A wifi router keeps the devices around your home connected, from phones and laptops to TVs and gaming gear. If your Wi-Fi slows down in busy periods or struggles to reach certain rooms, your router could be part of the problem.
The modem router supplied by your internet provider may be fine for a simple setup. A newer router can give you better coverage and handle a household full of connected devices more comfortably.
Make Sense of Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E and 7
You will see plenty of Wi-Fi numbers when comparing routers. The main difference is how much speed and network traffic each generation can handle.
- Wi-Fi 5: Still suitable for everyday browsing and streaming.
- Wi-Fi 6: Handles busy households and multiple devices more efficiently.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Adds the 6GHz band, giving compatible devices another less congested band to use.
- Wi-Fi 7: Supports faster connections and lower latency with compatible devices.
Dual-band routers usually use 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Tri-band models add another band, which may include 6GHz. Keep in mind that your phone, notebooks or other device needs to support the newer Wi-Fi standard too.
Work Out How Much Coverage You Need
A small apartment and a two-storey house need very different Wi-Fi setups. Walls, floors and even where you put the router can affect the signal.
Single Routers
One router may be all you need in an apartment or smaller home. Putting it somewhere central and out in the open usually gives you the best chance of reaching more rooms.
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Mesh systems place several units around your home while keeping everything on one network. They make sense for larger homes, multiple floors or layouts where a single router leaves dead spots.
Wi-Fi Range Extenders
If there is only one area with weak Wi-Fi, an extender can be a simpler fix. It needs to sit somewhere that still receives a solid signal from your main router.
Check What Works With Your NBN Connection
Before buying, check your NBN connection type. Some homes have an NBN connection box and only need a router, while connections such as Fibre to the Node may still need a compatible modem router.
If you have a very fast internet plan, check the WAN port too. A 1Gbps port can become a bottleneck if your connection is capable of more than 1Gbps.
No fixed connection? Mobile broadband and 5G routers can also get compatible devices online using a suitable mobile network and plan.
Think About Ports and Everyday Features
Wi-Fi gets most of the attention, but wired connections and network controls can be just as useful. Check how many Ethernet ports you get and their speeds if you connect desktops, hubs & docks or other wired gear.
You may also want USB ports, VPN support, WPA3 security, a separate guest network or parental controls. Automatic firmware updates can make keeping your router's software current simpler.
Shop Wi-Fi Routers at digiDirect
digiDirect stocks wifi routers for different homes and setups, from compact single units to whole-home mesh systems from recognised brands. Shop Australian stock with applicable warranty coverage, digiDirect's Price Match Guarantee and Click & Collect options depending on availability.
You can also browse computer accessories and monitors for your home or office setup.
FAQs
Do I still need the modem my internet provider supplied?
It depends on your NBN connection and the router you choose. Some connections can plug a router directly into the NBN connection box, while others still need modem functionality. Check your connection type and provider requirements before removing your existing equipment.
Will a new router actually make my internet plan faster?
It cannot give you more speed than your internet plan provides. What it can do is improve Wi-Fi coverage and performance if your old router is holding things back. Your phone, computer or other connected device also needs to support the available speeds.
How many devices can one router handle at once?
There is no set number because every router is different. A modern router can usually handle plenty of everyday devices, but performance also depends on what those devices are doing. A home full of 4K streaming, gaming and downloads puts more demand on the network than a few phones browsing the web.
Where should a router be placed in the house?
Try to put your router somewhere central, open and off the floor. Hiding it in a cupboard or behind large furniture can weaken the signal. The closer it is to the areas where you actually use Wi-Fi, the better.
Can I use a mesh system with my existing router?
Often, yes. Some mesh systems can work with your existing modem router, while others are designed to handle the routing themselves. Check the setup requirements for the mesh system before buying.
