Most people don’t think about their router until something breaks. The Wi-Fi cuts out, the cameras freeze, someone yells “Why is the internet so slow?” and then suddenly the router becomes the most important device in the entire building.
But here’s the truth:
Your router is the heart of your whole network.
If it’s cheap, old, or underpowered, everything else suffers — your laptops, TVs, phones, cameras, POS systems, smart devices, everything.
So if you’re trying to figure out what router to buy, here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one without getting lost in confusing specs or marketing nonsense.
1. Avoid the Cheap ISP Router
The router your internet provider gives you?
Yeah… that’s not a real router.
It’s a basic, low-end box that:
Has weak range
- Handles fewer devices
- Has minimal security
- Struggles with streaming cameras and multiple users
- Doesn’t support advanced features your business needs
- For home? Weak.
For business? Disaster.
If you're relying on your ISP’s router to run an office, keep cameras online, or handle more than a few devices, you’re asking for problems.
2. Choose the Right Router Based on Your Space
✔
For small homes or apartments:
A single high-quality router is usually enough.
✔
For larger homes or businesses:
You’ll want either:
A mesh Wi-Fi system (multiple access points that work together), OR
A business-grade router + hardwired access points
If your Wi-Fi has dead zones, it’s a sign you need more than one access point. Don’t just keep buying random extenders — that makes things worse.
3. Look for WPA3 Security
Security matters, especially now.
Make sure the router has WPA3, which is the latest Wi-Fi security standard.
Anything running:
WEP
- WPA
- Old WPA2
- …is not secure. Hackers can break into those standards easily.
4. Make Sure It Can Handle the Number of Devices You Have
Homes used to have maybe 5–10 devices total.
Now?
Phones
- TVs
- Laptops
- Cameras
- Smart speakers
- Tablets
- Doorbells
- Smart lights
- Printers
- And that’s just a normal household.
A small business might have 50–100 connected devices without realizing it.
Cheap routers choke under heavy device loads.
Choose something built for multiple connections at once.
5. Get a Router That Supports VLANs and QoS (Small Business Must-Have)
If you're a business, or if you run cameras, phones, or anything critical, you need:
✔
QoS (Quality of Service)
Prioritizes important traffic, like:
VoIP phone calls
- Video meetings
- Security cameras
- This prevents lag and audio dropouts.
✔
VLANs
Lets you separate networks: Cameras on one network
Guest Wi-Fi on another
Your business computers on a secure internal network
This is professional-level security and stability.
Choose the Right Brand (Not All Routers Are Created Equal)
Best options for most homes:
- ASUS
- TP-Link (higher-end models)
- Netgear Nighthawk series
- Google Orbi
Best Options for small businesses:
- Ubiquiti UniFi
- Fortinet
- Cisco (for advanced networks)
These brands offer Better stability
- Better range
- Better security
- Better management
- Better support
- Compare that to the $39 router at Walmart that overheats when you stream Netflix.
7. Don’t Forget About Hardwired Connections
Wi-Fi is convenient, but hardwired is always more reliable.
If you:
Work from home
- Run security cameras
- Use VoIP phones
- Have POS systems
- Transfer large files
- Then you want a router with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, or you’ll need to add a switch.
Hardwiring key devices takes a ton of pressure off your Wi-Fi.
8. Make Sure Your Router Supports Your Internet Speed
If you pay for 500 Mbps or 1 Gig internet but your router can’t handle it, you’re wasting money.
Look for:
Wi-Fi 6 (ideal for most homes/businesses)
Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 (future-proofing, especially if you're upgrading soon)
These standards offer better speed, better range, and better handling of multiple devices.
Final Thoughts: The Right Router Makes Everything Work Better
Your router impacts everything:
Your Wi-Fi, your cameras, your phones, your work-from-home setup, your business operations — literally everything on your network.
A $60 big-box store router will give you $60 performance.
A quality router will give you reliability, faster speeds, better security, and fewer headaches.
If you’re not sure what to buy, or you want someone to look at your setup and tell you exactly what you need, reach out and I’ll help you pick the right gear for your space.
Evan Fisher
480-529-2120
evan@arizonatechpros.com
