3 Things to do Before Making the Upgrade to Gigabit Internet
As fiber infrastructure improves and firms offer ultra-fast service bundles, long-awaited gigabit internet speeds are now arriving in an increasing number of locations. But are you and your gadgets prepared to make the switch to gigabit internet?
Existing internet speeds may be enhanced by a variety of variables (including router configuration), but gigabit-level services are still exciting. It is also critical to ensure that you and your devices are prepared to take advantage of the increased Gigabit Ethernet Speeds. Here are five measures to properly prepare.
Set up Quality Wired Connections
Because of their dependability and absence of interference, wired connections are typically preferable for gigabit speeds. If you want to get the full benefits of gigabit internet, you must have the proper wired connections. It’s very crucial to get the wired connection from your internet modem to your router working properly.
The good news is that the majority of contemporary Ethernet ports developed in recent years are in the gigabit Ethernet range. The bad news is that if you have an older router or other connected equipment, it may be using an outdated form of Ethernet connection that cannot handle your new, thrilling speeds. If this is the case, the router will be the bottleneck for your whole home network. There are USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapters available, but they aren’t ideal because they can slow down performance in other ways.
If you don’t know what sort of ports your router has, search up the product number and the specs online to discover what kind of ports it has. This is also something you can perform with your PCs to check on factory cards and connections. Everything should be certified for gigabit speeds, or 1,000 megabits per second. You may also discover additional information about your connections in the Settings or About This Computer sections.
If you’re in the market for a new router, these are our current recommendations. It is important to note that the number of Ethernet ports on a router might vary. If you just need one Gigabit internet connection for your computer, that’s OK; but, if you want to create numerous wired connections, be sure your router or gateway has enough Gigabit-rated ports. For example, the TP-Link Archer AX6000 features nine Gigabit Ethernet ports to enable a wide range of cable connections.
Finally, it is worthwhile to examine the Ethernet wires themselves. To support these speeds, they need be at least Cat5e or higher: The newest Ethernet cables, on the other hand, run all the way up to Cat 8, which delivers up to 40Gbps across 30 meters. This increases the probability of attaining Gigabit speeds and also helps future proof your Ethernet connections so you don’t have to replace them for a long time, making Cat 8 a smart location to start shopping for new Ethernet cables. Look for flat cable designs that may be readily hidden if you intend on running wires along the floor or under doors!.
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Make Sure Your Devices Support the Latest Wi-Fi Standards
Check to know what Wi-Fi standards a gadget supports if you aren’t utilizing a wired connection. The most recent Wi-Fi standard is 802/11ax, which has been renamed Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 boosts wireless rates, provides support for new compression technologies, new device pairing capabilities, and improved security. It’s a clear suggestion if you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible, and because it’s a relatively new standard, it should be safe to use for many years to future.
The catch is that Wi-Fi 6 must be supported by devices in order for all of its new features to function. The newest phones and laptops will have Wi-Fi 6 capability in 2021, but devices that are a year or two old at this point are unlikely to have it, which suggests it may be time to consider an update. If you have a PC that can be upgraded, you can always install a new Wi-Fi card to solve this issue as well.
If you don’t want to buy a new router just yet, ensure your current router supports the 802.11ac standard. This standard has been around for years, and only the oldest routers do not support it. Remember that faster routers can impact speeds merely because of their newer components, and that variables like interference and distance from the router will also play a role in your ultimate speed.
Set up your Wi-Fi Router’s 5GHz Band
Many routers are now dual-band, which means they handle both the commonly used 2.4GHz frequency and the less commonly used 5GHz spectrum. In certain ways, the 5GHz option shines. It may not have as much range as the original band, but at 5GHz there is significantly less “noise,” or wireless gadget talk. That means the 5GHz spectrum can give a more accurate signal, bringing you closer to gigabit-level speeds.
During setup, most dual-band routers will prompt you to establish and name a 5GHz channel, so check to see whether you have one or can create one. You must also remember to utilize it. You may subconsciously default to the normal band out of habit, but this can significantly reduce the performance of your connected device.
Consider replacing your router if it isn’t dual-band. Modern routers are often dual-band, and many have software that can automatically switch between bands to give the optimum connection. A single-band router is also less likely to be 802.11ac compliant.
It’s worth noting that the 5GHz band can help you have a clean connection in a crowded location, but it also has a shorter range, so it’s more vital that your devices be closer to the router.
