- Get a brandname that offers auto-over-the-air updates and keeps active development for bug and security fixes. - WiFi 7 or 6e is good for mesh depending on your budget. - Avoid using extenders, consider high-speed mesh as a replacement. - Mobile app enabled for setup, notifications, and security events if your devices supports a security suite - If Budget shop for devices that support OpenWRT or DD-WRT to help future proof your firmware experience using devices that are 20 years old may not be that long now with firmware development and new tech constantly cycling. - If you carrier offers you WiFi ask questions related to above...have a slower wifi core devices won't help if you surround it with a fast network. - Move as much IoT/Multimediat (smarthome & fire sticks & storage) to ethernet. - future proof you ethernet look at multi-gig switches not just gigabit switches, it is worth investment in the next few years.

If your cable modem and Wifi router are 20 years old just duck down to your local store and get a WiFi 6 router. I'm very surprised your kids are getting WiFi at all from something that old.

There have been significant changes in that timespace that your devices are home are likely to be ready to use that will improve devices both short range and long range across your house.