Choosing a Wireless Router
When choosing a wireless router for your home, you may feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the technical jargon and myriad of choices available to you. We will try to go over some of the main things you need to consider when choosing a wireless router for your home.
Wireless Speed
Most of the time when making a choice for a home wireless router, the biggest concern is how fast is the wireless speed. After all, one of the coolest things about a wireless router is that it allows you to be wireless throughout your home.
The A,B G's of Wireless
802.11a - This was the first wireless standard released. Basically most wireless routers don't have this capability. It's 54Mbs and operates at the 5GHz radio range.
802.11b - This is the original home wireless network. This gave most home users the ability to be wireless. It's a bit slower at only 11Mbs and operates in the 2.4GHz range. (It's susceptible to interference with microwave overs and cordless phones.)
802.11g - This is the most common in wireless networks. The 802.11g provides 54Mbs of speed and operates at the 2.4GHz range. (Again is susceptible to interference with microwave overs and cordless phones.)
802.11n - this is the newest wireless standard. As a matter of fact, it's not even a standard yet, it is only a draft, however manufacturers are still making home wireless routers that support this draft. This is the faster wireless you can buy. It supports speeds of up to 110Mbs and can operate in either the 2.4GHz range or the 5GHz ranges.
If your buy a new router, get one that supports 802.11n
Technology changes quickly. If your going to spend the money - get the latest wireless speeds.
Wired Connections
You will want to make sure your home router has multiple connections for your wired computers, like desktops, and gaming systems. Most of your more common routers have a 4 port switch built in.
Do your homework - Ask around
Compare price. Most routers are very similar and will perform just fine. Do your homework and ask around. Read reviews of products on home router websites. If you have a question, feel free to send us an email. Click the "contact us" button at the top of this page. We would love to help!
