XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-10, alt.home.repair   
   From: _arlen.george@halder.edu   
      
   What should we care about in a home router to select the best for us?   
      
   In a recent thread on the Windows ng, it was noted by one that their   
   current router worked just fine even as it was 9 years old.   
   o Router recommendations   
      
      
   Same with me, although mine is "much" newer, as the warranty expired in   
   2013 so it's a 2012 router! :)   
      
   Given what we know about power attainable in WiFi based on the Ubiquiti   
   thread, what REALLY matters in terms of buying a home router today?   
   o Curious how far your Wi-Fi access point is from your desktop computer   
      
      
   Typical home routers are hopelessly anemic in terms of power, aren't they?   
   o So what really matters when buying a router for your home today?   
      
   I don't know, but as I am wont to do, I'll make a first pass stab:   
   (This is just a guess since I'm not looking for a router myself.)   
      
   1. First in import, I would think, is WiFI AP transmit power, which, let's   
   face it, is almost fatally anemic in all home routers, but if you can get   
   3dBm more than some other router, that's DOUBLE the power (and, as I   
   recall, 1/4 more range).   
      
   2. Second in import, I would think, isn't antenna gain (as they're all   
   likely 3dBI or so omni antennas, even as the marketing of them may get   
   "fancy" with all sorts of technologies that simple "gain" would more   
   directly overwhelm), nor is second in import, I would think, the supported   
   protocols, as AC of whatever "speed" you can get is gonna be in all of   
   them.   
      
   Second in import, I guess, is "speed", which, um, I don't know, I guess   
   it's directly related to the CPU and RAM of the computer inside the router,   
   but where the lies about "claimed" speed may make that comparison   
   difficult.   
      
   3. Third in import, I guess, is "everything else", such as, oh, perhaps:   
   a. Detachable antenna (so you can put a more directional antenna if needed)   
   b. USB port (CIFs SAMBA, so you can put files on the Internet, if needed)   
   c. (special needs may take priority, like multiple fast streaming needs)   
      
   4. I suspect the commodity checklist stuff goes here, such as   
   a. fast ports, usually 4, but the faster & more the better of course   
   b. firewall configuration (but don't they all have them?)   
   c. what else matters?   
      
   What do we care about in a home router to select the best for us?   
   --   
   Such a general question which for purposefully helpful but sound advice.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)