Do you ever ask yourself why your router fees are taking most of your financial year or monthly budget? Hold your horses because a new survey has it that folks part with around $139 per annum on route fees. That is a lot of cash that could have been used in purchasing say a new router or perhaps a vacation.
Well, if like me you are still stuck with these never-ending outer fees and probably want to begin saving to buy a better router than the one you are currently using or upgrading then this is the perfect post for you. In this blog post, we’ll explain to you ten brilliant strategies that can help you free yourself from router fees and get rid of the monthly charges. Carry on reading and let’s get to it, saving that is!
1. How to Choose the Right Router
First of all, you should understand, what type of router is required by you. Some routers can provide WLAN coverage for a rather comprehensive space and some routers can also provide WLAN coverage for a confined space. You should also consider whether you would like a router to have the ability to act as a range extender and create a mesh network. Here, they suggest that the key to avoiding such costs involves identifying which router is best fitted to your needs.
2. Specifically to prevent buying a very costly router, one should look for budget-friendly routers.
You can also save significant money by buying cheap routers that can deliver what they promise. Currently, in the market,t you will find numerous routers, which are cheap and some sites review various products and forums you can use to find the best routers. Some of the cost-effective brands of routers that are well known for their good quality products include TP-Link, Netgear, and Asus.
3. How to make an Old Router work as a Range Extender
For instance, instead of having an old router that you have replaced with a new one kept in your store, you can use it as a range extender. Plug in the old router to the main router, and to other areas in the house where Wi-Fi is weak, it will transmit the signal to these areas. This method will assist you to avoid the costs of purchasing an individual extender or even a costly router.
4. Free Wi-Fi Analyzers and Network Mappers
You can find free tools on the Internet to help you analyze your router’s performance and Wi-Fi maps as well. These tools can also assist you in determining the proper area for placement of the router for the strongest signal. The use of these tools will help you cut down on the costs of having a professional install your router.
5. Follow Router Best Practices
Are you aware that the physical location and orientation of your router can have a considerable impact on its performance? Here are some router best practices to follow:
- Do not place your router near household objects that create interference such as microwaves, cell phones, and metal objects.
- Finally, it is usually recommended that the router is placed at the central point of the house and if possible in an open area.
- One must check the firmware of routers and update them if you wants the best performance and security of a router.
6. Consider Open-Source Routers
Some routers have their firmware modified for open-source systems such as DD-WRT, and OpenWRT enables users to have a better handle on what they need and improvements in capabilities and efficiency while saving money. Some of these routers may need some amount of technical skill in installing and setting up as well as configuring but the long-term advantages may well justify this.
7. The best option here is to switch to a cable provider that offers Wi-Fi for free.
Many cable providers who offer cable television or even internet service also include wireless services free of charge if you subscribe to their cable or internet services. Just spend a few minutes online and make a list of cable providers in your region that supply free or cheap Wi-Fi to cut costs on routers.
8. If this is not possible then the second best thing to do is negotiate with your current Internet service provider.
Most customers are unaware of the fact that they can talk to their ISP and explain to them why they shouldn’t be charged more for routers. Don’t hesitate to call the representative and calmly explain the possibility of requesting a decrease in fees or a complete exemption. Well, it can’t always hurt to ask, and it could prove well for you in the end.
9. Learn about the Existence of Non-conventional Routers
On the market, there are wireless extenders, powerline adapters, and even mesh systems that can offer better Wi-Fi coverage at much lower costs than traditional routers. Concerning these options, search for the most suitable price to meet your needs at home.
10. Buy a router that has the option of a lower monthly fee.
If you can’t eliminate router fees, try to select a router with as low a monthly cost as possible. Some routers also offer a lower monthly rate for the first few months of the contract so that you can save money as well.
Conclusion
So, after having learned 10 approaches to save a dime on router fees, it is high time to take action and perform the upgrade to a new router without incurring significant costs. However, when you take your time and do a bit of research to find the proper router for your requirements you shall be rewarded in the future with time and money saved. This is your Cue to prepare yourselves for good and fast Wi-Fi connection without having to break the bank to pay for monthly fee!
