Purchasing The Best Wireless Router

When looking to get the best wireless router, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the purchase.

• Throughput
• Range
• Security

Throughput

When looking at the best wireless routers, one thing to consider is throughput. Throughput is the speed that the data will flow between the router and your computer. This speed is measured in Mbps (Megabits per second). The current standard 802.11g has a throughput of 54Mbps, with the new standard 802.11n having up to 540Mbps. Note that these are the optimum speeds, your mileage may vary.

Range

Range is the maximum distance from the router that a wireless signal is accessible. If you are using a wired connection only, then you won't need to worry about this. ranges that routers advertise, often tested in nice wide open spaces, may be quite a bit different from your house. Walls and other obstructions can lower the range of the signal. To get around this, you can install a wireless repeater that will boost the signal around your house.

Security

Most routers today will come with WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) which is a first line of defense. However, that is usually not enough. When looking for a router, try to find one with WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or the newer WPA2. The built in firewall will also help to protect your computers and I wouldn't recommend a router without one.

Purchasing Your Router

The first decision when looking for the best wireless router is: Wired or Wireless?

Wireless

If you are planning to go with a wireless router, then the Linksys WRT150N should be at the top of your list. I have used Linksys routers for many years, and have never had a single problem that I didn't cause. The WRT150N router is using the 802.11n draft standard, which includes MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). MIMO utilizes multiple antennas to optimize speed and minimize errors. With 4 wired ports built in, you will have plenty of connections.

Wired

If you do not need a wireless connection, check out the Linksys BEFSX41. Yeah, another Linksys, but I always go with what works. The setup for this router is a breeze. Not much more to say about it, it routes, and it will last you a long time.

Have your router in hand? Let's continue on to Router Setup.

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