With fiber internet making faster speeds widely available and more people working from home than ever, your old router might not be able to keep up anymore. If you're looking for a router that can handle more overall usage and higher speeds, there are many options. But the kind of router you need ultimately depends on factors such as the configuration of your house and the volume of data you need to access daily. Here are a few important features to look into before choosing a router.

4 Features to Research Before Buying a New Router

1. Processing Power & RAM

Every time any device accesses the internet on your WiFi, information passes through your router and uses a portion of its memory. Because of this, your router can quickly become a bottleneck, especially if many devices are connected at once and multiple devices are streaming or downloading data. You could pay for the fastest fiber internet available, but an underperforming router will always cause your speeds to suffer. Look for routers with at least two cores and 128MB of memory, which will help the router handle more data and connections.

2. Multi-Band Support

Multi-band routers produce multiple networks for your devices to connect to: one at 2.4GHz and one or more at 5GHz. While older devices may be incompatible with 5GHz networks and therefore need the 2.4GHz one, the biggest benefit of multiple bands is the alleviation of network congestion. 5GHz networks are faster but have a shorter range, which means other networks on the same frequency are less likely to interfere.

3. Range

Depending on the square footage of your home and how many walls separate the rooms, a router's range can be a limiting factor. If you're worried about the WiFi not reaching every corner of your living spaces, pay extra attention to the range listed in the router's specifications. And if you can't find any routers that match your needs, look for a system that supports mesh WiFi or range extenders. WiFi extenders boost the power of your router so the signal reaches further. Mesh WiFi functions similarly, but it uses multiple units throughout your home to create a comprehensive network that communicates directly to the router. 

4. Advanced Features

Your router doesn't just help you connect to the internet. It can also help you stay secure and protected while online. Many modern routers come with advanced features, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), antivirus software, firewalls, and more. If you want to take advantage of these functions, make sure to buy a router that is powerful enough to run them effectively.

If you're in the market for a new router, reach out to GreatWave Communications in Conneaut, OH. In business since 1897, these communications professionals offer their storied expertise, great prices, and friendly service to help everyone in their community get connected. They are now offering fiber internet in Conneaut, Ashtabula, and more towns in their area. Learn more about their internet services online, and call (440) 593-7140 to schedule a consultation.