How to watch a wifi password. What Wi-Fi look like wi-fi looks like

Hypothetically, if we saw all the digital signals that surround us, what would they like? If we could physically see the track WiFi, how would he be? It is this question that explores the photographer and artist Louis Hernan in his latest series of works called "Creative Study of Wireless Spectra".

Waves obsessed with invisible infrastructure that fasten our wireless world, Louis decided to capture the scenery of electromagnetic waves in a series of amazing color photographs. Snapshots quickly gained popularity that fought the author for further research in this area.

Using the camera with high exposure and RSSI sensors to visualize WiFi networks, he was able to create these bright paintings. The result is a beautiful collection of surreal images, simultaneously active and static. People often abuse technology, but not even think about their nature. But thanks to Louis Ernan you can now imagine what Wi-Fi looks at your home!


This project is designed to demonstrate the nature of the space of electromagnetic waves and to prove that high technologies can be visualized. If the human eye does not see something, it does not mean that this does not exist. And the author of these pictures was brightly demonstrated, making Wi-Fi waves temporarily accessible to perception.


The Digital Ethereal project is a progressive creative research work exploring the materiality of wireless protocols. As part of this work, these impressive photos were made.

After the appearance of computers and laptops, in almost every house, the number of customers from providers increased several tens of times, since in the modern world for many life without the Internet is almost unthinkable.

To begin with, a regular information transfer protocol through a telephone connection was used, then an increase in the amount of information transmitted demanded an improvement in the quality and increase the transmission rate. There are new ways to access the Internet.

However, as before, the convenience of using laptops was minimal due to the need to connect the cable from the modem. After that, it was invented a wireless way to transfer a large amount of data on a fairly long distance, which was called Wi-Fi. In the modern world, in many major cities, you can find Wi-Fi access points and everyone can do this if you have access to the Internet and a special router.

What is Wai Fi Router for home

Smartphones, tablets, laptops and stationary computers can be used to obtain a large amount of data. In the case of tablets and telephones, the situation is complicated by the fact that you cannot connect to the Internet to update or another task through the WAN cable.

For the convenience of using the Internet of the house began to use Wi-Fi routers. Such equipment differs from the old versions of execution by which it has a Wi-Fi module that performs connecting all devices in the field of its signal. The first models were equipped with an antenna, modern externally differ from the usual versions.

The principle of operation of this equipment is as follows:

1. There is a connection to the network via telephone or communication created for the Internet, as before.
2. The built-in module that is configured through the computer when switching through the IP address of the system, connects to the created network, it evenly distributes the maximum speed between the connected devices.

The router acts as a distributor of information.

What are the routers

The choice of router should be found thoroughly, as the features of the created wireless network will depend on it. Conditionally, all Wi-Fi-routers can be divided into the following groups:

1. ADSL - Wireless router, which is connected by ADSL. It is used if there is a WAN port under the telephone connector. It has rather great popularity, as in many cities connecting to the Internet takes place by means of a telephone cable.
2. FTTB. - The most popular version of execution that connects along twisted pair.
3. CPON / CEPON / PON - A recent version of the execution, which allows you to maintain the maximum allowable connection speed and information transmission. You can use this router only if there is a necessary connection to the provider, which is called passive optical networks.
4. 3G. - Routers that are able to conduct a distribution when connecting to the Internet through a cellular communication. In this case, the ports are not, there is a place to install a SIM card.
5. The most expensive and popular version of execution is universal. It provides for a merging of multiple connection types.

When considering this issue, we note that in 99% of cases, routers are issued providers, as they need to be correctly configured according to the protocol of their connection.

Recently, Wi-Fi routers are increasingly carried out, as they exclude the need for a long time with a cable laying to the required place.

Given the rather large radius of work and the fact that the signal passes through the walls, the router can stand anywhere.

The only snag is a computer or other device must have a receiver. All modern laptops have a built-in receiver of a similar wireless network, but stationary computers do not have it in the standard configuration.

