Is there a beginner guide for modern, home-use or pro-sumer quality, networking hardware in general, or device specific purchase recommendations for otherwise t

Is there a beginner guide for modern, home-use or pro-sumer quality, networking hardware in general, or device specific purchase recommendations for otherwise technically savvy people? Could someone please share a link? I've only ever used the hardware that comes for free with the contract from my cable operator, and I guess it works most of the time... but recently blind spots and and slow-speed-spots have been a nuisance.