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Upgrading to fiber internet is exciting, but your connection is only as strong as its weakest link. Often, that weak link is an outdated router. Using the wrong one is like connecting a firehose to a garden sprinkler—you’re throttling the incredible speed before it ever reaches your devices. To truly experience the power of a multi-gigabit connection, you need hardware designed for it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from decoding tech specs to matching features to your lifestyle, so you can confidently choose the perfect fiber optic router for home and unleash the full potential of your internet.
Key Takeaways
- Your Router Must Match Your Fiber Speed: To get the full performance you're paying for, your router's speed capabilities must meet or exceed those of your internet plan. Using an old router will create a bottleneck and prevent you from experiencing the true speed of your fiber connection.
- Select Features Based on Your Home's Needs: A mesh system is the best solution for eliminating dead zones in larger homes, while features like Quality of Service (QoS) are essential for managing traffic in busy households with multiple streamers, gamers, or remote workers.
- Buy, Don't Rent, for Savings and Control: Purchasing your own router is a smart investment that saves you from recurring monthly rental fees. It also gives you the freedom to choose the latest technology with stronger security and more features, putting you in full control of your home network.
What's a Fiber Router, and Do I Really Need One?
If you’re upgrading to fiber internet, you might be wondering if your old router is up to the task. The short answer is: probably not. A fiber router is specifically designed to handle the incredible multi-gigabit speeds that fiber optic technology delivers. Think of it like putting high-performance tires on a sports car—you need the right equipment to get the most out of the engine. While a standard router works for older cable or DSL connections, it simply can’t keep up with the symmetrical upload and download speeds of a true fiber connection. To unlock the full potential of your Novos Fiber service, you’ll need a setup that’s built for speed.
Fiber vs. Traditional Routers: What's the Difference?
The biggest difference comes down to how they connect to the internet. A traditional router plugs into a modem, which translates signals from a coaxial cable or phone line. A fiber router, on the other hand, connects to a device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This distinction is crucial because fiber routers are engineered to manage the symmetrical, high-speed data flow that fiber provides, while normal routers are built for the often asymmetrical and slower speeds of cable. Sometimes, your internet provider will give you a single device that combines the ONT and router, but they are often separate pieces of hardware.
How an ONT Works with Your Router
So, what exactly is an ONT? You can think of it as a special kind of modem just for fiber. Your fiber optic cable runs from the street to your home and plugs into the ONT. This little box then takes the light signals traveling through the glass fibers and converts them into electrical signals that your router can understand and broadcast as a Wi-Fi network. Without an ONT, your router wouldn't be able to communicate with the fiber network at all. It’s the essential translator that makes your blazing-fast internet connection possible.
Clearing Up Common Myths About Fiber Routers
One common myth is that you can just use your old router from your cable provider. Unfortunately, a normal router can't connect directly to an ONT, so it won't work with a fiber internet connection. Another misconception is that you have to use the router your internet service provider (ISP) gives you. While it’s an easy option, renting a router from your ISP often means paying a monthly fee for older hardware, like a Wi-Fi 5 or 6 model, that might not provide the best speeds or coverage. Buying your own router gives you the freedom to choose the latest technology and get the best performance for your home.
What to Look for in a Home Fiber Router
Choosing the right router is about more than just getting Wi-Fi—it's about unlocking the full potential of your fiber internet. Think of your fiber connection as a superhighway of data. Your router is the off-ramp to your home, and if it’s not up to the task, you’ll be stuck in a traffic jam. A great router ensures every device gets the speed and stability it needs, from your work laptop to your smart TV. Let’s walk through the key features to look for so you can make a smart choice for your home.
Match Your Router's Speed to Your Internet Plan
This is the most important step. If you’re paying for a blazing-fast plan from Novos Fiber but your router can only handle half that speed, you’re essentially capping your own connection and not getting what you paid for. To take full advantage of your service, you need a router designed for fiber optic internet that can match or exceed your plan’s speeds. Always check the router's maximum supported speed (often listed on the box or in the specs) and make sure it aligns with the service you have. This single check ensures you get every bit of speed you deserve.
Decoding Wi-Fi Standards: Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7
Wi-Fi standards can sound complicated, but they’re just different generations of technology. Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) is the current sweet spot, offering great speeds and better performance in homes with lots of connected devices. For those who want to be ready for the future, Wi-Fi 6E is a fantastic upgrade. It adds a new 6 GHz band, which is like an exclusive, multi-lane expressway for your newest devices, cutting through congestion. The latest standard, Wi-Fi 7, offers even faster speeds and lower lag, making it the top choice for serious gamers and tech enthusiasts. Understanding these Wi-Fi standards helps you pick a router that won’t feel outdated in a year or two.
