Choosing the Right Router for Your Home Network

Tablo recently published an article addressing the question of which router is best for use with their DVR product. Their advice is actually relevant to anyone looking to improve their home network, so let's break it down and expand on their recommendations.

Tablo starts by saying:

We won't recommend one brand over the other but we can suggest that a router have the following features.

This is a fair point. While specific brands can have their strengths and weaknesses, the features are what truly matter. Always check out customer reviews before making your final decision. (I'll share a couple of my own favorites later on.)

Next, Tablo highlights the importance of dual-band Wi-Fi:

It should have dual-band Wi-Fi. Most routers come with such already. ...

I agree. Don't even consider a single-band router. Those are outdated and won't provide the performance you need. Dual-band is the minimum these days.

The article then emphasizes the need for multiple Ethernet ports:

It should have multiple Ethernet ports. If you’re connecting a router to your ISP’s router, you’ll need an Ethernet port for it. The second one should be for your Tablo. This will ensure your over-the-air and streaming channels reach your router fast and interference-free. You can also connect your computers to your router via Ethernet and switch off their Wi-Fi. This will reduce the radio noise in your home and make the wireless connections of your smart TVs, phones and tablets cleaner.

This is excellent advice, and it goes beyond just Tablo DVRs. Any device that streams a lot of data across your network, like a DVR, a gaming console, or a media server, will benefit significantly from a wired Ethernet connection. Always prioritize wired connections whenever possible.

Finally, Tablo touches on mesh networks:

A word on mesh networks. Mesh networks are routers made up of multiple Wi-Fi receivers. They’re handy for spreading your Wi-Fi over a large area and enhancing Wi-Fi signals. They work great but tend to be more complicated to manage. If you use a Tablo with such, we suggest a direct Ethernet connection to its main hub. Connecting your Tablo to one of its nodes may require delicate adjustments to enable your DVR to work with your mesh.

Mesh networks are fantastic for extending Wi-Fi coverage, but as Tablo points out, it's best to connect your bandwidth-intensive devices (like a Tablo) directly to the main mesh hub with an Ethernet cable.

As I mentioned earlier, I've had great experiences with mesh systems from Google Nest and Amazon Eero. Both are easy to use and provide excellent coverage.

One last point: Don't underestimate the value of owning your own router. Unlike renting one from your internet provider, you can keep your own router even if you change internet service. This provides consistency and can save you money in the long run.

Ultimately, Tablo's advice is solid, and while they focus on their own device, the recommendations are applicable to anyone who wants a fast and reliable home network. My Streaming Life benefits from this.