As more families work from home, choosing the right wireless router can be critical. For instance, imagine the Johnsons, a family of four, all working from home. They need a router that supports their devices and provides reliable - high-speed internet.
Security Basics: What CISA Says to Check First
A router that carries your workday must meet certain criteria. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), at a minimum, you must ensure that you change your router login username and password, check your router firmware for updates, change your default SSID - change your Wi-Fi password, and change your Wi-Fi encryption. Additionally, check to make sure your router uses WPA3 Personal or WPA2 AES encryption. If your router uses WEP, WPA, or WPA2 TKIP encryption - you should contact your internet service provider (ISP) or consider purchasing a new router.
Remote Workers Save Time and Money With Home Offices
Surveys of remote workers find that U.S. workers save an average of 55 minutes every day by not having to commute to work. This can lead to increased productivity and less stress. Worldwide, remote workers save an average of 72 minutes in commute time saved every day. However, having a reliable wireless router is essential for a productive home office. Unpatched consumer routers are a favorite target for malware, and compromises tend to happen within days of a vulnerability becoming public. This highlights the importance of ensuring your router is secure and regularly updated.
The Future of Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 and Beyond
Wi-Fi 7 routers are currently the gold standard for consumer networking, and Tom's Hardware notes that Wi-Fi 8 is on the horizon, promising to improve real-world speeds by up to 25 percent and enhance performance in low-signal areas. According to Tom's Hardware, the TP-Link Archer BE9700 is a Wi-Fi 7 router available at a street price of around $200. The same guide notes that a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router like the TP-Link Archer BE3600 sells for less than $100. These routers offer faster speeds and better coverage, making them ideal for home offices.
FCC's Foreign-Made Router Ban
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced restrictions that could stop some foreign-made routers from being sold new in the US unless the maker secures an exemption. Existing routers can continue to be sold and updated with new firmware for as long as manufacturers choose to support them. The rules and the exemption list are still moving, so check the current status of any brand you are considering before you buy.
Choosing the Right Wireless Router for Your Home Office
When choosing a wireless router for your home office, there are several factors to consider. According to BroadbandNow, the TP-Link Archer AXE75 is a Wi-Fi 6E router available for $115.99 at Amazon or $155 at Walmart. Additionally - the TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router is priced at $47.95 at Amazon. These routers offer faster speeds and better coverage, making them ideal for home offices. Another option is the Google Nest Wifi Pro, priced at $279.99 for a 3-pack on Amazon. This router offers seamless coverage and easy setup, making it a great choice for larger homes or businesses.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Wireless Router
The right router can be a turning point for productivity and efficiency. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can choose a router that meets your needs and ensures a secure and reliable connection. Remember to keep your router up-to-date and follow best practices for security. With the right router - you can make the most of your home office and enjoy a productive and stress-free work environment.
References
- Project Upskill: securing your home network - cisa.gov
- Best Wi-Fi routers - tomshardware.com
- Best Wi-Fi 6E routers - broadbandnow.com
- The best budget routers - pcmag.com
