Most people have never replaced the router that came free with their internet service. This single piece of hardware affects everything from video call quality to smart home reliability.
ISP-provided routers are manufactured to a cost that prioritizes their margin over your performance. They typically use older WiFi standards, have limited processing power for handling many simultaneous connections, and run software that is rarely updated.
The good news: replacing your router is a one-time investment that pays dividends for five or more years. A good mesh system from a reputable brand will eliminate dead zones, support more simultaneous devices, and handle the bandwidth demands of modern households.
