What to consider when buying a new wireless router. If you want to create a wireless network in your home or office you want to make sure you select the best wireless router for your needs. Consider the following things when shopping for a wireless router.
Compatibility:
Your new wireless router needs to be compatible with your existing wireless card, and your cable or DSL modem. Linksys and D-Link are some of the more well known brands of wired and wireless routers and are likely to work with a wide range of network cards and modems.
You’ll also want to make sure that any devices such as printers that will be shared over your network are compatible with your wireless router.
Security:
Good wireless routers come with the ability to customize connection settings and secure your wireless network through the router itself. Companies such as Linksys allow users to go to their website and change the default settings of their network address and their wireless router.
Always change the default information when you first set up the wireless router in terms of password and name. You’ll be able to password protect your wireless connection as well.
Depending on your needs you might need a router that can cover a large area or you might just need a wireless network that spans just a room or two. Some wireless routers come with multiple antennas that you can adjust to point in certain directions.
Keep in mind that with wireless routers, the connection will be slightly slower if you are sitting right next to the router and accessing the wireless. Range abilities are often clearly advertised on packaging of wireless routers.
It can also be hard to predict where exactly the wireless signal will reach, so always password protect your wireless network so people nearby can’t freeload off your internet connection.
Looks and Durability.
At the very least your wireless router should include status lights that indicate connectivity, PC activity, and status of the connection. The router should also include at least 2 ethernet connection ports so you can connect wired connects such as full desktop to the network.
As for looks, the router may be placed in a highly visible area. If so you want one that is small and blends in well with it’s surroundings. While not a major concern for most people, some people may place their router in a high traffic area or on their desk so it shouldn’t stand out too much.
Also you want a router that is durable, especially if it is placed in a high traffic area, is used for travel, or is moved around a lot.
