How to choose a router for home
Being online anytime and anywhere is a new basic need. We are used to the Internet at home, at work, on our phones, to Wi-Fi in business centers, cafes and even in parks. Previously, a simple modem was enough for users, but now needs have changed dramatically. Which Wi-Fi router to choose at home? What features to look for?
A gamer plays Dota 2 24/7, a lifestyle blogger spends 80% of smartphone`s screen time on Instagram; a housewife does not miss a single series of the favouriteTV show, a remote developer works for IT-company - each of them has different requests for Internet speed, quality and traffic.
When a husband plays online games after work, a wife posts to a blog on Instagram and watches a movie on Smart TV, and children make videos for TikTok and YouTube, the router experiences a significant load. And if the connection "slows down", it is not because of the provider and the quality of the connection, but the reason can be in the device all the gadgets are connected via.
Currently routers are like stand-alone computers with a personal interface and an administrator panel, a processor and RAM. In addition to the function of “distributing” the Internet, additional features are added. Therefore, the functionality and features of models from different manufacturers can be very different.
What is useful to look for when choosing a router? And how to choose the right Wi-Fi router for home?
Connection type
The type of connection technology (WAN Connection Type) depends on the connection method:
- Ethernet is the best solution for those who are connected to the Internet not via a phone, but via a cable. This type is supported by almost all routers;
- ADSL - a router that can be connected to a cable running from the phone;
- 3G / 4G - USB ports are required for successful operation, routers with support for 3G / 4G modems provide better coverage and data transfer speed.
The best solution is when the router supports multiple connection types.
Rate and frequency
At modern homes more than 2 devices are often connected to the router at the same time, so the minimum rate for a flat is from 300 Mbit/s. IoT router Perenio Elegance, for example, provides speed up to 1 GB.
The frequency can be 5 or 2.4 GHz. With a small area of the room and a low network load, 2.4 GHz is enough, but for a stable signal for several devices, it is better to use a router that supports two Wi-Fi bands at once - 5 and 2.4 GHz.
Support for the 5 GHz band is needed if you use torrents, play online games, and watch streams or broadcasts. Some older devices (e.g. laptops) may not support it, but any 5GHz router will automatically support 2.4GHz.
Range and capacity
The choice of capacity depends on the area of the house, that is, on the required range of the router. If a stable connection is needed in a large country house, then a more powerful router is needed than for a one-room apartment. It is worth considering not only the area of the room, but the thickness and material of the walls, as well as the presence of additional obstacles. Pay attention to antennas.
Wi-Fi standards
The Wi-Fi standard used in the device determines the rate of data transmission to devices connected wirelessly. Existing standards:
- 802.11 n
- 802.11 ac
- 802.11g
- 802.11 b
It is better to choose a universal router that works by all standards. If the device does not support all formats, then a wireless router with Wi-Fi 802.11 n will not work if you expect to use the device for a long time. This standard provides a lower speed than ac and is gradually being phased out. The Wi-Fi 802.11 ac version is compatible with all previous ones. IoT router Perenio Elegance supports all of the listed Wi-Fi standards.
Functions
In addition to the option of distributing Wi-Fi, manufacturers are trying to offer users surplus opportunities - this can be the use of several providers on one device, support for IPTV, downloading files directly through the router to an external HDD via USB or VPN directly on the router.
IoT router at Smart Home: more than a Wi-Fi router
Smart portable IoT router Perenio Elegance stands out among the variety of routers for its versatility. It works both on a fixed Internet channel and on a 3G / 4G / 5G network, supports two Wi-Fi bands, 2.4 and 5 GHz. The IoT router combines the functions of a Wi-Fi router and a smart home center, is equipped with a built-in battery for 6 hours, which allows it to work not only from the mains, but also without it, and a SIM card slot makes the device completely autonomous and wireless. It also has an LTE antenna for uninterrupted internet access.
Features
- Smart home control center, connect 100+ smart devices
- Reactive Internet access (Wi-Fi 2.4 / 5 GHz), support for 3G / 4G network, LTE module
- Built-in battery (up to 6 hours without recharging) and SIM-card slot
- Type-C connector for fast portable charging
- Multifunctional RGB LED lighting
The smart router has a stylish, laconic design that allows the device to fit into any interior:
- 9-STEP laser polishing of the coating
- The uniqueness of high technologies
- Anodised one-piece aluminium sheet
- Sandblasting of the housing panel
- Logo with flicker effect
Still wondering which router to choose for both the Internet and Smart home?
IoT router Perenio Elegance, due to its features, is suitable not only for a flat, but also for a country house. The battery allows you to work without connecting to the mains for up to 6 hours. This guarantees stable Internet access even in the event of power outages that occur outside the city. The built-in SIM card slot makes the smart router completely wireless and autonomous - just insert a SIM card from any provider to work.
