鉴于当今市场上有许多选择,购买一台好的路由器已成为一项相当大的挑战。对于希望购买他们的第一台路由器的买家来说,这更具挑战性。
把你会在盒子里找到的所有行话拿走。这是什么意思呢?您是否发现自己在问“我真正需要哪些无线路由器功能?”(“What wireless router features do I actually need?”)
在本购买指南中,您将了解在WiFi路由器中寻找什么——包括功能和规格。
WiFi 标准
查看一个盒子,用户会发现AC1200、AC1900和AC3200等术语。这些字母和数字的组合是什么意思?
这些是网络标准。简而言之,他们应该告知消费者您的连接速度有多快。AC1200表示有 1,200 Mbps;AC1900为您提供 1,900 Mbps;等等。数字越大,它可以支持的带宽就越多。
所以你会认为更高意味着更好,对吧?嗯,不完全是。
首先,实际情况不会让您接近计费带宽。大多数互联网计划的上限为 1Gbps。其次(Second),1,200 Mbps足以在 30 秒内下载一部电影。
最后,目前宣传的速度主要是理论上的。它实际上并不是指实际速度,而是指每个频率可以提供的最大速度(稍后会详细介绍)。
只要您购买AC1200或更高/更新的路由器,您应该没问题。
无线频段
路由器无线频段分为三种类型(AKA频段):单频段、双频段和三频段。
这是一个快速的答案:拥有更多的乐队更好。但实际上,明智的回答比这更微妙一些。为什么?因为在大多数情况下,三频路由器太过分了。
WiFi频段
这是互联网路由器如何工作的快速摘要。WiFi信号以 2.4 (WiFi)GHz的频率传播。大多数路由器都能够传输该频率,被称为单频路由器。
但现代路由器可以以 2.4 GHz(GHz)和 5 GHz两种频率提供互联网。可以提供两个频率的路由器被归类为双频。
三频路由器同时使用 2.4 GHz和 5 GHz,但能够以两个频率提供后者。
频率和网速
点击多个频率可让您获得更快的速度。想象一下(Imagine)住在所有居民都使用相同的 2.4 GHz频率的公寓里。您所有的WiFi信号都必然会相互交叉。这会影响您的设备接收数据的速率。
但是,如果您使用的是 5 GHz连接,您可以通过移出频率并进入更高频率来消除竞争。
兼容性
那么为什么不是每个人都购买双频或三频路由器呢?因为并非所有设备都能接收 5 GHz信号。例如,有些手机无法像 iPhone 3G 或 3G 那样充分利用 5 GHz 。
你应该选择什么?
这将取决于你需要什么。这是三个选项之间的快速比较。
- 单波段(Single-Band)——最实惠的。它与大多数设备兼容。但它正在变得越来越过时。大多数人都在这个频率上,所以预计会有一些干扰。
- 双频(Dual-Band)——比单频灵活得多。较新的设备能够连接到 5 GHz。为您提供更多带宽,但比单频路由器贵得多。
- 三频(Tri-Band)——能够(Able)分接三个频率。它们很昂贵,尤其是对于家庭用户而言。但是,如果您的家庭有很多高级用户并消耗大量带宽,那么这可能适合您。
对于普通用户来说,双频路由器应该足够了。
USB端口
您需要一个带有USB端口的路由器。当将打印机和硬盘驱动器等设备连接到网络时,这会派上用场。
具有更快传输速率的USB 3.0路由器是您的目标。
强大的应用程序
今天的大多数路由器都有一个随附的应用程序,可让您控制路由器设置而无需直接插入。因为每个制造商都有自己的应用程序方法,所以最好进行研究,看看哪些最能吸引你。
请记住,大多数这些应用程序只有在您连接到网络时才能运行。如果您想远程连接到网络,则需要找到内置该功能的路由器。
因此,我们的建议是寻找具有重要功能的随附应用程序,例如更改WiFi名称和密码。
What Should You Look For In a New Modem Router?
Shopping for a good routеr has become quite a chаllenge, given the many optionѕ in the market today. It’s even more challenging for buyers looking to buy their vеry first router.
Take all the jargon you will find in the box. What does it all mean? Do you find yourself asking “What wireless router features do I actually need?”
In this buying guide, you’ll learn what to look for in a WiFi router – including features and specifications.
WiFi Standards
Looking at a box, users will find terms like AC1200, AC1900, and AC3200. What do these combinations of letters and numbers mean?
These are networking standards. In a nutshell, they’re supposed to inform consumers how fast your connection can go. AC1200 means having 1,200 Mbps; AC1900 gives you 1,900 Mbps; and so on. The higher the number, the more bandwidth it can support.
So you’d think that going higher means better, right? Well, not exactly.
First, real-world conditions won’t get you anywhere near the billed bandwidth. Most internet plans cap out at 1Gbps. Second, 1,200 Mbps is more than enough to download a movie in 30 seconds.
Lastly, the advertised speed is mostly theoretical at this point. It doesn’t really refer to the actual speed but rather the maximum speed that can be delivered per frequency (more on that later).
As long as you buy a router that’s AC1200 or higher/newer, you should be fine.
Wireless Bands
There are three types of router wireless bands (AKA frequency bands): single-band, dual-band, and tri-band.
Here’s a quick answer: having more bands is better. But in reality, the sensible reply is a bit more nuanced than that. Why? Because a tri-band router is overkill in most cases.
WiFi Frequency Band
Here’s a quick summary of how internet routers work. WiFi signal travels on a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Most routers are able to channel that frequency and are referred to as single-band routers.
But modern routers can deliver the internet in two frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Routers that can deliver two frequencies are categorized as dual-band.
Tri-band routers use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but are able to deliver the latter in two frequencies.
Frequency & Internet Speed
Tapping more than one frequency lets you have more speed. Imagine living in an apartment where all residents use the same 2.4 GHz frequency. All your WiFi signals are bound to cross one another. This affects the rate at which your devices receive data.
But if you’re on a 5 GHz connection, you eliminate the competition by moving out of their frequency and into something higher.
Compatibility
So why doesn’t everyone buy dual-band or tri-band routers? Because not all devices can receive 5 GHz signals. Some phones, for example, can’t make the most of 5 GHz like the iPhone 3G or 3Gs.
What Should You Pick?
It would depend on what you need. Here’s a quick comparison between the three options.
- Single-Band – The most affordable. It’s compatible with most devices. But it is getting more outdated by the minute. Most people are on this frequency so expect some interference.
- Dual-Band – Much more flexible than single-band. Newer devices have the ability to connect to 5 GHz. Gives you more bandwidth but are much more expensive than single-band routers.
- Tri-Band – Able to tap three frequencies. They are expensive, especially for home users. But if your household have lots of power users and consume a lot of bandwidth, this might be for you.
A dual-band router should be enough for the average user.
USB Port
You’d want a router with a USB port. This comes in handy when connecting devices like printers and hard drives to your network.
A router with USB 3.0 for a faster transfer rate is the one you should aim for.
Robust App
Most routers today have an accompanying app that lets you control router settings without having to plug in directly. Because every manufacturer has its own approach towards apps, it’s best if you do research to see which ones would appeal to you most.
Just remember that most of these apps would only work if you’re connected to the network. If you’d like to connect to the network remotely, you’d need to find a router with that feature built in.
So our advice would be to look for an accompanying app that has important features like changing the WiFi name and password.