We don't want to leave anyone confused, so we'll start with the basics. If you're already comfortable with what a wireless router is and how it works, fell free to skip ahead to the next section.

In layman's terms, a wireless router is what allows your computer, smartphone, tablet, and other devices to connect to the internet. It plugs into a power outlet and a phone line, and emits wireless signals in the form of radio waves on a specific frequency band.

Any wireless-capable devices send radio waves back to the router, producing two-way communication with the internet wirelessly.

Although tri-band routers do exist, most of today's top wireless routers are single or dual-band models.

Single-band wireless routers work in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (as can some other devices, like Bluetooth), so signal might be affected by other traffic. Dual-band wireless routers have both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies; the latter is quicker and usually gets less interference.

As for the 802.11 protocol, all wireless routers use it, but the precise specification has changed over time. Older models running 802.11b or 802.11g can only work in the 2.4 GHz range and have data transfer rates of either 11 Mbps or 54 Mbps.

More recent is 802.11n, which operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, up to a maximum of 600 Mbps. This is currently the most common protocol, but it is being overtaken by 802.11ac (which offers more speed and wider bandwidth, thus providing for more users and devices at the same time.)

That said, seldom do any of these devices run at the theoretical maximum. The speed supplied by your ISP may be considerably slower than what your wireless router is able to handle.

The connection speed a wireless router can handle is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or, with the fastest models, gigabits per second (Gbps) – note that one gigabit equals 1,000 megabits.

Some newer models have a wireless speed in excess of 1 Gbps, whereas older routers generally have speeds between 300 and 600 Mbps. Confusingly, however, these are only theoretical maximums, and your internet connection will never actually approach these speeds.

We touched on network standards above, but let's discuss them further. The network standard refers to the capabilities of a wireless router. Since technology is ever-improving, it's important to have these standards, so we can set reasonable expectations of router performance.

The latest network standard is 802.11ac, which has a theoretical maximum speed of 1.3Gbps. However, you'll still find some wireless routers from the 802.11n network standard, with a theoretical maximum speed of 600 Mbps.

If you're a heavy user – often playing online games, streaming or downloading files – you should opt for the ac, but light users can save some cash by going for an older model with the 802.11n network standard.

Serious gaming requires high speeds and a stable internet connection. Wireless routers with built-in gaming acceleration send data packets via a network of route-optimized servers to avoid lag and reduce buffering time.

More or less all wireless routers on the market today have WPA2 encryption, meaning they're password protected, so that anyone with a wireless-capable device can't just login to your network and use your WiFi. However, some wireless routers have more hardcore, multi-stage protection that can block malicious sites and prevent already infected devices from releasing personal information.

• The average wireless router covers about 2,500 square feet. If your home is larger than that, extend the range with additional access points or a WiFi extender.

• If you want to connect computers or other devices directly to the router using an ethernet cable, make sure your chosen model has sufficient LAN ports.

• Some wireless routers allow you to change the settings via a dedicated app – perfect if you want to be able to control every aspect of your wireless connection.

• If your router has two external antennae, you'll get the best signal if one is pointed vertically and the other horizontally.

• Consider a home mesh system, instead of a conventional wireless router, if you have a very large home.

The cost of a wireless router depends on the features and network standard.

• If you want a cheap router and you're not too concerned about speed, an 802.11n wireless router should cost between $20 and $50.

• A basic 802.11ac router that will provide fast wireless connection and not much else will cost $40 to $80.

• Expect to pay $80 to $150 for a mid-range 802.11ac wireless router, with a few added extras like apps for remote access or Alexa compatibility.

• The price of a high-end 802.11ac wireless router is roughly $150 to $350. These models should have a range of extra features, like a boosted signal range, multi-stage protection, game acceleration, and more.

Q. Do I need a tri-band wireless router?

A. Tri-band wireless routers are rare, mainly because they're overkill for most folks. The main benefit of tri-band routers is that they can handle a large number of connected devices at once. Even a large family will find a dual-band router more than sufficient, but tri-band models would be useful for offices or dorms.

Q. Is it important that my wireless router is the fastest possible?

A. It's natural to want the best product out there, but realistically, the average home user is never going to need a router that can handle speeds of 1.3 Gbps. However, if you're an avid online gamer or you regularly stream movies, the faster the better.

Q. How can I boost my WiFi signal?

A. If you find your WiFi signal lacking, try these solutions:

• Set your wireless router to the 5 GHz frequency band, if it supports this frequency.
• Try changing the router channel.
• Make sure your wireless router has the latest firmware updates.
• If you're having trouble getting signal upstairs and your router is located downstairs, try placing it on a high shelf.
• Think about where your wireless router is located in comparison to where in your home you most often use the internet. The further your device is from the router, the weaker the signal will be.
• Consider using a wireless range extender.