What does a router for the Internet look like?

They have an expanded number of ports and options and suffer almost no loss of signal quality.

How a WiFi router works and its purpose

WiFi router is a useful device for the home or office. Its functionality is enough to create a small local network to which smartphones and computers can connect. A router allows you to connect several user devices to the global network.

To do this, a cable from the provider is connected to it. When building a local network, customers can connect in different ways. Eight-core cables or Wi-Fi are used. Regardless of the physical medium that is used to transmit packets, the devices will be able to access the global network and communicate with each other.

A variety of devices are connected to the router. Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones will have access to fast and often unlimited Internet. A printer added to the local network is visible to all users and they can send documents to print one by one.

The Internet is also useful for smart TVs, which will be able to connect to broadcast channels or online movie theaters over the network. As technology advances, there are more appliances that are able to use Wi-Fi. Smart light bulbs and switches, appliances that can be controlled remotely are also being connected to the network.

A router is also called a router. These two names are used for devices of the same type. The word "router" is transliterated from English. Whereas the name "router" is derived through translation. It reflects the function of the device, whose main task is to establish connections and transmit data packets between devices.

In addition to the router, you can use repeaters, access points, modems, and other devices to create a network. They can complement each other. If users do not have enough power from one device, or its functions are insufficient, then additional devices should be chosen.

Routing

For multiple devices to communicate on the same network, they need their own addresses. The WiFi router assigns each connected device its own identifier.

This is issued according to IP4 or IP6 standards. The router has its own IP address and you can use this address to connect to it, for example to configure it.

Most settings describe an IP4, where "192.168.X.X" corresponds to the home network. It is not possible to reach the devices from outside, for example by switching a smartphone to mobile traffic. The router itself has two IP addresses.

Under one it is seen by the devices in the home network, the other is needed to communicate with the ISP. To access the local network from the outside, you should use the "white IP" option offered by many service providers.

Key criteria for choosing a mobile router

After all, today's market is filled with gaming devices, powerful devices for heavy-duty software and large numbers of users, and standard equipment for the home.

As part of the specific technical characteristics the following points should be taken into account:

• Mobile networks.
  The lion's share of today's devices supports 3G and 4G (LTE) in addition to 2G.
  LTE technology provides the highest data rates so far.
• Wi-Fi standard.
  This technology allows you to distribute Internet to user's devices.
  Modern devices support a number of wireless connection standards – 802.11 b, a, g, n and ac.
  The last one is the most promising, it has the most advanced characteristics.
• Wi-Fi frequency.
  A number of routers have support for two bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz.
  Dual-band module allows the highest speed, stability of reception and transmission.
• Connection speed.
  High speed allows you to avoid crashes and freezes when watching movies, quickly download large files and perform other tasks.
• Ethernet ports.
  Allow you to connect stationary computers and laptops to the network via cable.
  LAN connection is the fastest and most stable.
• Rechargeable battery.
  Portable devices are equipped with a built-in battery.
  The greater the battery capacity, the better the autonomy of the device.
  Some models are powered by the standard 220 V network via a special adapter or by USB.
• Ports and connectors.
  Mobile routers are equipped with different interfaces – basic (SIM card slot, Ethernet connector) and additional (USB, micro-USB connectors).
  Ports and connectors are needed to connect to a network, a computer, a laptop, another router, or to charge the battery.

Top 10 best mobile routers with Wi-Fi in 2023

Place	Model	Price
Best compact mobile routers in terms of price/quality ratio
#1	HUAWEI E5576	Check price
#2	TP-LINK TL-MR3020	Find out the price
#3	Alcatel Link Zone	Learn the price
#4	Xiaomi ZMI MF885	Find out the price of
#5	TP-LINK M7350	Find out the price
Models with external antennas and LAN ports
#1	TP-LINK TL-MR6400	Find out the price
#2	Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210)	Find out the price
#3	TP-LINK TL-MR150	Find out the price
#4	HUAWEI B535-232	Find out the price
#5	Alcatel HH41V	Learn the price

The most popular devices on the market support most of the modern communication standards, have powerful functionality.

