Gigabit router: models, features, connection and configuration. Wi-Fi router for home

Manufacturers of high-tech equipment are striving to surprise the consumer with new developments. Regularly made discoveries in the segment of wireless systems, the programming of mobile devices and communication capabilities. At the same time, the basic performance characteristics of the instruments are not disregarded. Increasingly, a gigabit router appears in the homes of ordinary Internet users, providing more efficient data exchange. The ability to fully operate equipment with Gigabit Ethernet technology is still dependent on the quality of service providers, but the trend towards a more efficient connection scheme is obvious. Therefore, even for those who are not yet planning to switch to a new format router, it is worthwhile to have an idea of the existing offers on the market.

Why do I need a gigabit router at home?

Of course, it all depends on the specific needs of the user. On how much traffic he consumes and how often he needs high speed. But research just shows that the segment of home use of the Internet constantly increases the requirements for the quality of network support. The number of users who want to receive not just stable, but also fast volumetric traffic increases. And it's not just about watching movies in HD-quality, but also about switching to high-quality television broadcasts. Accordingly, not all users of such services are satisfied with the megabit Internet.

In this case, and the Gigabit connection does not guarantee that the connection will support the speed of 1 Gbit / s. This is the maximum point, but in most cases, the real speed is reduced by 30-40%. And this is also normal, therefore, to consider new equipment should only be a way to increase speed, and not as a means of achieving specific values. But there is another aspect that justifies the use of new generation devices. So, a dual-band gigabit router allows you to simultaneously use, in fact, two channels of Internet access. That is, the user can simultaneously watch the movie in good quality and run online games. The same opportunity is provided to owners of dual-band megabit devices, but it is obvious that their ability to maintain optimal speed simultaneously along two lines is incomparable with the potential of a gigabit analog.

Main characteristics of the device

One of the primary principles of the separation of modern routers is the way of interaction with the serviced equipment - wireless or wired. At once it is necessary to note that, despite its popularity, devices with the Wi-Fi module lose to traditional models. Even if the 802.11ac standard, which supports speed more than 1 Gbit / s, is nominally used, this does not mean stable operation of the equipment will be ensured. Of course, a wired gigabit router for various reasons does not always guarantee the declared speed, but the same percentage of decrease in this case will be minimal.

As for the working qualities of the internal filling itself, there are three main characteristics to consider: CPU, RAM and FLASH. Modern processors (CPUs) of routers operate at a frequency of 240 MHz, but for more confident reception, you can prefer the device at 500 MHz. RAM (RAM) also has a value and is usually 64-128 MB. This value is not fundamental, but if you plan to use the device at maximum load, then, of course, the option with a higher potential will be preferable. In turn, FLASH-memory is about 16-32 MB. Now it is worthwhile to review gigabit routers in specific designs from the best manufacturers.

TP-Link Archer C20

One of the best options in the budget segment, which will suit undemanding users. The developers of TP-Link in this case are guided by the quality, reliability and functionality of the equipment, but exclude the possibility of using the device as a tool for organizing a full-fledged local network. In terms of the same functionality, the consumer is able to restrict traffic and parental control. But in addition, the owner will have a very flexible tool for implementing the settings of the router. In addition, there are good design and construction achievements. In particular, the TP-Link gigabit router is designed in accordance with the concept of stylish minimalism, which does not interfere with its design to effectively protect the filling from overheating. Unfortunately, as a productive compiler of volumetric data, this option will not work, as the creators have stinted on the implementation of high-speed gigabit ports. However, the target audience of consumers of the budget segment such shortcomings are unlikely to disappoint. Apparatus, rather, will be interested in its ergonomics, stability of work and a low price tag, which on average is 2,5 thousand rubles.

Model Zyxel NBG460N

Another representative of gigabit routers, which is more prized for overall quality and reliability, rather than for functionality and manufacturability. The device is distinguished by a solid assembly, convenient in handling design and attractive appearance. At once it is necessary to count on the operation of the model in one range. This restriction of the possibilities of using the router is easily compensated for by making settings easy. This is the case when the automation and software of the router does not give the owner a headache - almost all users note the absence of delays in the installation and incorrect behavior of the equipment. This is a good Wi-Fi router for the home, if you plan to use it for working with torrents, IPTV, games and watching HD movies. The obvious drawbacks of the model include a narrow set of additional options and a weak potential, from the point of view of organizing a multicomponent network.

Model D-Link DIR-825

The company D-Link is not without success entered the new segment of high-speed gigabit routers. In this case, we consider an ergonomic version of the device, working on the standard 802.11ac. The model has gigabit ports, a USB connector and two antennas. As the practice of operating the device shows, it does not concede to more eminent analogs in the solution of routing tasks. Experts explain the success of the model and the fact that the developers were able to organize the operation of the filling in the wireless mode with an access point in the range of 5 GHz with minimal losses. This is not yet mastered by the mass market network, and the fact that the Gigabit router DIR-825 has shown in it a decent performance, is respected. In addition, many point to high-quality software with a web interface, allowing you to work with most of the modern scenarios of using the router. At the same time, the external realization of design and construction, rather, is a shade of tradition. If you do not take into account the antenna, then the device can be confused with the routers of the very first wire generations. But, of course, in fact it is not so and the possibility of confident operation in the 802.11ac standard puts this device in the place of one of the advanced routers.

