Post by nurnobisorker14 on Oct 31, 2024 3:10:00 GMT
Today, you can connect not only a smartphone, tablet or computer to the Internet, but also a TV, refrigerator, and other household appliances. The smart home system is based on Wi-Fi technology, in which all devices are connected to a router, and the equipment is controlled through a special application on the smartphone. Before you go to the store for a router, you need to decide which router to choose, what affects the network speed and how to properly connect the device to distribute home Internet.
Contents hide
1) What affects the speed of a Wi-Fi network
2) How to increase network coverage area
3) How the router works
4) Types of routers
4.1) Internet connection type
4.2) Classification by purpose
5) How to choose the right router
5.1) Speed
5.2) Antennas
5.3) Range
5.4) Connectors
5.5) Covering
5.6) Additional functions
5.7) Brands
6) TOP 5 Best Routers in 2024
6.1) TP-Link Archer A54 AC1200
6.2) HUAWEI WS7100 AX3
6.3) Keenetic 4G (KN-1211)
6.4) TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000
6.5) Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310)
7) Conclusion
What Affects Wi-Fi Network Speed
The first thing you need to pay attention to before buying a home router is the Wi-Fi speed. The manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging. Even the cheapest router has a declared connection speed of 150 Mbps. To watch a FullHD video clip, a speed of 8 Mbps is enough. It would seem that 150 Mbps is enough to connect and comfortably use a dozen devices, but the actual connection speed can be several times lower.
First of all, you need to determine the range of the Wi-Fi network connection, which can be 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Some models support only 2.4 GHz, while others can support both ranges.
Devices that support the 2.4 GHz frequency have a lower price. Radio waves at the 2.4 GHz frequency have good penetrating bulk email campaigns ability, so the router will be able to cover a large area of the apartment. But this range is subject to overloads, which causes a significant drop in speed or a complete lack of signal. In this case, you can switch to the 5 GHz frequency or use one of the many ways to strengthen the network signal.
The 5 GHz range allows you to achieve speeds of up to 1 Gbps, but not all devices support this frequency. Budget models of smartphones and tablets can operate in the 2.4 GHz range. To identify the load on the selected range at the location where the router is installed, you should use a WiFi network analyzer.
How to increase network coverage area
The coverage area of the network affects the speed and strength of the signal. The higher the signal at the access point, the faster the connection and data transfer. You can increase the network speed by properly installing and configuring the router.
To ensure that the router's coverage area covers the maximum area of the room, it is recommended to install the device in the center of the work area or office. To improve the signal quality, install the router close to the connected devices, for example, near the computer. Avoid installing the router near equipment that creates electrical interference. Such equipment includes refrigerators, motors, and radio transmitters.
The coverage area of a Wi-Fi network is determined by the transmitter power. Another indicator that affects the signal range is the antenna gain. If the coverage is not enough for the entire house, you should pay attention to routers with MESH system support, which forms a single Wi-Fi network from several routers. In this case, the router automatically connects to the device that emits the strongest signal.
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First payment only after 30 days
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How a router works
When connecting a new device, the provider provides a unique IP address. To connect other devices, you will have to request separate IP addresses for an additional fee. The router's task is to connect several devices to one external IP with traffic distribution to internal addresses. The router itself assigns internal IP addresses to each home device.
The router works as follows:
Using the internal IP, home devices signal the router.
The Wi-Fi device remembers the received address and transmits the request via an external IP.
The server's response is sent to the external IP, after which the router transmits the data to the device that submitted the request.
The transmission of data from a Wi-Fi router to external and internal addresses is called routing.
Types of routers
Routers are divided into types depending on the connection technology, installation location, and communication standard. When choosing a router, pay attention to the way it is connected to the computer. The device can be built into the computer case, or connected to the PC via a Wi-Fi network or cable.
Internet connection type
According to data transmission technology, the following types are distinguished:
Ethernet - connection via fiber optic cable. The most popular and fastest type of connection at present. Reception and transmission of the signal is carried out at a speed of 100 Mbit/s and more.
ADSL – connection via telephone line. Maximum speed – tens of megabits per second. This type of connection is outdated, so it is rarely used now.
3G/4G/LTE – to connect, you need to buy a SIM card or modem. Mobile Internet distribution occurs at a limited speed, which depends on the quality of coverage and the capabilities of the provider.
Universal models – distribute a network that is received from several sources.
Universal models are the most popular. In addition to the main channel, you can choose to connect via a USB port.
Classification by purpose
Among home routers, the following types should be distinguished:
For use in an apartment. The characteristics of the device depend on the number of connected users. The user is not a person, but equipment. It is important to consider the level of range congestion, since many users in apartment buildings install routers. The best option is a router with two ranges.