Pay attention! The stated technical characteristics of the devices presented below correspond to reality as much as possible.

Rating and review of the best compact mobile routers 2023 with wi-fi according to customer reviews and ratings.

HUAWEI E5576

It will be an excellent choice for mobile consumers of Internet content, because it has the ability to install a SIM-card with 3G/4G network support and has an incredibly compact size.

Its small size and built-in rechargeable battery allows you to take it with you when you travel, at work or on vacation.

Wireless signal transmission is performed in the 2.4 GHz band. The maximum speed in this mode is approximately 300 Mbps.

Netis N3

Netis routers belong to the budget price segment and are not distinguished by advanced technical parameters. Nevertheless, they are convenient and easy to configure and are suitable for use in urban apartments. The model Netis N3 can compete with other devices in its category and provide a stable Internet connection.

The router is capable of working in 2 bands (2.4/5 GHz) and demonstrates a good bandwidth for Wi-Fi interface. It has gigabit network ports and is more affordable than many competitors. The maximum speed is 1167 Mbps.

The router comes in a laconic black case and does not stand out against the general interior style. It can be installed on the desktop, under the stairs or anywhere else.

The presence of 4 antennas and a powerful transmitter improves the quality of coverage. Even concrete walls do not impede the signal. Therefore, the model can be used in large apartments and private houses.

The Netis N3 is compatible with MU-MIMI and Beamforming technologies. If there are a lot of devices in your house that need to be connected to the network, this router will do its job perfectly.

The Netis N3 is a compact and inexpensive router that is perfect for apartments and homes, as it can maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection without complicated setup and frequent maintenance. The model supports automatic software updates, so it always works on the basis of "fresh" firmware.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A

The Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is an inexpensive Wi-Fi router that works in two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). With 4 antennas, this unit is capable of transmitting a signal even through concrete walls and serves the entire area of the apartment. The technical specifications mention 64 megabytes of RAM, which is quite enough to connect different gadgets at the same time.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A supports synchronization with smart appliances from the Xiaomi ecosystem. According to the manufacturer, you can connect up to 128 devices to the router and organize the stable operation of the Smart Home system

Regardless of the antenna type, the gain is 5 dBi. The hardware platform is a dual-core MediaTek MT628DA chip with 64MB of RAM and 16MB of permanent storage for software and user settings.

MIMO technology with two receiving and transmitting sensors increases the bandwidth of the device and ensures the most efficient use of the frequency band.

The first setup is done through a web interface. Protection of confidential data by standards WPA, WPA2, WEP.

In the settings section the actual sessions are displayed, there is a filter of undesirable sites and other useful features.

The router has several LAN ports for wired connection to a computer or other stationary equipment.

In many stores Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is sold with a Chinese plug, so you have to buy an adapter.

The Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4A is a stylish router from the Chinese brand that offers a stable dual-band signal, Smart Home compatibility and bandwidths up to 1,167 Mbps.

TP-LINK TL-WR844N

Even simple routers in the budget price segment are constantly improving, becoming more functional and advanced. The inexpensive TP-LINK TL-WR844N perfectly demonstrates this trend. It can be used both as a Wi-Fi router for Rostelecom and as an access point. There is also support for range extender and WISP.

The design of the case is in a very recognizable style so that the customer immediately gets the idea that this is a TP-LINK product. The name of the brand is located on the top surface and the plastic is non-scratch and fingerprint-resistant.

The signal boosters are installed on the side ends and can be adjusted to 180 degrees.

On the front side you can see 3 diode indicators, which show the status of power, wireless network and connection to the service provider. On the back, there are 4 network ports, one WAN and a reset/WPS key.

