[Q] Where should I check the specifications of the Wi-Fi router?

[A] Check not only the Wi-Fi standard, but also the maximum communication speed

Wi-Fi, which is necessary when connecting a PC to a network via Wi-Fi There are various items in the specs of the router. The first thing I would like to check is the Wi-Fi standard that it supports.

　The latest standard is ``IEEE 802.11ax'', often referred to as ``Wi-Fi 6'', one generation before that is ``Wi-Fi 5'' (IEEE 802.11ac), and two generations before that is ``Wi-Fi -Fi 4” (IEEE 802.11n). The maximum communication speed is faster as the standard is newer, and in theory, Wi-Fi 6 is 9608 Mbps, Wi-Fi 5 is 6933 Mbps, and Wi-Fi 4 is 600 Mbps.

However, even if they support the same standard, the maximum communication speed varies depending on the router. This is the second point I want to check in the specs. For example, for routers that support Wi-Fi 6, high-end products have a maximum communication speed of 4804 Mbps, while low-end products remain at 1201 Mbps.

Especially for routers that support Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5, the maximum communication speed varies greatly depending on the product, so when choosing a product, check the maximum communication speed in addition to the compatible standard. Let's keep

In addition, in order to connect via Wi-Fi, not only the router but also the connected smartphone or PC must support the Wi-Fi standard.

　Because Wi-Fi standards are backward compatible, for example, even a smartphone or PC that only supports Wi-Fi 5 can be connected to a router that supports Wi-Fi 6. Conversely, it is also possible to connect a Wi-Fi 6 smartphone to a Wi-Fi 5 router. However, in that case, communication is performed with the lower standard, so the original performance cannot be maximized.

Therefore, if the smartphone or PC you are currently using is Wi-Fi 5 compatible and you do not plan to replace it for a while, you may decide to choose an inexpensive Wi-Fi 5 compatible router.