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Newer, more expensive routers are usually capable of supporting the newest versions, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, but you will also likely find older models out there limited to older, slower versions. (You really only need to worry about the letters.) The Wi-Fi standard, which comes in simpler variations like “Wi-Fi 5” and “Wi-Fi 6,” indicates the same set of specs and optimizations. The wireless protocol is written out as the number 802.11, followed by a string of numbers and letters. The protocol determines your router’s range and throughput, which measures data speeds on your local network, along with other updates and optimizations. There are many versions of Wi-Fi, which are noted by various wireless protocols or, more recently, by the numbered Wi-Fi standard. You should also pay close attention to what wireless-fidelity protocol your router supports.
Nighthawk router upgrade#
This gives you some flexibility if you decide to upgrade to a faster plan down the road. If possible, we recommend buying a router with a maximum bandwidth well over the top speed you should receive from your plan. Otherwise, you’re wasting money paying for a service plan you can’t use. If you’re going to pay for gigabit internet, you’ll want a router that can take advantage of those speeds. We’ll walk you through the basics, so you can pick the right router for your home setup. It can be confusing and frustrating for even the most seasoned technophiles. Router specs lean heavily on industry jargon. Picking a router can get complicated quickly. We also considered dual-band and tri-band routers that support more recent Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 standards. In order to make sure you can get the most out of Fios’ best plan, we looked for routers that can support up to 1 Gbps of bandwidth. Technically, any router should be compatible with Verizon’s internet hookup. In fact, if you’re willing to pay some money upfront, the best routers offer a much better range and support for more devices. There’s nothing that says you have to use that router though. Like most internet service providers, Verizon will happily rent out a router and tack a fee onto your bill every month. Things to consider when buying the best router for Verizon Fios You can always go to the Fios website to see if you can get service in your home or to request it. Though it is available nationally, Fios isn’t available everywhere. Often the downside to Fios is availability.
Nighthawk router download#
Fiber’s often considered superior to cable because it’s more resilient to lag and buffering.ĭepending on your location, Fios offers up to 940 Mbps download speeds and 880 Mbps upload speeds, which should allow for a very connected home to do lots of streaming for work or play, gaming, and manage a network of smart home devices. Fiber optics use pulses of light to send data through tiny strands of transparent material like glass or plastic, carrying data directly to your device. Understanding Verizon Fiosįios is the home internet division of Verizon and runs exclusively on fiber-optic cable.

Of course, I also cross-checked each recommendation for compatibility with Fios, considered industry guides, and read under impressions to better understand what’s available.

To make our selections, I drew on that experience, as well as PopSci’s many guides to buying the best routers right now. I’ve set up several routers and mesh networks for work over the years, including many on Fios, which has been my home internet service provider since 2016. How we chose the best routers for Verizon Fiosīefore becoming part of Popular Science’s commerce team, I covered gadgets and gear, including routers, for sites like TechnoBuffalo, XDA Developers, and CNN Underscored. Best Wi-Fi 6: Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6E Router (RAXE500).Best for streaming: TP-Link Archer A20 (AC4000).Best for gaming: Asus AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX88U).Best dual-band: Asus RT-AX86U Wi-Fi 6 gaming router.Best overall: Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.If you need a way to make the service work for you, the best routers for Verizon Fios can deliver higher speeds across many more devices and may help as much as upgrading your plan. The rental router you get from Verizon Fios pales in comparison to the best routers on the market. Often, when your home network fails to deliver the speeds your ISP promised, a new and improved router can help quite a bit. A consistent connection that can handle Zoom meetings, video uploads, and streaming presentations without buckling under the high bandwidth. As millions of people adjust to remote work, a reliable home network is more important than ever-and, therefore, so is a reliable router.
