If you are still using the ISP’s Wi-Fi router, your internet experience may have become toxic. If you are not getting proper speed, frequent connection drops, and videos are buffering then It’s time to say goodbye to the ISP’s Router and switch to third-party alternatives. In this article, we are going to discuss why you should replace the ISP’s router and experience a better internet service.
Reasons to Replace ISP’s Wi-Fi Router
Better Performance
ISP prioritizes affordability over performance. While these routers can get the job done for basic web browsing, they can struggle to keep up with the performance required for gaming or high-quality cost-cutting high-quality video streaming. ISPs do cost-cutting on hardware for their routers whereas a good quality router will have
- Faster processor
- More memory
- Strong antennas.
So, replacing the ISP’s router with a good third-party router can give better performance in various ways to make your internet experience better.
Improved Coverage
Your ISP router often struggles to deliver a strong Wifi signal throughout your entire house. It gets more difficult when you have a large house or thick walls. Now upgrading to a new after-market router gives you,
- Strong antennas for better signal all over the house.
- Multiple bands (e.g. 5GHz, 2.4GHz) for performance and coverage
- Some routers offer features like beamforming for faster and more reliable internet anywhere in the house
Better Security
Next comes the security concerns that you always have with the ISP-provided router. These routers don’t have any advanced security protection for internet browsing and expose you to hackers. Whereas, using a good quality third-party router gives you,
- Security features such as VPN, and firewall protection to browse the internet safely.
- You get better encryption such as WPA3 instead of the old WPA2 of ISP routers.
Parental Control
If you want to control access to certain sites or want to restrict internet access for devices, you can’t do these with the ISP-provided router. However, if you are using a market router then you get features for parental control options too,
- Schedule internet timings
- Restrict access to certain websites
- Disable internet for certain devices
Guest Network
There are several moments when you have to share your wifi password with guests and now they can see all the connected devices or control also. To overcome this situation you better replace the ISP router and get a new router where you get to create a guest network.
- Share passwords for guest networks with outsiders for internet use.
- This safeguards your other internet devices connected to the main network.
- The guest doesn’t get to know the password of the main network.
Great Control over the Internet
Furthermore, you get a strong command over the internet connection inside your house when you replace the ISP-provided wifi router. Using a market router instead of an ISP router you can,
- Check the devices connected to the network.
- Ban devices from using the internet.
- Define bandwidth limit for devices connected.
- Prioritize devices to get a constant supply of internet in case of a large number of users.
Future Technology
As observed, the ISP does not like to spend more effort on routers. You can find these routers are running on old technologies and don’t get firmware updates either. However, if you replace the router, you get
- Latest Wifi technologies such as Wifi 6 or Wifi 6E.
- Regular firmware updates from the manufacturer.
- Low latency and faster speed
This helps you to use the router for upcoming years with no hesitation and have an ease of internet connectivity.
Save money
While you have to make a one-time investment to replace the ISP’s router this can be beneficial for you in the long run if you are paying a monthly rental for the router to the ISP with the regular internet bill. ISPs change the rental from time to time and it only adds up with time.
Room Aesthetic
Furthermore, ISP routers are unattractive and bulky and sometimes come in a combination of Router and Modem or ONU. But, if you decide to replace the ISP router you can choose a better looking Router. You also get to choose the color matching your wall or any other combination that can complement your house’s interior.
Steps to Replace ISP’s Wifi Router
Step 1: Choose a suitable Wi-Fi router
If you have made up your mind to change the ISP-given Wifi router, then the first thing you need to do is select a Wifi router that meets your requirements. The major criteria are performance, features, and even budget. You can consider routers from reputed brands such as Tp-Link, Asus, D-Link, Netgear, etc.
Step 2: Connect the new Router
Once you have bought the new router it’s time to disconnect the ISP-provided router from the internet line (e.g. Optic fiber, Ethernet). Now connect the new router with the Optical fiber or ethernet cable. Use the manufacturer’s guide for better understanding.
Step 3: Configure Settings
Next, you should have the IP address with the user ID and passwords from the ISP. You can contact your local provider for details if you don’t have one. Give all necessary details like SSID and password and configure the router. Use the advanced settings of your router for more customizations.
Step 4: Test Wifi Connection
Lastly, once all configurations are done, connect your mobile or laptop to the Wifi network and check connectivity throughout your house. You can also run Internet Speed Tests to check network speed.
Conclusion
Replacing your ISP-provided WiFi router with a third-party Wifi router can give you better performance, connectivity, better security with more control over customizations. Sometimes it can also save you money in the long term if you are using a rented plan router. Analyze your requirements for Internet service and choose which type of router suits you the best.
FAQs on Why You Should Replace ISP’s Wifi Router
Is it possible to replace the ISP’s Wi-Fi router?
Yes, you can replace the ISP provided Wifi Router with a third party router for better performance and more control over the network.
Can I use the Internet using Router only?
To use the internet the Router must be connected with the ethernet cable with the ISP. However if your internet connection is a fiber connection then you will need a modem (ONU) with router to use internet.
Which router should I use to reduce latency while gaming?
To get rid of high ping and latency during gaming, opt for a good quality modern router with 5 GHz band for better performance.