Good router for smart tv

The signal boosters are mounted on the side ends and are adjustable to 180 degrees.

Connecting your router to your TV

We know that a router is a device that provides Internet access to computers and mobile devices. This has been the case for quite some time, but now the scope of routers has expanded. Since some time, televisions are also being connected to them. Why? We will tell you about that in this article.

Smart TV is a smart TV. Which in fact is not really television at all. This is . A set of additional features that extend the functions of your TV:

• A complete replacement for over-the-air television. Connect your TV to the Internet, you can watch movies and programs from any resource, of which there are many on the web.
• You can watch videos from YouTube and social networks directly on it.
• Wireless mouse, keyboard and webcam turn it into a PC analog.

Open Facebook and Vkontakte right from your TV! Chat on Skype on the big screen! It's all about Smart TV.

Choosing your router

Most modern televisions are equipped with Smart TV functionality. But to take advantage of it, you'll need to connect your TV to the Internet. And to do this, you'll need a router. Some users think you need a special router for Smart TV, with extra features, without which Smart TV won't work. This is not the case.

Your TV is connected to the network the same way as any other device – with a cable or via Wi-Fi. And it does not care how and through which devices to establish a connection with the Internet. So if you already have a router at home and you are thinking about buying a TV with Smart TV function, no additional devices are needed. Just connect your TV to your device and enjoy.

One "but" – if you use several devices at home at the same time, such as a laptop, smartphone and TV, do not buy budget models. A budget router may not be able to handle the load and online video will be slow.

How does it work?

Wi-Fi on the TV can provide a built-in module or a wireless adapter connected via USB or LAN. Devices with an integrated module are called Smart TV (e.g. Smart Phone). It runs an operating system that controls the hardware components of the device, has a large screen and allows you to access the Internet via radio to play streaming video.

If you choose a model with an external USB-adapter, you will have to buy the latter separately, and it must be produced by the same brand: if you bought a TV from LG, then you should buy the device for accessing the Internet via Wi-Fi from LG. Smart TV set-top boxes are expensive and not widespread.

The Wi-Fi module in your TV is needed to watch streaming video on major hosting sites, as well as to run online games and visit social networks on the big screen. Whether you need a similar and expensive convenience, you decide individually.

The high price, compared to counterparts with an external Wi-Fi adapter, forces users to wait or use alternatives.

Features of smart TV

• Making calls in Skype in the presence of devices for sound and video recording (webcam and microphone).
• It is possible to watch any video files stored on cloud servers online without pre-loading and recording on a flash drive. For Samsung devices, the SmartKino application has been released, providing paid and free access to a huge database of movies. Some manufacturers offer IPTV.
• Allows you to visit social networks, major multimedia services and video hosting, online photo processing resources (Picasa). When a keyboard and mouse are connected via USB, the huge flat display can partially replace a computer.
• Online games on the big screen without a PC and console, where you can control the remote control, smartphone or hands, as in the version of Angry Birds for smart TVs from Samsung.

In a country house and in an area remote from metropolitan areas, where Internet speed is severely limited, the built-in Wi-Fi module on the TV is unlikely to be relevant.

Conclusion and personal opinion

If you look carefully at the table, you can notice that the best in terms of support for routers of two firms: TP-Link and ZyXEL Keenetic. These devices have almost all known support for the required standards. Also, after the purchase it is necessary to update the router to the latest firmware.

This is especially true for ZyXEL Keenetic, which have internet centers split into two parts with OS support before 2.12 and after. They are fundamentally different, so I strongly recommend taking the device with support above 2.12. Also, if you have any questions, or you want a personal recommendation on the choice from me – write in the comments.

Connecting your router and your TV

The following video explains how to connect your TV to the Internet:

Router and TV need to be properly connected. You can choose between a wired and wireless method. If there is no smart TV, and the Smart TV function is purchased through a special set-top box, the connection is performed a little differently. Let's look at all the options.

Wired method

Install a special cable (patch cord) in the sockets of the TV and the router. Most often, the wire included in the kit has a short length. Consequently, in order to connect the devices, they must be located close to each other. If the distance between the appliances is considerable, you will have to buy the right length of wire.

