Gigabit port on router what it is

The size of downloadable files from the Internet is increasing. Movies now weigh not a few hundred megabytes, but several tens of gigabytes. The trend of increasing quality of graphics and audio can be seen in all areas, and this has an impact on file sizes. Now it is better to buy a gigabit router to be able to quickly download all the required data.

Top 10 best gigabit routers with Wi-Fi: overview and characteristics of the best models of 2023

Gigabit router – review and rating of models. What is this device, what are its benefits. The best gigabit router models of 2023 today, their description and technical parameters.

Today's router models are equipped with Ethernet connectors with a bandwidth of 100 Mbit/s or 1 Gbit/s.

But does an average user need a device with Gigabit ports, and what equipment to choose in this case?

In this review, we will examine these issues, consider the best devices with 1 Gbit/s Ethernet connectors, and consider their advantages and disadvantages.

The main criteria for choosing a gigabit router

Keep in mind! The main reason to focus on 1Gbps models is the high-speed Internet.

And while many carriers today still offer plans with a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, there is a clear trend toward breaking that line.

In addition, GPON technology with its high transmission speed requirements is becoming more and more widespread.

As for the rest when selecting a gigabit router you need to consider the following:

• Standards.
  Modern devices are classified as Wi-Fi 802.11 b, a, g, n or ac.
  The latter is one of the newest with the fastest performance.
• Bandwidth.
  In theory, the bigger it is, the better.
  But in real conditions, the maximum throughput of 1167 or 1900 Mbps declared by the manufacturer is practically impossible to achieve.
• Frequency range.
  Dual-band routers with operating frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz will be the best solution for a fast and stable wireless network.
  Some devices support simultaneous operation on two frequencies.
• 3G/4G Support.
  Some devices allow you to connect to the Internet network of mobile operators via a built-in or external modem.
  In the latter case, the connection is made via a USB port.

How much access to the Internet at high speeds is needed today? The relevance of a gigabit router.

Many home network subscribers may ask, a very, reasonable question. "Is it really necessary to connect a broadband Internet connection today and is a simple megabit access to the network is no longer enough to do the same surfing pages?"

Responding to a fairly relevant question in the IT sphere, it should be clarified at once that not all subscribers are limited to just checking social networking pages.

For example, subscribers who watch TV channels through so-called torrent television. In addition, those who consider cable TV outdated are in dire need of a high-speed connection to the Internet. This will allow to realize comfortable watching information resource without delays caused by mismatch between the speed of TV resource and the speed indicators of router Internet user.

In addition, most emerging online games, requires the owner of the PC, not only a powerful hardware of the system unit, but also a broadband connection to the "Internet". Related to this need, first of all, with multiplayer games. At times, it often happens that due to the simultaneous online presence of a large number of gamers, the game puts increased demands on the router. Failure to meet them threatens to increase the ping in the game, and it entails extremely uncomfortable game conditions for the user.

Advantages of Gigabit connection in comparison with Megabit (USB ports, media-servers, print-servers)

Routers with Gigabit Ethernet technology, in addition to the aforementioned advantages, are equipped with USB 2.0 ports. These inputs allow users to organize shared access to numerous databases contained on USB-devices, as well as, all known, FTP-servers. In addition, they are able to access:

The function of such access is realized through the media-server, which is built into the router. It is also worth noting the support of gigabit routers of print-servers, facilitating the implementation of work activities related to printers, both in the office and in the home. The IEEE 802.11n-type wireless standard, with a typically minimal operating frequency range of 2.4 GHz, makes wireless connectivity very, very easy. After all, it's 18 times better than a Type G connection in terms of performance and 6 times better in terms of Internet coverage of a given territory.

Router equipped with Gigabit Ethernet technology, as opposed to megabit options. It is able to provide the subscriber with smoother operation of various applications which require higher throughput capacity of the network channels. This also applies to streaming video of increased quality in the 4K format, as well as in online games. As a rule, the number of delays and connection interruptions is minimized and, in comparison with megabit units, negligible.

Wireless N standard technology transmits data over rather long distances. In this case, the loss of speed indicators, despite the various obstacles is minimal. This fact demonstrates that, thanks to the gigabit connection, users can realize the access to the "Internet". And at high speeds not only within the house, but also in the yard.

LAN connector on the router or computer

Through the LAN connector on the router we connect other devices to it via cable. There are usually many LAN ports for connecting multiple devices at the same time. They are most often a desktop computer or an old TV without a wifi adapter. They are identified by numbers and are always marked with an identical color within the same router.

What is the difference between a WAN and a LAN connection on a router?

Immediately follows the logical question – what is the difference between WAN and LAN ports on the router, if you connect the cable RJ-45 in both? LAN ports, as opposed to WAN, are designed for connecting other devices to the local network via cable – computers, laptops, printers, IP cameras, and so on.

