Wireless routers receive signals from a modem and share Internet connectivity with compatible devices through a Wi-Fi network. The most common way to connect to a wireless network is with a desktop unit, which has antennas that help boost the signal. A Wi-Fi modem router is a convenient box that receives an ISP signal and turns it into a network, saving space and making device configuration much more straightforward. When choosing a router, consider coverage area and the types of several devices that will connect to the wireless network.
A portable Wi-Fi router receives 3G, 4G, or 5G signals from cellular carriers and shares an Internet connection with several devices wirelessly, offering secure access when away from the office or home Wi-Fi network. Whether connected to modems and gateways or not, all wireless routers generate Wi-Fi frequency bands for sending and receiving data from connected devices without using wires. The 2.4GHz band operates at a low frequency, and provides an extensive reach due to its ability to penetrate walls and floors. It's suitable for basic web surfing and connecting to social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook. The 5GHz band in most modern wireless routers provides high throughput for a lag-free experience when streaming Netflix or gaming on Xbox Live. Dual-band routers allow dedicating a specific band to particular devices and applications to ease the load. Tri-band wireless routers feature one radio operating at 2.4GHz and two at 5GHz, suitable for networks with many devices vying for bandwidth.
The most popular technology in wireless networking, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), allows a theoretical data transfer rate of up to 6.9Gbps in the 5GHz band for a smooth network experience. The protocol utilizes Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, which supports several antennas to send and receive data for enhanced performance. Beamforming provides automatic band-steering so that wireless routers can choose the most efficient band based on network traffic, range, and availability. The 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 or High Efficiency) wireless protocol has Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) that allows up to 30 users to share a channel simultaneously. Both 802.11ac and 802.11ax protocols are backward compatible with devices using 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi radios for flexibility.
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