Your WiFi router isn’t just a background gadget anymore; it is the central hub of your digital life. With smart home devices, high-res streaming, and remote work becoming the norm, having a smart WiFi router has become more important than ever. But the question arises: what makes a WiFi router “truly smart”?
Well, if you are using a standard WiFi router that simply connects you to the internet and allows you to access the internet, then it is not a smart router. A smart router has a set of features that can make your online experience smoother, safer, and more efficient. Let us discuss those features that make a WiFi router truly smart.
App-Based Control and Remote Access
A smart WiFi router comes with app-based control and remote access. Those days when managing your network by logging into the web interface through a web browser are long gone. Smart WiFi routers these days come with a dedicated mobile app that allows real-time monitoring of connected devices, enables remote access from anywhere in the world, and offers full control over all the features of the router.
The level of convenience that smart routers provide is unmatched and allows even non-tech-savvy users to manage their home networks like pros.
Device Prioritization
Smart WiFi routers come with device prioritization features as well. In households or offices with multiple devices, the device prioritisation lets you prioritise certain devices or internet activities over others. For instance, you can ensure low latency for gaming devices, reserve bandwidth for Zoom calls, and give streaming services top priority.
This device prioritisation feature is known as QoS or Quality of Service, which lets you actively allocate resources where they are needed the most. You can configure this feature through the web interface of the router or mobile app. Click here to learn more about how you can access the web interface to configure QoS features on a Telstra router.
AI-Powered Network Optimization
Some of the most advanced WiFi routers on the market use AI to optimize network performance. Router manufacturers like D-Link and TP-Link have introduced AI-powered network optimization features in their routers that automatically switch to the least congested WiFi channel, adjust bandwidth allocation based on time of day and device usage patterns, and learn from your usage behaviour to ensure better connectivity.
All of this allows better network management, leading to a faster, smoother, and more consistent internet experience.
Automatic Firmware Updates
Since security threats are constantly evolving, it has become more important than ever to have automatic firmware updates. A truly smart router comes with automatic firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, and introduce new features. The benefit of automatic firmware updates over manual updates is that firmware updates won’t be overlooked and the router won’t be left outdated and exposed, ensuring that the network and the router stay protected and up to date.
Strong Built-In Cybersecurity Features
Smart WiFi routers of today come with advanced built-in cybersecurity features that go beyond the typical WPA2 encryption. These routers come with robust built-in cybersecurity features, including firewalls that monitor incoming and outgoing traffic, anti-malware systems to block suspicious websites, and intrusion detection to detect real-time threats. Some even offer enterprise-grade protection right out of the box for maximum security. You can learn more about how you can access these features on a Netcomm router through this guide.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Truly smart routers take energy efficiency and sustainability into consideration and minimise power usage to reduce environmental impact. These routers allow you to schedule network activity during specific hours and turn off WiFi during inactive hours or reduce power draw during sleep modes. Plus, these routers can also detect idle devices and disconnect them temporarily to save energy without manual intervention.
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