Why you Should Upgrade your Home Router
Is your internet always stuck on the slow lane? Are your files taking forever to upload or download, and your videos still buffering? You might blame your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for all these, but the problem could be with your router.
Your router is responsible for “routing” the internet through your home, because it converts cable internet into the wireless (Wi-Fi) network for use on your desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. So, if it’s outdated, you may experience internet problems.
Router technology has significantly advanced, and today, many high-tech routers can meet your specific needs, whether you are a general internet user or a hardcore movie-watcher or gamer.
If you are in this latter category, cloud storage, lag-free Skype and Facetime chatting, buffer-free video streaming and gaming, and faster connections are things you would expect from your internet connectivity. If your router can’t provide this internet experience, then it’s high time you upgraded it.
Stop Renting from Your ISP
If you’ve confirmed that it’s your router that’s letting you down, then it’s the right time to buy a modern router. ISPs often offer modem-router combos or routers at the time of getting into a contract with them. If it has taken some years since your signed up with an ISP and your device hasn’t been updated, your router might be outdated. Meaning, it’s the right time for you to switch from wired ISPs that charge you monthly fees to having your router.
You’ll notice that going this route will be cheaper than renting a modem. The initial cost of buying a modem may seem prohibitive, but you’ll realize that you’ll benefit in the long run with a little calculation. For example, if you rent a modem for $13/month, you’ll spend $468 in three years.
However, buying a new modem or router may cost you $100 only, and it has some added benefits that can enable you to save $$$s every year!
Even if your ISP (for example, Charter Spectrum) provides you with a new router, you may realize that buying your own high-capability router for Spectrum can better serve your habits and preferences.
Upgrading Your Home Router
You can see that it is more beneficial to upgrade to your choice’s new router from the preceding. Here are five reasons this is necessary.
1. Modern Routers Will Accommodate All Your Devices
Technology is developing very fast. Just a few years ago, you could buy a router specifically for use with your laptop. Today, there is a host of other devices that need an internet connection. These include storage and media devices, smart TVs, tablet, and smartphones.
A router that was designed for use on one laptop cannot accommodate all these other devices at the same time. This is perhaps the main reason you need to upgrade your home router. And when getting a new router, choose one having Gigabit Ethernet so you can enjoy improved coverage courtesy of beamforming technology, Wi-Fi amps (built-in), and faster connection. You can also buy one with dual-band technology, supporting 5GHz frequency to enjoy more robust connectivity.
2. Next-Gen Routers Are Personalized
The old routers can only perform one action. This is not the case with the modern 802.11ac (or ax) routers, which come with many individualized capabilities. This means that modern routers allow you to pick the features that fit your habits and taste.
For example, if you like streaming media, then dual-band (or tri-band) routers may be better for you. This is because the different bands can be used to keep bandwidth-hungry devices on their own networks.
You can also prioritize data types and users with QoS (Quality of Service).
3. More comprehensive Range in the House
Modern routers have improved hardware, and they also combine multiple radios with multiple bands. All these make them have broader coverage than older routers.
This means all your family members will be connected wherever they are in the house/home. This couldn’t be possible just a few years ago when Wi-Fi connections could only serve those in the same room.
With a modern router, all the home devices will receive stronger signals, using MU-MIMO for multiple concurrent wireless streams.
4. Improved User Interfaces
Old routers have pretty awful interfaces. It can difficult to change settings on these devices just because of their unfriendly user interfaces.
Fortunately, engineers have been working on router interfaces, and the modern routers from ASUS, Netgear, D-Link, etc., now have user-friendly interfaces. They also come with many features that make it easier to use them compared to the old routers.
5. Updated Software
All devices have their end of life. When a device reaches its end of life, it has to be discarded. It’s often because the radio wears out, rendering it useless. The software also gets outdated and may need to be updated. Surprisingly, you may notice that there are no software updates for older gadgets. Their time shas passed….
If you continue using a device with outdated software, you’ll expose yourself to a lot of security threats. And the fact that the software can’t be updated means you can’t enjoy new features associated with modern devices or updated software. What would be the way out? The only solution is o upgrade your router. This way, you’ll get a new machine with new and upgradeable software.
Final Words
As you can see, the benefits of upgrading your home router are not only about your monthly internet expenditure. A new router means you’ll enjoy a better internet experience. You’ll watch your favorite TV channels, play games, stream videos, etc., with ease. Furthermore, all the devices in your home will be connected, with less complaints of “My internet is slow”!
Note: Purshology.com just acts as the publisher of the post.