When you have the right cable, plug one end into the LAN connector on the router and the other end into the TV jack (usually signed Ethernet).

Remember, this is only a connection. To get access to the network, a setup is required.

For most brands of TV, the procedure will be identical. To do the setup, follow these instructions:

• enter the TV menu;
• Go to the network settings section and select "Open Network Settings";
• press the "Start" button;
• Run the Offline Network Setup wizard, selecting the cable connection method.

Wait for the TV to get an IP address. This will automatically connect to the Internet and you can use it.

The procedure for some models may differ slightly. Check the manual to find out how to configure the hardware.

Result

A router is essential equipment for Smart TV. It is this device that opens up access to the Internet. There are no special requirements for the router, but it is best to refuse the simplest models, as they cannot withstand the increased load, which creates a simultaneous connection of several devices.

Here, by the way, you can argue. The simplest, but no less beloved by users (the same D-Link DIR-615 or TP-Link TL-WR840N), routers are inexpensive (about 1000 rubles) and will work properly with a TV with Smart. The main thing is to take into account what type of connection will be involved. Because if the devices will be connected by cable, you need a free LAN port on the router. Therefore, it is better to choose a router with 4 such slots.

In general, if you have an old router, do not run to buy a new one just for Smart TV. If it is a question of choice, then you need to rely on your needs. If your home has many network devices that are connected "over the air", it is better to choose not the cheapest, preferably with 2-band support and 802.11ac protocol.

On our portal you will find instructions on how to connect to the Internet for different TV models. If you have any questions, please contact us – comments are always open and there is an online chat.

Smart TV package features

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Smart TV is software installed on most modern TVs, which allows you to watch movies through apps and access the Internet via a built-in browser. Depending on the TV, the Smart TV features may differ, for example, there may be a gesture or voice control function.

Important! To use Smart TV, you must be connected to the Internet. Depending on the technical characteristics of the TV, the connection can be either via cable or WiFi.

Connecting Internet for Smart TV

To connect your Smart TV to the Internet, you need to turn on your TV and press the Home button on the remote control. Open the main menu, using the pointer, click on the icon with a gear symbol, located in the upper right corner, and in the drop-down menu, click on the symbol called "All Settings".

Next, you need to find the word "Network", click on it and select Internet access via Wi-Fi or wired connection. In the first case, you need to click on the Wi-Fi connection, and select the network you want to connect to. Then type the access password specified on the modem or set by the user.

If you plan to use a wired connection, you must have an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port of the modem / router to the port on the back of the Smart TV. Below is an example of an Ethernet cable.

Please note! Once the Smart TV is connected to the Internet, you need to open the store to download and install the IPTV application. It is located on the main screen of the TV, which can be accessed by pressing the house symbol on the remote control.

After clicking on the store icon, you must click on the button with the magnifying glass symbol in the top menu. Then enter the term iptv in the text box to display the search results.

Among the IPTV apps that can be found in the store are those that allow you to access pre-configured channels, such as ONE IPTV, which offers Vietnamese TV channels, or ILIRIA IPTV with Albanian TV channels. However, other applications, such as SS IPTV, allow for customization.

Note! Although applications of the first type do not require any customization, the second requires a manual procedure to add TV channels for viewing. In this regard, the following paragraph will show how to configure the free SS IPTV application.

TP-LINK TL-WR844N

The budget-friendly TP-Link TL-WR844N takes pride of place in the category of the best routers for TVs in terms of price/quality ratio. It is positioned as a multi-mode router, because in addition to the usual mode, it has additional options. The wireless capabilities are as follows: the device works in the 2.4 GHz band according to the 802.11n standard and provides data transmission speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. For better reception is available two antennas with a gain of 5 dBi. Support for 2×2 MIMO technology is declared by default. There is one WAN port and four LAN ports, which will allow you to connect to a TV or Smart TV set-top box via cable.

The TP-Link TL-WR844N can operate in the following modes:

1. Normal Router. This is the standard mode (selected by default), which implies synchronization with your ISP via cable. By connecting to a service provider, you can distribute Internet via LAN or Wi-Fi.
2. Access point. Designed to connect the router to other network equipment and organize wireless distribution.
3. Range extender. In this mode the router functions as a signal booster. It synchronizes with another router wirelessly and expands the range.
4. WISP. A unique technology for wireless connection to an ISP (without cable).