There are several options for solving a problem with the lack of Wi-Fi receiver at a stationary computer:

1. Using an external device, which can be connected via a USB or WLAN port. Here it should be borne in mind that the USB connection has a certain limitation of the speed of information transmission. Therefore, if there is a connection with high speed at the router (associated with the features of the service provider) this method of organizing the home network is not recommended. WLAN port does not have such a hard restriction.
2. If the maternal card provides the ability to install an internal network reception unit, then you can upgrade the system unit. However, this can do it much more expensive than creating a wired home network.

As a rule, the wizard that comes to connect the Internet will recommend the most appropriate connection option.

How to choose

Despite the fact that the representative from the provider will recommend the most appropriate version of the router, in some cases you have to choose yourself. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Price - The scatter of this indicator for the equipment that is intended for use at home is very large. At the same time, the price corresponds to the stuffing: a weak level of the signal, low reliability, a small range of coating and so on. However, no washed away to take a very expensive version of the performance for the house.
2. The presence of certain ports. In most cases, it is enough to have a set of fastethernet ports. Ports that are intended to connect a gigabyte compound are often not needed, since the speed provided by the provider is often significantly lower. The only case is to create an extensive home network, but in domestic needs it is extremely rare.
3. Features Wi-Fi antennas are very important. There are two types of antenna location: internal and external. It is recommended to purchase with an external antenna, since it is possible to replace it with a more powerful version of execution if necessary. It should also be borne in mind that an antenna should work according to the 802.11n protocol to achieve a high transmission rate. Some manufacturers to reduce the cost of construction are installed other types of antennas that work at very low speeds. The frequency of operation determines the coating radius.
4. Hardware stuff - An important indicator for which few pay attention. The type of hardware filling affects the work of the home network as well as the installed "iron" on the system unit.
5. Additional features for such equipment are very limited. Often these are additional connectors, as well as embedded servers for specific programs.
6. Brand. As for the brand, there is almost nothing to say here - all manufacturers have terrible and good models. For example, TP-Link and Netgear have many models with good performance indicators. ASUS extremely rarely gives failures. But all manufacturers have models that often bring big problems. Often it is a line of budget options, since on their manufacture all manufacturers save as they can.

Also, when choosing, you can see options that are installed from acquaintances and ask them about problems with the Internet.

How to use

You can install the router anywhere. At the same time, it should not stand in the raw room, the temperature should be room, the effect of direct rays from the Sun is excluded. Install this equipment is quite simple: you just need to connect the cable from the network and all. But with the setting is increasingly harder.

Creating an access point is carried out through a computer, but the features of connecting to the Internet depend on the work of the provider. For configuration, you need the username and password of the administrator, and the provider does not provide this information to protect its servers.

Overview of the best models

You can select the following models:

1. TP-LINK TL-WR740N - an inexpensive version of execution that has a powerful antenna. The transfer rate is 150 Mbps. For most users of this speed should be quite enough. Cost - about 2500 rubles.
2. TP-LINK TL-WR841N - A more productive option that has a speed of about 300 Mbps. Two powerful antennas are installed. The cost is within 4000 rubles.

In conclusion, we note that it is possible to make Wi-Fi at home without a special router only in the case of a device, with a built-in module that is able to distribute, and not just receive a signal. Modern models of many laptops can be a point of access, and if the computer has access to the Internet, access will be visible to all devices. In some cases, the access point can be a smartphone, a tablet.

Hello, dear visitors! Decided to buy a new Wi-Fi Router? Great idea! In this publication, we will tell you how to choose a WiFi router for home, to pay attention to when choosing a router and how not to be disappointed in the purchase. We have already told you to pay attention to and how not to choose. We even wrote an article as correct in the car. It is time and home Wi-Fi router.

