Where?

[ReveurGAM]

Where should I post a question about the best wifi+ethernet router for my family: computer peripherals, components or networking/wireless networking...Or elsewhere? (referencing the TH article "The best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2022".)


Thanks!

 

[lvt]

This should work for you

Hobbies & Leisure

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[ReveurGAM]

This should work for you

Hobbies & Leisure

forums.tomshardware.com

Why there? That seems like a pretty unlikely choice for experts to go to give advice on routers. I certainly wouldn't be patrolling that area to give advice on what I know about.

 

[Metal Messiah.]

networking/wireless networking...Or elsewhere?

Yes. That sub-forum section/area seems to be the most appropriate for your query IMO. You can try posting it here, unless of course your question is not technical in nature:

Networking | Tom's Hardware Forum (tomshardware.com)

 

[Ralston18]

Networking

Start here:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-wifi-routers,review-2498.html

Then, if and as necessary, post further questions in Networking,

Start your own thread.

 

[ReveurGAM]

Networking

Start here:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-wifi-routers,review-2498.html

Then, if and as necessary, post further questions in Networking,

Start your own thread.

Thanks. My challenge is not knowing enough to know what questions to ask.

Yes. That sub-forum section/area seems to be the most appropriate for your query IMO. You can try posting it here, unless of course your question is not technical in nature:

Networking | Tom's Hardware Forum (tomshardware.com)

Thank you.

 

[Ralston18]

For the most part home network routers are very much the same with respect to capabilities and what an end user can and cannot do.

Many brands are basically identical being physically produced by one manufacturer with only branding and perhaps the firmware and software being different.

About questions to ask: what are your requirements? What is your budget?

How many devices do you expect to have on the network? Wired and wireless? What type of devices: printers, storage, TV, game boxes, IoT (Internet of Things ) webcams, appliances, sound systems, cell phones, etc..

Do you need parental controls? Do you have lots of guests who will need network access while visiting.

What is the environment: single family home, apartment, condo, etc.. Lots of neighbors with possibly competing networks for bandwidth.

Does your home already have network wall jacks or will you be installing cables and jacks. Where will the router be located? A central location is going to work better (sometimes) for wireless devices. Where are the walls, appliances, and so forth that could interrupt wireless signals?

Who is your ISP? What service connection (coax, DSL, fiber) do they provide and with what performance levels? Do you have modem? Before you purchase a router be sure that the ISP supports that router.

If you get interested in one or more routers then go on line and visit the manufacturer's website. Find (hopefully) and read the router's User Guide/Manual. Many manufacturer's lead with some online method to configure the router. You create and log into your account with the manufacturer and then do any required or necessary router configuration via that account on the manufacturer's website. As opposed to just entering the Router's IP address into your browser and directly accessing the router's admin pages with the applicable Admin login name and password.

Not uncommon that manufacturer's do not readily let you know that direct access is available. Avoid products that do not allow direct end user access for configuration purposes sans some login website or manufacturer controlled configuration software.

Read manufacturer's FAQs and Forums as well. Pay attention to both what is said and what is not said. Read the fine print. Look at diagrams.

Sketch out a diagram of how your network will be laid out. Does not need to be a work of art. Just clear enough to show what will be where and how connected. A home floor plan copy can be very helpful. Map out existing network connections and devices to show locations and connections. Plan for additions.

Some questions will be answered. Likely more questions will appear. Post accordingly.

 

[ReveurGAM]

@Ralston18 Thank you for the excellent response! Were those questions for me to answer or consider?

 

[Ralston18]

Mostly for you to think about and consider simply because you are in the planning stages.

You may, for example, select a router that meets your requirements and budget. However, if that router is not specifically supported by your ISP then the ISP can simply "oh well" any network or even internet problems that occur. Even if not directly related to the router itself....

Most home routers are very much the same in features, functions, performance. And there are FCC limits on wireless transmission power. So at some point any amount of advertising or "techno speak" is moot. Specs are often established in ideal circumstances that do not match the real world. Some features are almost meaningless or not really as they appear. QoS (Quality of Service) may not really provide what is expected. There are always trade-offs.

Just for example purposes:

https://www.linksys.com/support-art...ity of Service (QoS) is,and speed can be used.

Note "Media Prioritization".

Plan out the network as you envision it being. Devices, connections, locations, distances, where existing cables (of any sort) are now run or where they could be run. Does not need to be fancy - just a sketch. Very likely your plan will change for any number of reasons. As the saying goes: "No plan survives initial contact."

I could ramble on with suggestions, thoughts, ideas, etc. There is a better way.

Spend some time perusing the Networking and Wireless Networking Categories. Read posts and links that draw your attention.

Very likely you will find posts with the same questions that you have. And those questions are likely to be answered right there.

If not, then post accordingly.

 

[ReveurGAM]

@Ralston18 Thanks again! Great stuff - very useful! No wonder you're a mod!