Guide to Choosing the Right Wireless Router- Welcome to MERCUSYS

Just like our basic needs, such as water or electricity, a reliable internet connection is also essential. Do you work from home or often stream your favorite shows? A wireless router will keep all our online activities running smoothly.

Choosing the right wireless router should be a priority but with so many types and brands available, the selection process can be a real challenge. Let us walk you through the factors to consider when selecting a wireless router, so you can choose one that perfectly meets your needs.

What Is A Router?

A router connects multiple devices in a home or office network to the internet, which directs data from your modem to the appropriate devices—like your smartphone, laptop, or smart TV—whether they’re connected wirelessly or via Ethernet cable.

A router also provides security features to protect your network from external threats. Modern routers offer features like parental controls, guest networks, and advanced options for prioritizing certain devices or activities, like gaming or streaming for optimal performance.

Different Types of Wireless Routers

Here are the different types of wireless routers available, each designed to suit different internet needs, home setups, and user preferences:

Single-band Routers: These routers are best for small households with basic internet needs like web browsing, emailing, and social media.
Dual-band Routers: If you have a large home or office with multiple devices, or if you often play online games, stream movies, and do video conferencing, dual-band routers are a good choice.
Tri-band Routers: If you have a large home with heavy internet users or gamers, these routers include a 5 GHz band, which helps reduce network congestion, providing better performance when multiple devices are using high-bandwidth activities.
WiFi 6 Routers (802.11ax): WiFi 6 offers faster speeds, greater bandwidth, and improved performance in crowded areas, like apartments or populated neighborhoods.
Mesh WiFi Systems: Unlike traditional routers, where the signal weakens the farther you are, mesh systems provide a consistent and reliable connection throughout your entire home or office.

Understanding Your Internet Needs

Before purchasing a wireless router, it’s crucial to understand your internet usage. Different households and businesses have varying needs based on the number of devices, the type of activities performed online, and the size of the area to be covered.

Number of devices - The more devices you have connected to your network—such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices—the more reliable your router needs to be. Look for routers that can handle multiple devices simultaneously without compromising performance.
Internet activities - If your household frequently streams HD or 4K videos, plays online games, or conducts video conferences, you’ll need a router with higher bandwidth capabilities. Conversely, if you only use the internet for basic tasks like browsing and emailing, a more basic router will suffice.
Coverage area - The size of your home or office determines the range of the wireless router. A larger area may require a router with a stronger signal or even a mesh network system to cover every corner adequately.

Router Specifications to Consider

Once you understand your internet needs, the next step is to dive into the technical specifications of wireless routers. Here are the key specifications to consider:

Wi-Fi standards - The most common Wi-Fi standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. The newer the standard, the faster and more reliable the connection. For instance, 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, offers faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and improved battery life for connected devices.
Bands - Routers typically operate on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Dual-band routers provide both, offering a good balance between range (2.4 GHz) and speed (5 GHz). For high-performance needs, tri-band routers include an additional 5 GHz band, which can help manage multiple high-demand devices.
Speed Ratings - Routers are rated by their speed, usually in Mbps (megabits per second). While higher numbers indicate faster potential speeds, remember that the actual speed you’ll experience also depends on your internet service provider's (ISP) plan.
Antennas and Signal Strength - The number of antennas and their configuration can affect the router’s range and performance. More antennas generally mean better coverage and signal strength, particularly in larger spaces or homes with many walls.

Security Features

Security is a vital consideration when choosing a wireless router, especially with the increasing number of cyber threats targeting home networks. Look for routers with the following security features:

WPA3 Encryption - WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol, providing stronger protection for your network compared to its predecessor, WPA2.
Guest Network - A guest network allows you to provide internet access to visitors without giving them access to your main network and devices, which enhances security.
Firewall and VPN Support - Routers with built-in firewalls and VPN support can offer an additional layer of protection, helping to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard your data.
Automatic Updates - Choose a router that supports automatic firmware updates. This ensures that your router is always up-to-date with the latest security patches and performance improvements.

Additional Features to Look For

In addition to the essential specifications, there are several extra features that can enhance your wireless router’s functionality and usability:

Quality of Service (QoS) - QoS allows you to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices. This is particularly useful if you have a household with heavy internet users who may be streaming videos, gaming, and browsing simultaneously.
MU-MIMO Technology - Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) technology enables the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, rather than sequentially. This leads to faster and more efficient data transfer, especially in households with many connected devices.
Parental controls - Parental controls allow you to manage and restrict internet access for specific devices, which is helpful for parents who want to limit their children’s online activity.
App management - Many modern routers come with companion apps that allow you to manage your network remotely. You can monitor connected devices, adjust settings, and even troubleshoot issues right from your smartphone.

Price and Brand Considerations

Price is often a decisive factor when choosing a wireless router. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality router can save you money and frustration in the long run. Here’s how to balance cost and quality:

Budget-friendly options - If your needs are basic, you can find reliable routers at lower price points. These routers will cover small to medium spaces and handle light to moderate internet usage.
Mid-range options - For households with several devices and moderate internet usage, a mid-range router offers a good balance of performance and price. These routers typically include dual-band capabilities and some advanced features.
High-end options - If you require top performance for gaming, streaming, or managing a smart home, a high-end router with the latest Wi-Fi standards, tri-band capabilities, and robust security features is worth the investment.
Brand Reputation - Choosing a reputable brand ensures better customer support, reliability, and warranty. Well-known brands are more likely to provide regular firmware updates and offer a range of models to suit different needs.

Takeaway

Choosing the right wireless router is a critical decision that impacts your internet experience. Carefully consider your internet needs, evaluate the router’s specifications, prioritize security features, and weigh additional functionalities so you can find a router that meets your specific requirements. No matter if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-performance model, taking the time to choose wisely will give you an enjoyable and secure connection for all your devices.

Mercusys offers a wide range of options that cater to various needs and budgets. Known for their innovative features and high performance, Mercusys routers provide excellent coverage, fast speeds, and enhanced security, ideal for both home and office use. Explore Mercusys’ wireless routers to find the perfect solution for your network needs.

FAQs

1. Do I need a new router for faster internet speeds?

Upgrading your router can make speeds, performance, and dependability better, especially when you have a lot of devices connected or if your router is old or doesn't handle newer WiFi standards like WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or WiFi 6 (802.11ax).

2. How do I know if my router is outdated?

If your router is outdated, you will experience frequent slowdowns or disconnects, and you’ll have trouble connecting multiple devices at the same time.

3. Where should I place my wireless router for the best signal?

You can place the router in a central location, away from walls or obstacles and avoid placing it near other electronics like microwaves, which can disrupt the signal.

4. How many devices can a wireless router handle?

A wireless router can handle multiple devices depending on its specifications. If you have an old router, you may struggle with more than 10-20 devices, while modern routers that support WiFi 6 can handle 50 or more devices without performance issues.