Ever been frustrated by endless buffering during your favorite show or by weak signals that leave your smart home devices disconnected? It might be time to revolutionize your digital experience.
A state-of-the-art WiFi 7 router isn’t just about rapid speeds—it’s about ensuring every device in your home stays securely connected, whether you’re streaming ultra-HD content or managing essential work calls.
Experience seamless 4K streaming, robust connectivity, and fortified security across all your devices—learn how an upgrade to a WiFi 7 router can create a truly future-proof network.
IN THIS ARTICLE
WiFi technology has evolved rapidly in the past decade from WiFi 5, WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and now WiFi 7 which offers faster speeds, greater efficiency, and advanced security features. Before upgrading, consider your current devices, future needs, and budget. Here are four important reasons to upgrade to a new router.
The modern American home can include dozens of WiFi devices all vying for strong internet connections. Robust enhanced network security is an essential new router consideration for avoiding cyberattacks on home networks and IoT devices such as smart TVs, smart plugs, and security cameras. Older routers are outdated in terms of security protocols, such as lacking WPA3 encryption or automatic firmware updates. NETGEAR Nighthawk Routers and Orbi Mesh Systems include NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender, which provides:
New routers that support WiFi 7 handle faster WiFi and Ethernet cable internet speeds that reduce lag and provide a smoother connected experience. Streaming, gaming, and video conferencing are all dramatically improved. WiFi 7 routers offer better multi-device support, lower latency, and faster file transfers.
WiFi 7 routers are essential for supporting next-gen devices, such as 4K/8K TVs, smart appliances, and AR/VR gaming systems. Groundbreaking new router features include enhanced multi-link operation (MLO)*, 4K quadrature amplitude modulation (4K QAM), and preamble puncturing, all designed to deliver multi-gigabit WiFi 7 connectivity for WiFi networks of all sizes.
NETGEAR Orbi Whole-Home WiFi 7 Mesh Systems eliminate dead zones and provide consistent coverage for larger properties, upstairs and downstairs, from the front door to the back yard. Everyone can have their own space for connecting online.
Need to know how to upgrade your router for better security? A new WiFi 7 router with active development ensures critical vulnerabilities are patched quickly. You’ll get consistent firmware updates that are designed to add new features, improve channel optimization, and more. If you currently have a router that rarely or no longer receives firmware updates, it’s effectively dead to the manufacturer. Home network security is too important to leave in the hands of abandoned hardware. Here are some considerations.
WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates, and NETGEAR Armor are non-negotiable for modern routers. Nighthawk and Orbi WiFi 7 routers include additional privacy and anti-tracking features, a VPN for secure connections, and threat detection tailored for smart homes. An older router can open the door to major security vulnerabilities.
You should examine your current internet service provider (ISP) internet plan and source (fiber, cable, DSL, or satellite) before purchasing a new router. For cable internet users, it’s recommended pairing routers with high-performance standalone cable modems like the NETGEAR CM3000.
Consider your current and future needs for Ethernet port and WiFi connections. The average modern home in the United States has 20+ connected devices that can include Apple and Android smartphones, online gaming consoles, streaming devices, Amazon Alexa, and IoT gadgets requiring WiFi routers that support high device densities. NETGEAR’s Orbi 970 Series can manage up to 200 devices without lag. Try our easy WiFi Device counting tool.
WiFi 7 routers use the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 6 GHz band for high-bandwidth activities and improved connections even in busy WiFi areas. WiFi 7 routers enable faster speeds, greater capacity, and ultra-low latency, making them ideal for smart homes and next-gen technologies. NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Series and Orbi WiFi 7 Series are top-tier WiFi 7-ready solutions with a wide range of high-performance features.
Standard standalone WiFi 7 routers are perfect for apartments and small to medium-sized homes. The latest WiFi Mesh systems include the main router access point plus multiple router satellites that work in sync for expanded and seamless whole-home coverage — perfect for medium to large or multi-floor homes.
Is your WiFi signal weak? Are you constantly troubleshooting? Do you need to reboot to reconnect? Are you renting an ineffective ISP loaner router? If your older dual-band WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 router struggles to deliver adequate backhaul and throughput WiFi speeds, it’s probably worth upgrading to a WiFi 7 router. Let’s explore the best routers on the market and the benefits of upgrading to WiFi 7, courtesy of NETGEAR.
Is mesh WiFi better for large homes? The answer is a resounding yes! An Orbi Mesh WiFi upgrade is best for large homes, families with multiple devices, and as a router system for smart home device enthusiasts, with features that include:
Best for medium-sized homes and performance-focused setups. Features include:
Look for WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates, and features like NETGEAR Armor, which provides VPN, anti-tracking, and identity protection tools.
Routers with IoT-specific networks and advanced security features isolate smart home devices to prevent unauthorized access and attacks.
Most older routers and extenders don’t support modern protocols like WPA3 or receive firmware updates, making it essential to upgrade your router for optimal protection.
WiFi 7 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and higher bandwidth, ensuring smoother performance for streaming, gaming, and connected devices.
NETGEAR routers combine cutting-edge security via NETGEAR Armor, superior performance, and options tailored for every home size.
Knowing how to choose the right router for your home is important. Upgrading to the best router for security is essential to meet the demands of a connected world. Modern routers ensure enhanced security, improved WiFi performance, and compatibility with smart home devices.
Choose NETGEAR WiFi 7 routers like the Nighthawk WiFi 7 Series or Orbi WiFi 7 Series to protect your network, improve performance, and ensure your home is ready for the future.
Learn more about NETGEAR’s secure routers here: NETGEAR Secure Networking Solutions
* MLO Supported on WiFi 7 Orbi Routers
Is mesh WiFi better for large homes? The answer is a resounding yes! An Orbi Mesh WiFi upgrade is best for large homes, families with multiple devices, and as a router system for smart home device enthusiasts, with features that include:
Best for medium-sized homes and performance-focused setups. Features include:
