What types of activities, such as web browsing, gaming or streaming, will the Wi-Fi router need to support?.How many people and/or devices will be connected at once?.
Will you need Wi-Fi throughout the home, or in one central location?.Knowing the answer to these questions will help you identify the type of router that will work best in your home: There are a few key factors to consider before you buy an internet router. A Wi-Fi router uses radio waves to transmit the signal. What is a Wi-Fi router?Ī Wi-Fi router allows wireless devices, such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, printers, smart speakers and more, to be online at the same time. Without a router, you would only be able to connect one wired device, such as a desktop computer, to the internet at a time. What does a router do and how does it work?Ī router splits the internet signal from your modem so several devices can connect to the internet simultaneously. You will want your home to be Wi-Fi ready if you have several people with multiple devices in your home. A wireless router, commonly called Wi-Fi, does not need a cable. What is the difference between a wired and wireless router?Ī wired router needs to be connected with a cable to the devices it is powering. But if you have a router without a modem, you will not be able to connect to the internet. If you have a modem without a router, you can still get internet to a wired device (such as a desktop computer or a laptop with an ethernet cable). What is a router?Ī router is the important gear that allows you to connect more than one device to the internet at a time. So let’s start with some router fundamentals. Well, there is no shame in that - I couldn’t tell you how my hot water heater works either. You could have a router in your home right now, and still not be quite sure what its purpose is. First, it’s time to level-set and make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to basic internet router knowledge.