Model ASUS RT-N66U

Already a cheap offer from a well-known computer equipment manufacturer. In terms of reliability and quality of the element base, this model fits perfectly into the general idea of ASUS products. And if in the main niches the company is associated with premium developers who are oriented toward the experienced consumer, in this case the device is quite suitable for beginners. This group of consumers, in particular, values the model for its simplicity and ease of management and customization. Gigabit Wi-Fi router for the home in this version has several interesting technological solutions that will also attract a sophisticated user. For example, the developers provided the device with two frequency bands (2.4 and 5 GHz), provided high-speed LAN ports, and also used modern MIMO antennas in which the gain was increased to 5 dBi. But give for this development will have 7,5 thousand, which is quite a lot for a home router.

Model RT-AC87U from ASUS

The ASUS premium router deserves attention in the full sense of the word . The modification of the RT-AC87U attracts attention not only with a very extravagant design, but also with high-tech productive stuffing. Again, the 802.11ac standard is used, whose function is supported by four removable antennas. The features of the model include the Ai Radar technology. As the manufacturer notes, it allowed expanding the coverage of the device to 465 m2. At the same speed mode exceeds 2334 Mbit / s. That is, it is not just a router with gigabit ports, but a full-fledged station, ready to work with ultra-modern formats like UltraHD / 4K. As a result, users attribute unquestionable multifunctionality, wide coverage area, antenna correction capabilities to several parameters with signal direction, up-to-date software, etc., to the advantages of the device. The disadvantage of the router is only one - a high price, which can reach 12 thousand.

Connecting the router

To begin with, the router must be installed near a computer or other target device. If we are talking about a wireless model, then a prerequisite for installation will be access to the outlet for the power supply. Then connect the Internet cable to the WAN port. The presence of LAN-ports indicates the possibility of connecting the router to the computer via a network cable. How many such ports the device has, so many devices can go online. To connect a wired router to one computer, it will be enough to have a basic set. Generally, manufacturers provide routers with at least one network cable. Next, you can go directly to the settings of the device.

Customize

You should start by resetting all the settings and moving to the factory settings. Manual settings are performed via the web interface in the address bar 192.168.0.1, although there are exceptions. The question of how to enter the router can also be solved by automatic installation through a complete disk. Also, you should prepare for the device to request a password with a login, which must be indicated in the documentation for the model.

Then a full list with the settings of the router opens . The main thing for a novice user is to determine the appropriate network type in the Network or WAN lines and, if necessary, register the required addresses with protocols. The data for this setting should be obtained from the provider in advance. So that in the future the question of how to enter the router was resolved without entering a password, it is possible in the corresponding paragraph or to cancel its input or simply to change it. Here, the user can perform a device update, change the configuration of his connection to the computer, or adjust the parameters of the organized network.

How to choose the best option?

Despite the importance of speedy operation of the router, this parameter should not be paid much attention. For an average user who wants to be able to watch the same video in high quality, it will be enough 1 Gb / s. The main attention is paid to the overall quality of the device, its functions and design features. It is important to consider that the best router is not the fastest, but one that can support at least the average nominal mode of data transmission. Stable work in the network means a lot for the modern user and the routers that can provide it, are highly valued by consumers of different classes. Also, the connection method is taken into account. With all the advantages of wireless connection, Wi-Fi modules still lose in terms of the same stability of the network cable. Therefore, if there is no special need for laying the network at a distance, it is recommended to refer to traditional wired devices.

Conclusion

In the general field of Hi-Tech products, there is a tendency to improve the development due to additional options. This can be quite useful technological developments, but also functions that in practice are necessary for a minimum number of consumers. And in both cases, such inclusions significantly increase the cost of the product. Anyway, the best router, of course, should be endowed with modern high-tech solutions and options. Among the additions, which certainly will not be superfluous, we can note the presence of USB connectors, an interface for wireless communication Bluetooth, a bridge Wi-Fi and a signal repeater function. If at the moment any of these additions are not required, then in the future, as the computer station develops, they may well be needed - at least for a one-time application, they should be in service. If it is a question of semi-professional needs, then the optional list may also include a file server, an account in the cloud-based Internet storage like AiCloud, firewall and so on. But, since each of these functions affects the price tag, it should be determined with the choice of such routers carefully, evaluating the justification of costs. The average model of a quality router can cost 4-5 thousand. The budget option for an uninteresting consumer is estimated at an average of 2-3 thousand.