Wi-Fi Router Buying Guide

The two most important features

While it’s still possible to purchase a wired router, the type that require you to physically plug in your devices with an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi (wireless) models are the most flexible tools for connecting devices in today’s increasingly wireless world.

Here’s some quick info on the top two features that matter most when it comes to wireless routers: wireless range and wireless speed.

Wireless Range 

A router’s Wi-Fi range depends on many factors – how many radios and antennas it has, what frequencies it broadcasts on, interference – the list goes on. All you really need to know, though, is Wireless AC routers provide the best connectivity at the farthest range, followed by Wireless N routers. If you want reliable Wi-Fi throughout your house, stick to AC and steer clear of Wireless G.

Wireless Speed

Wireless speeds have come a long way since Wi-Fi routers first hit the market. Wireless AC routers are 3x faster than Wireless N and Wireless N routers are 14x faster than Wireless G. Moral of the story? If you use real-time applications, like gaming or streaming video, Wireless AC will offer a superior experience to N or G.

Different levels of Wi-Fi at a glance

Features to look for

Dual Band Connectivity

When shopping for a router, you’ll find both single band and dual band models. Single band routers operate on one wireless frequency only, the 2.4GHz band. While it works well for surfing the Internet, this frequency can get overly congested making it unsuitable for high-bandwidth apps like streaming video. Dual band routers transmit data over the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band, which is less prone to interference from other devices. With a dual band router, you can browse the Internet on the 2.4GHz band while streaming HD movies on the 5GHz band and neither band gets overloaded. In short? Dual band means less interference and faster speeds. All Wireless AC routers and select Wireless N routers offer dual band functionality.

Tri-Band Connectivity

With Tri-Band routers it’s simply adding another band, specifically another 5GHz band. With multi band routers it’s easy to think of it as a highway, with each band added the less chance of traffic and congestion there is even as more and more cars (devices) are added. So for the households with multiple Wi-Fi users all using multiple devices and maybe even throwing in a few connected home products’ the more bands your router has the better connection all your devices will get. Tri-Band is a fairly new concept but if you’re interested in a Tri-Band router check out our AC5300 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-895L/R).

Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO)

Muli-User MIMO is one of the newer Wi-Fi features to look for in routers and as more and more devices become compatible it’s going to really make a difference in the way your devices communicate with your router. MU-MIMO technology allows multiple devices to get high-bandwidth Wi-Fi signal at the same time, distributing data more efficiently, giving you the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in your home. You can stream HD media faster, transfer large files really fast and play lag-free gaming. For MU-MIMO technology we recommend the AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-885L/R).

Wireless Signals & Beamforming Technology

In typical wireless routers, Wi-Fi signals broadcast using multiple antennas and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology. MIMO allows for higher data transfer rate due to the transmission of multiple data symbols by simultaneously using multiple antennas.  The Wi-Fi signals are broadcast in a donut shape pattern from the router to blanket the area with Wi-Fi coverage. In more advanced routers, beamforming technology is added, which provides additional performance and coverage to devices. Rather than emit Wi-Fi waves in a donut shape, routers with beamforming technology find and track devices on your network and aim Wi-Fi signals directly at them, providing a much stronger signal especially beneficial for mobile devices.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Routers with QoS traffic controls track the type of network traffic (web surfing, online gaming, Skype®, Netflix® and so on) and decide which application deserves higher priority. This improves your online experience by ensuring that high priority traffic like Netflix is prioritized over other network traffic ensuring the best video quality and user experience across all devices on the network.

Gigabit Ethernet

Ethernet ports are available in two speeds: Fast Ethernet, offering speeds of up to 100Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet, clocking in at up to 1000 Mbps. If you want the fastest wired speeds available, you want Gigabit Ethernet.

Find your perfect match

The Affordable Upgrade

Laptop? Check. Smartphone? Check. Tablet? Gaming console? Smart TV? Check, check, check. You never met a gadget you didn’t love. You need a router that can connect them all to the Internet, all at once. D-Link recommends the AC1200 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-842)

The Multi-Tasker

You love to kick back and enjoy a good movie with the family. You need a router that can handle multiple streams throughout your house so you can Netflix movies in full HD without glitches or buffering. D-Link recommends the  AC1900 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-880L)

The Crowd Pleaser

You’ve got a lot of devices in your house, whether it’s you and your roommates all simultaneously streaming Netflix and gaming or a house full of kids with devices. You need a router that can handle a multitude of devices doing all kinds of activities. D-Link recommends the  AC3150 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-885L/R)

The Monster

You only want the best of the best, whether it’s 4K media streaming, or lag free online gaming all on multiple  devices you’re looking for top 11AC speeds, and the latest wireless technologies like Smart Connect, AC Smart Beam, Tri-Band Wi-Fi and MU-MIMO Technology D-Link recommends the AC5300 Ultra Wi-Fi Router (DIR-895L/R).

Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, buildings materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. D-Link is a registered trademark of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other third-party marks mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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