Router
Directs traffic between every device on your network and the internet.
What is it?
A router connects your local devices to each other and to your internet service provider, directing traffic to the right destination.
What does it do?
It manages Wi-Fi and wired connections, assigns local addresses to devices, and routes internet traffic in and out of your network.
Wi-Fi standards
Newer standards (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7) improve speed, latency, and how well the network handles many connected devices at once.
Bands
2.4GHz travels further but is slower and more congested; 5GHz and 6GHz are faster with shorter range and less interference.
Coverage
A single router's range is limited by walls, floors, and distance — larger or multi-floor homes often need a mesh system instead.
Standard
Newer Wi-Fi standards handle more devices and offer lower latency, not just higher top speed.
Coverage
Should match your home's actual size and layout, not just a marketing number.
Ethernet Ports
Determines how many devices can connect with a wired connection for maximum reliability.
A router mismatched to your home's size or device count is one of the most common causes of dead zones and inconsistent speeds.
Internet speed is capped by your ISP plan, but a weak router can prevent you from reaching that speed on Wi-Fi, or create dead zones that make the connection unusable in parts of your home.
- Access Point — Access points extend a router's coverage but need it as the upstream connection.
- Network Switch — Switches expand wired ports beyond what the router provides directly.
Common mistakes
- Buying based on top theoretical speed rather than actual coverage needs.
- Using a single router to cover a large or multi-floor home instead of a mesh system.
- Ignoring wired backhaul options for mesh systems, which can meaningfully improve reliability.
How to choose
- Match coverage rating to your home's actual square footage and layout, with margin.
- For multi-floor or larger homes, consider a mesh system over a single router.
- Prioritize the number of wired Ethernet ports if you have several wired devices.
See Router products and pricing, or get a build recommended.