the show where I answer your most commonly asked

tech questions in ninety seconds or less.

Today, we're getting sexy, and talking about WiFi routers.

Start the clock.

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There is nothing worse than slow WiFi,

except maybe slower WiFi than what you're paying for.

Which is why getting a good router is crucial.

So here are the three most important things to know

when shopping around for a new router.

Number one.

Make sure the router supports at least two bands,

2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The 5 GHz band is better at transmitting more data

at higher speeds, but it has a tougher time

getting through walls and furniture than the 2.4 GHz band.

With a dual band router, you get the best of both worlds.

Number two.

Make sure the router supports newer wireless protocols.

Basically check the specifications,

and make sure it supports 802.11 AC.

And finally number three.

Pick the right router speed for you.

Routers will have labels like AC1200 or AC3200,

which is just the wireless protocol we talked about, AC,

and the theoretical maximum mega bits per second

the router can handle.

Bigger number does not mean faster Internet.

There isn't a perfect science to choosing the right speed,

but the important thing is to get a router

that's at least as fast as the devices you own.

And that's it.

Check those three things and you're well on your way

to more reliable Internet and no more buffering

while you're trying to watch these videos.

(music).

Hey, thanks for watching.

If you have other tech questions you want me

to try and tackle in ninety seconds or less,

leave a comment below or email me.

And as always, subscribe to Life Hacker on YouTube.