The TP-LINK TL-WR844N can give out a Wi-Fi signal on the 2.4 GHz band with a claimed speed of up to 300 Mbps. It broadcasts using two powerful 5 dBi antennas. There is also support for 2×2 MIMO technology.

Despite the budget price, the router has several useful modes:

1. Router – this is the basic mode, which involves transmitting a signal from the provider (in our case, Rostelecom) over a wired or wireless connection.
2. Access point – allows you to distribute a network signal via Wi-Fi.
3. Signal amplifier – a useful option for expanding the broadcasting zone in large-sized rooms.
4. WISP – wireless connection to an ISP, if available.

TP-LINK TL-WR844N will satisfy the demands of average users looking for an inexpensive and high-quality device for working with the Internet from Rostelecom.

ASUS RT-AC86U

The ASUS Company stands out against the competitors by constantly updating its model range with a wide dispersion of prices and technical characteristics. ASUS RT-AC86U is an advanced router of AC2900 class with Gigabit ports, USB, 2-core architecture and a lot of additional options for comfortable and functional work.

The appearance of the device corresponds to the corporate concept of "vertical" series 66 and 68. The housing is made of sturdy plastic in a dark color with a non-brushed surface. It is designed for horizontal positioning only, with no possibility to mount it on the wall.

The design of the front panel has undergone changes. The "diamond" texture has now been replaced by a matte format with several ribs and inserts with an imitation metallic texture in red. The mirrored brand logo adds an extra touch of elegance to the exterior.

On the bottom you can find 8 LED indicators, which display different states and statuses of the equipment.

On the right side there are recessed keys to activate WPS or quick disconnect Wi-Fi. The left side is completely blank.

The case is mounted on a solid stand with rubber pads for stable placement on the table.

The advanced Broadcom BCM4906 processor with a 2-core ARM v8 Cortex-A53 architecture and 1.8 GHz operating frequency is responsible for the performance and efficiency of the hardware. This is a very advanced system that supports PCIe buses.

Also on board ASUS RT-AC86U has two USB 2.0/USB 3.0 controllers, five LAN ports with 1 Gbit/sec speed and 512 MB of RAM.

The PCB is equipped with two radio blocks to broadcast the signal in two bands – 2.4 and 5 GHz. In the second case, you can expect speeds of up to 2167 Mbit/s.

What is the difference and difference from a modem?

If a router and a router are the same thing, then a modem is a different story. The router, as we understand it, acts as a kind of mail clerk, which receives e-mails from the ISP and then sends them out over the local network by address.

But a modem does completely different things. Let's dive a little bit into history. When the Internet came to Russia, the question was how to spread it throughout the Russian Federation. Fibre optics were too expensive at the time, and there was a crisis in the 90s. And then the idea came up of extending the Internet over a telephone line.

But then another question came up. The computer could only understand information encrypted with ones and zeros. And telephone lines can not transmit such information, because they are not designed for this. And there the data is transmitted analog. Then people came up with aDSL modems. They converted the analog signal into one that would be understandable to a computer.

That is, the modem can be called a translator, and the router acts only as a sender to the right address. Nowadays aDSL modems are not so popular, and more often 3G/4G modems are used for mobile Internet.

Router buttons and indicators

Let us have a look at the device of the router. If you look at the front panel, you will notice several light bulbs. I advise you to study them right away, so you can always understand what is wrong with your router just by looking at them.

There may be more indicators, but they often have a lot to show. Let's look at the picture above:

1. Power indicators – on newer models there is none at all.
2. Internet – if lit or blinking, it means there is internet. Otherwise it has to be set up.
3. Wi-Fi – everything is similar to the previous light. If not lit – it means there is no wireless network, it is not configured or it must be turned on.
4. The other indicators, as you have probably already guessed, show a direct wire connection to the LAN ports.

