To help narrow down your search, we’re sharing our tips on what you should consider before buying your own router. Starting with compatibility and making sure the router supports your internet speeds, these are the specs we considered when making router recommendations, plus a few extras that could improve your online experience. So let’s dig in and find you some new gear to help you put that equipment rental fee back in your pocket. But also, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the features you need in order to use your internet services to their full potential. You’ll likely fork over more cash for a router that supports faster speeds and has features like MU-MIMO and beamforming. Not to mention that tri-band routers and those that support telephone service will cost more as well. MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple Output. It basically means your router can communicate with multiple devices at the same time. Beamforming lets your router aim a signal directly at devices that need an internet connection. It improves efficiency and creates stronger signals. Modems use technology based on the type of connection your internet provider uses, and if you’re using a cable modem with DSL internet, well. Your internet just won’t work. So checking compatibility is critical. Most ISPs publish lists of modems and routers that are compatible with their service or guides on what to look for. Here’s where you can find lists of compatible equipment for some of the top internet providers in the US:
Comcast Xfinity Cox Mediacom (PDF) Astound Broadband, Powered by RCN Sparklight (formerly Cable One) Spectrum
But keep in mind that most routers advertise a combination of the speeds on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Most devices don’t use both Wi-Fi frequencies at the same time, so this combined speed is a little misleading. So be sure to look at the max speed supported by your router’s 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. And remember, wireless speeds are prone to slow down because they have to travel through the air—or worse, solid objects like walls, floors, and furniture. So if you need the max speeds you can get from your router for your CS:GO gaming session, connect to your router with an Ethernet cable. But you don’t need to get technical to understand these Wi-Fi standards. Just look for a router that supports one of the newest wireless protocols:
11ax (Wi-Fi 6): The newest standard is expected to deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps, but many devices and internet connections don’t support these speeds. So you may not need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 just yet. 11ac (Wi-Fi 5): You’ll likely see this standard on most routers, and it’s perfectly capable of keeping you connected since it supports speeds up to 3.5 Gbps. 11n (Wi-Fi 4): This standard was the first to allow you to use both the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies, and it supports speeds up to 600 Mbps.
All routers should give you an idea of the amount of square footage they can cover, though some get more specific than others. For example, we recommend the TP-Link Archer A20 and xFi Pods, but both of those give an estimated range based on how many bedrooms are in your house. But don’t worry. If you get your router set up and it doesn’t beam a Wi-Fi signal to the farthest reaches of your home, you can grab a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system to amplify the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.