• Into WAN goes the cable pulled into the apartment by the provider to supply the Internet to the router itself
• To LAN – the cable from another device that you want to connect to the Internet and local network

As I said, many of them do not have a wireless Wireless adapter (WiFi 802.11ac or 802.11n) and can only be connected to the Internet with a network cable. That is why there are usually more LAN ports than WAN ports – usually from 2 to 4.

The interface speed can also differ. For example, in low-cost router models the speed of the Internet via WAN will be limited to 100 mbps, while the local network (via LAN) can be gigabit, that is up to 1 Gbps.

The same applies to the Wireless LAN interface, where the speed depends on the frequency range. At 2.4 GHz (WiFi standard 802.11n) is usually limited to 150 or 300 mbps, while at 5 GHz (802.11ac) it can reach 900 mbps or more.

The best dual-band gigabit router for the home in 2020

Keenetic Giga KN-1010

Keenetic routers feature functional software that allows you to configure the device for almost any task. The Giga KN-1010 is a dual-band Gigabit router with MU-MIMO support, transmit/receive amplifiers, dual-core processor, SFP, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports. In terms of price, functionality and hardware, it can be considered the best gigabit router for home use.

The Giga KN-1010 is equipped with four Gigabit LAN ports and a WAN port. As well as SFP-port that allows you to connect to a fiber-optic line without buying an additional modem. There are two USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports supporting a wide range of devices.

The wireless network allows you to transmit data at speeds of 400 Mbit / s in the range of 2.4 GHz, and in the 5 GHz band at a speed of 867 Mbit / s.

The router can be set up from your phone via a mobile app or from your computer via a web interface. Setting up the basic functions will not cause difficulties even for a novice user. The use of additional options will expand the router's capabilities and turn it into a real Internet center.

Conclusion

A Gigabit router will make your network faster and more stable. And you'll definitely need it if your ISP gives you an Internet connection faster than 100 Mbps.

All manufacturers of network equipment today produce dual-band routers with gigabit Ethernet ports. In this review we have considered the most popular models, which are included in the top sales of online stores. They differ slightly in functionality, while performing basic functions, including the organization of a gigabit wired network. However, the choice is not limited to this list – you can easily find a device that suits you in terms of price and hardware capabilities out of at least a few dozen offers on the Internet and on store shelves.

What is a GPON router?

For your information! GPON-router is a small unit, which allows you to connect one cable to perform three functions.

The main difference GPON technology is High speed data transmission, so that a user's file of 5 GB will only take 5 minutes to download.

Powerful routers supporting Gigabit PON technology provide a faster, more reliable and stable signal.

GPON routers combine the functionality of a router and a modem and are essentially a device for providing a passive optical network.

What to look for when choosing a GPON router?

The main criterion for choosing a device the availability of ports.

There are two most popular connectors for fiber – WAN and SFP.

If you are satisfied with the model with WAN-port, you need to make sure that its bandwidth is not less than the speed of the provider, otherwise you will have to pay the tariff, but use slower Internet.

The SFP port is more versatile and provides connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Not all GPON devices support a wireless connection, and if they do, you need to find out if it works in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, or both at once.

You should pay attention to also the maximum speed of the wireless connection, the standard of the wireless connection, the ability to work in different modes (bridge, repeater, storage), support for all kinds of technologies and standards (Dynamic DNS, PPTP, L2TP, IPv6) and router functionality (for example, own file server).

Display

To find out which connections are active, the routers use indicators. These are lights on the front or the top of the device.

The indicator for the WAN is labeled with the letter "I" or it can have a picture of the globe on it. If nothing is plugged into the corresponding socket, the LED is inactive. It may also be inactive if the wire is damaged or if there is a problem at the ISP switch. In general, if the WAN interface LED is not active, it means that the signal is not reaching the router.

If the indicator blinks yellow, it means that the signal is getting through, but there is no internet on the device. Either the settings on the router are wrong, or there is a problem with the ISP equipment. Faulty cable in this case is excluded.

If the LED is lit or flashing green, it means that WAN connection is active and you can use the Internet.

LAN ports also have an indication. Usually these are numbers corresponding to the serial numbers of the connectors, or monitor icons. Each slot has its own LED that shows which ports are currently connected. However, there are models with no indication of LAN ports or with one LED for all ports.

If the LED is not active, it means that nothing is plugged into the port or the connected device is unplugged. It may also indicate a problem with the cable.

If you connect a cable from any device, such as a laptop, to the WAN port, nothing will break, as well as if you connect a LAN cable from the Internet. Indicator of the connected port will be lit, signaling that the device is connected, but the network will not work.

