Wifi is also one of the mostfrustratingthings to set up and troubleshoot.
Buying a new router might be confusing, given all the different wireless classifications, prices, and features.
This is easy enough to check; just look at your devices networking specs.
Or, if youre really old-school, a 802.11g router.
Your old 802.11n router probably isnt being updated by its manufacturer anymore, and thats not good.
More on that in a bit.
802.11ac routers that can do all kinds of crazy things nowadays.
And in case youre still on the fence, lets examine just how much faster 802.11ac really is.
I also connected a desktop PC to the router via Gigabit Ethernet, or 1000 Mbps.
I connected to the routers 5GHz networkto get those sweet 802.11ac speedsand ran a quick benchmark usingLAN Speed Test.
Here were my speeds:
Not bad.
So, yes, if you have 802.11ac devices, you should pair them with a 802.11ac router.
Having faster speeds as you approach the limits of your routers range is a good thing.
You might even want to consider a wireless adapter that plugs into your laptop via a longer USB cable.
That way, you could place the actual transmitter/receiver in a location that gives you the best results.
The less you might put between your router and your adapter, the better.
Theyre usually easy to set up and manage via a smartphone app.
How much does this matter?
Ive just lost all the advantages of 802.11ac by foolishly trying to hide my router in my room.
Speeds (and sanity) restored.
Place your router in a central location
Really.
A routers signalextends outfrom its antennas.
You might feel like youre limited because the cable (or fiber!)
modem youve acquired from your ISP is stuck in a particular spot of your house or apartment.
Secure it to the wall with some handycable clipsto keep it out of the way.
This might sound like a hassle, but a quick weekend project to ensure proper router placement is essential.
Do not ignore this.
Do not hide your router.
Let its signal breathe free.
Your router can probably pick the best channel for you, but you should double-check its work.
Your routershouldntdo this if it obeys wireless coexistence mechanisms, butit might not.
(Yes,it can work.)
you might also spend a little money to boost your data pipe range without breaking the bank.
Many routers and PC internet cards, usually those with adjustable antennae, use twist-off antennae with RP-SMA connectors.
Its also possible that third-party firmware might hinder your routers performance, especially if its fairly new.
see to it youre running before-and-after tests to see how your performance differs, if at all.
For the best speeds, however, youll want to string Ethernet cable between the two instead.
This story ran in August of 2012, with original reporting by Whitson Gordon.
We tweaked language, added addition tips, and updated images.
Updated March 15, 2021 to reflect current style guidelines.
