What Type of Router Do I Need?

Here's a quick overview of the terminology you may run into when selecting a new router:

Ethernet Ports

The vast majority of wireless routers have three to five Ethernet ports: one that connects to your cable modem and two to four that connects to your computers or other devices. Ethernet ports come in a few options: 100 megabit, 1 gigabit (1000 megabit), 2.5 gigabit, and 10 gigabit.  One gigabit is the most common, but you will find 2.5 gigabit on higher end routers.  For AFN plans, you will need a router with at least gigabit ports.

Wireless Technology

Just about every wireless router will say “dual band”. A dual band router means the router operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has further reach but is slower. It is also more susceptible to interference. The 5 GHz band doesn’t go as far but is much faster.

High-end routers feature tri-band which is 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.  The 6 GHz band is very fast, but the reach is less than the 5 GHz band.

You may also see routers that offer either MIMO or MU-MIMO. MIMO stands for multiple-input and multiple-output. The MU stands for multiuser. MIMO allows a wireless device to send and receive data to different antennas at the same time.

802.11

IEEE 802.11 is the specification standard for wireless technology.  Routers will list what standards they support.  Here are some common ones you may see:

• 11a – Operates at 5 GHz. One of the first standards from 1999.
• 11b – Operates at 2.4 GHz. Also one of the first (and slowest) standards.  Had more success over 802.11a because of the distance it could reach, also from 1999.
• 11g – Operates at 2.4 GHz. Increased the speed to 54 megabits/second from 2003.
• 11n – Operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Greatly increased the speed up to a maximum of 600 megabits/second.  Released in 2009.  Also known as WiFi 4.
• 11ac – Operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.  Speeds increased to just over 900 megabits/second.  Relesaed in 2013.  Known as WiFi 5.
• 11ax – This has two standards, both released in 2021.  WiFi 6 operates on 2.4 and 5 GHz.  WiFi 6E includes support for 6 GHz.  This is still actively being used.
• 11be – More commonly known as WiFi 7.  This was released in 2024.  This is a minor revision change to WiFi 6E.  WiFi 7 routers do not need to include 6 GHz.  WiFi 7 compatible devices can simultaneously use all bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz).

General Tips

We recommend balancing your wireless devices between both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.  For example, you may want your Apple TV on 5 GHz but your phone on 2.4 GHz.  Modern routers will use something called “band steering” to move devices to the best frequency.

The most reliable internet connection will always be hardwired.  Hardwired connections are not susceptible to interference.  Hardwired connections are also faster than wireless.

Make sure your wireless device supports the standard you want to use.  For example, the iPhone 6 was the first iPhone to support 802.11ac.  The iPhone 6s was the first to support 802.11ac MIMO.  The iPhone 16 was Apple’s first device to support WiFi 7.

You do not need to use wireless.  Most wireless routers allow you to disable the wireless portion.  Many routers also allow you to set a schedule to enable and disable the wireless.

Here are some examples of what the back of various wireless routers look like.  One port will be a different color.  That port will plug into your cable modem.  The four ports that are the same color are for your devices, like a computer, printer, or streaming box.

Managed Wireless Router Service

AFN now offers a managed wireless router service.  The monthly cost is $6.49.  We will install and configure the router, ensure that your devices are connected, and also includes a lifetime warranty.  We have a mobile phone app that will allow you to manage the device.  Our routers include security software and parental controls, both of which can be managed from the mobile phone app.  We will also troubleshoot any issues you may have for no additional cost.