Updated May 2020:
Wi-Fi enables your computing devices to wirelessly communicate throughout your home. When Wi-Fi was first introduced wireless devices used to just include computers, then later came smartphones, internet video streaming devices and speakers. In recent years the amount of wireless devices in your home may now include “smart home” devices such as wireless security cameras, digital assistants, internet-connected thermostats, light bulbs, garage door openers, sprinkler systems and kitchen appliances – just to name some of the more common devices.
In the past few years security flaws have been found in the Wi-Fi protocol that’s used in all routers and gateways, and patches have been released as firmware updates for only the newest routers manufactured in the past few years. As of May 2020, we only recommend the use of routers certified as “Wi-Fi 5” (802.11ac) or “Wi-Fi 6” (802.11ax).
If your Wi-Fi router or internet gateway (provided by your internet provider) is over a few years old, it’s time to replace it with newer, faster and more secure technology that can accommodate the dozens of wireless devices that connect through it and onto the internet.
A benefit of replacing your Wi-Fi not only fixes current known security vulnerabilities, a new Wi-Fi router can increase the range and reliability of your Wi-Fi.
If you recently set up a new Wi-Fi 5 or 6 router or gateway and you still have slow or unreliable Wi-Fi, it may need to be optimized in your environment.
Optimization includes placing the device in the best location where the Wi-Fi signal isn’t blocked, and using the best channels and/or frequency bands to help reduce interference from neighboring networks. Adding an “extender” or “repeater” may actually degrade Wi-Fi performance in your home. On the other hand the latest “mesh” networking technology can help blanket your home in wireless coverage using 2 or more linked Wi-Fi access points.
To find out if you need to replace your Wi-Fi, contact us to for an evaluation of your current Wi-Fi equipment.
