Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE ROUTER I NEED

Oct 25, 2011 7:25AM PDT

HOME COMPUTER HP PAVILLION 1701 W/WINS 7; ROKU THREW DIRECT TV FOR MOVIE STEAMING WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION; 2 LAPTOPS WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION. SO HOW WOULD I KNOW WHAT SIZE ROUTER I WOULD NEED TO RUN DOWNLOADS AT A GOOD SPEED? ESP. IF ALL SYSTEMS ARE RUNNING. WHEN I USE 3 OF THE SYSTEMS THE DOWNLOAD TIME SLOWS DOWN VERY MUCH. APPROX TO A 1/3 OF THE NORMAL TIME IF I USED JUST ONE SYSTEM. THANK YOU

Discussion is locked

DBLE1122 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
I Think You're Referring To ISP Bandwidth
Oct 25, 2011 7:48AM PDT

The router does nothing in regards to allowing computers to download data faster.. The router simply let's you share the amount of bandwidth your ISP has provided you.. If you use lots of bandwidth and you want faster speeds from all computers, then you'll need to purchase a more expensive package from your internet provider.

As to exactly how much you need, it depends on how much you use.. Just an example: I oversee a small business office which I set up with a 3 Mbps DSL setup.. It has 7 desktop computers and 3 laptops and works fine for genera,l everyday, business purposes where large amounts of bandwidth are not being taken by more than one computer at a time.. (Please note: The systems slow down quite a bit when I download Windows Updates from all computers at the same time, but such an activity only happens once a month.)

On the other hand, if you're wanting all your computers to stream video AT THE SAME TIME, all the time, then get the most expensive program your internet service provider offers.. It all comes down to how much money you want to spend.

Hope this helps..

Grif

- Collapse -
Answer
"WHEN I USE 3 OF THE SYSTEMS THE DOWNLOAD TIME SLOWS DOWN
Oct 25, 2011 7:27AM PDT

"WHEN I USE 3 OF THE SYSTEMS THE DOWNLOAD TIME SLOWS DOWN VERY MUCH.
APPROX TO A 1/3 OF THE NORMAL TIME IF I USED JUST ONE SYSTEM."

A bigger router will not change this. Routers let you share the connection. Whatever that connection is, if you share, a good router will fairly divvy up what is available.

I suggest you stick with your working router.
Bob