This wikiHow teaches you how to research and determine the model and type of wireless router.
Step
Step 1. Know your maximum internet speed
You can do this by contacting your Internet Service Provider (PLI), or viewing your account details. Internet speed, which is usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps aka megabits per second), will determine the router's minimum speed.
For example: if the maximum internet speed is 100 Mbps, you need a router that can handle at least 100 Mbps
Step 2. Find your city's internet service provider
There may be a better alternative to the service you are currently using, and your current internet service dictates the type of router to use.
Some PLIs offer the option of renting and/or purchasing a router/modem combination that is compatible with the services provided. Leasing costs more in the long run, but good for users who can't replace or update their router every few years
Step 3. Find out if you already have a modem
If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to buy a router and modem. The modem is connected to an internet access point (such as a physical cable), while the router is connected to the modem to transmit a Wi-Fi signal.
- If you already have a modem from another PLI, be sure to check with the PLI now to make sure it works.
- You can buy a modem and router combination for a lower price, although these units usually tend to cost more when repaired or replaced.
Step 4. Know your budget
Determine the amount of money that can be spent (and the maximum limit) to exclude high-end and expensive routers from the search.
- Usually, the cost of a new, quality modem and router can reach IDR 3,000,000.
- Be aware that your budget should be flexible as a router priced slightly above the budget limit may be more worth buying if its reliability and performance are excellent.
Step 5. Determine the area of coverage that the router needs to cover
One good way to determine this is to know where the router will be (such as near a power outlet) and walk from that point to each room the router's signal needs to reach.
- Walls and floors tend to block wireless signals, which means you'll need a more powerful router for areas with lots of room, rather than small spaces (such as apartments or classrooms).
- If the building has several floors of rooms or large areas, you may need to purchase more than one router and connect them to the same network.
Step 6. Specify each device that the router will support
Writing a list of devices that will connect to the router (mobile phones, computers, game consoles, etc.) will determine the size of the router needed because the more devices, the more capacity the router needs to support all of these devices simultaneously, and vice versa.
- Small to mid-power routers can usually support standard computers with low bandwidth operations, while high bandwidth operations and other devices (such as printers) require more powerful routers.
- Also, consider how you are going to use the internet as regular browsing and light operation requires less processing, compared to if you are playing games or constantly moving data (e.g. uploading or downloading).
Step 7. Understand what your router's speed and range require
You can be tempted to choose the most advanced router on offer. However, the router will only be able to provide the maximum speed for your PLI connection (eg 100 Mbps). Some things you need to keep in mind include:
- Advertised speed - Rounding off the combined speed of all router bands. These are the numbers listed in the router's product description. Since most devices cannot be connected to one band at a time, this figure is technically incorrect.
- Ceiling speed (ceiling speed) - This value determines the highest internet speed the device can use. For example, a router that supports speeds of 800 Mbps will not help a device that can only go up to 400 Mbps.
- Router coverage - The router's maximum range determines how far a decent signal strength can be received. For large areas, you will need to choose a router with a strong signal, or consider a mesh net system that uses multiple routers spaced a certain distance within an area.
Step 8. Try to find a router with classes "N" and "AC"
Each router has a numerical classification of "802.11", which is the international Wi-Fi standard. However, the letter (or two letters) in front of the router model refers to the version, and corresponds to the maximum speed.
- For best performance and compatibility, buy a router with the letters "AC" in front of the model number.
- Routers with letters A, B, and G are very old.
Step 9. Make sure your router supports WPA2 encryption
There are many types of security types, but WPA2 is the latest and most secure version of encryption. Routers with the letters "AC" should support WPA2 encryption.
- Avoid WEP and WPA as both are deprecated since 2006.
- If you don't find the WPA2 certification on your router's packaging, contact the manufacturer or customer service to determine if your router supports WPA2.
Step 10. Research router specifications
Once your search has been narrowed down to just a few specific models, do some in-depth research on reviews, user feedback, and usage reports of the routers involved. This will give you an idea of how the router will perform under the circumstances you will use.
- This is a good time to call your PLI and ask for a router recommendation.
- When reading reviews, pay attention to products that get bad reviews. Usually product flaws will be obvious here, especially if multiple users are experiencing similar issues.
- If your particular model gets a lot of positive reviews and is clearly bought by a large user base, this is usually the right choice.
Step 11. Talk to customer service
If you go directly to a computer store to buy a router, you can ask the staff for input. They can provide router performance information.
- Ask specifically about how often the router is returned. The rarer, the better.
- If you purchased your router online, such as via Amazon or eBay, consider finding a computer store that sells a similar router model and asking the store staff how it performs.
Tips
- You should also ask customer service for a router description if this is vital to your business network
- Although not required, matching the router brand (eg Samsung) to the computer brand can improve the connection.
- If possible, choose a high-quality router instead of a cheap, low-quality router unless a lot of user reviews suggest. It's better to spend 4 million rupiah to get a good modem and router than to buy a cheap one and it breaks every year or the internet connection is inconsistent