TP-Link TL-WR844N supports the latest generation of IPv6, Smooth HD Streaming and IGM Proxy/Snooping for the correct and stable IPTV. There are guest network modes and a special menu to enable parental control. To configure the router, the proprietary software Tether or the web version of the administration panel is used.

The TP-Link TL-WR844N will be an interesting solution for those users who need an inexpensive and high-quality router for their TV, game console or other home appliances.

Keenetic Extra (KN-1711)

The small Keenetic Extra (KN-1711) router stands out for its extended coverage and powerful signal booster. It will be suitable for a 2-3 bedroom apartment, or other dwelling up to 80m². If you place the gadget in the central part of the room, it will effectively distribute the Internet even to the most remote corners, demonstrating maximum speed. Because of its ergonomic form factor and compatibility with external modems, the device deserves the status of mobile. Moreover, it supports two frequency ranges, which surpasses many competitors in its price segment. The router also has a USB port that can be used to connect GSM modems or other external devices. A useful feature of the Keenetic Extra (KN-1711) is its ability to work in two Wi-Fi bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz. It has four network ports with bandwidths up to 100 Mbit/s. Wireless data transmission is performed at speeds of up to 1167 megabits per second. The signal is amplified by four powerful antennas, which are fixed on the back and on the sides of the case. The router has a number of routing protocols, among which are DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, Dynamic DNS, DMZ. There is data encryption by the standards WEP, WPA, WPA2.

Outwardly the router looks laconic and stylish. You can set it up next to the TV set or hang it on the wall not worrying that it will spoil the harmony of the interior.

Keenetic Extra (KN-1711) is a great router to serve your Smart TV. It offers high speed data exchange, a wide broadcasting area and a number of useful options.

Live-Power Router

Live-Power Router is a budget router in a white plastic case, which is perfect for the deployment of home Internet from Rostelecom. The device is equipped with an advanced Wi-Fi module with a 2.4 GHz channel, compatible with the most popular Wi-Fi standards – 802.11b/g/n and perfectly matches its price tag. The manufacturer's claimed speed reaches 300 Mbps, which is a standard result for equipment of this class.

When using a wired LAN connection, throughput figures are reduced to 100 Mbps.

The model is made of simple but durable plastic in white color. On the back you can see Ethernet network ports, a reset button and a port for the power adapter.

The compact form factor deserves special attention – this router literally fits in the palm of your hand and weighs only 160g. The case can be mounted directly on a vertical plane, hanging the router with the ports up or down.

As budget equipment is supposed to be, it does not require complicated setup. You can change basic settings such as the password, encryption types, etc. through a user-friendly interface with simplified design and navigation.

Two external antennas are provided for improved broadcasting.

When looking for inexpensive network equipment, it makes sense to pay attention to the Live-Power Router series. Despite its budget price this router can deal with its main task (in our case, serving Rostelecom customers) and provides web-signal both via cable and wireless interface. This model is aimed at small private houses and small apartments.

Keenetic Giga KN-1010

The series is distinguished by a stylish case made of matte plastic with a white bottom and a light gray top. The smooth transition of shades and texture adds elegance and organicity to the design.

With physical dimensions of 214x154x33 mm, the device weighs about 500 grams. Its fixed antennas are 175 mm long and can be rotated 90 or 180 degrees. In addition, the PCB of the device has a number of amplifiers to improve data reception and transmission.

On the side of the router you can see two USB-ports with 2.0 and 3.0 speed, respectively, as well as two function keys. By pressing them, you can safely remove the gadgets connected via USB. You can reconfigure the function of the buttons to your liking.

On the bottom of the device there are four small feet and holes for screws. On the information sticker besides the name and password there is a QR-code, which contains important parameters for quick connection and initial setup. The bottom is framed with the ventilation grates along the edges. There are also such slots on the sides. Their presence prevents excessive heating of the device during high loads.

