Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Computers with network adapters such as Ethernet cards
- Product reviews and ratings
Step1
Research the top 802.11g wireless broadband routers before you buy one. Find articles that cover wireless router ratings and reviews in online and offline computer magazines. One such website is PCMag.com. While on its Home page, enter "wireless routers" in the search box, click the "Reviews" radio button and hit "Search" to read evaluations by experts.
Step2
Discover low prices and discounts. Buy the router that gives the best value for your dollars. "Less expensive" doesn't necessarily mean "not as good." Manufacturers and suppliers sometimes provide rebates and other discounts off the listed price.
Step3
Pay attention to the conditions in the warranty. This is important in making a decision. Every product comes with a warranty package. A longer warranty can indicate better support for the product and greater confidence by the manufacturer. A lesser warranty might be a red flag for a less-reliable product.
Step4
Find out what features the router supports. Not all wireless routers support the same range of features. Know what features you need now and which ones you'll need in the future. Some of the features to take into consideration are high speed Internet connection, basic file and print sharing, transmission of audio and image files, multi-player gaming over the Internet, voice over IP support, video streaming support and heavy LAN use with multiple users.
Step5
Take into account ease of use and configuration before you buy a broadband wireless router.
Step6
Check compatibility with your existing network adapters (Ethernet cards). If some or all of your Wi-Fi gear is from the same vendor, consider buying a wireless router from the same manufacturer. Vendor uniformity often means higher performance because the equipment has been tested and optimized more thoroughly and uses the same communication protocol.
Step7
Consider your need for speed. A wireless router can't speed your Internet connection. However, wireless router speed is important for multiplayer gaming over the LAN or for resolving congestion within a heavily trafficked LAN.
