If you’re like most people, you’re currently renting a router and modem from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You may be wondering if that’s the best option the world of technology can offer you. The short answer is no—renting from your ISP is not always the best option, and there are several reasons purchasing your own has its advantages.
As a home networking company in Charlotte, NC, we specialize in all things network and home technology. If you’re looking to make the most of your smart home or want better connectivity, continue reading our pointers below.
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Lower Cost
Even if renting a router only costs around $10 a month, you can easily make up for the cost by owning in a year. You’re probably planning on using the internet indefinitely, so why pay unnecessary fees and continue to rent? If you decide to buy a modem too, that might take up to two years to match the cost of renting, but eventually, you’ll be saving. Plus, you’ll enjoy the rest of the benefits below.
Better Performance
Although some ISP routers provide exceptional speed and reliability, it’s hard to know what you’ll get. If your provider doesn’t send you a brand-new model, you may unknowingly be using outdated equipment. Some routers are built to provide better Wi-Fi in hard-to-reach places to eliminate dead spots. If your Charlotte, North Carolina home includes lots of signal-stopping walls, you may be better off with a custom router.
More Parental Controls
If you have children, parental controls are essential to protect our kids from visiting inappropriate and unsafe websites. Plus, you can limit the amount of time they spend on it, keeping their imaginations, attention spans, and mental health in check. Some ISP routers do support parental controls, but you won’t find as many options as in one you can buy yourself. For instance, Netgear routers come with a free app that lets you adjust control settings right from your phone. You can establish specific times when particular sites are allowed, but others are not. Now you can put a stop to YouTube after bedtime!
Third-Party Firmware
For the best router performance, you may want to consider upgrading or replacing the firmware. With more options and customization, you’ll see better speed and security. This is something you cannot do on an ISP router, and even updating a rented router could be difficult if your provider releases updates late.
Guest Networks
For convenience and added security, you can create guest networks so that visitors can access Wi-Fi with a simpler password than your standard network’s more secure password. This is useful if your guests accidentally download a malicious program or connect an already infected computer or phone. It’s also a great idea to connect smart devices to the guest network to prevent hacking on your main network.
Ready to work with a home networking company? Call the Integrated Home today at (704) 412-4040 or contact us online here. We look forward to speaking with you!