router with modem vs router without modem

Router with modem vs router without modem upgrade#
Router with modem vs router without modem plus#

At that point, the device is downgraded to either having only critical security updates or (in most cases) it just isn’t upgraded at all. Decreasing the load on your 2.4GHz network and putting some of it on the 5GHz network goes along way towards alleviating congestion problems.Įvery device eventually reaches what the manufacturer considers its end-of-life phase. Not only do many of the communication channels in the 2.4GHz spectrum used by routers overlap each other, but the same chunk of the radio spectrum is used by many cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless security devices, and more. What causes this network congestion everyone complains about? While you can contribute to it simply by having tons of Wi-Fi devices on your network there are also external factors at play.

Router with modem vs router without modem plus#

RELATED: How You and Your Neighbors Are Making Each Other’s Wi-Fi Worse (and What You Can Do About It)Īt the bare minimum you’ll benefit from having one band for your older gear and one band for your newer gear that can support 5GHz communication (even if you don’t have any 5GHz stuff yet you’ll still have a nice wide open space for it when you upgrade).įor power users, a combination of multiple bands plus multiple radios does wonders for network congestion and overall performance. Newer standards like 802.11ac use the 5GHz band (and some premium routers include two 5GHz bands, a little network magic trick that relies on using two distinct chunks of the 5GHz spectrum).

Older standards like 802.11b and 802.11g use the 2.4GHz band.

Multiple Bands Decrease Congestion and InterferenceĪny router that supports newer standards will be, by default, at least a dual-band router.

Router with modem vs router without modem upgrade#

If you’re still using a single radio/band Wireless-G router from 2010 or before, for example, you’re essentially using a bicycle when you could be using a spaceship.įinally we want to emphasize: even if you aren’t rapidly (or at all) adopting devices that can support the newest Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac, you can still benefit an upgrade as newer routers are optimized in ways that benefit older equipment too. You might have bought the router two years ago, but if the model itself is from 5 or more years ago, there’s a good chance that you’re playing with outdated router tech and could benefit greatly from upgrading. RELATED: What is 802.11ac, and Do I Need It?Įven if you aren’t noticing problems, you should also consider the age of your router, too–both in terms of the actual age of your physical device and the age of the particular model. ISPs aren’t in the business of handing out extremely high quality routers, and generally speaking most modem/router combination units are junk. Second, was the router a freebie? If it was supplied by your ISP (whether as a router/modem combo or a stand-alone unit) there’s a good chance it’s not up to snuff. If you frequently have network-related congestion issues, like slow web page loading or stuttering video playback, that can’t be chalked up to a slow broadband connection then it’s a good sign that your router isn’t up to the task of serving everyone in your household. The last thing you want in the age of Netflix is a router design from the days when Netflix was synonymous with DVD rentals.Īlthough there is no way for us to assess the situation of every reader and give them a tailored recommendation, you can use these general guidelines to consider if an upgrade is the right move for you.įirst and foremost: are you experiencing frequent symptoms of an under-powered or overwhelmed router? If you can’t get a Wi-Fi signal everywhere in your home (and have considered getting a Wi-Fi extender or a second router), that’s a good indicator you’re a good candidate for an upgrade.

Upgrading to a current generation router is a cheap and effective way to improve your home network in every way: better Wi-Fi range, stronger signal, and better handling of demands modern users put on their network. Unfortunately, this leads to a situation where the important-but-ignored router ends up being a source of degraded internet connection quality and a diminished user experience for everyone on your network.

Most people hardly pay any attention to them unless there is a big malfunction, and people may not consider upgrading them any more than they consider upgrading their washing machine. Routers are the oft-ignored work horses of the home network. Even if you don’t have brand new tech toys you still benefit from upgrading a dated router. Many people have the attitude that it doesn’t matter if their router is older because their phone, laptop, or other wireless gear isn’t cutting edge anyways.