121Gnet Support Q&A Centre

The choice of a good router/modem depends on many factors.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself before buying a wireless router/modem.

Do you want a modem/router, or just a router for an existing modem?

If you have an existing standalone internet modem, you can re-use the existing modem, by purchasing Wifi Access Points. Wifi Access Points allow you to set defined areas where you want Wifi to be available and can be easily upgraded after the initial setup.

What type of Internet connection do you have?

Depending on the type of internet connection that you have (DSL, TV Cable, Fibre Optic), you will need a router/modem which supports these technologies.

Do you need any wired network ports or wireless only?

If you intend to use any of the wired LAN ports on your router or think you might need them in the future, you should obtain a Wifi router/modem with enough wired LAN ports for your requirements.

What is the distance that it will cover?

This is one of the most important factors. The rule of thumb is – the greater the distance required, the stronger the signal strength needed. This is in addition to any interference caused by other devices and surrounding infrastructure.

Wifi Signal strength is typically measured in decibel to the milliwatt (dBm). With dBm, measurements are taken using negative values. For example, -30 is a higher signal than -80, because -80 is a much lower number. 

The following is an explanation of the typical signal strengths required for different types of internet traffic. 

The average distance a Wifi signal will cover in a bare spaced area is about 20 to 30 m. However, the materials used within the space and the construction (a home or an office) affects wireless communication range and speed. Some lightweight materials will only have a minimal effect while others will cause major interference and slow network speeds.

The following is a list of physical obstacles and what effect they may have wireless signals.

If you live in a single story dwelling, a normal off the shelf or ISP provided Wifi router/modem is sufficient. However, if you live in a multi-level dwelling or single story dwelling with a huge space, you will generally need a Wifi router with a bigger coverage.

A good router/modem will be able to cover a single story with a moderate amount of coverage reaching upper and lower floors. 

This is assuming that hosts have placed their router in a good location for optimal coverage, similar to the picture shown below.  

An alternative is to stretch out your existing signal using wired cables and/or Wifi Access Points. This will allow you to provide stronger Wifi signal to hard to reach areas at your house. However, you will have to physically distribute and lay the cables across your home, possibly from one floor to another, similar to the picture shown below:

Option 1 – Distribute existing signal using wired cables and other Wireless Access Points 

An alternative to this approach is to use other access points (generally not more than two) as repeaters to extend the coverage of your Wifi.

How much interference will there be on my Wifi. 

In addition to the Signal strength, one of the other important things to note is interference caused by other Wifi Networks and devices. There are two main categories of interference.

Interference caused by other Wifi networks – 

Wifi routers/modems operate on radio frequencies bands. There are two main bands.

The older one is 2.4 GHz followed by the new 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band provides stable normal speeds with a regular range.

The 5 GHz band provides a higher speed but at a shorter distance.

Higher-demand usage – like online gaming and downloading large files – is likely to need the 5GHz band, while lower-demand requests such as general browsing are shifted to the 2.4GHz band. This frees up the higher speed band for those who need it.

Hosts and sharers are free to use both bands.

If two or more networks are operating on the same channel in the same band, then there will be interference caused by wireless traffic traveling between devices.

This can be overcome by changing the channel on which your Wifi operates. Some routers allow users to see how much traffic is flowing through a particular channel, while others don’t.

Interference caused by devices and surrounding infrastructure -- 

Even if the devices are not Wifi related they may be working on the same 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies. Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens are the obvious examples. The following list shows the possible sources of signal interference.

• Microwaves and Cordless Phones — many of these operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency and cause disruptions to normal Wifi routers operating in this band. If a cordless phone has been placed nearby, Wifi signal interference can occur during active call times.
• Poorly Wired Satellite Dish — if a satellite dish is not properly wired or old wires are deteriorating it can cause quite a signal interference.
• Other Wireless Devices — any other device, which has a microwave transmitter and operates on the same band as your Router/Modem can cause interference. These can include wireless speakers, baby monitors, garage door openers, wireless cameras, etc.
• Power sources — Electrical railroad tracks or power lines that are in close proximity can be causing Wifi interference. Try to position your Wifi router away from power lines on the wall or close to the breaker box.

How much do you want to spend? 

This is the main deciding factor for most people. If you want to spend $60 USD, your choice of a modem/router becomes limited. 

If your budget range from $100-$300 USD, you will be able to purchase modern routers with features such as bandwidth management, Far Range Signals, AC Wifi

capability and extra features like support for third-party software, USB ports, etc.

In short, the signal range of the Wifi is an important factor in hosting, find the right device that fits your conditions.

121Co recommends that you speak to your local electronic store suppliers to find the right type of modem/router that fits your requirements and is within your budget.