What good is the best Wi-Fi signal if your wireless routers are not dependable in any Aussie connected home? A good router could mean the difference when running a home-based business or streaming the latest series while keeping everyone’s devices online.
Let us console ourselves in maxims when choosing wireless routers that should keep the internet up and running.
Check Your Desired Internet Speed
First, consider your internet speed. What NBN plan do you have? For slower connections, a basic router might be sufficient, but if you are paying for super-fast speeds, then you want that router to actually deliver that speed wirelessly. Routers supporting any of the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 6E) are what you should look for, along with plenty of bandwidth to keep up with your plan’s maximum download and upload speeds.
Consider the Number of Users
Next would be your home size and your number of devices to be connected. If you live in a small apartment with very few devices, a traditional single-band or dual-band router will suffice. However, if you have a big house with multiple floors and an increasing number of smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, you might want to consider a mesh Wi-Fi system.
They are composed of multiple nodes spread throughout your house, providing a seamless and reliable Wi-Fi network capable of covering a more extensive area.
What Features Are You Thinking Of?
Consider the features you would want. Will you need parental controls to limit your kids’ Internet usage? Guest network options for your visitors? Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow you to favour bandwidth utilisation for specific applications like video conferencing or gaming? Many modern routers have lots of other features, so think about what you need and will actually use.
Always Keep Security in Mind
Security is another important consideration. Ensure that whichever router you choose supports the latest security protocols (e.g., WPA3) to keep your network safe from unauthorised access. Look for other secure features like a built-in firewall, along with easy methods to update its firmware to remain protected from the latest threats.
Consider Your Budget
The budget has to come in somewhere. Wireless routers could range anywhere from budget-oriented to high-end with all of the frills. Set your budget, then hunt for the highest-performing router with a good combination of features for that price. Read some reviews written by other Aussie users for real-life experiences from customers.
Is It Easy to Use?
Lastly, consider how easy a given router is to use. Some routers can be devilishly difficult to set up and maintain, while others come with the easiest setup and intuitive user interface or mobile apps for configuring. If you’re not great with computers, consider a router that prides itself on its user-friendly nature.
