This month we take a look at the often neglected Internet router usually provided by your Internet provider e.g., BT, Virgin, TalkTalk and other ISP’s (Internet Service Provider).
At least twice a week I come across customers that have been with the same ISP for years and still using the same router they were originally given.
So if Its working, why upgrade your router? Well firstly the security features on new routers are far better, the old standard WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) security is replaced with WPA2 and 3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
Secondly the Wi-Fi capabilities of new routers are excellent. Many Routers have multiple aerials - MU-MIMO, which stands for “multi-user, multiple input, multiple output, which give an excellent range for multiple users throughout house.
Recent Routers have two bands to connect on, 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands.
The current generation of Wi-Fi, 802.11ac, turned into Wi-Fi 5. This new generation, previously called 802.11ax, is now Wi-Fi 6. Many new laptops now come with Wi-Fi 6 too.
Finally, many old routers will not support the newer Fibre broadband. So if you have n’t had a new router in the past few years and want to take advantage of these new features, contact your ISP and ask them for an upgrade which is often free or available for a nominal fee.