Security Features That Keep Your Network Safe
Your home network is the gateway to your personal information, so security is non-negotiable. Modern routers offer much more than just a simple password. Look for a model that supports the WPA3 security protocol, which is the latest and most secure standard for protecting your network from unauthorized access. Many routers also come with built-in security software, like NETGEAR Armor or TP-Link HomeShield. These services act like a digital security guard for your entire network, protecting every single connected device—from your laptop to your smart thermostat—from viruses, malware, and other online threats.
Handling Multiple Devices with Quality of Service (QoS)
In a modern home, it’s not just laptops and phones connecting to the internet. You also have smart TVs, gaming consoles, security cameras, and smart speakers all competing for bandwidth. A router with a powerful quad-core processor can manage this traffic without breaking a sweat. Another key feature is Quality of Service (QoS), which lets you prioritize certain devices or activities. This means you can tell your router to give your work video call priority over your kid’s tablet, ensuring your connection stays stable when it matters most. High-end routers can easily support over 200 devices, making them perfect for even the most connected smart homes.
The Best Budget-Friendly Fiber Routers (Under $200)
You don’t need to break the bank to get a router that can keep up with your fiber internet connection. While high-end models boast impressive specs, you can find fantastic, reliable routers for under $200 that are more than capable of handling everything from 4K streaming and video calls to online gaming. A great fiber connection provides the speed; a good router makes sure that speed reaches all your devices, and you can absolutely achieve that on a budget.
The key is knowing what features are essential and which ones are just nice-to-haves. For most homes, a modern Wi-Fi 6 router in this price range will deliver a massive performance improvement over older models, ensuring your network runs smoothly without any frustrating bottlenecks. Let’s look at what you can expect from some of the best budget-friendly options.
Our Top Picks for Small to Medium Homes
If you live in an apartment or a home under 1,500 square feet, a single, well-placed router is often all you need for excellent coverage. You don’t need to invest in a complex mesh system to get a strong signal in every room. For spaces like these, a solid Wi-Fi 6 router will provide the speed and stability necessary for a house full of connected devices.
A great example is the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX), a travel-sized router that packs a serious punch for its price. It’s a favorite for its combination of Wi-Fi 6 technology, strong security features, and reliable performance. It’s proof that you can get a powerful networking tool without a hefty price tag, making it perfect for getting the most out of your fiber connection in a smaller living space.
What You Get for Your Money
For under $200, you can expect a router that fully supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard. This is a game-changer because it’s designed to handle dozens of devices at once—from laptops and smart TVs to phones and smart home gadgets—without slowing down. You’ll get faster speeds, better range, and a more stable connection than you would with an older Wi-Fi 5 router.
These routers typically offer dual-band connectivity, which helps reduce network congestion by splitting your devices between two different radio frequencies. You can also expect at least a few Gigabit Ethernet ports for plugging in devices like a gaming console or desktop computer directly. This ensures you get the fastest, most stable connection possible for activities that can’t afford any lag.
Know the Trade-Offs of a Budget Router
While budget-friendly routers offer incredible value, it’s important to know their limitations. The biggest trade-off is often the speed of the physical ports. Most routers in this price range come with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. This is perfectly fine for most internet plans, but if you have a multi-gigabit plan, like our 2 Gbps or 5 Gbps options, the router itself will become a bottleneck, capping your wired speeds at 1 Gbps.
To get the full speed of a multi-gig connection, you’ll need a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, which typically costs more. Additionally, premium routers often include more advanced security software and parental controls. However, for the vast majority of users, a carefully chosen budget router provides more than enough power and features to support a fast and reliable home network.
The Best Fiber Routers for Lag-Free Gaming
When you have a blazing-fast connection from Novos Fiber, the last thing you want is a router that can't keep up. For gamers, every millisecond counts, and a subpar router can be the bottleneck that leads to frustrating lag, even with the best internet plan. The right router ensures that the incredible speed coming into your home is delivered to your console or PC without a hitch.