For use in a private home. It is important to ensure good coverage quality not only in the house, but also in the recreation area outside it. The optimal choice is a device with firmware that can be used to create a Mesh system.
For a smart home. A distinctive feature of such a router is the connection of a large number of devices. The software and hardware of the equipment are of great importance. For stable operation of the smart home system, it is worth taking care of backup access to the network. It is necessary to check the compatibility of the router with home gadgets in advance.
There are also devices that are used in the business segment - installed in offices, shopping malls, parks. The capacity of one router is not enough to cover infrastructure facilities. In this case, the provider provides a comprehensive solution, which includes additional equipment and software.
How to choose the right router
Further in the article we will analyze the most important technical parameters of the router, which determine the quality of signal coverage.
Speed
The router has a channel speed and a real one, which is several times lower than the declared one. The connection speed is affected by the distance of the router to other devices, the frequency range, and the number of connected users. So, when several devices are connected at the same time, the router's bandwidth will be divided between them. Pay attention to the Wi-Fi standard. Powerful routers use the Wi-Fi 6E standard when operating in the 6 GHz range.
Proper placement of the network device ensures maximum connection speed. There should be no obstacles between the device and the clients. Radio waves easily pass through wood, but concrete and brick walls will become a serious obstacle. Mirrors and metal reflect radio waves, creating excess noise. To provide a stable Internet for a 2-room apartment, a router with a speed of 300 Mbit/s and higher is suitable.
Antennas
What matters here is not the number of antennas, but their gain parameter. The antenna does not affect the signal power, but it helps to increase the coverage range. By choosing a device with a gain of 5 dBi, you can cover a larger area than with a 2.5 dBi indicator.
The antenna can be external or built-in. The external antenna can be removed or adjusted. It only works in one direction, which limits the coverage area, but increases the signal range. The presence of several antennas makes it possible to use MU MIMO technology, which affects the signal speed.
Range
Modern network devices operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range. Waves at 2.4 GHz pass through obstacles well, but the transmission speed will drop. If the signal passes through two walls, its quality will drop, but the network will be stable. Radio waves in the 5 GHz range pass through obstacles worse, but provide high speed, which is measured in gigabits.
The signal frequency is divided into 20 MHz channels to stabilize the broadcast quality. Devices are able to connect to a channel with a minimum level of congestion and noise. In the 2.4 GHz range, 13 channels are available for connection, and at a frequency of 5 GHz, it is possible to connect to one of 19 channels. The fastest and most stable connection is provided by devices with two ranges.
Contents hide
1) What affects the speed of a Wi-Fi network
2) How to increase network coverage area
3) How the router works
4) Types of routers
4.1) Internet connection type
4.2) Classification by purpose
5) How to choose the right router
5.1) Speed
5.2) Antennas
5.3) Range
5.4) Connectors
5.5) Covering
5.6) Additional functions
5.7) Brands
6) TOP 5 Best Routers in 2024
6.1) TP-Link Archer A54 AC1200
6.2) HUAWEI WS7100 AX3
6.3) Keenetic 4G (KN-1211)
6.4) TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000
6.5) Keenetic Hero 4G (KN-2310)
7) Conclusion
What Affects Wi-Fi Network Speed
The first thing you need to pay attention to before buying a home router is the Wi-Fi speed. The manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging. Even the cheapest router has a declared connection speed of 150 Mbps. To watch a FullHD video clip, a speed of 8 Mbps is enough. It would seem that 150 Mbps is enough to connect and comfortably use a dozen devices, but the actual connection speed can be several times lower.
First of all, you need to determine the range of the Wi-Fi network connection, which can be 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Some models support only 2.4 GHz, while others can support both ranges.
Devices that support the 2.4 GHz frequency have a lower price. Radio waves at the 2.4 GHz frequency have good penetrating bulk email campaigns ability, so the router will be able to cover a large area of the apartment. But this range is subject to overloads, which causes a significant drop in speed or a complete lack of signal. In this case, you can switch to the 5 GHz frequency or use one of the many ways to strengthen the network signal.
The 5 GHz range allows you to achieve speeds of up to 1 Gbps, but not all devices support this frequency. Budget models of smartphones and tablets can operate in the 2.4 GHz range. To identify the load on the selected range at the location where the router is installed, you should use a WiFi network analyzer.
How to increase network coverage area
The coverage area of the network affects the speed and strength of the signal. The higher the signal at the access point, the faster the connection and data transfer. You can increase the network speed by properly installing and configuring the router.
To ensure that the router's coverage area covers the maximum area of the room, it is recommended to install the device in the center of the work area or office. To improve the signal quality, install the router close to the connected devices, for example, near the computer. Avoid installing the router near equipment that creates electrical interference. Such equipment includes refrigerators, motors, and radio transmitters.
