Page Text: Why would I want a gaming router?
How does a wireless router work?
A wireless router has a wired connection to the modem, the device that connects to the broader internet infrastructure outside your building. The router takes that internet data and turns it into a radio signal (far outside the range of human hearing) that can be broadcast across the surrounding area. Our electronic devices are equipped with receivers that pick up these signals and translate them back into data our devices need to create the content we see, hear, and use on our screens.
What are the various Wi-Fi bands, and what do they represent?
These are radio frequency bands that are specifically set aside to communicate wireless data. The two primary bands are 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Dual-band routers can broadcast Wi-Fi signals on both these bands at once, allowing devices to switch between bands depending on where there is the least interference. Some routers use a second section of the 5GHz band for additional possibilities, so these are called tri-band routers.
The two bands can be broken down further into channels, or narrower sections of the radio spectrum, but this usually isn't necessary unless you're doing pinpoint analysis of what frequencies are best in a specific area.
What are the various Wi-Fi protocols, and what do they represent?
Wi-Fi is always undergoing improvement in things like how data is efficiently packaged into radio signals, what security it uses, and how it forms connections with electronic devices. That means that the Wi-Fi protocol -- the standards and data formats that routers use -- occasionally changes so much that a new protocol is developed to incorporate all the technological advances and, well, level up Wi-Fi.
In the past, Wi-Fi protocols were named after codes like 802.11ac. This refers to the specific IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electronics Engineers) local area network standards, sort of like citing chapter and page for reference. But when the 802.11ax protocol arrived, there was a broad decision to change the naming conventions and simply call it "Wi-Fi 6" to make things easier for the consumer. The next protocol will almost certainly be called Wi-Fi 7, but that's still years away.
A router (and receiving devices) needs to be compatible with a protocol to use it: Protocols contain a lot of backward compatibility for older devices, but an older router won't be able to use a new protocol, which is why it's always important to see what protocol a router has before buying. These days, look for routers branded Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E to enjoy the latest advances. However, if your home broadband plan comes with speeds less than a gigabit, you can save some money by going with a slightly older Wi-Fi 5 router at this time.
What should I look for in a wireless router?
We already mentioned how important Wi-Fi 6 is for our current crop of routers and devices. Other important features to watch for include:
Dual-band or tri-band capabilities to help manage multiple devices more easily
Beamforming or similar technologies that can help target devices and prevent dead zones
WP3 encryption
Automatic optimization to prioritize certain kinds of traffic, devices, or activities like gaming
Technologies like MU-MIMO (supported by Wi-Fi 6) that allow for more direct Wi-Fi connections to specific devices
Security features to help detect unwanted devices, add guest networks, or add parental controls as needed
Gigabit Ethernet ports for additional high-speed cable connections, if necessary
A smartphone app that can be used for installation and monitoring
Mesh network capabilities if you want to cover a particularly broad area
How long does a wireless router last?
Compared to many electronic devices, routers are a long-lived bunch. They can often last for five years or longer without developing any problems that would require a replacement. However, replacing a router every few years is a good way to ensure you are keeping up with the latest technology and security, not to mention Wi-Fi speeds. If you start to see more and more devices supporting a new standard like Wi-Fi 6, that's an excellent reason to look for a new router. More advanced routers, like home mesh systems, are also smarter than traditional routers. These systems benefit from regular software updates and security patches that are applied at night during downtime, which requires no action on your part. And if you choose, you can check for available software updates through the companion smartphone app. Wi-Fi 7 is currently in development, and routers supporting this standard are not expected to hit the market until 2024.
What is a mesh router?
Routers have long had the ability to expand their signals via repeaters, or devices that take the router signal and replicate it in a different area, reaching more space and fixing problems like dead zones and dropped connections. A mesh router is simply a more advanced, user-friendly version of this idea in one package, allowing homeowners to blanket their property with good Wi-Fi coverage and reduce dead zones. Routers like Eero 6 and Nest WiFi have a primary router to serve as a hub, and satellite routers that are made to connect to it. These mesh systems are strong solutions for businesses, venues, and other large areas.
While mesh routers have been a pricey investment in the past, that's not always true today -- Vilo's latest mesh system starts at $20 for a single router and $60 for a three-pack to extend Wi-Fi signal to remote corners of your home. But you don't have to buy a dedicated mesh system to get the benefits of this type of network -- some manufacturers even allow you to convert traditional routers into a mesh system by purchasing additional main units or satellite nodes and connecting them together to create a mesh network through a smartphone app. One example of this is the ASUS ROG GT-AX11000, which can be used as a stand-alone gaming router or be added to a mesh system.
Can a better router increase your internet speed?
Your internet speed is primarily decided by your provider and local infrastructure. However, a better router can offer many features that remove roadblocks to potential higher speeds or make the speed you experience seem faster. If your current ISP (internet service provider) plan promises speeds that you never see on your Wi-Fi network, try a direct cable connection and run speed tests again. If your speed noticeably improves via a wired connection, that means a better router is more likely to increase your speeds, too.
Even if your broadband speeds never get even close to what's promised by a Wi-Fi 6 router, there are still several advantages to upgrading. The technology delivers more bandwidth to each device that's connected, helping to ensure that local transfers aren't interrupted, and lag is less of a problem. Latency is also reduced, which is a benefit for responsive gaming and augmented reality and virtual reality applications. You can also connect more devices to your network, which will help owners expand their collection of smart home gadgets.
Why would I want a gaming router?
Gaming routers include software that can identify and prioritize gaming connections so they get the bandwidth they need to avoid lag or graphics issues. Some also work to connect to closer servers so that server issues are less likely to occur. These features are not necessary for a satisfactory wireless gaming experience, but if that's what you use Wi-Fi for, then they are certainly worth looking into. Our Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR500 pick is a great place to start, but there are other gaming routers at a variety of price levels.
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