All you need to know about Wi-Fi & our top picks for the best Wi-Fi routers
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
From the connection to your smart home gadgets to the dead zones that make streaming impossible, Wi-Fi plays a major part in our daily lives, yet we hardly think about this fascinating technology that allows us access to the internet.
If you're like most people, you probably use wi-fi every day without really knowing what it stands for. Wi-fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without using cables. It's become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more devices are able to connect to the internet wirelessly.
But there's so much more to your wireless connection than you know. If you're using a Wi-Fi connection for your home network, here's what you need to know to better understand your internet plan.
What does Wi-Fi stand for?
Although Wi-Fi is a commonly used word in this day and age, many people don't know what Wi-Fi stands for. If you're one of them, you're in the right place.
So, what exactly is Wi-Fi? The term "Wi-Fi" is actually short for "wireless fidelity". It's a play on the term "Hi-Fi", which is used to describe high-quality audio equipment. When Wi-Fi was first introduced, it was seen as a way to improve the quality of wireless networking.
However, Wi-Fi has become so commonplace that it's no longer just used for high-speed networking. In fact, most people use Wi-Fi to connect their devices to the internet rather than using a wired connection.
There are many benefits to using wi-fi, including the fact that it's more convenient than a wired connection and it's usually faster. However, there are also some downsides to wifi, such as the fact that it can be less secure than a wired connection.
How wi-fi networks work
Wi-fi works by using radio waves to connect devices to the internet. When you connect to a wifi network, your device will send out a signal that can be picked up by other devices.
The strength of the signal depends on a number of factors, including the distance between the devices and the amount of interference from other objects.
If there are multiple devices trying to connect to the same wi-fi network, they will all share the same bandwidth. This can result in slower speeds for everyone.
How to get the best wi-fi signal
There are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your wi-fi signal.
- First, make sure that your router is in a central location.
- Second, avoid placing objects between your router and your devices. Third, use a wireless range extender to extend the reach of your wi-fi network.
- Finally, make sure that your devices are running the latest software and firmware.
By following these tips, you can improve the quality of your wi-fi signal and get the best possible performance from your devices.
The difference between home and public wi-fi
The main difference between public and home wi-fi is the level of security.
Public wi-fi hotspots are usually less secure than home wi-fi networks because they are not password-protected. This means that anyone within range of the network can connect to it.
Home wi-fi networks are typically password-protected, which makes them more secure. However, this also means that you need to be careful about who you give the password to.
If you're using a public wi-fi network, you should avoid doing any activities that require a lot of personal information, such as online banking or shopping. You should also use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your traffic and protect your data.
How to choose a wi-fi router
When you're shopping for a wi-fi router, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the router is compatible with your devices. Second, you need to decide what type of router you need.
There are two main types of wi-fi routers: single-band and dual-band. Single-band routers operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency and are best suited for small homes with fewer than 10 devices. Dual-band routers operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies and are best suited for larger homes with more than 10 devices.
You should also consider the speed of the router. The faster the router, the better the performance will be. However, keep in mind that faster speeds come at a higher price.
Finally, you need to decide what features you want in a router. Some routers come with built-in security features, while others allow you to manage your network using an app.
The best wi-fi router for 2023
The best wi-fi router for most people is the TP-Link Archer AX6000.
This router is fast, reliable, and easy to use. It's also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the TP-Link Archer A7 is a good choice. This router is slower than the AX6000 but it's still fast enough for most people.
If you need the fastest possible speeds, you should consider the Netgear Nighthawk RAX200. This router is expensive but it offers top-of-the-line performance.
No matter what your needs are, there's a wi-fi router that's right for you. By taking the time to find the best router for your needs, you can improve your online experience and get the most out of your devices.
What are the different versions of wi-fi?
There are two main types of wi-fi: 802.11ac and 802.11ax.
802.11ac is the older standard and it's what most people are using right now. It offers speeds up to 1,300Mbps.
802.11ax is the latest standard and it offers speeds up to 4,800Mbps. This makes it ideal for people who need the fastest possible speeds, such as gamers or streamers.
What is mesh network?
Mesh wi-fi is a type of wi-fi system that uses multiple devices to create a single wi-fi network.
Mesh networks are designed to cover large areas and they're perfect for people who have trouble getting a good signal in their home.
If you're looking for an easy way to improve your wi-fi signal, a mesh wi-fi system is the perfect solution. These systems are easy to set up and they offer great performance.
What is wi-fi 6?
Wi-fi 6 is the latest generation of wi-fi technology. It's faster and more efficient than previous generations of wifi, and it's designed to work with the latest devices.
Wi-fi 6 is based on the 802.11ax standard and uses OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiple access) to improve performance. It also uses MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) to allow more devices to connect to the network at the same time.
One of the biggest benefits of wi-fi 6 is that it's more energy-efficient than previous versions of wi-fi. This means that you'll be able to use your devices for longer without having to worry about the battery life.
The best wi-fi 6 routers
If you're looking for the best possible performance, you should consider getting a wi-fi 6 router. However, keep in mind that these routers are more expensive than traditional wi-fi routers.
Wi-fi 6 routers are backwards compatible with older devices, so you'll still be able to connect all of your devices to the network.
Here are top picks for routers that support wi-fi 6:
-NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200
-ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
-TP-Link Archer AX6000
-Linksys Velop MX5300
-D-Link Exo Router AX1500
Do you need a wi-fi extender?
If you're having trouble getting a good wi-fi signal in your home, you may need to get a wi-fi extender. Wi-fi extenders help to amplify the signal and extend the range of the network.
If you have a large home or a lot of devices that need to be connected to the network, you may need more than one wi-fi extender.
Wi-fi extenders also help if you have busy network traffic and don't have access to an ethernet port or cable.
Wi-fi extenders are easy to set up and they don't require any special wiring. However, they can be expensive, so make sure you compare prices before you buy one.
Discover more about the different wi-fi options with HomeLinkd
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Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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