The key to a connected home is the connected part. A smart device without the wireless communication functions is just a normal old device! Some smart devices communicate via Bluetooth, but the vast majority connect via Wi-Fi. Therefore, the Wi-Fi router is one of the most important components of a smart home.

Sometimes your Internet service provider offers to rent a router. It is usually a bad deal. You can often save money by buying your own router. Read on to find the right router for your home.

Router speed

There are several different classifications of router speeds, indicated as 802.11 followed by a letter. The Wi-Fi speed ranges are as follows: a -> b -> g -> n -> ac, with “a” the slowest and “ac” the fastest.

If you are looking for a new router, watch out for 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g routers. These routers are out of date for several years and unless you get them for a minimal price they are not worth it.

802.11n routers reach speeds of up to 300 megabits per second, and 802.11ac routers can reach speeds of more than 1,300 megabits per second. Now keep in mind that the maximum speed you will get depends on the internet service you pay for. Most modern homes don’t have access to speeds above 300 megabits, so you would probably be okay with buying an 802.11n router. However, if you want to be future-proof, purchasing an 802.11ac router should have it set up for years to come.

Dual band vs. Single band

Many routers offer dual band functionality such as 2.4ghz signals and 5ghz signals. Single band routers only offer 2.4 GHz signals. If you have a lot of devices or really need extra speed, choose the dual band router. If your router usage will be modest, you can save some money and stick with the single band.

Extenders and mesh networks

If you have a large home, you may need to buy Wi-Fi extenders. These devices can boost the signal and reach other rooms in the house. I recommend setting up your new router first to see if extenders are needed.

If money is not an issue, you can buy routers with mesh network technology. These routers work together automatically to create a powerful Wi-Fi network. The technology is used primarily in commercial buildings, but is now becoming more accessible to the consumer. That being said, mesh routers can be very expensive.

With these tips in mind, shop around!