It is no secret that today there are a lot of manufacturers of wireless routers and access points: ASUS, D-Link, Huawei., Linksys, Mikrotik., NetGear., TP-LINK., Trendnet, Ubiquiti., Upvel., Zyxel other. And already models of routers and Wi-Fi access points for each manufacturer can be counted several dozen. What router to choose for home among all this manifold? Do I need to overpay for famous brands, modern innovations and progressive stuffing? Let's deal with together!

In one of our articles, we have already told, and what is the main principle of his work. We want to immediately clarify the difference between the Wi-Fi router and the Wi-Fi access point. And then in stores routers can be called points of access, and vice versa. The first difference between the router from the access point is the presence of network ports on the router. And this is not a job, since the task of a simple access point is to expand the network coverage area, not the distribution of the Internet on the device.

All WiFi Access Points are designed to increase the network coverage area. That is, to organize a full-fledged network using an access point will not work (no desired ports). WiFi router (it is a router) is the same wireless access point, but with the ability to organize a network. Any router can act as a switch because it has LAN ports for connecting a laptop or computer over a network cable (). What is this network ports, we will now show. Here's what the standard Wi-Fi router looks like:

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in it. First of all, you need to understand for which Internet connections you want to choose and buy a Wi-Fi router. After all, the connection technologies are somewhat and here you need to know exactly what type of Internet is installed with you. Or what type you plan to use in the future. We have already told about various types of Internet connections in our article. Here are three basic connection protocols: Ethernet, ADSL and 3G / 4G..

Tip! Many providers place the recommended models of routers on their sites. It will not be superfluous and check the compatibility of the router with your Internet connection.

First Protocol Ethernet(The main three types of this protocol in Russia - PPPOE, L2TP. or VPN.) Works on a network cable if the cord from the provider is connected to the network board of your home computer or laptop, then your connection is connected and uses this communication protocol. The most popular providers providing Ethernet Access is Beeline (Beeline), Rostelecom (online), DOM.RU (Dom.ru), NetByNet, Akado Byfly TTK, Ukrtelecom other. In fact, their great many, just many of the providers we throw the channel from larger. Here is what the RJ-45 ROUTER touch the connector:

The second common communication protocol - ADSL. In Russia, the provider works with him MGTS. Here's what the WiFi router for ADSL protocol looks like (the connector looks like a telephone):

Third Popular Communication Type - 3G / 4G.. There are such mobile operators such as MTS, Beeline, Megaphone and Skylink. On the router intended for distribution 3G / 4G. Internet there is a special USB connector:

The first thing that the buyer always draws attention is the price. Why one router costs a thousand rubles, and another four to five thousand. In many ways, the whole thing in its characteristics. But before we consider them, a couple of words about the price and the pricing market on routers.

Very often you can hear two opposite points of view. Some users of home wifi routers argue that overpaying for expensive models of routers does not make sense, and the second say that cheap routers are flawed, quickly break, buggy and unstable. As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle. The absolute majority of routers are produced in China, but this does not mean that they are all bad or identical quality. That is what affects the price of the router:

• What hardware filling is installed in the router (processor, flash memory, etc.).
• Router brand.
• Hardware and software features of a particular model.

Consider all three factors affecting the price. Of course, the price is affected by the quality of the assembly and good components that are present in more expensive models of routers. But if you understand essentially and look at specific models, you can choose a WiFi router for a home for less money and not guess with its stuffing.

For example, WiFi routers of one of the leading manufacturers DlinkEspecially cheap models are often available with raw firmware, and the hardware filling of cheap routers and access points from long-standing is not designed for high performance. Eminent ASUS It has a varied model range, which includes both expensive router models and relatively budget options. The latter may not be the best choice. Linksys - relatively expensive, but most of its reliable and high-quality routers. TP-LINK. - Budget manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers, product quality of this company is very controversial. You can run into poor-quality goods. Zyxel - Releases a number of models for the house, which are sufficiently proven and suitable for home use. True, the price of this company is not the most democratic. Routers OT. NetGear. and Trendnet Also quite high quality and relatively cheap.

