Of all the exciting things about getting a new internet connection, the router is probably the least thrilling. It’s the beige box of networking, the unglamorous gatekeeper to the digital world. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is aware of this. They make setup and maintenance incredibly simple. Most providers offer or bundle a router with your new connection. If you agree, a technician shows up, plugs it in, and hands you a small card with a Wi-Fi password that resembles a cat walking across a keyboard. The accompanying documentation, and often the technicians themselves, strongly imply that this piece of hardware is a non-negotiable part of the deal.