How to Choose a Wireless Router

Today, Mytour will guide you through the process of researching and selecting the right model and type of wireless router.

Determine the maximum internet speed you're currently using. Simply reach out to your internet service provider or check your account information. Internet speed is typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps), which will help you determine the minimum router speed required.

• For instance, if your maximum internet speed is 100 Mbps, you'll need a router that can handle at least 100 Mbps.

Research local internet service providers. You might find better options available, and your current provider may recommend a specific router type.

• Some providers offer rental or purchase options for routers and modems that are compatible with their services. Renting may be more expensive in the long run, but it's a viable option for those who can't afford to replace or upgrade an expensive router every few years.

Check if you already own a modem. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to purchase both a modem and a router. The modem connects to the internet access point (e.g., via a physical cable), while the router connects to the modem to distribute the Wi-Fi signal.

• If you have a modem from a different service provider, check with your current network to ensure the modem will work with their service.
• You can purchase a combined modem-router unit at a lower price, but these often come with higher repair or replacement costs.

Set a specific budget. It’s easy to overspend on a router and modem. Knowing your budget and sticking to it will help eliminate expensive high-end routers from your search.

• On average, you can expect to spend around 4,600,000 VND for a high-quality modem and router combo.
• Keep in mind that your budget should be a bit flexible, as a slightly more expensive router may be worth it for its durability and performance.

Assess the load your router needs to handle. To do this, first determine the location of the router (e.g., where the cable connects), then walk through each room or area where you need signal coverage.

• Walls and floors can block wireless signals, so you’ll need a router with a strong signal for multi-story homes or larger areas, as opposed to smaller spaces like apartments or classrooms.
• If you have a multi-story house or large space, consider purchasing multiple routers and connecting them to the same network.

List all devices the router will support. Make a list of all devices that will connect to the router (e.g., phones, computers, gaming consoles, etc.) to determine the coverage area needed, since a powerful router is necessary to handle multiple devices running different activities simultaneously.

• A small, medium-power router can typically handle a group of standard computers performing low-bandwidth tasks, but for high-bandwidth activities and multiple devices (e.g., printers), a more powerful router is necessary.
• Also, think about how you plan to use the internet. Light browsing and simple tasks are easier to manage compared to gaming or continuous file transfers (e.g., uploading or downloading data).

Understand what affects the speed and range of your router. It's tempting to choose the fastest router you can afford, but your router’s maximum speed (e.g., 100 Mbps) may be higher than what your connection can handle. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Advertised speed – This is the rounded value for the router’s total bandwidth, often advertised in product descriptions. Since most devices can’t connect to more than one band at a time, this specification can be misleading.
• Maximum speed – This value indicates the highest speed the device can achieve. For example, a router with 800 Mbps speed won’t help a device that only supports 400 Mbps exceed its maximum speed.
• Router range – This indicates the maximum distance from the router at which you can still receive a usable signal. For larger spaces, you should opt for a router with a stronger signal or consider investing in a Wi-Fi Mesh system with multiple routers placed throughout the area.

Limit your router search to "N" and "AC" models. Every router has an "802.11" designation, which is the international Wi-Fi standard. However, the letters before the model number indicate the version and maximum speed of the router.

• For the best performance and compatibility, choose a router with "AC" before the model number.
• The A, B, and G categories are considered outdated.

Make sure the router supports WPA2 security protocol. There are many types of security protocols, but WPA2 is the most recent encryption version and thus the safest. Any router with the "AC" label will support WPA2.

• Avoid selecting WEP and WPA protocols, as these have been outdated since 2006.
• If you can’t find WPA2 certification on the router's feature sheet or packaging, contact the manufacturer or customer service to ask about the router’s encryption type.

Do some research on specific routers. Once you've narrowed down your search to specific models, dive deeper by reading reviews, user feedback, and usage reports. This will give you a clearer idea of how the router performs in real-life scenarios.

• This is also a good time to call local providers and ask for router recommendations.
• When reading user reviews, pay attention to the negative comments. These often highlight issues with the router, especially if other users report similar problems.
• A router model with predominantly positive reviews and clear customer satisfaction is usually a safe bet.

Talk to customer service. If you’re shopping for a router in a store, ask someone from the tech department. They might offer valuable insights (based on personal or professional experience) into the router’s performance.

• For example, you can inquire about the return rate of the model you're considering. A lower return rate usually means the router is a reliable choice.
• If you’re purchasing a router online from platforms like Amazon or eBay, consider visiting a physical store (like Best Buy) to check out a similar model and ask customer service about the router's performance.