A Wi-Fi router is doing much more than ever before, especially with COVID-19 keeping many people working from home. Today, home Wi-Fi routers are helping millions of people work and study remotely while also connecting a rapidly growing number of smart home devices. With more Wi-Fi 6 devices becoming available, picking the most useful router for your home that provides excellent coverage and reliable Wi-Fi to keep everything running seamlessly is trickier than ever.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for choosing best Wi-Fi router for your home recommended by TP-Link.
1. A multi-core processor with at least 128MB of RAM are must-haves
The processor and the quantity of RAM a router offers is of vital importance. Home users will use their Wi-Fi for video streaming, file downloads, data backups, online gaming, and other activities that are being done simultaneously meaning your wireless router now need much more processing power than before. A home router should have at least a dual-core processor if not more, that runs at a speed of 1.2 GHz or faster. To ensure everything runs smoothly for everyone in your family, your router should not have less than 128-256MB of RAM. TP-Link Archer AX6000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi speed boosted by 1024QAM deliver astonishing wireless speed up to 5952 Mbps: 4804 Mbps (5 GHz) and 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz) supporting 1.8 GHz Quad-Core CPU & 1GB RAM.
2. Single band routers are now passé, upgrade to a dual-band or higher
A dual-band or higher means the router can broadcast the wireless signal on two frequencies or more wherein one frequency is always the 2.4 GHz band for older wireless standards like Wi-Fi 4 802.11n and the latest Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax as well. Dual-band and tri-band routers emit their wireless signal on the 5GHz frequency making them considerably faster than 2.4 GHz and with newer standards like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Modern smart homes that require fast wireless network for Full HD and 4K streaming, user can opt the Mesh solution for them which has smart Hub and our advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form one unified whole-home network with the same network. Deco M9 Plus acts as a hub for all your smart home devices. Adjust settings and create interactions from one platform — there’s no need to buy a specialist smart hub.
3. Make sure you verify the speed of the router that you buy
Listed specifications of a wireless router are not always cognizant with the real-life speed it delivers when put to actual use. These numbers are measured using the ideal and most advanced networking in specialized labs. That is why it can really pay off to spend some time reading user reviews and those made by specialists. This is an excellent way of being sure of what you’ll be getting when you buy a wireless router before actually making the purchase and TP-Link offers a wide range of Mesh & Wi-Fi 6 routers which are design to meet the needs of any home.
4. Get a router that has a smartphone app that can be controlled from anywhere
Several router manufacturers have designed their own smartphone apps that supremely simplify setting up their wireless routers. If you want convenience, you should check that the router you are buying has a smartphone app. One issue with some of these mobile apps is that they work only when the user’s smartphone is connected to that Wi-Fi. If you are looking for remote management from anywhere on the internet, make sure it is available for the router that you are picking. TP-Link Deco App and Wi-Fi 6 Routers Tether App are specially designed to work remotely from anywhere.
5. A USB port is non-negotiable
Home users have all kinds of USB devices like external hard disks, printers, and USB modems that they may need to connect to the wireless router which makes having at least one USB port available essential. One USB port, preferably a USB 3.0 is good. Some routers also have a USB-Type C port for connecting newer smartphones.
6. Look for smart-home integration support
Many modern homes now have smart devices, sensors, and switches and sensors in their homes. A router that is integrated with Amazon Alexa is much needed because with the growing number of devices in today’s home, everyone deserves a smarter and easier way to bring all your products together. Utilize Amazon Alexa to control everything via voice commands to enjoy truly intelligent life.
Take time considering and analysing your home’s Wi-Fi needs before picking one. Factor in what matters to your family members depending on their varied usage and keep these tips in mind to make an informed and useful purchase.
Lucas Jiang
General Manager, TP-Link, Middle East and Africa Region