Think of it this way: your fiber connection is the superhighway, and your router is the off-ramp to your devices. A gaming router is like a dedicated express lane, prioritizing your game's data to keep your connection stable and responsive. These routers are specifically designed to handle the intense demands of online gaming, from massive downloads to high-stakes multiplayer matches. They often come with powerful processors, advanced software, and multiple antennas to manage traffic efficiently and reduce latency, giving you the competitive edge you need. They are built to handle demanding activities like 8K streaming, video calls, and online gaming by offering stable and fast connections. This means less time waiting for games to load and more time actually playing, with the smooth performance you expect from a top-tier fiber service.
Top Router Picks for Serious Gamers
If you’re ready to invest in a truly elite gaming experience, a couple of models consistently stand out. The Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is a powerhouse that uses WiFi 6E technology. This gives you access to three frequency bands (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz), which means you can dedicate the newer, less-crowded 6 GHz band to your gaming devices for a cleaner connection. It’s built to handle up to 60 devices, so it won’t break a sweat even in a busy smart home.
Another top contender is the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000. This router was designed from the ground up for gamers, featuring quad-band WiFi 6E to minimize lag. It even includes two 10Gbps Ethernet ports for an incredibly fast wired connection, perfect for a high-performance gaming PC. Many guides to the best routers highlight these models for their ability to deliver the raw speed that fiber internet provides.
Gaming Features That Actually Make a Difference
Beyond specific models, certain features are non-negotiable for a great gaming setup. Look for a router with Quality of Service (QoS) controls, which let you tell your network to prioritize traffic to your gaming console or PC over other devices. This ensures your game gets the bandwidth it needs, even if someone else starts streaming a movie in the next room. A quality router built for fiber is essential for demanding activities because it provides a consistently stable and fast connection.
Don’t overlook security, either. A protected network is a fast network. Modern routers for fiber optic internet often include advanced security protocols like WPA3 encryption and built-in protection suites, such as NETGEAR Armor, to shield your network from threats without slowing you down.
Quad-Band vs. Tri-Band: Which Is Better for Gaming?
You’ll often see the terms "tri-band" and "quad-band" when looking at gaming routers. Both are excellent choices because they typically include the super-fast 6 GHz band, thanks to WiFi 6E. Think of this band as a private VIP lane for your data, free from the congestion of older Wi-Fi devices. A tri-band router offers one 2.4 GHz, one 5 GHz, and one 6 GHz band. A quad-band router takes it a step further, usually offering two separate 5 GHz bands, which can help you organize your devices even more effectively to reduce interference.
For most gamers, a tri-band router is more than enough to see a massive performance improvement. However, if you live in a large home or have dozens of connected devices, a quad-band router can provide that extra layer of network management to keep everything running smoothly.
Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems for Complete Home Coverage
If you’ve ever walked into your bedroom only to have your video call drop or your streaming service start to buffer, you’ve met a Wi-Fi dead zone. While a single powerful router can work wonders, it can still struggle to cover a larger home, a house with multiple stories, or a layout with signal-blocking walls. This is where a mesh Wi-Fi system comes in.
Instead of relying on one router to do all the work, a mesh system uses multiple units—a main router and several "satellites" or "nodes"—placed around your home. They work together as a single, unified network, blanketing your entire space with a strong, consistent signal. Think of it as having a mini-router in every important room, all communicating with each other to eliminate dead spots and deliver the fast speeds you get from your Novos Fiber plan. It’s the smartest way to ensure every corner of your home gets the coverage it deserves.
Is a Mesh System Right for Your Home?
So, how do you know if you should make the switch? A mesh system is an excellent choice if you live in a home larger than 2,000 square feet or have a layout that causes signal issues (like brick walls or multiple floors). If you’re tired of dealing with Wi-Fi extenders that cut your speed in half or require you to switch networks as you move around, a mesh system is your answer. It creates one seamless network, so you can walk from the living room to the backyard patio without ever losing connection. It’s the definitive solution for getting rid of dead zones for good.
Our Recommended Mesh Systems for Fiber Internet
When you have fiber internet, you need a mesh system that can keep up. We recommend looking at Wi-Fi 7 systems to truly maximize your connection. The NETGEAR Orbi 770 is a fantastic choice, offering incredible speeds and coverage over a large area. It’s also easy to set up, and its satellites include 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, so you can get a stable, wired connection for your gaming console or work computer anywhere in the house. Another top contender is the Eero Max 7, which also provides powerful, seamless coverage that makes the most of multi-gigabit fiber speeds.
