Your router is responsible for sending Wi-Fi signals to your phone, laptop, smart TV, security cameras, and more. He has a big job
Sometimes it’s the reason why your internet connection is spotty, but not always. Tap or click on my guide to troubleshooting your bad Wi-Fi connection.
Your router also plays a crucial role in network security. It’s bad news if someone hacks your router. Tap or click for a free check to see if yours has been compromised.
There’s a limit to what your old router can do, no matter how much you take care of it. Need a new router? Read on to find out and get help choosing the right one for your home.
Your router may be doing a good job of keeping you connected to the Internet, but is it keeping you safe? The latest security standard is WPA-3, released in 2018. Any router that uses WPA-2 encryption should be replaced.
Run an encryption check on your router. Go to your router’s admin menu. In the Wireless or Security menu, you’ll see the encryption status. Need help? Tap or click the steps to do this on my site.
If your router does not support WPA3, WPA2-PSK AES is the next most secure option. It’s also a sign that you need to get a new router. Below I will tell you how to select the best router.
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When you buy a router, you can also future-proof your network. More and more devices support Wi-Fi 6, but that doesn’t mean anything if your router doesn’t.
Wi-Fi 6 significantly improves two critical categories: speed and range.
Homes with lots of connected technology – phones, computers, smart TVs, printers, smart speakers and smart home devices – put a definite strain on the network. Wi-Fi 6 routers can easily handle 50 or more devices.
There is something even better than Wi-Fi 6, although not many devices can use it yet. Wi-Fi 6 uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, while Wi-Fi 6e operates in the 6 GHz band. You’ll find this technology built into many mesh networks.
Location, location, location: Where to put your router for better speeds
Your home must have a constant and fast network. A single router works well for small spaces, but what about multiple rooms and floors?
Mesh nets are more popular and affordable than ever. Instead of relying on a router, a mesh network adds satellite modules around your home, covering the entire area with coverage.
These systems usually come in sets of two or more units that work together. For your gadgets, the Wi-Fi mesh is a large, continuous network that eliminates poor coverage, dead spots, and buffering.
Internet out? Before you unplug everything, read this: The only way tech pros reset their routers.
How old is your router? Routers that only support 2.4 GHz frequencies are dinosaurs.
Single band routers need to be replaced. A dual-band router that supports 2.4 and 5 GHz will do the job in households with less than five connected devices. Get a tri-band router that supports three signals for homes with more than five connected devices.
I always get requests from people looking for help choosing a router. It’s hard if you have no idea what to look for. There are pages for sale on Amazon with prices ranging from $20 to $1,000.
Good news: My team and I have done the hard work for you. Take our proprietary router quiz. Answer a few questions and we’ll recommend the best router for your home that gives you the best security and fastest speeds. It only takes a minute or so.
The bottom line is this: it’s imperative to replace your router if your connection is spotty, not equipped with the latest security standards, or older than three years.
Tap or click here to take our quick router finder test. You’ll be glad you did!
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today”. It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips and calls with tech questions like you from around the country. Look for it wherever you find your podcasts. For your convenience, click the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST SELECTION: The most invasive home technology, the dangers of Facebook, the new tricks of Google
Your privacy could be at risk if you have smart home devices. In this episode, learn new Google tricks, keyboard shortcuts, and some Facebook dangers. Also, here’s why you should never use in-app browsers. (If you put your information there, you’re in big trouble!)
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando”.
What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
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