The developers have also changed the design of the router's packaging. The device comes with a flat patch cord and a 30W power adapter, as well as a basic set of paperwork. The sticker on the top lid didn't change.

The Keenetic Giga KN-1010 is a 2×2 MIMO supported 2-band tool. Its central processor MediaTek TM7621AT with dual-core architecture produces a frequency of 880 MG. A separate Realtek RTL8211FS switch is provided for the WAN ports. At the same time, the radio module has been updated – MT7615D.

With RAM capacity of 256 MB, the device quickly processes information and does not slow down even when several dozens of consumers are connected simultaneously.

Features of connecting to ZTE and Asus routers

As for routers made by ZTE, there are no special problems with them. Often, you will only need to configure the settings manually because the TV cannot set them automatically.

Asus routers are some of the highest quality on the market. However, it is recommended to update the firmware on devices from 2014 to 2021, because they are quite slow and often give errors.

You can connect your router to your TV in several ways. First of all, it is a wireless connection, as the most common and convenient. In addition, you can configure everything directly through a cable or using a special set-top box. Which option to choose, each user decides for himself, based on his needs and the availability of additional equipment.

Connecting the Internet for Smart TV

To connect your Smart TV to the Internet, you need to turn on your TV and press the "Home" button on the remote control. Open the main menu, using the pointer, click on the icon with a gear symbol located in the upper right corner and in the drop-down menu, click on the symbol called "All Settings".

Next, you need to find the word "Network", click on it and select Internet access via Wi-Fi or wired connection. In the first case, you need to click on the Wi-Fi connection, and select the network you want to connect to. Then type the access password specified on the modem or set by the user.

If you plan to use a wired connection, you must have an Ethernet cable to connect the Ethernet port of the modem / router to the port on the back of the Smart TV. Below is an example of an Ethernet cable.

Please note! After connecting the Smart TV to the Internet, you need to open the store to download and install the IPTV app. It is located on the main screen of the TV, which can be accessed by pressing the house symbol on the remote control.

After clicking on the store icon, you must click on the button with the magnifying glass symbol in the top menu. Then enter the term iptv in the text box to display the search results.

Among the IPTV apps that can be found in the store are those that allow you to access pre-configured channels, such as ONE IPTV, which offers Vietnamese TV channels, or ILIRIA IPTV with Albanian TV channels. However, other applications, such as SS IPTV, allow for customization.

Note! Although applications of the first type do not require any customization, the second requires a manual procedure to add TV channels for viewing. In this regard, the following paragraph will show you how to configure the free SS IPTV application.

Pros and cons of routers with IPTV support

Among the advantages of using IPTV are:

• The ability to pause any program or movie while watching;
• high picture quality;
• multi-channel sound.

When using IPTV-router broadcasts can be made wirelessly to all devices which have a Wi-Fi module. TV network can be viewed not only from TV sets with SmartTV, but also from smartphones, laptops, tablets and PCs.

The disadvantage of using IPTV is considered to be high requirements for TV and router. If you use quality routers supporting IPTV you can create high speed wireless connections. This allows to get rid of slowdowns and to improve the picture quality.

What is the best router to choose

To be able to watch IPTV, you need to pay special attention to the selection of a router. It is necessary to study the characteristics related to the support of IPTV distribution via fiber and Wi-Fi.

ASUS

Among routers that support IPTV from Asus, the following models stand out:

RT-N56 U model allows you to broadcast video both via Ethernet cable and over the air, via Wi-Fi.

Huawei .

Among the devices from Huawei, which support the IP distribution protocol, stand out:

These routers allow you to distribute IPTV through a wired connection. This option is great for TVs that have an Ethernet network card.

D-Link

D-link is a popular manufacturer of networking equipment. Among the wide range of routers that support IPTV have:

The DIR300 NRU model allows you to stream HD-quality images seamlessly via wired and wireless methods.

LinkSys

LinkSys networking equipment is of high quality. Among the routers that support TV distribution over the Internet protocol are:

It is worth noting that it is difficult to find LinkSys products at retail. If you can't find the model you need, you should opt for an analogue from another popular manufacturer.

NetGear

For IPTV you have to choose the following NetGear products:

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