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The Ultimate Internet Router Guide: Everything you need to know but don't know how to ask

Ever wanted to get a full story on a router without visiting a million websites? We've compiled the ultimate Internet router guide to get you all the information you need. Trust us, after you do this, you'll want to bookmark this page as your router reference guide when you need it.

1. Router Basics
2. Buy the router
3. Set up the router
4. Protecting your router
5. Brand-specific router
6. Router Frequently Asked Questions
7. Router is fact or fiction
8. What else can your router do

Learn the basics of an Internet router

First, we need to set the level when it comes to basic Internet router knowledge and make sure we are all on the same page. There may be a router in your house right now, and you are not sure what that means. Well, there’s no shame in that - I can’t tell you how my hot water heater works. So let's start with some router fundamentals.

What is a router?

The router is an important gear that allows you to connect more than one device to the Internet at a time. Routers can be wired or wireless. The router is different from the modem.

If you have a modem without a router, you can still access the Internet for a wired device (such as a desktop computer or laptop with an Ethernet cable). If you have a router without a modem, you cannot connect to the Internet.

What is the difference between a wired and a wireless router?

Connect to power devices with a wired router cable. A wireless router is usually called a Wi-Fi and does not require a cable. If you have many people with multiple devices in your home you will want to prepare your home Wi-Fi.

What does the router do and how does it work?

A router divides the Internet signal from your modem so that multiple devices can connect to the Internet at once. Without a router, you can only connect a wired device, such as a desktop computer, to the Internet.

What is a Wi-Fi Router?

The Wi-Fi router allows wireless devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, printers, smart speakers and more to be online at the same time. The Wi-Fi router uses radio waves to transmit the signal.

What router do I need?

There are a few key things to consider before buying an Internet router. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine your home router type:

1. How big is your house
2. Do you need Wi-Fi throughout the house, or in a central location?
3. How many people and / or devices are connected together?
4. What kind of activities should a Wi-Fi router support, such as web browsing, gaming or streaming?

Once you have the answers to the above questions, you can choose a router that suits your home size and internet habits.

Buy the router

There are many router options available on the market, but you should not do so. Read on to find the best internet router for you.

Which router should I buy?

When it comes to buying a router for your home, these are some popular features you might want to look for:

1. Dual-band: Transmits two wireless signals for improved performance
2. USB port: Allows you to connect to an external storage or wireless printer
3. Custom apps: Use the app to set up your router, run speed tests, and control your Wi-Fi network from anywhere
4. Mesh Network: Uses multiple Wi-Fi access points in your home to increase connectivity in larger homes

Router Buying Guide

See our Long-Range Router Guide and our Wireless Router Guide, currently in the market for our expert recommendations on routers.

Setting up your router

You know what a router is, you have found the best option for your home and you are finally home with things. What now?

How to set up your Wi-Fi router

You do not need technicians to set up the router. Whether you have cable or satellite internet, we have a guide for you:

What's the best place to install my router?

Putting your router in the right place in your home is the first step to router happiness. Make sure it is in a central location away from other electronics. Follow these steps by physicist Jason Cole for more instructions on the best place for your router.

How do I get my router signal going forward?

There are many tips and tricks to improve your Internet router signal, which prevents the angle of your router's antenna from switching to a separate Wi-Fi channel. Check out these ideas from your list to get the best router performance.

How to reset your router

Why should you reset your router in the first place? Well, your router has memory and local storage, which takes up space on the device. When you reset the router, these temporary files are deleted, which allows them to resume normal operation.

You don't need to reset your router often, but if you do, find the reset button on the router and hold it for 20 seconds at the end of the paperclip.

What to do if your router is not working

Problems with your router? Modem and Router Problems You Are Not Alone One of the most common Internet problems.

First, try to reboot your router. Unplug it from the modem and wait for 20 seconds and plug it back in. If you have a modem and router built together, also known as a gateway, unplug the device.

If your router is giving you trouble, place it in your home area where the walls or doors are not blocked. If you are using Wi-Fi, try to use your device in the same room as the router.

How to Protect Your Router

The security of your Internet router makes your Wi-Fi network more secure and contributes to the longevity of your router. Take these simple precautions for your home Wi-Fi network.

What are some tips to protect the security of my router?
Router security is important because all your Wi-Fi devices are connected and they are an attractive target for hackers. Here are the first two tips to protect your router from compromise:

Change the router's default network name
Create a strong password
How to know if your router is hacked
If you notice something unusual, such as your router running on your devices or software installation that you do not authorize, your router may be compromised.

How To Fix A Hacked Router
If you suspect that your router has been hacked, that R.U.T.

Reboot your router

Update your router's firmware

Start your guest network

How to update router firmware
Updating your router's firmware seems more frightening than it actually is. Most updates can be completed in a few steps and 15 minutes. Here's how to update the firmware for the four most popular router brands.

How to Update Netgear Router

How to update the tp-link router

How to Update the Linksys Router

How to Update Asus Router

Looking for a brand-specific router?

If you already have an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or want to switch, it's time to investigate which modems and routers work best with your service provider. Fortunately, we’ve worked with you on these top eight providers. Here are the recommended brand-specific tools for your Internet provider:

CenturyLink

Spectrum

Cox

Verizon

Marginal

Wind

Mediacom

Xfinity

What can your router do?

Many new Internet routers go above and beyond basic Wi-Fi service functions to allow more choice and control for users' home networks. Here are some common router extras to watch on your router:

Block websites
Schedule a time period for digital detox
Set parental control
Set up a guest network