In a world where our wireless networks enable us to make calls, stream our favorite TV shows, post and keep current on social media and even become educated and conduct business, it’s all about our connectivity…and strong, reliable Wi-Fi that can get and keep us there.
There are several things to look for when shopping for Wi-Fi. One is an internet service provider that not only provides a reliable connection, but a decent internet speed. You also need a router that will adequately accommodate your needs, including your internet speed and the range you need to cover. Additionally, it is important to take the number of devices per router into consideration, since the more devices a router needs to handle, the more you will be decreasing your internet speed.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best Wi-Fi for you…Bandwidth can affect your internet speed, so dual bandwidth is helpful; and if you do things like video stream constantly in your home or office, you may even want to consider a tri-band router. AC routers will provide a higher quality connection than an N category router. There are Wi-Fi extenders available to enhance the speed of your router and Wi-Fi kits which can provide more powerful coverage over a larger area. There is also something referred to as MIMO technology, which adjusts data transfers to better accommodate data delivery from multiple devices simultaneously.
Your choice of internet service provider (ISP) is just as important. You want to make sure your ISP provides enough speed to meet your needs, but not so much that you are overpaying for a bunch of overkill. Connection, speed, customer service and price vary by provider. For example AT&T and Earthlink are among the highest ranked providers and they also offer fiber as opposed to a cable connection, but they tend to be a little pricier. When shopping for a provider, it can help to beware of any hidden fees and try to sign up for unlimited data if you can.