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Electronics
Most 'slow internet' complaints in Indian homes are router problems: single-band units, weak coverage through brick walls, and cheap ISP boxes that choke past 15 devices.
Quick answer
Dual-band AC or Wi-Fi 6.
Gigabit / for plans above 100 Mbps.
Mesh for 3 BHK+ or two floors.
MU-MIMO/OFDMA if 15+ devices.
In the shop
Read these off your phone at the counter. The answer tells you more than the price tag.
1.“Is this dual-band with real Wi-Fi 6, and how many streams?”
A good answer: A standard (802.11ax) and stream count. “300 Mbps router” usually means single-band n.
2.“Does the WAN port support my full broadband speed?”
A good answer: Gigabit WAN if your plan is 200 Mbps+. A 100 Mbps port caps everything.
A few questions about your situation, not about the product.
Add one short need not covered above.
Answer all 3 questions to see the spec sheet to shop with.
The sticker price is one part of owning a wi-fi router. Adjust the numbers to your own usage and tariff to see the electricity cost a star rating actually translates to.
Units per year
105 kWh
Cost per year
₹840.96 (≈$10)
Cost over 5 years
₹4,205 (≈$50)
Often more than the price difference between two models.
Always-on devices add up quietly; still under ₹150 a year at metro tariffs. Estimates only — actual consumption varies with ambient temperature, settings and unit condition. USD values are approximate.
A good LAN cable and surge protector beat a faster router on a bad connection.
Gigabit fibre plans need at least Cat 5e; Cat 6 gives headroom.
These are common add-ons for this category, not recommendations. Prices and availability vary; confirm fit and compatibility on the product page before buying.
For electronics the expensive failures are the display, the board and the battery. Extended cover is worth it only when it names those parts and offers a repair path in your city.
Ask these five questions
Usually not covered
Rule of thumb: worth considering on a high-value device you carry around, rarely worth it on a low-cost one where a plan costs more than ~15% of the price.
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Buy it locally
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The generation of Wi-Fi it supports.
Why it matters
Wi-Fi 6 handles many devices at once far better — the real benefit in a crowded home, not raw speed.
What to check
Wi-Fi 6 helps only if your phones/laptops also support it, but it future-proofs the house.
Two radio bands: one long-range, one fast.
Why it matters
5 is fast but stops at walls; 2.4 GHz reaches far but is congested and slow.
What to check
Single-band routers still sold cheap — avoid for anything above 50 Mbps plans.
Gigabit vs 100 Mbps ports.
Why it matters
A 100 Mbps port caps your 300 Mbps fibre plan instantly.
What to check
Check the port is Gigabit if your plan is above 100 Mbps.
Area covered and whether units can be linked.
Why it matters
Brick and concrete walls kill 5 . For 3 BHK or duplex, a 2-node mesh beats one powerful router.
What to check
'2,000 sq ft coverage' claims assume open space, not Indian walls.
How many clients it can serve without lag.
Why it matters
Smart TVs, CCTV, phones, laptops add up fast; cheap routers stutter past 15 devices.
What to check
Look for MU-MIMO and OFDMA on Wi-Fi 6 models.
External high-gain antennas vs internal.
Why it matters
External antennas you can angle usually work better across floors.
What to check
More antennas isn't automatically better; band support matters more.
Dual-band AC1200 units to Wi-Fi 6 routers and mesh systems.