Things to look out for when buying a wireless router

1 Technology. One of the key elements in choosing a wireless router is the technology. Products in the ranges G and N are generally best – N1 is the most advanced wireless technology to date. This must also be compatible with whatever hardware you are purchasing it for.

2 Range. The range of the device is extremely important. For larger villas or small businesses it is vital to buy a router that will provide good connectivity to all the areas where it is required. Equally there is no point investing in a router that can connect your whole building when you will only be using it for one laptop in your apartment.

3 Support structure. You never know when you are going to experience technical difficulty with your gadgets so make sure there is a reliable support structure for the brand in the region. Double check that there is either a toll free number, or local technician for technical support as you don't want to have to spend a fortune on service calls to Mumbai.

4 Warranty. Unforeseen circumstances can affect the lifespan of your technical goods so look into the warranty period. Obviously, the longer the better, as you don't want to have to pay to replace your router if you are unfortunate enough to experience a technical fault after six months.

5 Availability of enhancements. If you are planning on upgrading or enhancing your wireless router with complementary products such as USB adapters and so on, make sure you check the availability of compatible accessories. This way you avoid paying hefty shipping costs to have them sent from overseas.

- Patrick Hayati is the Regional Director of Belkin in the Middle East

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