification list. It supports 1300Mbps 802.11ac wireless speeds that will deliver maximum performance for just about all laptops currently on the market. Archer C9 is attractively designed and has great performance but the best part is that it is a good deal cheaper than its competitors.
It also has great software, powerful hardware and a bright white, inoffensive look that won’t look garish in the middle of your living room. Although the built-in modem only supports DSL, rather than VDSL 2, very little else has been left out, making this a solid value option.
At the back of the router, the selection of connections is nothing special but ticks all the crucial boxes. From left to right we’ve got the USB 2.0 port, WPS and reset button, the Ethernet socket that goes to your modem, four more gigabit Ethernet ports for the rest of your network and the power socket and switch. Ther is also a second USB port on the side, and this time, it’s USB 3.0. It is ideal for sharing files on your network from a USB drive. The one at the back is only USB 2.0.
Ultimately the Archer C9 is a great router at an affordable price. It offers good Wi-Fi speeds at long ranges and is easy to setup and use. Moreover, it provides rock-solid reliability and the feature set is great for the price.
The router is also very reliable. Users also say the real life tech support department actually listens to you and is very responsive. The interface is also easy to navigate.
Netgear R6220 Wireless Router
If you are looking for the best router you can possibly get for under $100 then Netgear R6220 is the one for you. This is a budget router that provides a relatively inexpensive way to bring wireless networking to your home. However, an affordable model like this one won’t offer you the same features as the Linksys EA7500. But still at $99.99 this router gives you your money’s worth.
This router comes with 802.11ac technology, a USB port, and user-friendly management setting. Its performance is great compared to other budget routers. It is slightly bigger in size than most routers and uses a glossy black enclosure with LED activity indicators on the top panel for power, Internet, Wi-Fi, wired ports, USB, and WPS.
The bottom line is that the Netgear AC1200 Smart Wi-Fi router is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable router that supports dual-band Wi-Fi networking. Even though it doesn’t have the latest MU-MIMO streaming technology it is a solid option. It’s managements settings are generous and will allow you to adjust the router according to your needs.
Most of the users find it is reliable and has great features. They like the performance and range of the Netgear R6220, especially given its price tag. Users also cite easy set-up as an added bonus.
Amped Wireless RTA 2600 Athena WiFi Router
If you are a gamer then the RTA 2600 Athena is built for you. Even the design of the router resembles something out of a space-based shooting game. The router is extremely customizable, letting you tailor its settings to maximize your online gaming. It can also handle video and music streaming on multiple devices while other computers passed data back and forth. Even in a crowded Wi-Fi environment, this router won’t suffer any stutters or freezes during your online gameplay.
RTA 2600 Athena comes with MU-MIMO streaming technology.It delivers solid performance and is especially great when multiple devices are using Wi-Fi simultaneously. It features a dual-core 1.4GHz processor, 128MB of flash storage and 512MB of DDR3 system memory. The router also supports USB 3.0 with one port on its right side, with another USB 2.0 port on the back.
The Amped Wireless Athena High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Router RTA2600 is one of the few routers available in the market that supports the latest MU-MIMO technology. Tthe interface of the router is also user-friendly and responsive. This router excels with multiple connected devices, but its competitors are faster and less expensive.
The Amped Wireless ATHENA, High Power AC2600 Wi-Fi Router earns kudos for its performance and range. The setup of the router is easy and it has fast connection speeds. Sometimes you get a connection from 600 feet away as well.
Netgear Nighthawk X8 WiFi Router
If you are a power user then look no further because we have just the right router for you and it is the triband Netgear Nighthawk X8. This router features six wired LAN ports for delivering gigabit traffic, and you can aggregate two of those for top-speed data transfers. You’ll find a slew of customization options, and the X8’s support for open-source DD-WRT firmware lets you add features at will.
Netgear Nighthawk X8 supports the latest Wi-Fi speed standard, AC5300. It mostly delivers fast Wi-Fi performance and has outstanding signal stability. However, it is crazy expensive and doesn’t necessarily deliver a better Wi-Fi experience than much cheaper routers. Currently, there are no clients on the market that can take advantage of the AC5300 speed standard and at launch the MU-MIMO feature is not activated. It has a tower design capped off by a LED ring at the top.
This router is also able to figure out which devices or data hogs via Dynamic QoS (Quality of Service). It allows you to create a priority list to re-apportion bandwidth. The bottom line is that only savvy power users with a high-end server in their network should consider the Netgear R8500.
Both the performance and setup is quite easier, though some customers have complained of software issues. The users also said that the router is quite large, larger than other routers.