In general, each manufacturer can be running on a poor-quality model. But if you pay attention to feedback and specifications, then this probability can be strongly reduced. Hardware and software features - that's what you need to know if you want to choose a decent WiFi router for home. Largely, the price of a certain model depends on the capabilities that the router can provide. But is it necessary to extended in everyday use of the WiFi router everyday use? Let's look at how to choose a router for an apartment, from the point of view of its technical characteristics.

Basic specifications when choosing a Wi-Fi router

If you choose a home router for the price and not pay attention to its characteristics, then you can guess. Some cheap wireless devices are not designed for high power and network coverage area can be several meters. In addition, low-power routers do not allow the signal through the walls or other obstacles. If you have an apartment with concrete walls or a country house with bricks, it is necessary to look at the selected model more thoroughly.

A lot of negative feedback from the owners of cheap routers, which complain that their router cuts the incoming and outgoing Internet speed via WiFi. This is due to the cheap and low-quality iron stuffing of the Wi-Fi routers. For example, if your provider gives access to a 10 megabal channel, and measuring the speed of downloading files is less than 1.25 megabytes, then it may not matter in a low-quality service, but work Wi-Fi.

In addition, cheap models of routers may freeze, bug and just turn off. Agree that constant reload the router is a very nervous occupation. Sometimes it saves it from such behavior of the device, that is, replacing the inner firmware to a newer one (fresh firmware can be found on the manufacturer's website). However, it may not be lucky and with an expensive analogue, but the likelihood of such troubles is lower.

Now we will look at the main characteristics of routers, which should be paid to using WiFi at home. If you choose a WiFi router for the first time, then most likely do not understand specific parameters. In fact, everything is not so difficult. We have already found out that any router has a port for connecting the channel from the provider, LAN ports to connect to the computer network card and the ability to distribute the Internet on Wi-Fi wireless technology. This is what the characteristics should have a modern router, if you do not know which WiFi to choose a router, then they will be enough:

1. The ability to encrypt the channel by all available encryption types - WEP., WPA, WPA2..
2. The possibility of working on all wireless standards - 802.11b., 802.1g, 802.11n.. N mode provides the highest wireless connection. It is desirable that the router knew how to work with mixed modes 802.11b / g. and 802.11b / g / n . This will allow connecting those devices that can work on 802.11n. and those older gadgets that work only on 802.11b. or 802.1g. Some models support standard 802.11AC.which theoretically allows you to work on a wireless gigabit channel. But in practice, the gigabit channel of the house is not needed, and a provider that can provide such bandwidth need to search.
3. Router should be able to work with protocols PPPoe, L2TP. and VPN.. The first is usually enabled by default in all models, but the second and third protocols are not all. Even if you do not have a VPN or L2TP connection at home, it is not a fact that it is not necessary in the future.
4. It is desirable that the router had a removable antenna. This will increase the WiFi coverage zone if it is insufficient.
5. The number of external antennas - than them more, the better. However, a Wi-Fi router with one antenna may be enough for a small apartment or a small country house. If the apartment or private house is large enough, it is possible to install a WiFi router in the middle of a house or apartment, or buy an extra access point.
6. Volume. It is advisable to buy a router with the volume of RAM from 64 megabytes. 32 Megabytes Runs may not be enough when using WiFi a large number of devices.
7. It is advisable to find a router with not the weakest. A powerful WiFi router for home is a guarantee of the stability of his work in the future. The maximum data transfer rate over Wi-Fi and signal stability during the operation of the device depends on the processor.

