The average user usually ignores their wireless router once their ISP installs it and everything seems to be working fine. Only when you no longer have internet access do you consider calling your ISP to resolve the issue. I have a 200 Mbps plan in my home that I've been using for over three years on the ISP provided router. It works fine on most of my devices, but I was planning on upgrading it to something much better.
The thing is, ISPs usually provide a router that is just enough for the plan you subscribe to. I was having issues with the speed of my gaming PC and issues with coverage on my phone in some parts of the house. Upgrading to a modern router will solve most of these problems while providing additional benefits in resolving network congestion.
3 My ISP's router lacks modern features
Most budget routers are better than this
I've been using it for over three years, but that doesn't mean I haven't missed it. Of course, having the latest features doesn't always mean you'll have the best experience, but in my case the router is woefully under-equipped. For example, it is a Wi-Fi 5 router that does not support OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) or MU-MIMO to better support multiple devices at the same time.
Another feature I miss on my existing router is mesh support. I have often found that in the rooms furthest away from the router the connection completely breaks down. Purchasing a mesh router system or one that supports adding mesh features will finally solve this WiFi coverage issue and cover my entire house without sacrificing speed like I would with a WiFi -Extender would do.
Upgrading from a Wi-Fi 5 to a Wi-Fi 6 router brings significant latency and coverage benefits to my home Wi-Fi network, preparing it for an eventual upgrade to a Gigabit plan.
Like most ISP-provided routers, mine doesn't have app support. I can't easily track my data usage, connected devices, or other network settings without logging into the router's terrible interface. Most modern routers have an accompanying app that is much more user-friendly than my ISP router's outdated interface. Upgrading from a Wi-Fi 5 to a Wi-Fi 6 router brings significant latency and coverage benefits to my home Wi-Fi network, preparing it for an eventual upgrade to a Gigabit plan.
Related
Do I need a modem and a router?
If you have a cable or DSL Internet connection, you will need a modem. Whether you get your own or rent one is up to you.
2 I am suffering from insufficient connectivity on my PC
Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are not where they should be
A main reason I want to ditch my ISP router is that my gaming PC has been suffering from strange connection issues for a long time. Most of the time I use a wired connection from my router to the PC, which works fine until it stops working. Often the connection speed in the adapter settings drops to 100 Mbps (instead of 1 Gbps) for no reason, effectively halving my 200 Mbps connection.
I know that the problem is not with the PC or the CAT6e cable, so there must be something wrong with the router.
Furthermore, in this case I get the added benefit of delayed connectivity when I wake the PC from sleep – it takes 30 to 40 seconds to connect to the internet. I know that the problem is not with the PC or the CAT6e cable, so there must be something wrong with the router. I'm pretty confident that upgrading to a new router will get rid of this annoying problem on my PC.
Even on the few occasions that I've tried switching to Wi-Fi using the built-in Wi-Fi 6E module and included antenna, I don't get the speeds I like on my phone, Apple TV, or laptop. I've seen various ISP routers in many of my friends' houses that perform much better than this one, so I'm sure upgrading the router is the way to go.
1 Upgrade to a tri-band network to enjoy breezy internet
Switching to a Wi-Fi 6E router would be sweet
Dual band WiFi is fine, but I live in an apartment building full of networks. They all compete for the same 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum, causing a lot of congestion and occasional slowdowns. If I switch to a tri-band router with two 5GHz bands, or better yet, a Wi-Fi 6E router with a 6GHz band, I can enjoy the Internet without crowds, at least until more people get smart and join the party.
A Wi-Fi 6 mesh system will probably be the best option until Wi-Fi 6E routers become more common and affordable in my area.
Another thing is that in my area the 6GHz spectrum is still not released for telecom networks or WiFi use, so we still have quite a bit of waiting ahead of us. However, I can still upgrade to a decent tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router to get all the latency and network relief benefits that come with it. A Wi-Fi 6 mesh system will probably be the best option until Wi-Fi 6E routers become more common and affordable in my area.
It is almost always recommended to update your ISP's router
Your ISP has no incentive to provide more features than are absolutely necessary. In addition, compatibility must take precedence over performance and therefore choose hardware that is completely sufficient for most people. If you want higher performance, you'll need to buy your own router.
Keep in mind that when replacing a modem/router combo device, you will need a modem/ONT to connect to the new router or purchase something that has a built-in modem/ONT to work with the incoming cable or Your ISP's fiber optic connection is compatible.