Why Scalability and Seamless Roaming Matter
Two of the biggest advantages of a mesh system are scalability and seamless roaming. "Seamless roaming" means your phone, laptop, or tablet automatically connects to the strongest satellite as you move through your home, without any interruption. You won’t even notice the handoff. "Scalability" means you can easily expand your network. If you finish your basement or build a home office in the garage, you can simply add another node to extend your coverage. Plus, many mesh units have extra Ethernet ports, giving you the option for a wired connection far from your main router—perfect for ensuring your smart TV or desktop PC gets the fastest, most reliable signal possible.
Top High-Performance Routers for Power Users
If your home is buzzing with smart devices, 4K streaming, and competitive gaming, you’re what we call a power user. You’re not just using the internet; you’re pushing it to its limits. To get the most out of a blazing-fast connection like Novos Fiber, you need a router that can keep up. A standard router can act as a bottleneck, throttling the incredible speeds your fiber connection delivers before they ever reach your devices. High-performance routers are built with superior processors and more antennas to handle heavy traffic without breaking a sweat, ensuring every device gets the bandwidth it needs.
For those who want the absolute best, models like the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S are game-changers. It uses the newest WiFi 7 standard for incredible wireless speeds and has a 10Gbps Ethernet port for a lightning-fast wired connection. If gaming is your priority, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is a beast, designed specifically to reduce lag with its quad-band WiFi 6E technology and multiple high-speed ports. These routers are an investment, but for a power user, they’re the key to unlocking the full potential of your fiber internet and making sure your connection feels as fast as it’s supposed to.
Options for Maxing Out Multi-Gigabit Speeds
When you sign up for one of our multi-gigabit plans, you expect to get every bit of that speed. To make that happen, your router needs the right hardware, specifically its Ethernet ports. Look for a router with a Multi-Gig WAN port (the one that connects to the internet). If your plan is faster than 1 Gbps, you’ll need a 2.5G, 5G, or 10G WAN port to avoid a bottleneck. For example, to get the full speed from a 1.2 Gbps plan, you need a router with at least a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. The same goes for your wired devices—Multi-Gig LAN ports ensure your gaming PC or workstation gets the fastest connection possible.
Advanced Features That Are Worth the Price
Beyond raw speed, high-performance routers come with features that make a real difference in your daily use. A powerful quad-core processor acts as the router's brain, effortlessly managing traffic from dozens of devices at once so your 4K stream doesn't buffer while someone else is on a video call. Security is another huge factor. Look for routers that support WPA3, the latest security protocol, to keep your network safe from intruders. Many premium models also include security software subscriptions, like Netgear Armor, which adds another layer of protection for all your connected devices, from your laptop to your smart thermostat.
How to Future-Proof Your Home Network
Buying a high-performance router is also about preparing for the future. While Wi-Fi 6 is fantastic, opting for a router with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 will keep you ahead of the curve. These newer standards use the 6 GHz band, which is like an exclusive, multi-lane superhighway for your devices, free from the congestion of older Wi-Fi bands. This means a more stable and faster connection for your next-gen laptops, phones, and VR headsets. And one of the best parts of having a fiber connection is that you don’t need to worry about upgrading a separate modem. Your router is the single most important piece of gear for ensuring your home network is ready for whatever comes next.
How to Choose the Right Router for Your Home and Habits
Picking the right router feels a lot like picking the right car—the best one for you depends entirely on your lifestyle. A sports car isn't practical for a family of five, and a basic router won't cut it for a house full of gamers and remote workers. The key is to match the hardware to your home's size, your daily internet habits, and the number of devices you need to connect. When you have a powerful connection like Novos Fiber internet, the right router ensures that speed reaches every corner of your home and every device you own. Let's break down how to find your perfect match.
Find the Right Coverage for Your Home Size
The size and layout of your home are the first things to consider. If you live in an apartment or a smaller, single-story house, a powerful standalone router will likely provide all the coverage you need. However, if you have a larger, multi-story home or notice certain rooms have spotty Wi-Fi, you’ve probably run into a “dead zone.”
This is where a mesh Wi-Fi system shines. Instead of one central router, mesh systems use multiple units, or nodes, placed around your house. They work together to create a single, seamless network that blankets your entire home in a strong, consistent signal. This means you can walk from the living room to the backyard patio on a video call without ever dropping the connection.
Match Your Router to How You Use the Internet
To get the blazing-fast speeds you're paying for with a fiber connection, you need a router that can keep up. Using an old, outdated router with high-speed fiber is like putting a speed limiter on a race car—it just creates a bottleneck. You won't experience the true performance of your internet plan.