All modern routers have their own web interface with which you can. Worry about the absence of such an interface is not worth it. In addition, all modern models have a built-in DHCP.- Server, which allows you to distribute IP addresses on a computer, laptop, telephone, tablet or other gadget in automatic mode. Also, most routers have a built-in software firewall (Firewall), which will allow you to protect your home network from hacking by an attacker. More specific characteristic of the router can be called function WPS.. It serves to quickly connect devices that support it. For those who are interested in a quick configuration of Wi-Fi connectivity with WPS, we advise you to read our articles and settings and. We also suggest familiarizing yourself with our WiFi Routher Setup Articles:

• - How to connect a Wi-Fi router on the example of the router Trendnet.
• - An even more detailed instructions for setting up and connecting the Wi-Fi Router.
• - What to do if WiFi never earned.

Usually, for home use does not need a router with a print server (with software that allows you to share a user to share a printer by connecting it via USB). Nevertheless, if this function is necessary, do not forget about it when choosing and buying a model you like. In the next chapter, we accounted for a home router rating based on their characteristics, which, in our opinion, are the most optimal choice in terms of price quality ratio.

To date, perhaps, no longer meet a person who does not use the computer or does not have a PC at home. In addition, more and more services, programs needed for work and recreation, work when connecting to the Internet.

Also recently, the situation is becoming increasingly popular when there is not one apparatus in the apartment, house or office, and several (PCs, tablets, communicators, smartphones, etc.), each of which requires its separate connection to the network.

The ability to connect several devices to the Internet, while having one point of the input signal from the provider, is currently being carried out using a router or router.

Photo - Networking with multiple conjugate devices

The router itself represents a network device, the purpose of which is the transfer of batch data between the devices conjugates and the access point - the service provider. In addition, more expensive routers are equipped with a number of additional features, including:

• the ability to install restrictions on access to potentially dangerous for sites;
• the ability to connect a firewall;
• the ability to encrypt network access and traffic distribution;
• ordered distribution of traffic at access points, etc.

Standard router, which can often be found, both in a private house and in the office of the company, public places, is a small equipment on its dimensions, consisting of a hardware block, antennas for transmitting a Wi-Fi signal, a power supply for connecting to the power grid, Switching cords (patch cords).

Photo - Complete set and connection of the router

The standard router is capable of organizing a network by connecting 4 PCs to it by means of wired communication, as well as 5-10 devices for which Wi-Fi channels will be highlighted. However, specialists are not recommended to fully load the router, especially if this is not an expensive model of this device. Otherwise, the router can hang, not withstanding large loads.

Some models of routers can be equipped with USB ports to connect a flash media or hard disk to them. This feature will allow the use of hardware as a file server, print server, etc. In addition, individual models can also boast the support function 3G modems.

What you should pay attention to

When choosing a router, it is worth considering the following features, operating parameters of this equipment:

• to organize a home connection or network for a small office, there will be a conventional (non-professional) router from the average price range;
• requires support for IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n standards will provide data transfer rate by Wi-Fi to 600 Mbps;
• installation must support PPTP or L2TPthat will provide access to Internet communications of almost any provider.

Principle of Wireless Wi Fi Router

The principle of operation of the equipment is based on obtaining and converting the address of the recipient, which is "registered" in the information packet header for its transfer, then the path to which information is addressed to the routing table is determined. In the event that the routing table does not provide any address, the information is not accepted, discarded.

Photo - An example of a network of users with a router

In practice, there are some other data transmission systems on the device connected to the router. For example, using the sender's address or upper header levels protocols. There are also no rare cases when the transmission of addresses as the sender and the recipient, as well as filtering the transit data transmitted data, is not rare.

