Last updated: 15th October 2024
Many households in the UK use a broadband router to access their internet at home.
Whether it’s for streaming, file sharing or simply browsing the web, broadband routers typically provide stronger and safer internet connections than other wireless methods.
As well as better security, longer signal ranges, and greater capacities, newer routers also tend to be sleeker, easier to install and have more home-friendly designs.
To help you decide, we look at what routers do, the different types currently available, and how to configure them to get the best and most secure broadband connection.
A broadband router lets you connect multiple devices to the internet by providing Wi-Fi. In other words, it disperses the internet signal in your home so that your devices – such as laptops and mobile phones – can access the web at the same time.
Your router is also the first line of defence against hackers and viruses, both of which can steal your private information.
While there are many things you can do to improve your home’s cybersecurity measures your router will help protect your data as it’s transmitted digitally.
When you connect to the internet via a router, you’ll be assigned an IP address. All devices on the same Wi-Fi network will have the same IP address.
This unique, identifying code is needed to send information and for information to be sent back to you. It also allows you to receive relevant content – like local restaurant information, for example.
An IP address can reveal your geolocation, but not your precise location. However, you can protect your IP address by setting up a virtual private network (VPN), using firewalls, and keeping router software updated.
Whereas your modem provides the internet connection, your router allows it to be distributed among all connected devices.
It is possible to buy a separate modem if you want to upgrade your router’s speeds or security settings.
However, most routers nowadays come with in-built modems, and you’re more likely to receive one of these if you switch broadband providers
All new broadband customers should receive a free Wi-Fi router from their chosen internet service provider (ISP).
However, if this service is unavailable or you want to upgrade the router to a better model, you’ll need to buy your own third party router from a reputable manufacturer.
The router influences the upload and download speeds because it splits up the connection between multiple devices. But the routers that are provided for free by ISPs often cannot take full advantage of the broadband speeds available.
So if there are lots of people in your home using the internet at the same time – or it’s regularly slow, buffers, or lags during gameplay – you might need a faster router.
When you’re looking for the best broadband router, some features you should compare include:
The router that you get free from a provider should be able to deliver up to the top speed that’s guaranteed with your plan.
Broadband packages typically range from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) up to 900+Mbps.
But the speed you can get will largely depend on the type of connection to your home. For example, you might have ADSL cable, satellite, or a full fibre service that delivers the fastest speeds.
Whatever type of connection you have, the router needs to be able to cope with the internet speed it’s receiving. So if you upgrade your internet plan, an outdated router could affect your Wi-Fi speed.
If you’re shopping around for a third party router, it’s a good idea to opt for one that can handle gigabit speeds. This can help future-proof for when your home can access faster speeds.
Also known as a Wi-Fi router, this type of device transmits wireless broadband. It’s wireless because there’s no need for your device to be connected to the router with a cable to get online.
Broadband providers usually send you a free wireless router when you sign up for their service. And most of these have an integrated modem that’s used to connect to the internet.
The wireless router uses radio waves to distribute broadband to the private network in your home or office.
The further away you are from the router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal will be. It might also weaken if it needs to pass through thick walls to reach devices.
However, most routers have ethernet ports. These give you the option of also connecting your device directly to the router with a cable to get the strongest signal.
As well as wireless broadband routers, you can also get:
Wired broadband routers also access the internet via a modem, but unlike wireless models, they distribute the signal to devices through an ethernet cable.
Generally, wired routers provide faster internet connections that are more stable and secure than wireless routers.
This is mainly because each device is connected directly to the router with a cable. Using ethernet cables to connect to your computers is known as a wired local area network (LAN).
Wired routers are typically used for activities that require a lot of bandwidth, like streaming, online gaming and downloading large files.
4G/5G Wi-Fi routers let you create portable hotspots for internet access without broadband. This way, you do not need any cables to go online.
The only downside is that hotspots usually come with a data cap that you must adhere to or risk paying lots of money if you exceed it. There are unlimited data plans available though.
If you’re thinking of using a 4G/5G router, it might also be worth comparing mobile broadband deals.
Fibre broadband can deliver the fastest speeds and there are two types available – fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and the ultrafast option of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP).
For fibre broadband, you’ll need a router that’s compatible – this should be the case if you’re using one that was provided by your ISP.
However, if you want to buy a router for fibre broadband separately, it’ll usually need a VDSL modem and be able to support point-to-point-protocol over ethernet (PPPoE) or ethernet WAN connections (EWAN).
If you’re unsure you can contact the router manufacturer to make sure it will work with your home configuration.
It’s also best to get a router that supports the fastest Wi-Fi standards, like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
If the Wi-Fi is slow or it’s weak in some areas of your home, check out our top 10 tips for ways to improve it:
Setting up your broadband router means giving thought to network security.
For a secure router, start by setting a strong password. This should include a combination of letters, numbers and special characters if possible.
Next, choose an encryption level from your router settings. Some security keys are better than others:
Avoid using this setting, as it’s the weakest option and won’t provide your household with good enough protection.
Released in 2003, this was developed as an alternative to WEP but it has now been superseded by WPA2, which is more secure.
This has widely been adopted as the industry standard for routers to help keep wireless internet secure.
Introduced in 2018, this is currently the most secure setting for routers because of its thorough encryption of information. Most newer routers can support both WPA2 and WPA3.
If possible, add MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering when setting up your router.
This way, you can tell it to only allow connections from specific MAC addresses, which means you’d need to add them individually or the device won’t connect - even with the password.
Other things you can do to secure your broadband connection are:
You’ll need to check your router’s manual, but typically the settings you can change include:
Most of the time, unless stated otherwise on a contract when purchasing, your broadband provider will be the one responsible for fixing any faults with your router.
However, providers might not be able to offer this service to everyone, so to cover this eventuality, check whether help would be available if your router breaks.
It might be that a replacement router will be sent instead.
If your router needs replacing, you won’t need to pay as long as it’s still under warranty. However, you may be required to pay postage; in which case, your provider will send you a paid returns label.
Networks should keep you updated on your new router’s progress, from order to dispatch. Remember, your delivery could take anywhere from three to five working days, but contact the provider if you’ve been waiting longer.
In the meantime, ask your network for other ways of accessing the internet while you wait.
As a consumer, you have the right to request a decent broadband service, according to Ofcom. Providers are obligated to fulfil certain requirements, and if they fall short, you can approach them with your broadband issues and concerns.
In most routers it simply involves inserting a straightened paperclip into the reset hole and pushing down until the LED lights flicker. This should reset the router to the default factory settings. Doing this will erase all your custom settings, like your network name and password, and you’ll be issued with a new IP address.
When it comes to choosing the right broadband routers, it will completely depend on what you use the internet for, the configuration of your home, where you live and your budget. You might want to consider these internet providers:
But it’s important to compare broadband deals across the board to find a router and internet package that suits your needs.
Read reviews from existing customers and look at specifications, so that you’re fully informed and can make the right choice for your circumstances.
Check out our broadband bundles to see the routers they include.