Do you actually need a new Wi-Fi router?
Maybe, but a slow connection is not enough evidence. First determine whether the bottleneck is your internet service, the router, Wi-Fi placement and coverage, interference, or the device you are using.
Transcript
Before buying a new Wi-Fi router, figure out what is actually slow. Start with one simple test. Compare your connection close to the router with the connection in the room where Wi-Fi feels bad. If performance is poor even beside the router, the problem could be your internet service, modem, router, or the device you are using. If it is fast nearby but weak farther away, coverage and placement become stronger suspects. Put the router in an open, central, elevated location when possible. Do not hide it behind furniture or bury it in a cabinet. A mesh system can help in a larger or difficult house, but each mesh point still needs a strong connection back to the network. A new router makes more sense if the old one no longer gets security updates, cannot use W-P-A two or W-P-A three, crashes frequently, or cannot realistically handle your devices and internet plan. Slow Wi-Fi is a symptom. Diagnose it before buying the cure. This was Life IN60seconds. One question. One minute. One useful answer.
Read full explanation →Diagnose the network before buying hardware.
Use a near-router test, check placement and security, separate ISP speed from Wi-Fi coverage, understand when mesh helps, and identify the signs that the router itself really is the weak link.