Despite how important a WiFi router is to your home, it probably doesn’t get much attention. In fact, most people have routers that are at least a few years old, if not older. This is especially true if you are using the one that was provided to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The issue is, with each passing year, more connected devices join your home WiFi network, putting more and more stress on your outdated router. This often results in slow Internet speeds, and even more spotty WiFi. For this reason, it’s important to know what to look for when considering the best wifi router for your home. Because, like most people, you are probably due for an upgrade.

What Does A WiFi Router Actually Do?

• A router is an access point
• It’s a device that enables other devices to connect to the same WiFi network
• WiFi travels through your router on radio bands that act like invisible highways
• Each band is a different lane, keeping data on separate routes to avoid congestion
• Because certain devices demand more bandwidth than others:
  • Your WiFi router’s efficiency depends on the number of bands it has
    • Single, dual, or tri-band

When Comparing WiFi Routers, What Should I Look For?

• Network Management Apps: mobile app compatibility, allows you to remotely check in on your home Wifi network
  • From your smartphone or tablet, you can prioritize WiFi between devices
  • Monitor your speeds
  • Restrict sensitive content from the kids
  • Or access home security cameras while you’re at work
• QoS (or Media Prioritization): this feature gives you the ability to prioritize certain kinds of WiFi traffic
• Ethernet Ports: allow you to connect your Ether-enabled devices to your home network with an Ethernet cable
  • By hardwiring things like your cable box or gaming console, you can free-up your WiFi bandwidth for truly wireless devices
• Firewall: an embedded firewall helps keep your network secure
• Throughput: for streaming services, the throughput performance for a high bandwidth network is critical

Definitions:

A well designed, robust, and stable network is the foundation of fast reliable WiFi. Araknis routers provide a high-speed connection that makes for a hassle-free network experience. Araknis Networks® understands the importance of modern, seamless connectivity, which is why they focus on one thing: making your network.

Routers: 

Araknis Networks 300-series routers include dual-Gigabit WANs that can be configured to load-balancing or link failover modes, extensive VPN support, and an embedded firewall for wide-ranging network security. With an Araknis router, high-traffic networks are handled with ease.

• Dual WAN: dual-WAN allows you to connect your home network to two different ISPs (for example: TWC and Comcast) and have the WAN links configured either as load-balancing (i.e. active/active) or link failover (i.e. active/standby)
• 4 Gigabit LAN: perhaps this router’s most useful feature is an embedded 4 Gigabit switch on the LAN side
  • It is used to connect the router to multiple switches in the network, or connect other devices to the router directly
  • Plus, the LAN side of the router supports full LAN-LAN Gigabit speed with Jumbo Frame support for better video streaming

Wireless Access Points (WAPs): 

Designed with you in mind, Araknis wireless access points provide industry-leading speed, coverage, and reliability. Plus, fast roaming capability allows for optimum performance in any environment. Home networks require a fast and reliable connection at all times. Which is why Araknis Networks® wireless access points are designed to keep your signal strong. Araknis WAPs were built with a focus on aesthetics, making this a product you will be proud to put in your homes. Equipped with just one LED on the side, Araknis WAPs provide an option that’s both good looking and discreet.

Network Switches: 

Support all your home network needs with a full line of professional-grade network switches. The entire Araknis switch family offers full Gigabit throughput, PoE/PoE+, and cloud management through OvrC to monitor and control your home network from miles away. Designed for both form and functionality, Araknis switches bring new life to home networks.

Network Controls: 

With WiFi access management, you can easily manage your home’s wireless devices. Easy-to-setup user profiles allow you to schedule and restrict WiFi access as you see fit. Or you can choose to limit child Internet access during dinnertime, bedtime, or anytime. With this feature, you’ll have the ability to group any number of wireless clients into a “profile” and the ability to revoke/grant WiFi access to those associated devices, either manually or on a schedule, all from the OvrC Pro App. Thus giving you much more control over how the Internet is being used at your home. As an example, you can revoke WiFi access to your kid’s table after 9pm to ensure they have gone to bed.