Your router isn't as fast as you think it is. Here's why

Let's cut to the chase: Wired network connections will always be faster, more secure and more reliable than wireless.

For your tablet and phone, your streaming stick and even many newer printers, you will have to use Wi-Fi. But that's when you may find yourself poking along at slower speeds than you'd like. Also, even once you've upgraded to the best Wi-Fi solution (run network cables everywhere in your home) your online experience might not change much.

If you want top speeds in your home, you'll want to save room in your remodeling budget for running gigabit Ethernet network cables (CAT5e -- or better yet, CAT6) to every room in your home. Ethernet is the only connection standard where the real-world speeds are very close to, or even match, the lofty theoretical speeds.

So what gives? Why the slowdown? You need to be aware of the huge gap among these three different attributes: real-world speed, ceiling speed and the advertised speed. There's also the broadband speed that you need to be aware of. (By the way, if you really want to dive in on networking, I'd recommend reading my in-depth look at networking.)

You think that new router will make your Wi-Fi super fast? No so fast buddy! - CNET