Connecting a router
Your router uses an Ethernet cable to connect to the Utopia Portal. This cable should connect to the port labeled GE1 on the Utopia portal and to the WAN or INTERNET port on the router. Connect the cable first and then supply power to the Router. Most routers will connect automatically if you do this. Check the bottom of the router for the name of the wireless network and the password you need to connect. If you purchase a router from us we can program it with your own personal name and password.
Choosing a good router
Your router should have the following features.
- The hardwired connections to the Utopia portal and connected computers/devices should all be at least 1gig(1000meg). If you connect an older router with 100meg hardwired connections you will limit yourself to 100meg max speed.
- The wireless standards that your router uses should be at least wireless AC. Here are the max speeds that you can expect with each wireless standard.
Wireless B – Max speed 11meg. Expect actual speeds of around 5meg. Released in 1999
Wireless G – Max speed 54meg. Expect actual speeds of around 20meg. Released in 2003
Wireless N – Max speed 300meg. Expect actual speeds of around 100meg. Released in 2009
Wireless AC – Max Speed 1000meg. Expect actual speeds of around 175meg. Released in 2012 - Mimo technology. This allows your device to make multiple connections to the router to increase overall speed.
If you need help selecting a router we are happy to help. We keep a good – better – and best router in stock at some great prices. We can even rent you a router for a small monthly charge.
Getting the most speed out of your wireless router.
- If at all possible hard wire your computer/device to the router. A hardwired computer on a gigabit router will get around 900meg connection speed. The same computer with a good wireless AC signal will only get about 175meg speed. The same computer with a poor wireless signal will struggle to get 20meg.
- If possible place your wireless router on the same level in the house as the majority of your devices. If it can’t be on the same level it is better to put it on a higher level rather than a basement.
- Avoid metal obstructions. Wireless signals are blocked or deflected by metal. Take note if your house has metal studs or metal ducting and try and keep these from being between your router and your device. locate your router high up on a shelf or ceiling if possible.
- If possible orient the vent holes of the router facing up. Heat is the number one culprit for killing routers and lowering speeds.
- Try to orient the antennas so they are facing up. You can experiment with different positions to improve coverage. The signal tends to radiate in a horizontal circle outward from the antennas, keep this in mind as you position the antennas.
- Most routers will have 2 radios 2.4ghz and 5ghz. Most devices will do better with 5ghz. It is a good idea to add _5g to the name of your wireless network name in your router. This will make it easier to tell them apart when you connect. If you have older devices connect some of them to the 2.4ghz network to avoid congestion.