Google TP-Link OnHub AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Router
Google entered the WiFi router market with the Google OnHub. This router is a dual-band model with a sleek design that looks nothing like a traditional router. It contains more than a dozen antennas and it uses a thoughtfully designed app to control certain network functions. the router’s tower-like design is compact enough and will blend in most homes. There are no external antennas in this router so it is a pleasing design.
The OnHub is an AC1900 router that can theoretically provide up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 1,300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The OnHub had a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 4GB of eMMC flash storage, and 1GB of DDR3 memory. There are also six 2.4GHz antennas and six 5GHz antennas arranged in a circular pattern for maximum coverage in all directions, a reflector antenna that boosts signal strength, and a congestion sensing radio that continually polls wireless activity and changes channels to increase performance.
This router is best for large homes that have many connected devices. However, it is not without faults, the router has only one wired port and no PC/Web browser app. It also lacks many standard management options and some features have to be enabled. But, the Google OnHub makes it easy to bring dual-band 802.11ac networking to a large home and its discrete design is one of its greatest selling points.
Users using the Google OnHub love its range and easy setup, even if they find the price tag a little steep. Users with large homes and multiple devices especially like this router.
How can you secure your wireless router?
Like all other devices, wireless routers are also prone to interception and manipulation, which results in data leakage and privacy breaches. In fact, a hacker can launch a ‘worldwide’ attack after hacking your wireless router. Isn’t scary? Yes! it is.
However, you can arm yourself up against the possibilities of your wireless router being hacked. We’ve devised some strategic precautions down below. Adapt to these and you’ll end up with one secure-than-ever wireless router.
Close the network
One of the easiest ways anybody can hack into your router is by its lack of defenses. Do you ever need to enter a password or phrase prior to connecting to your network? If no, then your router is not secure. All it would take for anyone to be able to connect to your network is to be close enough for your SSID’s broadcast range.
You need to close your network—meaning: you need to enable a password prompt. This way, only those with whom you wish to share your password will be able to connect to your network. The rest won’t.
Change default password
A lot of hackers out there eventually break through your first and only line of defense by trial and error. Guessing a weak password is a walk in the park. Perhaps you should consider coming up with a stronger password? One that can’t be guessed in a few attempts?
For your password to be strong, you need to avoid all the password cliches, such as your name and your phone number. A strong password is considered to have a combination of alphanumeric characters, number, upper and lowercase letters. Make sure it is lengthy as well. You’ll need to memorize your password in case you accidentally dismiss your own SSID.
Opt for the right security scheme
You probably must have heard of WEP, WPA, and WPA2. These are security measures having varying strength and reliability. The Wireless Equivalent Privacy can be easily hacked because of its 24-bit initialization vector. We do not recommend its use.
The Wi-Fi Protected Access is a much better option, for it was made to address the flaws that were found in its predecessor. If you don’t have WPA2 available, you’re better off with this. But, if you can get your hands on WPA2, which has an advanced encryption and enhanced security, you should opt for it instead.
Disable remote administration
Upon enabling, remote administration grants access to anyone close enough to your router device to view or implement changes to your router’s settings. You should learn to not get too attached to remotely controlling and tweaking your router. As it can prove to be quite dangerous. Specifically if you’re not an advanced user.
However, the router settings can still be manned using any computer that is in direct connection to the router device. Which is both safer and not that much of problematic.
Change the default SSID name
It’s time to get a new name for your SSID. That ought to get a lid on your paranoia. The most common rookie error is naming your SSID after yourself or your family name. Also, after a particular thing you like. It’s very unhealthy.
Also avoid using your router’s brand name. This will aid hacker in applying hacking principles pertinent to that specific WiFi router. They do their homework and you should, too.
Come up with the most inconspicuous of SSID name that will send those hands scratching those headings if anyone wills to hack into your router. It is like going incognito, you’ll still be visible, but no one will know that it’s you.
Enable router firewall
You need to have as many layers of protection as possible. Enabling your router’s firewall—if not already enabled—does exactly that. Some routers have already activated firewalls, some don’t. What position is your router in?
Enable your router’s firewall and enjoy an additional line of defense.
Disable SSID broadcast
An obvious tell. If you’re broadcasting your SSID, meaning it can be seen by all nearby, unconnected devices searching for a network to connect to, you are more likely to be noticed and even more so of being hacked.
You need to disable your broadcast. However, this procedure is quite controversial. There is speculative debate over this measure being more a problem inducer than solver. To have an even footing where this strategy is concerned, you need to first have a little background knowledge of your router.
Turn Off Guest Networks
Abundant routers out there have this dual functionality option. It let’s you create two networks, one for yourself and another for your visitors. It is known that these oh-so welcoming and convenient guest networks aren’t secure at all. Which makes your router all the more vulnerable to attack during these networks are in use.
