Choosing the Right Router.

Posted:Dec. 14th, 2012 | In: Ask The Tech Guy, How To, Support Center, Tips, Website Resources

With the winter holidays quickly approaching, you may be asking yourself how you will support all of those new computer devices on your wish list. If you are looking for a wireless router for you or anyone else this holiday season, there are a couple questions you should ask yourself before making a router purchase.

Do you need a router?

If you only have a desktop. Don’t bother. Routers are used to direct data in a computer network, so multiple devices can connect to the Internet and communicate with each other. These devices include tablets, gaming consoles, computers, etc. If you just have a desktop computer, you can simply connect it directly to your DSL modem.

If you’re a multi-device user. Like most Internet-users today, you’re going to need a router. So keep reading.

What kind of user are you?

You just want a simple connection. If you spend most of your online time surfing the web, sending emails and checking Facebook, a single-band router should suite your needs. It will provide you with a steady Internet connection, so you can go about your everyday activities. Try these single-band routers from Linksys, D-Link and Netgear.

You have both a dinosaur and the latest gadget. If your desktop is still running on Windows XP, but you’re reading this on a brand new IPad, we recommend purchasing a dual-band router, such as these routers from Linksys, D-Link and Netgear. They include a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. Many new computers, tablets and mobile devices can run on the 5 GHz band while your slower, older devices take their time on the 2.4 GHz band. Then, your old clunker won’t slow down your new gadget.

You’re a gamer, streamer, small business or large family. For multiple users and/or high data usage, a dual-band router is recommended. It will allow newer devices to run at a higher speed while other devices run at a slower speed, causing less traffic on the network. You should also look for a high Mbps– somewhere around 450. A higher Mbps won’t necessarily give you a faster Internet connection, but it will help with the performance of the network when you are streaming music and video, transferring large volumes of information, sharing files or gaming. Some routers for this level of usage include these ones from Linksys, D-Link and Netgear.

If you would like advice in choosing a router, you can contact Tranquility Internet at 573-443-3983. Local computer shops that carry wireless routers include Personalized Computers, Columbia Computer Center and PC Avenue.