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Noob Networking Questions

Sirr
By Sirr
in Networking
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Posted

Out of all my knowledge in electronics i would say that networking is my worst when it comes to understanding. So I have a few questions for you guys.

 

1. Can I just buy a better router to improve my internet upload/download speed?

If question 1 is no, what do i need to increase my internet speed? (besides changing my ISP)

 

2. If I hook up two PCs via Ethernet, would i be able to transfer files between them? 

 

3. What are the properties in a router to look for when determining whether or not it is good?  

 

Thanks, and sorry for my lack of knowledge, I find this very confusing for some reason. 

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11 minutes ago, Sirr said:

1. Can I just buy a better router to improve my internet upload/download speed?

If question 1 is no, what do i need to increase my internet speed? (besides changing my ISP)

1

Nope. Unless your router only supports 802.11b/g/n or b/g you will not see a difference in speed over a wireless connection. Most routers released in the past four years come with AC support already. As for a wired connection, there is absolutely nothing you can do. You will have to contact your ISP to learn about their upgrade plans.

 

11 minutes ago, Sirr said:

2. If I hook up two PCs via Ethernet, would i be able to transfer files between them? 

A lot of routers can be used to create a network drive via the USB port. Connect a drive to the port, install the needed software for the router (EX: Netgear Genie), and you'll be able to upload files to the drive and pull them on the other computer. Alternatively, see this article to learn how to create a shared network drive.

 

14 minutes ago, Sirr said:

3. What are the properties in a router to look for when determining whether or not it is good?  

802.11b/g/n/ac support, as mentioned above, is necessary to deliver the best speeds over a 5GHz band to a wireless-connected device. The rest is reliant on range capabilities of these routers.

Make sure to quote me or use @PorkishPig to notify me that you replied!

 

 

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1. If your current router is failing to provide the speeds that you already pay for then it might help, but it is very unlikely. There is no way to increase speed past what you pay for, without paying for more.

 

2. Yes.

 

3. What do you plan on doing with it? Do you need wireless? Do you need a built in modem? Do you need to connect more than 1 ethernet device?

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29 minutes ago, Sirr said:

 

3. What are the properties in a router to look for when determining whether or not it is good?  

Read reviews, find a budget and buy the one with the most features you want that has good reviews and ask people on the forums opinions on a router and they'll be sure to help you out

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