However, Wi-Fi 6 routers boast a few upgrades and can handle even faster speeds while reducing latency (how much time it takes for data to reach your devices) even as you add more connected devices to your home network. Paired with a gigabit fiber optic connection, some can reach wireless speeds over 500Mbps in a home setting. If a router includes an “AC” somewhere in its name, you’ll know it uses Wi-Fi 5 technology. Popular routers nowadays use either Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). One of the first things to consider when buying a router is the wireless technology it uses. Wireless protocols (Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6).Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a router to complement your fiber optic internet plan: In other words, if you own a laptop from 2012, don't expect it to magically run at top speed, even with one of the latest routers in the market. Speeds are also bogged down by devices with older Wi-Fi technology. Most of the time, the only way to get speeds close to what your ISP advertises is by connecting devices directly to the router Ethernet ports. It’s good to remember that wireless signals are sensitive to interference from other connected devices, and can be weakened by the number and density of walls between you and the router. So, if your plan offers a maximum of 500 megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth (the maximum amount of data that can be transferred at a specific time), your connection won’t be reaching gigabit (Gbps) speeds, no matter how fast your router is. Keep in mind that your connection will only be as fast as the plan you're paying for. So, for example, you could easily stream 4K movies in one room while someone else is in the middle of a heated online gaming session, and no one’s connection will lag.
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It can provide faster download speeds even when you’re several rooms aways from the router, and even if multiple people are using the connection at the same time. Owning your router might also save you money, because many providers charge a monthly fee for supplying rented routers to customers.Ī fiber optic internet plan paired with the appropriate router can really make a difference. You can, however, purchase your own router and hook it up using an Ethernet cable capable of fiber optic speeds (like a Cat 6a cable). If you have fiber optic internet service, the ONT is typically installed by your provider and is not a device that is readily available for consumers. Since fiber cables can’t connect directly to a router, an ONT converts optic signals that can be delivered to routers through an Ethernet cable. When it comes to fiber optic internet, the modem is actually called an optical network terminal (ONT). It decodes incoming internet signals and passes them onto the router, which then redistributes them wirelessly to your laptop, smartphone and other devices logged on to your network. A modem is the device that connects you directly to the internet. Modems and routers are not the same thing. Then there are models that cost upwards of $300 with robust settings that can be tweaked to provide the fastest wireless speeds possible - even when more devices are connected in your network. There are routers that cost under $100 and are capable of delivering a stable connection from rooms away, as long as there aren’t many data-heavy activities happening at the same time on the same network. What you want is a router that’s built to deliver top speeds across your home - and, most importantly, that will handle your ever-growing list of connected devices for years to come. Many internet service providers supply customers with routers, but these products often aren't as robust or feature-packed as some of the ones you can purchase yourself. If you've decided to leave cable internet behind for faster fiber optic service, it's probably time to consider purchasing your own router. But you won't be able to take advantage of its capabilities using an outdated router. There’s no doubt about it: Fiber optic internet delivers the fastest, most reliable connection you can get today.
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