Broadband Guide

Routers: boost your broadband speed

Wednesday 1 June, 2011

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Switching to a top of the range router can boost your broadband speed as well as giving you access to a whole range of features.

Although many internet service providers (ISPs) now offer routers with a longer range or the latest wireless n technology, these models are often reserved for customers on the top packages.

You can lose an average of 30% of your connection speed simply by going wireless, according to broadband analysts Epitiro - so it makes sense to invest in the right router.

But you don’t have to rely on the wireless router provider by your ISP - you can easily enhance your hardware by switching to a more advanced model.

ADSL or cable?

The first thing you need to think about when shopping for a new router is what kind of internet connection you have. If your service is delivered via your phone line, from a provider other than Virgin Media, then you've probably got an ADSL broadband connection and will need an ADSL router. These combine both the modem and router in one device.

Alternatively, if you are a cable broadband customer, signed up to Virgin Media, then you will need a cable router. Unless you have Virgin Media’s Super Hub, your modem will be separate from your router.

Wireless range

Different routers have different ranges, and some can send your signal to the end of your garden or the top of your house.

All wireless routers adhere to a standard known as 802.11 so that devices from different manufacturers will work together. The 802.11 standard is followed by a letter, indicating which type of wireless connection your router uses.

• Wireless n - this is the latest wireless technology to be released and manufacturers claim it offers “future proof speeds” of up to 248Mb. As well as faster speeds, a wireless N router will offer better range, sending your signal further. It is best suited to larger households or heavy users who want a faster, more reliable connection.
• If you have recently upgraded to a fibre optic broadband connection but have not installed a new router, this could slow you down - so speak to your ISP about getting an n draft model.
• Wireless g - wireless g routers, which were launched in 2003, are still the most common, offering connection speeds of up to 54Mb. They are most suitable if you live in a flat or small house.
• Wireless b - older wireless routers can only transfer data at a maximum speed of 11Mb - far slower than later technologies. If you still use one of these routers it would be well worth upgrading.

Before you rush out to buy the latest n draft router though, bear in mind that you'll only see a difference in your speed if your computer is also compatible. Connecting a wireless b laptop to a wireless n router won’t make your connection any faster.

Dual-band routers

As standard, wireless routers use the 2.4GHz radio frequency to connect you to the internet. But some more high-spec models come with dual-band technology. This means that it can broadcast on both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz frequencies - giving you a stronger connection and faster speeds.

If you're experiencing interference from other wireless signals, switching to a different channel can help - and the 5GHz spectrum has more channels to choose from.

Wireless security

It’s essential that you secure your wireless network to make sure that other people can’t simply “piggyback” your connection. Once your security password has been set up anyone, wanting to go online using your connection will have to enter the “key” before they can go online.

The highest level of security currently available to wireless users is known as WPA2 and WPA, which scrambles your password to make your connection harder to hack, though you will need to make sure that all your devices are compatible with this technology.

Even older routers come with security systems, though the older WEP keys aren’t as secure.

Watch our video on how to secure your wireless router, or use our free Wireless Key Generator to create unique, hard-to-crack passwords.

Added extras

Wireless routers offer a huge range of added extras and special features for someone looking to take their connection to the next level. Some of the more interesting extras include everything from super security to snazzy features that let you share files across your connection:

• Parental controls - set security controls so that children can’t access inappropriate websites
• Check your speed - some routers come with a display so you can always see just how fast your connection really is
• File sharing - some models let you transfer files from one device to another using your wireless network
• Repeat yourself - you can also get routers that work like a wireless repeater, allowing you to send your signal further in a big house, for example.

Going back to cable

If you live far from your local telephone exchange or simply aren’t getting a good broadband speed, it might be worth going back to using an ethernet cable. This will stop you losing precious bandwidth as your signal travels through the air, or is blocked by doors or thick walls.

Most routers offer four ethernet ports as well as wireless capabilities - so you could wire in your main PC, while using the wireless to connect other devices like your laptop or smartphone.

Run a free broadband speed test to find out how your provider is performing.

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