XPost: alt.comp.os.windows-10, alt.home.repair   
   From: "@frank.net   
      
   On 10/27/2019 3:10 PM, Arlen _G_ Holder wrote:   
   > 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?   
   >   
   My Xfinity modem contains the router.  They gave us a new one last year   
   to handle their highest tier of service.  The unit is catercorner on the   
   2nd floor from my desktop and laptop on the first floor.  I have both on   
   Ethernet. Using wifi only in these rooms gives about 1/3 the speed.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)