Assuming that a wireless router is a set-it-and-forget-it device is an increasingly bigger security risk. For those truly interested in the best performance and maximum privacy, vigilant monitoring of your home network is a must.
Older wireless routers are often the culprit when network security or WiFi performance problems arise due to unfixed manufacturer flaws or outdated hardware performance.
When issues are consistently occurring, a wireless router upgrade can be the cure!
The Importance of A Wireless Router
A wireless router is the centerpiece of any home network. Every device that uses a connection to the Internet takes advantage of the network created by the router to get online. For more information, FlashRouters has a comprehensive overview of what wireless routers actually do.
A powerful wireless router provides connected devices with the speed and performance to optimize activities like Netflix streaming and online gaming.
The speed of a wireless connection is based on a variety of factors, starting with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) package. ISPs offer various subscription packages that are differentiated by bandwidth limitations. Economy subscription packages offer slower connectivity, as ISPs incentivize subscribers to purchase advanced plans for greater bandwidth.
The second factor affecting the speed of the wireless connection of devices is the distance from the router. Simply put, devices that are closer to the router will have a stronger connection to the router’s wireless network.
Furthermore, the make and model of the router affect how fast data is processed. The number and size of antennas, the speed of the internal processing unit (CPU), and the amount of flash memory embedded in the router all affect performance.
Still unconvinced? Here are the top reasons to upgrade:
More Devices Covered
According to research, the number of devices connected to the Internet of Things will jump from nearly 27 billion in 2017Â to 125 billion in 2030. Having the proper wireless network infrastructure to support more devices is critical.
Enter MU-MIMO. MU-MIMO technology (Multiple User Multiple Input Multiple Output) reduces competition between devices on the WiFi network. With a MU-MIMO router, multiple devices communicate with the network at the same time.
Before the introduction of MU-MIMO, routers used SU-MIMO technology (Single User Multiple Input Multiple Output). Devices connecting to networks with SU-MIMO technology compete for connectivity, as the network processes requests on a first-come, first-served basis (as shown above).
In other words, devices form a line, like people entering a theater through one door. No one can enter the theater before the previous person enters. Likewise, device requests are processed only once the router processes the preceding device’s request. As a result, if a network has many bandwidth-hogging devices, congestion can occur. This can lead to slow speeds and subpar performance.
A router using MU-MIMO technology, meanwhile, fixes this problem by breaking up bandwidth into streams. The router processes individual streams simultaneously, allowing for more devices to connect concurrently, thereby decreasing congestion. It is as if the theater above opened two, three, or four doors, instead of one. That allows for greater speeds and better connections.
Upgraded WiFi Standards
A wireless router upgrade can help your network stay up to date with the latest wireless standards. Check out the chart below to see how some of the older wireless standards compare.
Wireless G
Max Throughput (Speeds):
54 Mbps
Max Wireless Range (Radius):
75 Ft
Wireless Channel Widths:
20Mhz
Wireless Bands:
2.4 Ghz
Single Band
Wireless N
Max Throughput (Speeds):
900 Mbps
Max Wireless Range (Radius):
200 Ft
Wireless Channel Widths:
20/40 Mhz
Wireless Bands:
2.4 Ghz / 5Ghz
Dual Band
Wireless AC
Max Throughput (Speeds):
5300 Mbps
Max Wireless Range (Radius):
500 Ft
Wireless Channel Widths:
20/40/80/160 Mhz
Wireless Bands:
2.4 Ghz / 5 Ghz (x2)
Tri-Band
Wireless AD
Max Throughput (Speeds):
7200 Mbps
Max Wireless Range (Radius):
500 Ft
Wireless Channel Widths:
5/10/20 Mhz
Wireless Bands:
2.4 Ghz / 5 Ghz (x2) / 60 Ghz
Quad-Stream
Wireless AX
Max Throughput (Speeds):
10,000 Mbps
Max Wireless Range (Radius):
500+ Ft
Wireless Channel Widths:
20/40/80/160 Mhz
Wireless Bands:
2.4 Ghz / 5 Ghz (x2)
Tri-Band
As shown above, newer wireless standards allow for more device connections thanks to additional wireless bands. Wireless-AD expands on Wireless-AC by adding another wireless band. The new 60 GHz band allows for short-range, powerful connections, reducing the load on other bands. Less load means devices have a longer lifespan, saving you money.
Upgrading to a router with a newer wireless standard will extend the wireless range considerably. Newer wireless routers come with more external antennas for better range and connectivity.
Better Security
Upgrading your wireless network also helps deal with the number one issue: security. Older routers are less likely to have updates and therefore have more vulnerabilities. Newer routers are more commonly updated and have better security protocols. However, even they are not free from trouble.
Recent router attacks like VPNFilter have shown that regular routers and stock router firmware are still full of security flaws and vulnerable to hacks. Plus, manufacturers are slow to respond to known flaws. So where does that leave you?
Luckily there is an open-source firmware solution like DD-WRT. It is constantly updated, ensuring that there are minimal issues and if issues do arise, they are resolved quickly. However, installing DD-WRT is difficult, time-consuming, and could leave your brand-new router nonfunctional. That’s where FlashRouters comes in! We’ll take the hassle out of upgrading your wireless network and let you enjoy your upgraded wireless network experience.
Upgrading To A FlashRouter For Maximum Performance
A wireless router upgrade is a great start, but upgrading to a FlashRouter is a more complete solution. A FlashRouter is a customized wireless router upgraded with highly customized open-source firmware. Upgrading to a FlashRouter provides added network stability and performance, increased range, and upgraded security.
Our router experts continually check routers for the newest builds, test them, and configure them onto your unique product. We then help you configure the router for optimal configuration for your environment. Check out some of our Wireless-AC FlashRouters below:
NordLynx WiFi 6 Router – Privacy Hero
$249.99
- Perfect for Medium Homes
- Perfect for 20-30 Devices
AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter
$149.99
- Perfect for Medium Homes
- Perfect for 20-30 Devices
Asus RT-BE88U WiFi 7 Merlin FlashRouter
$599.99
- Upgraded with Custom Merlin Firmware.
- Next Gen WiFI 7 Update of Asus favorite model.
Bonus: VPN Protection
Investing in a wireless router upgrade to a FlashRouter allows for additional capabilities and upgrades to an already powerful wireless router, such as making it compatible with a VPN.
Managing a VPN-configured router connection is now simple with the new FlashRouters VPN Privacy App. The FR Privacy App is an easy, free, and user-friendly way to access and configure your wireless network. Our app runs directly from any Internet browser on desktop or mobile devices.
This allows for easy tweaking and VPN configuration, including but not limited to:
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- Easy device management.
- Seamless VPN server switching.
- Optimized UI on any browser or mobile phone.
- Kill switch and VPN bypass by device.
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Want better support for your entire network? The FlashRouters Privacy App is here to help.
Any questions or concerns? Feel free to send us a message!
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