What is a Wi-Fi router?

A router creates a local network, forwarding traffic between your local devices and the internet. A Wi-Fi router is a router that also functions as a wireless access point, letting you connect devices to the network over <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/865706/what-is-wi-fi/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/865706/what-is-wi-fi/">Wi-Fi</a>. Without a router, you could only be able to connect a single device to your internet modem via an <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/804793/what-is-ethernet/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/804793/what-is-ethernet/">Ethernet</a> cable. (However, modern modems provided by internet service providers often include built-in Wi-Fi routers.)

How do you reset a Wi-Fi router?

To reboot your Wi-Fi router, unplug its power cable, wait about ten seconds, and plug it back in. To <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/434350/how-to-factory-reset-a-router/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/434350/how-to-factory-reset-a-router/">reset a Wi-Fi router to factory default settings</a>, look for a reset button on the router itself---you will often need to long-press it for ten seconds or so. Check your specific router's documentation for more information.

How do you update router firmware?

Your router's web interface or the app you use to configure your router will have an option for updating its <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/346627/what-is-firmware-or-microcode-and-how-can-i-update-my-hardware/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/346627/what-is-firmware-or-microcode-and-how-can-i-update-my-hardware/">firmware</a>, which is the software that runs on your router. You may have to manually download a firmware update file from your router manufacturer's website. Consult your router's documentation or your router manufacturer's website for more specific details.

What is the WPS button on my router?

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup button lets you connect a device to Wi-Fi without typing your Wi-Fi password. Generally, you will first try connecting the device to your Wi-Fi network. When you're prompted for a password, you may also see a message telling you that "you can also connect by pushing the button on your router." You can then push your router's WPS button to connect without typing the password. (This only works on some devices. For example, <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/792676/why-doesnt-my-android-phone-have-a-wps-button/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/792676/why-doesnt-my-android-phone-have-a-wps-button/">Android doesn't support WPS</a>.)

How can I best place my router for the widest coverage?

Place your router in a central location. In a two-level house, consider placing it near the floor of the second floor or the ceiling of the first floor. Avoid <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/802892/things-blocking-your-wi-fi-signal-at-home/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/802892/things-blocking-your-wi-fi-signal-at-home/">obstructions that can block Wi-Fi</a>, including metal, large appliances, microwaves, and concrete walls (drywall isn't a problem.) For the best coverage, consider a <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/822880/why-you-want-mesh-wi-fi-even-if-you-just-need-one-router/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/822880/why-you-want-mesh-wi-fi-even-if-you-just-need-one-router/">mesh Wi-Fi system</a>.

How does router price affect performance?

More expensive routers tend to offer faster speeds and wider areas of strong coverage. They have hardware features lacking in less expensive routers. How much this matters depends on how many devices you'll be connecting at once, what you'll be doing on them, and how far away from your router those devices are.

How can I boost my Wi-Fi signal?

The most important tip is to <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/428216/where-to-place-your-router-for-the-best-wi-fi-speeds/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/428216/where-to-place-your-router-for-the-best-wi-fi-speeds/">position your router in a good location</a>. You should also ensure you're connected to the 5 GHz network. We've got <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/798990/8-tips-to-improve-your-wi-fi-signal/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/798990/8-tips-to-improve-your-wi-fi-signal/">more tips for boosting your Wi-Fi signal</a>. If none of them works, consider buying a new router, switching to a mesh Wi-Fi system, or perhaps just adding a Wi-Fi extender.

Do routers make noise?

A router shouldn't make much noise. Most home routers don't have fans, but if the router has a cooling fan inside it, you may hear a quiet fan noise while it's running---just like you would on a laptop. Like other electrics, a router might make a buzzing or humming noise while it's running.

How do you tell if Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

While connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can go into your device's Wi-Fi settings and look through the Wi-Fi network's information to see if it says it's using the <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/222249/whats-the-difference-between-2.4-ghz-and-5-ghz-wi-fi-and-which-should-you-use/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/222249/whats-the-difference-between-2.4-ghz-and-5-ghz-wi-fi-and-which-should-you-use/">"5 GHz" or "2.4 GHz" network band</a>. (This information is not displayed on all devices.) Most routers use the same Wi-Fi network name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz by default, and your device automatically connects to the best one at any given time. However, you can set most routers up to have separate network names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, so you'll always know which your device is connected to.

How does my modem affect my router?

Your <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/234233/whats-the-difference-between-a-modem-and-a-router/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/234233/whats-the-difference-between-a-modem-and-a-router/">modem</a> is the device that connects to your internet service provider's network: cable, fiber optic, DSL, or satellite. You connect your router to your modem via an Ethernet cable. Modern ISPs often provide combined modem-router units that include router hardware in the same box as the modem hardware. If you have one of these, you can configure your modem in "bridge mode" so that it will just function as a modem and let your router take over all routing duties. Consult your modem's documentation for more information.

How do you find Wi-Fi network congestion?

Congestion could occur when a device is using a lot of bandwidth on your network. Some routers may show the data usage of individual devices in their web interfaces or apps. However, in many cases, you will need to look at the information on each device itself to see which device is using the most data.

How hot do routers get?

Like other electronics, a router <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/820039/7-tips-to-keep-your-tech-from-overheating/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/820039/7-tips-to-keep-your-tech-from-overheating/">produces heat</a> as it operates. If you <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/805588/can-i-cover-my-wi-fi-router-to-hide-it/" data-mce-href="https://www.howtogeek.com/805588/can-i-cover-my-wi-fi-router-to-hide-it/">cover a router</a> or block its vents, it will get too hot. Some router manufacturers say their routers are designed to operate at temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius.) How hot a router will get depends on the ambient temperature of the room, whether it has good airflow to cool itself, how much work it's doing, and the model of router itself.

The Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2023

How-To Geek

By Chris Hoffman

Updated Feb 3, 2023

Buying a router? Here are our top picks for every situation.

Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek

A wireless router is an essential piece of technology. A new router upgrades your wireless network with faster speeds, a stronger signal, better security, and an extended range.

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