Every broadband provider will send a Wi-Fi router to all of its new customers. If you get a basic ADSL package, you can expect a simple router that does the job of connecting you to the internet and very little else. However, if you sign up for fibre-optic broadband , you can expect a better model with more features. The BT Smart Hub 2 is one of the most advanced Wi-Fi hubs available, with seven antennas and access to a wide range of signals, while the Virgin Media Hub 5 is a Wi-Fi 6 router, meaning it is more than capable of servicing the provider's market-leading ultrafast broadband speeds.
And the TalkTalk Hub matches BT in terms of accessibility, and also happens to be one of the best-looking hubs on the marketing. Read our guide on the best wireless routers for more specific details, then you can compare broadband deals here to find out which router and broadband service is right for you.
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The first thing that I want to point out is that a router is not mandatory. Another reason to buy a router is so that you can operate a laptop wirelessly in your home. Routers also add another level of security to your connection. Knowing which router to buy can be a challenge with all of the different options or features out there, let alone the jargon being used to describe them all.
Dual Band — Dual band gives you the option to have information transferred over two different radio frequencies 2. The general idea behind dual band is to increase the size of your bandwidth so that you experience less lag or bottlenecking while using your network at the same time. The further away you can be away from your router while still maintaining a strong signal the more flexibility you have.
The latest routers are easy to install and use. Some come with user-friendly apps that help you with guest networks, parental controls, user time limits, and network management. Whether you are setting up a new router in your home or upgrading an existing one, make sure you get to know all the workings of your new router and if it is designed to meet your needs.
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Sept 5, Join today. Cancel anytime. Start Free Trial. How do routers work? Router security: How to setup WiFi router securely Wireless internet or Wi-Fi access has become a necessity in the home and workplace, but it can also open a door to risks from hackers, scammers, and identity thieves.
This enables you to transfer and share files with specific devices within a network, including printers, scanners, and game consoles. Without the router, the data wouldn't end up at the right device. A command to print a document is useless if it ends up on your smartphone or a Google Home speaker—it needs to go to your printer.
Speaking of Google Home, routers are even more essential when it comes to connecting your smart home. Since a smart home is also a local network of devices, without a router they can't talk to each other. Depending on the device, you might still need an internet connection if services are cloud-hosted. But ultimately, the router coordinates these data packages. A local network can exist without the internet or a modem, but it cannot exist without a router. The difference between a wireless and wired router is what type of connections each device allows.
A wired router only has LAN cable ports, while a wireless router also known as a Wi-Fi router includes antennae and a wireless adapter that allows devices to connect without a cable. Most routers and modems nowadays include both LAN ports and antennae. There are a few points you should keep in mind before you select which Wi-Fi router to buy to make sure that you select the right one for your situation.
Now you know what a router does and the role it plays in connecting your devices to the internet. It's a good idea to understand the hardware that makes up your home network and internet setup so that you know what you need when replacing or upgrading devices.
Understanding these differences can save you the hassle of buying redundant devices or purchasing hardware with additional features that you don't need.
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