WAN network

WAN is a global network – it is a set of all computers connected to the Internet. Such a network consists of smaller networks. Such networks are divided into:

• LAN – a small network for the home or workplace. For communication between offices in different cities there is a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Networks). This technology connects remote nodes and allows them to share network devices such as a printer or file storage as if they were in the same office.
• PAN (Personal Area Network) – connects devices used by one person;
• CAN(Campus Area Network) – a set of buildings that already have their own local network to exchange data between them;
• MAN(Metropolitan Area Network) – a larger network that connects devices in a city or several cities.

Why does a router need 1 gigabit ports?

Each LAN interface on your router has its own bandwidth. It depends on what standard the port operates under. This, for the most part, depends on the year the device was released and its price. Some still make routers that are limited to 100 Mbps.

There are several standards, the names won't tell you anything, so let's describe the limitations:

Each of these standards has a maximum speed limit. The Gigabit port can give you a connection up to 1 Gigabit as opposed to the regular port. It supports lower speeds, but its main limitation will be 1000 Mbit/s. If you don't have such a port on your router, at most you will be connected to the Internet at 100 Mbit/sec.

With such restrictions, it makes no sense to buy rates that offer speeds over a hundred. You won't be able to use them anyway. You may also want to check your computer, laptop, and phone to see if they have the right ports or support high-speed wi-fi protocol. If there's nothing there, you don't need the expensive rates.

What you need to know before you choose and buy

Before you buy, you should check all of your devices that you plan to connect to your wireless or wired network through your new router. The easiest thing for you to do is search by model number, usually the specs in the store will say the maximum connection speed. If your smartphone supports 54 Mbps, you shouldn't be surprised by the low speed.

If you have a rate of more than 100Mbps, then you need a router with gigabit ports.

You should still buy the best device that you can afford. Wired technology, like Wi-Fi protocols, is backward compatible. This means that even the best router will work with the slowest phone or computer. Choose an affordable Wi-Fi router model for the future so you don't have to upgrade later.

A powerful router can not only provide fast data exchange over wifi and wires, but also takes on several other functions. Some have USB ports that allow you to back up your connection with modems or make routers into file servers. Built-in features will also allow you to run home services.

Before you go online shopping, jot down the features you want to see on your router on a piece of paper. Sorting through the results will become easier and searches will go faster. In the case of buying a workhorse that distributes the Internet, look at the price and the speed of the wireless network. The other features are important for those who are building their own home network.

Briefly about FTTH technology

Fiber optic routers don't need intermediate equipment to connect to the Internet. Fibers are wired into the apartment and connected directly to a router. The technology is called FTTH.

Fiber optic router, also called FTTH-router looks and works like an Ethernet router. The device can connect to the Internet in the usual way, using a copper cable. Only its WAN-port is combined; it is called SFP-port and intended for connecting both twisted pair and fiber optic cable.

Otherwise everything is the same: After the initial setup the router gets the Internet from the provider and distributes it to the devices in the apartment.

The advantage of FTTH is high (up to 2400 mbps) speed over tens of kilometers. And versatility: one wire can be used to connect the Internet, telephone and television at the same time. The connection is reliably tamper-proof.

The largest provider of this technology is Rostelecom.

Criteria for choosing a router

Routers for fiber optics copy the classic models of fixed routers. Therefore, the approach to choosing a device for FTTH is the same as that of a conventional router.

You should pay attention to one important aspect – speed. Internet over fiber optic operates at speeds above 100 mbps and even gigabit. Your optical modem must meet these parameters. Choose a router with gigabit network ports and maximum Wi-Fi speed. After all, if your incoming channel is 1000 mbps and your wireless network has a maximum of 300 mbps, the whole point of connecting fiber is lost.

Otherwise, when choosing an FTTH router, you have to base your choice on your actual needs: the number of ports, antennas, and additional features.

Is it worth upgrading?

Wireless technology continues to improve year after year to meet the growing needs of users. That's why more and more products are being equipped with multi-gigabit ports. The only question that remains is: Do you really need multi-gigabit Ethernet?

To answer this question, you should consider multi-gigabit Ethernet if you…

> Looking for a future-proof home networking solution when setting up your home;

> Sharing a single network connection with multiple family members and devices;

> Frequently sending large files, such as 4K Blu-ray movies, projects and games, between multiple devices;

> A content creator looking for the perfect solution to instantly access and manage your files;

> A gamer looking to elevate your network to dominate the competition;

> Advanced NAS users trying to unlock the full read/write speed of your system

If any of the above applies to you, then you are probably someone who needs the performance of multi-gigabit Ethernet and can take full advantage of it.

How do I build multi-gigabit Ethernet?

Step 1: Get a data plan for ultra-fast speeds

It is important to choose the right plan for multi-gigabit Ethernet . This is what determines the upper limit of your transfer speeds for your World Wide Web connection.

Step 2: Prepare the right cables that will connect everything

Whether you have multi-gigabit Internet access or a NAS server with a 10G Ethernet port, the right Ethernet cables are very important and really make a big difference. Choose the right cables for different multigigabit Ethernet speeds .

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