Upgrade Wireless Router: Faster Speeds & Reliable Wi-Fi

The Benefits of a Wireless Router Upgrade

For those who haven't replaced their wireless router recently, an upgrade should be given serious thought. While an older model may still function, contemporary routers offer significant improvements in Wi-Fi performance.

It's likely that several recently acquired devices within your home network now utilize the latest wireless networking protocols. Continuing to operate with an obsolete router unnecessarily restricts the potential speed and efficiency of these newer technologies.

Why Upgrade Your Router?

Modern routers are engineered to handle the increasing demands placed on home networks. They provide a more stable and reliable connection.

Consider these key advantages:

• Increased Speed: Newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E deliver substantially faster data transfer rates.
• Improved Range: Updated routers often feature enhanced antennas and signal processing for broader coverage.
• Better Security: Modern routers incorporate the latest security protocols to protect your network from threats.
• Enhanced Capacity: They can efficiently manage a greater number of connected devices simultaneously.

Modern Wireless Standards and Device Compatibility

Many new smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices are designed to take full advantage of advanced wireless capabilities.

An outdated router can create a bottleneck, preventing these devices from reaching their full potential. This results in slower speeds and a less responsive experience.

Investing in a new router ensures that all your devices can communicate at optimal speeds, maximizing the benefits of your technology investments.

The Importance of a Modern Wireless Router

Consider this: wireless routers are frequently underestimated, particularly when they continue to function and deliver a stable connection. A surprising number of users still rely on routers utilizing older wireless standards, simply because their current setup appears adequate.

While this approach is acceptable for those fully satisfied with their Wi-Fi performance, the majority of individuals desire enhanced speed, broader coverage, and increased reliability. It’s a common oversight to neglect the router itself during technology upgrades.

However, the router serves as the central gateway for all your devices' internet access. Even implementing optimization techniques for your wireless network will yield limited results if you persist with an outdated router.

Modern wireless routers incorporate the latest networking standards, delivering significantly improved speeds and reduced interference. Your newer laptops, smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and gaming consoles aren't operating at their full potential when paired with older hardware.

Benefits of Upgrading

For example, streaming high-definition content via Wi-Fi may be unattainable with an obsolete router. The limitations of older technology directly impact your user experience.

Here's a breakdown of the advantages:

• Increased Speed: Newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offer substantially faster data transfer rates.
• Improved Coverage: Modern routers often feature enhanced antenna designs and technologies for wider signal distribution.
• Reduced Interference: Newer standards are designed to minimize interference from other wireless devices.
• Enhanced Security: Updated routers include the latest security protocols to protect your network.

Investing in a new router unlocks the full capabilities of your connected devices and provides a more seamless online experience.

Determining Your Router's Wireless Standard Capabilities

Related: 10 Useful Options You Can Configure In Your Router's Web Interface

Prior to investigating this further, it's advisable to ascertain the wireless standards your router is actually capable of handling. Several methods exist for achieving this. Some routers have the supported standards physically printed on the device itself, often located on the underside.

The original packaging for the router will invariably list these specifications. Alternatively, the router’s model number can be located on the device and then entered into a search engine. Reviewing the router’s specifications will reveal the wireless standards it supports. (This information is often accessible through the router’s web-based configuration interface as well.)

Common Wireless Standards

When reviewing specifications, look for designations such as "802.11ac", "802.11n", and "802.11g". 802.11ac represents the most current standard; possessing this indicates optimal performance.

802.11n is an older standard, though still commonly found in use. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of performance as newer technologies. 802.11g is considered quite outdated, and upgrading to a router supporting more modern standards should be considered if this is the only standard your router supports.

802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, and 802.11b

Related: How to Find the Best Wi-Fi Channel for Your Router on Any Operating System

A concise overview of prevalent wireless standards is presented below for your understanding.

• 802.11ac: Representing the newest wireless standard, 802.11ac operates on the 5 GHz frequency for contemporary devices. It also maintains compatibility with older devices via 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi. This dual-band capability minimizes wireless interference and enhances signal stability. Theoretically, it can reach data transfer rates of up to 866.7 Mbit/s. Finalization of this standard occurred in 2013.
• 802.11n: Prior to 802.11ac, 802.11n was the dominant wireless standard. Unlike its successor, it functions on either 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz, but not simultaneously, potentially leading to increased interference. Its theoretical maximum data transfer speed is 150 Mbit/s. The standard was completed in 2009.
• 802.11g: Preceding 802.11n, 802.11g is restricted to the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It achieves theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 54 Mbit/s. This standard reached completion in 2003.
• 802.11b: An even earlier standard, finalized in 1999, 802.11b offers theoretical speeds of up to 11 Mbit/s. (An 802.11a standard also existed, but it did not gain widespread adoption.)

It’s important to note that these stated speeds are theoretical maximums, and real-world performance will likely fall short. However, this applies in both directions. While 802.11ac may not consistently deliver its advertised speed, 802.11n and 802.11g will perform even slower.

These points represent a simplified view of the standards, offering a comparative understanding of potential interference and speeds. If you are still utilizing an older 802.11g router, consider an upgrade, as it represents technology from twelve years ago.