Tips for Choosing the Ideal Internet Router

A few components have become near-universal partners for computers and related devices, and one of these present in virtually every home that contains a computer today is an internet router. Responsible for allowing your machines to connect to the internet and both download and upload data, routers are a must for any kind of online need - which make up the bulk of computer usage for many people.

At PC Laptops, we're happy to help with numerous related areas in addition to our wide selection of desktop and laptop computers, and selection of the ideal router is a great example. We've assisted clients around Salt Lake City, Layton, Murry, Sandy and many other nearby parts of Utah with these kinds of needs, and we'll lend our expertise however we can. Here are some broad tips on purchasing the optimal router for your needs.

Identify Your Coverage Needs

Firstly, you'll want to assess the coverage requirements for your home or business. The range of a router's signal will impact how many people can connect from different locations, so this is an area where it pays off to shop around for the best options.

For instance, if you're in a larger home with multiple floors, you might need a router that can spread its signal more efficiently than one made for smaller spaces. On the flip side, if you're in a smaller office setting, one with a lower reach might do the job more effectively.

Balance Costs with Performance

When selecting any kind of technology product, it's often a case of balancing costs with performance: Higher end routers can offer higher speeds and better coverage, but you'll pay for the privilege. On the other hand, if your needs are modest, selecting a budget model might be a smarter move.

Choose the Right Features

When it comes to routers, features are everything. Here are some of the key features to be looking out for:

Speed: First and foremost, the speed of your router determines how fast you'll be able to download and upload data, so this is an important factor. You should be looking for a router that can deliver the fastest speeds your budget will allow.
Wi-Fi: 802.11ac is currently the most popular form of Wi-Fi, and it's well worth seeking out if possible.
Security: Make sure you check what security features are offered in any router you're considering; look for options like WPA2 encryption, which helps to keep your network safe.
Ports: Especially if you regularly use hard-wired connections, the number of available ports on a router may be important. Look for models with multiple ports, especially if you'll be connecting a large number of devices.

At PC Laptops, we've helped many clients make the best choice when it comes to routers and other components. Contact us today for expert advice on finding the ideal router for your home or office.

Consider Upload Speeds, Too

One particular note when it comes to speed and routers: Many have an understandable tendency to look primarily at download speed, which may be a higher figure than upload speed. Download speed covers most of your most common usage areas, such as how quickly a given web page loads, but upload speed matters for activities like streaming video or sharing large files.

Be sure to consider both figures when selecting a router, and look for models that provide solid performance in both areas. This is especially true if you plan to make heavy use of video conferencing or other activities which require a strong upload connection.

Ensure Device Compatibility

While this doesn't tend to be an issue for most modern routers, it's still a good idea to check whether your router will be compatible with any devices you plan to use. Many routers are only designed to work with specific kinds of technology, so double-check before making your purchase.

To sum up: When selecting the ideal router for your needs, consider factors such as coverage range and speeds, cost, features and compatibility. With the right router, you'll be able to enjoy high-speed internet access with ease - so shop smart!

At PC Laptops, we're happy to answer any questions you may have about routers or other components. Get in touch with us today to learn more, whether about this or our wide selection of computers and computer repair programs for clients around SLC, Layton, Murray, Sandy and many nearby parts of Utah.