How to install Wi-Fi Router: Step-by-step instructions

In order to independently connect and configure the router, you must do the following:

1. The first thing that is done to install the equipment is all communications from the router to the PC and to the Internet signal transmission unit from the provider. To do this, the Internet cable is inserted into the connector called Wan, and in one of the remaining ports insert the cable, completing with the router, the other end is designed for the Ethernet connector on the back panel of the PC. After that, turn on the power of the device.
2. Next, go to the configuration of the software of the router. Equipment setting is not typical and may differ depending on the router model and connection settings from the provider. Configuration can be performed via any browser installed on the computer (Google Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer, etc.). To do this, go to the administrative interface of the device by entering into the address bar of the browser of the combination of numbers: 192.168.1.1. After pressing the "ENTER" key, the equipment administration window should jump out. If this does not happen, you should check the cable connection, make sure that the connection is running, then repeat the attempt.
3. The next step is to configure the Wi-Fi connection. If the router is equipped with a quick setup function, then you need to start the Quick Setup service and follow the settings of the installation wizard. Among the settings will select the following parameters: - type of preferred compound;

   - type connection to the Internet;

4. Next, you need to connect the Wi-Fi module itself. To do this, the installation wizard offers the following menu.

Photo - Wi-Fi Signal Connection Module

After the steps of the Internet, the connection must already work. However, if the Internet speed is underestimated or permanent signal loss occurs, experts recommend choosing some particular channel (from 1 to 13), saving the settings. It is also worth taking care of the access password to the connected router signal. Otherwise, unauthorized connections are possible, which will also undertake traffic and make the operation of the router slower.

After the router is connected and configured, it only remains to connect the operation of the network card to the PC or laptop and use the operation of the device from the Internet. On a laptop, you must make sure that the special key is pressed, including Wi-Fi mode. If this operation is performed, you must connect the device to the network.

Photo - Network Indicator

To do this, on the desktop toolbar on the network icon, you can right-click, select the name of the installed network, click the "Connect" button from the Opening Menu.

Photo - Context menu with installed Internet networks on the device

Connection is similarly performed for Windows 8, for the rest of the systems, turning on the device to work on a similar scheme.

How much is a router for a computer

To date, the electronics and computer equipment market offers its customers a wide selection of routers discharging from each other as a manufacturer, so some functional features of the device. It can be routers for a home network with a few conjugate devices or industrial equipment to provide Internet access to public places, large offices. Accordingly, given the functionality of the apparatus, the cost of devices will be varied at times. Having visited the store or the online store of electrical goods, the client can choose for itself the appropriate equipment that will meet the requirements for him. At the same time, he will need to make the amount of money ranging from 1 thousand rubles. For the standard model to more than 25 thousand rubles. For professional multifunctional devices.

Router is a very complex device with a variety of technical characteristics. We will focus on those who play an important role for the buyer.

WAN port type and connection protocols

The Wan (or Internet) connector serves to connect to the Internet cable router. This is the first item to pay attention to when buying a device. It is from her who depends whether the router will work with the provider.

A typical router has a WAN port of one of two formats:

1. DSL(ADSL, VDSL and other subtypes) - to connect to the Internet via the telephone line.
2. Ethernet - To connect through the Special Channel of the Provider.

There are universal devices that support multiple formats, including DSL and Ethernet. But they are much less common.

In rather popular now fiber optic networks, access to the Internet is carried out through the GPON terminal to which the router is connected. Some routers have an appropriate connector for connecting the provider fiber optic cable directly. This allows you to get rid of the terminal, which often suffer from voltage jumps and remove the unnecessary link in the chain.

Compatibility with provider

Internet providers use various technologies to connect subscribers. Some of them are massive and default are supported in all routers, others are less common and not available everywhere.

For example, many service providers use the L2TP protocol that does not work in each router. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to clarify in the provider support service whether their networks you are interested in router.

If instead of the DSL and Ethernet provider uses specific connection technologies, which rarely happens, then the choice and equipment is better trusted to be trusted to specialists.

Number and type of LAN ports

Computers, consoles, televisions and other stationary techniques, which need stable wire access to the LAN-ports of the router. Such a connection always guarantees the maximum speed that does not depend on the distance and interference.

And the more such connections in the router, the more devices to it can be connected through the wire. Typically, the routers are equipped with four LAN ports. But if this is not enough for you, choose a model with additional connectors.

From the type of LAN ports, the limiting data exchange rate between the router and other devices connected to it through the wire depends on the wire.