• Reset – usually pressed into the case and looks like a hole. If you take a paperclip and press this button for 15 seconds, the router is reset to factory settings. This is useful if you have borrowed the router from a friend and you need to configure it for you.
• Fn – if you press it, the system will automatically find the new operating system firmware of the router and install it offline.
• Convex button – the on and off button. It may have the inscription "ON/OFF" or "ON/OFF".
• You can also see a WPS button – it allows you to connect to the router's network without knowing the Wi-Fi password.

What can be connected to the router

The list of network devices which can be connected to the Internet via a router is quite big. And it keeps growing! If you have a router, you can connect multiple computers, laptops, smartphones, TVs with network access, camcorders, and printers to your home. And it will also provide Internet access for your smart fridge and kettle (if they have network connectivity).

Depending on the design, routers can be divided into four types.

Wi-Fi routers .

These "boxes" have a special WAN port – a cable with an RJ45 connector is connected to it. The same one that previously had to be connected directly to the computer.

Once connected and configured, such routers are ready to distribute wireless Internet to all devices – just find the signal source in the list and enter the password. And usually such routers are able to work in a hybrid mode, that is, and distribute Wi-Fi, and transmit a signal over the wire. For example, let's take a look at a few models of such routers.

Stylish and compact – HUAWEI WS7200 AX3 Pro Wi-Fi router

Shop by Product

This router provides high data transfer speeds – up to 2402 Mbit / s. This is more than enough for gaming and streaming. For fast connection of several devices at once OFDMA-modulation technology is responsible, and there are four antennas for signal amplification. The neat white housing fits any interior, and the small size (22,5 × 40 × 15, 9 cm) will place the router in any corner of your home. You can set up your router by yourself without the help of a specialist.

Reliable and safe – Wi-Fi router HUAWEI WS7100 AX3

Look at the product

This model allows you to receive the Internet both wirelessly and without it – a hybrid method of receiving a provider's signal is available. Harmony Microkernel architecture ensures the security of the connection, all received and stored data will be reliably protected. The signal is amplified by four fixed antennas. It comes with a cable and a power supply – nothing extra. The maximum speed is the same as in the previous device – 2402 Mbps.

Indicators and buttons on the router

All information icons are usually displayed on the front panel. This is where the device's power-on sign and network status icons are displayed. If the sign of receiving a signal is not lit, then you should check the reliability of the cable connection to the router before you panic.

You can't get any faster. 21 ways to speed up your home and mobile Internet

How to choose a router

There's nothing complicated about choosing a router. Almost any device is suitable for connecting to the provider, but it's better to read more about the types of connections at your provider and choose those devices that won't have problems with connections.

When choosing, you should also take into account where the device will be installed and what area it should cover. If the area of the apartment is large, and inside there are many walls, it is better to choose a router more powerful, with more antennas, which can be directed in different directions.

Well, and the type of connection should not be forgotten. If you plan to connect to a telephone or mobile network, then choose a device that supports this type of connection. Otherwise, all models will satisfy the needs in wi-fi. Choose carefully only if you need a particular function of the device.

For example, excellent parental control right "out of the box", in which case it is worth to read the reviews and approach the choice more thoroughly.

How they used to connect to the Internet: history

Now, in most cases, you do not need to use additional devices to connect. The cable that comes into the house from the provider can simply be plugged into your computer and sit on the Internet. Routers are used in large offices or for the convenience of users, because you can set it up once and forget about it for five years, until a whole generation changes and you want to change to a faster model.

Previously, in the late nineties and early 2000s, there were no dedicated lines, you had to connect via telephone lines.

Yes, yes, with the help of those very modems mentioned above. Only it was not them, but their distant ancestors. Since then, not only computers but also the Internet protocols and connection technologies have changed generations.

The new ADSL-modem provides a connection without any problems, but its ancestors could not boast of this. To get through to the right number was problematic, the phone line was constantly busy, the speed at its best hours was up to 50 kbit / s, but usually was two times less. In addition, it was not cheap.

The Internet has come a long way from an expensive pleasure, which you had to know how to use, to a technology that is in every apartment and that even a child can cope with.

Read More: