© GettyZeroA few upgrades can make a world of difference, and it certainly does when you replace your old router with one of the best Wi-Fi routers around.
Even if you don't plan on upgrading your internet plan with your router, chances are you'll notice a big difference in your internet speed. This is because newer routers use Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E instead of older wireless standards.
In addition to the increased speed, your new Wi-Fi router will likely have a longer range, meaning a strong wireless signal will cover more of your home. However, if you still have Wi-Fi dead spots where your devices lose connectivity, you can choose one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.
While you can spend a lot of money on a new Wi-Fi router, you don't have to. Now that Wi-Fi 6E is being replaced by Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6 routers are cheaper than before and there are plenty of options to choose from.
If your old Wi-Fi router has been slow lately, here are five reasons why you should consider upgrading to a newer, more modern router.
1. Higher speed
For those who haven't upgraded their Wi-Fi router in the last few years, there are some technical improvements that can help speed up your device without having to buy a faster internet plan.
For example, in Wi-Fi 6, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) separates the Wi-Fi router channel into subcarriers. This allows your router to connect to multiple devices at the same time instead of waiting in line for a signal.
Although beamforming has been around since 802.11n (retrospectively called Wi-Fi 4), significant improvements were seen with the release of Wi-Fi 6. In the past, Wi-Fi routers used to transmit data in all directions, but now With Beamforming , your router can determine where the device is requesting data and send information directly to it.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, Wi-Fi 6E adds a new band that's faster and less congested. In addition to the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands found on most routers, Wi-Fi 6E routers have a 6 GHz band that can reach gigabit speeds. However, there is also a downside. The 6GHz band may be faster, but it has a much shorter range than the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. So Wi-Fi 6E makes sense when you're using one of the best laptops in the same room. than your router.
2. More devices
As our daily lives become more connected, there are now more devices on our networks than ever before, from laptops to our best cell phones. However, if you add some of the best smart home devices to your network, your old Wi-Fi router can easily become overwhelmed.
With newer Wi-Fi routers, it will be easier for you to keep all your devices connected at the same time. Also, because you have more options to use, devices like the best video intercoms and the best home security cameras will have a stronger signal.
When shopping for a new Wi-Fi router, pay attention to how many devices it can support, as most manufacturers list this on their product pages. You'll also want to take the time to count the number of devices currently connected to your network, leaving room for new devices and guest access.
3. Better security
Just like your computer or smartphone, network companies release security patches and updates to their Wi-Fi routers to protect you from the latest online threats. However, if you have an older Wi-Fi router, chances are it no longer receives security updates. This puts you and any device connected to your Wi-Fi router at risk of attack.
Your new Wi-Fi router will not only receive security updates for years to come, but it will also be easier to download and install since most new devices come with their own app. Sure, you can update your router manually, but that can be tedious, especially if you're not a techie.
At the same time, older Wi-Fi routers may not support WPA3 or Wi-Fi Protected Access version 3, which are encrypted security protocols developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. This helps protect data sent to and from your devices on your home network.
4. No more Wi-Fi dead zones
Your new router will likely give you more range than your old Wi-Fi router currently offers. With a wider range, the Wi-Fi signal sent from your router can reach more areas of your home. This way, you don't have to deal with Wi-Fi dead zones.
If you have a very large home or one with thick or brick walls, it might be worth upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system. Unlike a traditional Wi-Fi router, a mesh router system consists of multiple devices spread throughout your home. While one acts as the main router or gateway connected to one of the best cable modems, the other is a node or satellite that transmits Wi-Fi signals to other places in your home. While they're a bit more expensive than typical Wi-Fi routers, we've rounded up the best cheap mesh Wi-Fi systems under $100.
You may have upgraded your router and don't want to do it again. In that case, you can use one of the best Wi-Fi extensions to further spread the Wi-Fi signal and eliminate dead spots. Keep in mind that most Wi-Fi extenders create separate networks and you'll need to manually switch between them and your main network as you move around your home.
5. Simple network management
In addition to making it easy to download and install the latest updates, the apps included with new Wi-Fi routers also make it easy to manage your network and all the devices connected to it.
For example, you can prioritize certain devices, like the best smart TVs, so you always have enough bandwidth, and you can even prevent devices from connecting to your network. Many of these apps also come with built-in parental control software that allows you to set time limits and filter content by age. They also make it easy to create a guest network that your friends and family can join when they visit.
Tips for upgrading your Wi-Fi router
Upgrading to a new Wi-Fi router can seem like a daunting and expensive task, but it doesn't have to be. If you upgrade to a router with a native app, you'll be walked through the setup process and there are plenty of helpful guides and guides on each manufacturer's website.
When it comes to costs, investing in your own network equipment can save you money in the long run because you don't have to pay to rent equipment from your ISP. However, you'll also want to look for deals and consider planning for Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, or even Cyber Monday deals.
While most of us only think of our Wi-Fi router when something goes wrong, adding a new router to your home network can benefit everyone in your family and give the impression that other devices in your home are just as fast.
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