The coverage area of a Wi-Fi network is determined by the transmitter power. Another indicator that affects the signal range is the antenna gain. If the coverage is not enough for the entire house, you should pay attention to routers with MESH system support, which forms a single Wi-Fi network from several routers. In this case, the router automatically connects to the device that emits the strongest signal.
Try paying in installments
First payment only after 30 days
Find out the limit
How a router works
When connecting a new device, the provider provides a unique IP address. To connect other devices, you will have to request separate IP addresses for an additional fee. The router's task is to connect several devices to one external IP with traffic distribution to internal addresses. The router itself assigns internal IP addresses to each home device.
The router works as follows:
Using the internal IP, home devices signal the router.
The Wi-Fi device remembers the received address and transmits the request via an external IP.
The server's response is sent to the external IP, after which the router transmits the data to the device that submitted the request.
The transmission of data from a Wi-Fi router to external and internal addresses is called routing.
Types of routers
Routers are divided into types depending on the connection technology, installation location, and communication standard. When choosing a router, pay attention to the way it is connected to the computer. The device can be built into the computer case, or connected to the PC via a Wi-Fi network or cable.
Internet connection type
According to data transmission technology, the following types are distinguished:
Ethernet - connection via fiber optic cable. The most popular and fastest type of connection at present. Reception and transmission of the signal is carried out at a speed of 100 Mbit/s and more.
ADSL – connection via telephone line. Maximum speed – tens of megabits per second. This type of connection is outdated, so it is rarely used now.
3G/4G/LTE – to connect, you need to buy a SIM card or modem. Mobile Internet distribution occurs at a limited speed, which depends on the quality of coverage and the capabilities of the provider.
Universal models – distribute a network that is received from several sources.
Universal models are the most popular. In addition to the main channel, you can choose to connect via a USB port.
Classification by purpose
Among home routers, the following types should be distinguished:
For use in an apartment. The characteristics of the device depend on the number of connected users. The user is not a person, but equipment. It is important to consider the level of range congestion, since many users in apartment buildings install routers. The best option is a router with two ranges.
For use in a private home. It is important to ensure good coverage quality not only in the house, but also in the recreation area outside it. The optimal choice is a device with firmware that can be used to create a Mesh system.
For a smart home. A distinctive feature of such a router is the connection of a large number of devices. The software and hardware of the equipment are of great importance. For stable operation of the smart home system, it is worth taking care of backup access to the network. It is necessary to check the compatibility of the router with home gadgets in advance.
There are also devices that are used in the business segment - installed in offices, shopping malls, parks. The capacity of one router is not enough to cover infrastructure facilities. In this case, the provider provides a comprehensive solution, which includes additional equipment and software.
How to choose the right router
Further in the article we will analyze the most important technical parameters of the router, which determine the quality of signal coverage.
Speed
The router has a channel speed and a real one, which is several times lower than the declared one. The connection speed is affected by the distance of the router to other devices, the frequency range, and the number of connected users. So, when several devices are connected at the same time, the router's bandwidth will be divided between them. Pay attention to the Wi-Fi standard. Powerful routers use the Wi-Fi 6E standard when operating in the 6 GHz range.
Proper placement of the network device ensures maximum connection speed. There should be no obstacles between the device and the clients. Radio waves easily pass through wood, but concrete and brick walls will become a serious obstacle. Mirrors and metal reflect radio waves, creating excess noise. To provide a stable Internet for a 2-room apartment, a router with a speed of 300 Mbit/s and higher is suitable.
Antennas
What matters here is not the number of antennas, but their gain parameter. The antenna does not affect the signal power, but it helps to increase the coverage range. By choosing a device with a gain of 5 dBi, you can cover a larger area than with a 2.5 dBi indicator.
The antenna can be external or built-in. The external antenna can be removed or adjusted. It only works in one direction, which limits the coverage area, but increases the signal range. The presence of several antennas makes it possible to use MU MIMO technology, which affects the signal speed.
Range
Modern network devices operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz range. Waves at 2.4 GHz pass through obstacles well, but the transmission speed will drop. If the signal passes through two walls, its quality will drop, but the network will be stable. Radio waves in the 5 GHz range pass through obstacles worse, but provide high speed, which is measured in gigabits.
The signal frequency is divided into 20 MHz channels to stabilize the broadcast quality. Devices are able to connect to a channel with a minimum level of congestion and noise. In the 2.4 GHz range, 13 channels are available for connection, and at a frequency of 5 GHz, it is possible to connect to one of 19 channels. The fastest and most stable connection is provided by devices with two ranges.