When you're shopping, look for a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. These standards are designed to handle faster speeds and more devices efficiently. Also, check for gigabit Ethernet ports. These features ensure your router can process the full speed delivered by your fiber connection and distribute it effectively to all your wired and wireless devices.
Balance Needs for Family, Work, and Gaming
Think about a typical evening in your home. Is someone streaming a 4K movie, another person is on a competitive online game, and you’re trying to finish up a video call for work? A modern household puts a lot of demand on a Wi-Fi network. A quality router designed for fiber can handle these demanding activities simultaneously, providing a stable and fast connection for everyone.
Many routers come with a feature called Quality of Service (QoS), which is incredibly useful for busy homes. QoS lets you prioritize internet traffic to specific devices or applications. For example, you can tell your router to always give your work laptop priority during business hours or ensure your gaming console gets the bandwidth it needs for a lag-free experience.
Which Router Features Matter Most for You?
Choosing a router isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The best router for a solo gamer is very different from what a family of five needs. Your daily habits, the size of your home, and the number of connected devices all play a huge role in finding the right fit. Let’s look at what features matter most for different types of households, so you can get the most out of your fiber internet connection.
For Families: Juggling Multiple Devices with Ease
In a busy household, the internet is constantly in demand. Between streaming shows, online classes, gaming consoles, and smart home gadgets, your router has a lot to handle. You need a model that can provide fast, dependable internet and support many devices at once without slowing down. Look for routers with strong multi-user (MU-MIMO) technology, which helps send data to multiple devices simultaneously.
For larger homes, especially those with tricky layouts or multiple floors, a single router might not be enough to eliminate dead spots. If you find yourself losing signal in the back bedroom or the basement, a mesh Wi-Fi system is an excellent solution. These systems use multiple units placed around your home to create a single, seamless network with wide coverage.
For Remote Workers: Prioritizing Security and Stability
When your home office is your livelihood, a stable and secure internet connection is non-negotiable. Dropped video calls or slow file transfers just aren’t an option. For remote work, prioritize a router with the latest security standards, like WPA3, to keep your work data safe. Some routers even come with built-in security software for an extra layer of protection against online threats.
While your internet provider might offer a router, owning your own equipment often gives you better performance, stronger security, and more control over your network settings. A reliable router is a key part of a dependable home office setup, ensuring your connection is as professional as you are.
For Creators & Smart Homes: Handling Heavy Data Loads
Content creators, tech enthusiasts, and smart home owners put a massive strain on their network. Uploading large video files, streaming in 4K, and running dozens of smart devices requires a router that can handle a heavy data flow. Fiber-compatible routers are built for this, with stronger internal components like processors and RAM to manage lots of data from many devices at once.
If you’re subscribed to one of the top-tier internet plans that offer speeds over 1 Gbps, make sure your router can keep up. To take full advantage of multi-gig speeds, you’ll need a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. This ensures you’re not creating a bottleneck and are getting every bit of the incredible speed you’re paying for.
How to Set Up Your New Router for Peak Performance
You’ve picked out the perfect router, and now it’s time for the final step: getting it set up. Don't worry, this is easier than it sounds. A little bit of planning can make a huge difference in your Wi-Fi performance, ensuring you get every bit of speed you're paying for. Think of your router as the heart of your home network; giving it the right start means a stronger, more reliable connection for everything from work calls to movie nights. We’ll walk through connecting your hardware, finding the best spot for your router, and what to do if you hit a snag. With these simple steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying the full power of your fiber internet connection.
Connect to Your ONT and Check Compatibility
First things first, let's get your router connected. With fiber internet, your router doesn't plug into a phone jack. Instead, it connects to a small box called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. This device is what translates the light signals from the fiber-optic internet connections into an electrical signal your router can use. Simply run an Ethernet cable from the port on the ONT to the port on your new router labeled "WAN" or "Internet." Most modern routers are fully compatible with fiber, but it's always a good idea to confirm before you buy. Once it's plugged in and powered on, you're ready for the next step.
Tips for Perfect Router Placement and Configuration
Where you put your router matters more than you might think. For the best signal, place it in a central, open area of your home, away from thick walls, large metal appliances, and other electronics that can cause interference. If you have a smaller home, a single, well-placed router should do the trick. For larger or multi-story homes, a mesh WiFi system is a fantastic choice because it uses multiple points to spread a strong signal everywhere. As a rule of thumb, look for a router or system that covers two to three times your home's actual square footage to account for all the things that can block a signal.
