by Wireless Router on September 5, 2011
So how many devices are linked to YOUR wireless router? One… Two… Maybe three? According to Linksys, the average homeowner can expect to have just about every electronic device hooked up within a few years. Sounds pretty amazing, huh? Currently, there are over 1.1 billion WiFi enabled devices… Devices including the Apple iPad and new generation iPhones have caused ‘internet video consumption’ to explode in recent years, putting the pressure on wireless router manufacturers to meet demand.
The new Linksys wireless router X3000 is a single band Wireless-N using UPnP. An upgrade from the X2000 (which we had thought to be one of the best wireless router devices on the market), the new X3000 comes with four Ethernet ports and a USB port (along with AV media to boot). Sounds pretty sick, huh? Currently it’s on the market for around $199, with the cheaper X2000 setting you back aruond $149.
Be sure to check out our wireless router reviews to find even cheaper alternatives to these Linksys bad boys.
by Wireless Router on May 29, 2011
There are so many wireless routers on the market, both high quality and low quality – you don’t want to get stuck with the wrong one! I am going to discuss some of the different specs and features that you want to look for in a solid wireless router.
The most important thing to ever look at in the specs when you are buying a new wireless router, is the number protocol. The newest and highest quality are 802.11n and 802.11g. These two classes of wireless routers are going to be absolutely amazing quality connection hubs, allowing several different machines to run smoothly on the same connection in your household. What you are going to want to stay far away from is any protocol labelled as 802.11a, because that is an old protocol and lower quality technology.
One thing to note is that there is a maximum bytes per second rule in most countries, so even if you got a super sonic wireless router that could do insane speeds, you will likely be bottlenecked somehow by the local laws and your ISP. That being said, it’s still in your best interest to go for the highest quality and most expensive wireless router. Even though being expensive does not guarantee that the router is going to be of the highest quality, it’s usually a good indication. You can see routers on sale at an electronics store from $20 to $150, and I would highly recommend going for the higher priced ranged ones. That’s because it normally means that it’s a newer model and protocol.
One thing to make sure to look at is the compatibility of your machine and modem with your wireless router. If you are looking to buy a discount router that’s on sale for very cheap, make sure that it will be compatible with your newer PC/laptops/etc. The last thing you want to do is come all the way home only to find out that the router you bought is not even compatible with your modem. If you buy a newer model of wireless routers, that will pretty much guarantee that you are going to be compatible with any machine or modem, new or old.
The next thing that we are going to look at is the ghz of the modem. Normally, you can get a wireless router in 2.4 ghz or 5 ghz. While the 5 ghz routers might seem more powerful on paper, it more has to do with other appliances in your household. For example, if you have a 2.4 ghz fax machine on your desk, you will want to opt for a 5 ghz wireless router, so that they do not interfere with each other in the slightest.
So now you know all of the top specs and features that you are going to want to know about when buying a new wireless router. Hopefully this article was written in a basic enough language that even the total beginner now has some knowledge to walk into the electronics store with, and tell the sales clerk exactly what specs and features you’re looking for. That will make your trip and purchase a breeze!