Consider turning off these networks. You’ll be ridding yourself from another security risk.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network incapacitates people to keep tabs on you by enabling private browsing. To activate a VPN, you need to subscribe yourself to one. This article explains VPNs dutifully. But remember to use the secure VPN else you will face the same issues getting hacked and privacy breaches.
How to upgrade your wireless router firmware
What people don’t know is that they can update their wireless router’s firmware instead of purchasing a new one. You need an update if and only if:
- The factory version of your router came with a lot of incessant bugs that you’ve encountered during later usage.
- If you’re in need of new features. A firmware update can appease you satisfactorily.
- And your router itself is in need of its own updated firmware.
If you fit any of the above classifications, then climb aboard and update your firmware.
For a successful firmware update, you’re going to have to abide by the following steps:
- Web-browse the latest firmware update for your router and the save the files on your computer.
- Once you’ve unzipped the pack, use your browser and direct yourself to your router’s control page online or find it manually.
- Log in with your username and your ID.
- Look for the “tools” option and then search for the “update gateway” command. Open the downloaded firmware files on this page by searching for them and selecting them.
- Click the “update gateway” button now and sit back and relax. After the update is complete, log out and then back in again.
- It’s now time to use the kernel files you unzipped prior to step 2 along with the other files. Through the browse option, select these as well and hit upgrade.
- You have successfully updated your firmware. All that needs to be done now is this: Reset your router by pressing its reset button. Use it after a minute or two.
How To Increase Your Wireless Router’s Speed and Range
Does your slow internet browsing baffle you to your core? You just can’t get your head wrapped around what could possibly be the initiator of this problem, can you? Some suggest that a possible factor is frequent internet usage and an overly accumulated browsing history. These can easily be dealt with.
What you don’t know is that if you make some adjustments to your wireless router, you might be able to speed up your browsing and your router’s range.
Here’s what we suggest:
- Use the Latest Wi-Fi Technologies
This one is straight from the book. You need to have the latest Wi-Fi technologies—meaning, you need to have an up-to-date hardware and firmware. Take a look at what the computer connoisseurs out there have to say about this and then adapt accordingly.
- Look For the Perfect Spot for Your Router
No rocket science. Placing a router centrally, and high just enough for you to reach it does most of the trick. It is also advised to not keep it in close proximity to a microwave or any magnetic object. Make sure no wall is close enough to where you’re trying to access signals from. Also, try readjusting the antenna, either horizontally or exclusively vertically.
- Determine the Right Wireless Channel
A router works on a number of wireless channels. The specifications of yours are available for perusal. Find out what channel your router is built to use and also if you can tailor it to follow some other channel.
- Shut Out Other Appliances
You don’t need another router to intercept or interfere with the signals of yours. Cordless devices that are in close range can pull that off. Do your duty to your router and keep it someplace else, away from such devices. Or try investing in a dual band router.
- Secure Up Your Wi-Fi
Is your Wi-Fi password protected? Make sure it is. Because if it isn’t, then you’re simply allowing God-knows-who to reap the benefits of your poor little, unprotected network. This is listed as one of the primary factors of slow internet browsing.
Password-protect your router and see the magic happen.
- Bandwidth-Hoggers
Very much like the proverbial saying, too much of bandwidth-hogging can slow your speed down to an irritating low. If someone in your house video-chats, plays games, and watches movies online all too much, then they don’t know that they’re slowing down the speed for the others.
Reducing this frequent usage to a justified minimum will save you.
- DIY Way
Try out some exceptionally weird but optimistically helpful DIY hacks to gain some speed. There are tons of those out there. Most of them require the use of household items and whatnot. Cut open a can and place it around your antenna like a satellite, for example. As absurd as it sounds, people have reported this little activity provided a little bit of juice, if not a whole lot, and their routers sped up a little.
- The DD-WRT Firmware
Updating your router to the DD-WRT firmware is something you should consider looking into. This firmware is notorious—in a good way—for providing you with a multitude of enhanced features and the oh-so-exhilarating speed you’re after.
- Set a Sleeping and Waking Up Schedule For Your Router
You can nanny your router to give you the speed you need as well. If a router is constantly working, it won’t work with as much finesse like it started after a couple of hours. The same cannot be said for all the routers out there. But this could be what your problem is. Also, excessive downloading and exploiting router usage can be the cause of your router’s turtle-pace.
Set a rebooting schedule for your router. You can open and close it manually if your router is lacking the feature. This ought to help.
The post Best Wireless Routers of 2021 – A Complete Buying Guide appeared first on MobileSiri.