How to Troubleshoot Common Setup Problems
If you run into trouble, don't panic. The most common fix is also the simplest: unplug your ONT and your router, wait a minute, then plug them back in. If your speeds feel slow, check that you’re getting the performance promised by your internet plan and try updating your router’s firmware through its admin settings. Still have dead zones? That’s a strong sign you might benefit from a mesh system to eliminate weak spots. Remember, one of the biggest perks of buying your own router is having more control. If you get stuck, your provider's support team is there to help you get your new hardware working with their service.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Fiber Routers
Once you’ve decided on the features you need, the next step is finding the right router at the right price. You don't have to be an expert deal-hunter to get a great value. It’s mostly about knowing where to look and when to buy.
At Novos Fiber, we believe in transparency, which is why we don’t lock you into equipment rental fees. We want you to have the freedom to choose the best hardware for your home. Buying your own router is a smart investment that gives you more control and can save you money in the long run. Here’s how to approach your purchase to get the most bang for your buck.
Online vs. In-Store: Where Should You Buy?
Deciding where to buy your router often comes down to personal preference. Do you want it now, or are you willing to wait a few days for shipping? Online retailers typically offer a massive selection and competitive pricing, making it easy to compare models and read reviews from home.
On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores let you see the product firsthand and ask sales associates for advice. Retailers like Best Buy offer the best of both worlds, with a wide variety of routers available online that you can often pick up in-store the same day. This flexibility lets you research at your own pace and still get your new router up and running quickly.
When to Buy to Get the Best Price
The best time to buy a router is as soon as you sign up for a new internet plan. Why? Because purchasing your own equipment is a financially savvy choice that immediately starts saving you money. Many internet providers charge a monthly rental fee for their equipment, which can add up to over a hundred dollars a year.
By making a one-time purchase, you eliminate that recurring cost. While you can always keep an eye out for big sales events like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day, the real savings come from avoiding those rental fees month after month. Think of it as an upfront investment that quickly pays for itself.
Don't Forget About Warranty and Support
When you’re comparing prices, don’t overlook the warranty and support that come with the router. Owning your equipment means you’re in charge of your network’s security and features, but it doesn’t mean you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
Most new routers come with manufacturer support and warranty options that protect your purchase for at least a year. Before you click “buy,” check the warranty period and see what kind of customer support the manufacturer offers. This little bit of research can provide a lot of peace of mind and save you from a major headache if you run into any technical issues down the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use the router I had with my old cable internet provider? Unfortunately, no. A router designed for cable internet connects to a modem, but fiber internet uses a different device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). Your old router simply doesn't have the right kind of connection to talk to the fiber network. To get the performance you're paying for, you need a router that is designed to plug directly into an ONT.
My house has a lot of Wi-Fi dead spots. Should I get a super-powerful router or a mesh system? This really comes down to your home's layout. A single, high-performance router can be great for smaller homes or open-concept spaces. However, if you have a larger home with multiple floors or walls that block the signal (like brick or plaster), a mesh system is the definitive solution. It uses multiple units to create a single, seamless network that covers your entire home, eliminating those frustrating dead zones for good.
I signed up for a multi-gig plan. What's the most important thing to look for in a router to get those speeds? The single most critical feature is a multi-gigabit WAN port. This is the port that connects your router to the internet. If your plan is faster than 1 Gbps, you need a router with at least a 2.5 Gbps WAN port to match. Without it, your router will act as a bottleneck, and your connection speed will be capped at 1 Gbps, no matter how fast your plan is.
With all the different Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7, how do I know which one I actually need? It's simpler than it sounds. Wi-Fi 6 is the current sweet spot for most homes, offering excellent speed and the ability to handle many devices at once. Wi-Fi 6E is a great step up, as it adds a new 6 GHz frequency band that acts like an exclusive fast lane for your newest devices. If you're a serious gamer or want to be ready for the next wave of technology, Wi-Fi 7 is the top-of-the-line choice that offers the absolute best speeds and performance.
Why should I buy my own router instead of just using one from my internet provider? Buying your own router gives you freedom and saves you money over time. When you rent equipment, you're often paying a monthly fee for a basic model that may not have the latest technology or security features. Purchasing your own allows you to choose a router that perfectly fits your needs, whether that's for gaming, a busy family, or a smart home, all while avoiding those recurring rental charges.