Two such types:

1. Fast Ethernet Provides speed up to 100 Mbps.
2. Gigabit Ethernet - Up to 1 Gbit / s.

If your provider offers access to the Internet at a speed of more than 100 Mbps, select the router model with Gigabit Ethernet ports. So you will use your channel to full.

Wi-Fi standards

The maximum possible exchange rate between the router and the battles connected to it will depend on the Wi-Fi standard. Now in the go two standards:

1. 802.11n. - Common, but already an outdated version that the absolute majority of gadgets supports. Possible speed - up to 600 Mbps.
2. 802.11AC. - The current standard, ensures the highest speed - up to 6.77 Gb / s.

But do not let the characteristics confuse: the specified values \u200b\u200bare only theoretically possible within the framework of technology. Real speed indicators are significantly lower.

The rate indicated by the manufacturer in practice is also most often unattainable. This is the only possible value without taking into account distance and interference.

Thanks to the backward compatibility to the Router with an 802.11ac standard, you can connect any gadgets by Wi-Fi. Even if they support only 802.11n and older versions. But to reveal the entire 802.11ac potential, and the router, and all other devices of your wireless network must support this standard.

Number of Wi-Fi ranges

Some routers can work simultaneously in different frequency bands. In this mode, the router is capable of maintaining not one, but at once several independent Wi-Fi networks.

Many popular models are able to distribute data transmission between two bands. Thus, they create two networks at frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, respectively.

1. Frequency 2.4 GHz Ideal for connecting smartphones and office equipment.
2. Frequency 5 GHz Provides a more stable and fast connection, and therefore it is better suited for multimedia devices working with video and other heavy content. So, if there is no desire to connect the TV or the console via the wires, you can use Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz.

These networks can work in parallel without limiting each other. But again, their total speed will not exceed the limit set by the Internet provider.

In addition, not all gadgets support a network with a frequency of 5 GHz.

Number and type of antennas

In addition to the standard and frequency of Wi-Fi, the wireless network speed depends on the number of antennas in the router. Than they are more, the faster the data sharing between connected devices and the router.

The limit speed of Wi-Fi in the 802.11n standard for a model with one antenna is 150 Mbps. With two - 300 Mbps, with three - 450 Mbps. That is, with each antenna, the maximum possible speed increases by 150 Mbps. And in the 802.11ac standard - 433 Mbps.

Recall, we are talking about theoretically possible speeds under ideal conditions. In fact, these indicators are much lower. In addition, do not forget that the final speed of Internet access via Wi-Fi cannot exceed the limitation of the provider.

Antennas can be built-in and external. As practice shows, in the conditions of a typical urban apartment, the type of antennas is not so important. Contrary to popular myth, the difference is barely noticeable.

But for large premises, it is still worth choosing a router with external antennas in order not to have. In addition, if the external antennas are removable, if necessary, they can be replaced with more powerful.

Availability of a USB port

By selecting a router with one or pair USB connector, you can connect additional devices to it. For example, a USB drive will provide remote access to a common file repository via any device in Wi-Fi. A wireless USB modem will be your backup way to go to the network if the cable internet stops working.

Brief instructions for choosing

Let's go through the key points of the article. This check list will help you choose a good router.

1. Find out the requirements of the provider to the router: WAN-connector type and connection protocols. Only after that choose the model.
2. When the Internet speeds above 100 Mbps, buy a device with LAN-ports of Gigabit Ethernet format (1 Gb / s). If the speed is less, there is enough Fast Ethernet connectors (100 Mbps).
3. If network access is only needed to view sites and working with documents, you can restrict ourselves to a router with one antenna and support for the 802.11n wireless standard.
4. But if you watch streaming videos, play online games, use a lot of wireless devices, often load the volumetric files and are not used to refuse yourself, choose a two-band router with several antennas and 802.11ac support.
5. If you wish can buy a model with a USB port to connect a drive or wireless modem to it.