What Should You Look For In a New Modem Router?

We cut through all the jargon

Shopping for a good router has become quite a challenge, given the many options in the market today. It’s even more challenging for buyers looking to buy their very first router.

Take all the jargon you will find in the box. What does it all mean? Do you find yourself asking“What wireless router features do I actually need?”

In this buying guide, you’ll learn what to look for in a WiFi router – including features and specifications.

WiFi Standards

Looking at a box, users will find terms like AC1200, AC1900, and AC3200. What do these combinations of letters and numbers mean?

These are networking standards. In a nutshell, they’re supposed to inform consumers how fast your connection can go. AC1200 means having 1,200 Mbps; AC1900 gives you 1,900 Mbps; and so on. The higher the number, the more bandwidth it can support.

So you’d think that going higher means better, right? Well, not exactly.

First, real-world conditions won’t get you anywhere near the billed bandwidth. Most internet plans cap out at 1Gbps. Second, 1,200 Mbps is more than enough to download a movie in 30 seconds.

Lastly, the advertised speed is mostly theoretical at this point. It doesn’t really refer to the actual speed but rather the maximum speed that can be delivered per frequency (more on that later).

As long as you buy a router that’s AC1200 or higher/newer, you should be fine.

Wireless Bands

There are three types of router wireless bands (AKA frequency bands): single-band, dual-band, and tri-band.

Here’s a quick answer: having more bands is better. But in reality, the sensible reply is a bit more nuanced than that. Why? Because a tri-band router is overkill in most cases.

Here’s a quick summary of how internet routers work. WiFi signal travels on a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Most routers are able to channel that frequency and are referred to as single-band routers.

But modern routers can deliver the internet in two frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Routers that can deliver two frequencies are categorized as dual-band.

Tri-band routers use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but are able to deliver the latter in two frequencies.

Tapping more than one frequency lets you have more speed. Imagine living in an apartment where all residents use the same 2.4 GHz frequency. All your WiFi signals are bound to cross one another. This affects the rate at which your devices receive data.

But if you’re on a 5 GHz connection, you eliminate the competition by moving out of their frequency and into something higher.

So why doesn’t everyone buy dual-band or tri-band routers? Because not all devices can receive 5 GHz signals. Some phones, for example, can’t make the most of 5 GHz like the iPhone 3G or 3Gs.

It would depend on what you need. Here’s a quick comparison between the three options.

A dual-band router should be enough for the average user.

USB Port

You’d want a router with a USB port. This comes in handy when connecting devices like printers and hard drives to your network.

A router with USB 3.0 for a faster transfer rate is the one you should aim for.

Robust App

Most routers today have an accompanying app that lets you control router settings without having to plug in directly. Because every manufacturer has its own approach towards apps, it’s best if you do research to see which ones would appeal to you most.

Just remember that most of these apps would only work if you’re connected to the network. If you’d like to connect to the network remotely, you’d need to find a router with that feature built in.

So our advice would be to look for an accompanying app that has important features like changing the WiFi name and password.

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio

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What Should You Look For In a New Modem Router?#

WiFi Standards#

Wireless Bands#

USB Port#

Robust App#