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2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
Do you think you bought, installed, forgot? No. You need to update the router. Even if not as often as a smartphone. And replacing the old model will definitely pay off.
The Wi-Fi logo is used to decorate devices capable of operating on one of the wireless communication standards. Of these, we are only interested in 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac. Older and budget devices most often use the 802.11g standard, characterized by data transfer rates up to 54 Mbps at an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz.
The newer and more common one is capable of operating at speeds up to 600 Mbps at a frequency of 2, 4 or 5 GHz. The most advanced standard to date brings to the consumer a stream with a speed of 6, 77 Gb / s and uses a frequency of 5 GHz.
They are all backward compatible. N devices can connect to ac networks and work, but, of course, at lower speeds.
The practical speed of a Wi-Fi network with one transmitting and one using device is at least two times lower than the theoretical one, which is indicated in the description of the standard.
The router communicates with only one device at a time. While the smartphone is downloading something, other devices on the network are in delay mode. The delays are short, but can be noticeable when using old equipment, incorrect settings, or a large number of gadgets connected to the network.
In addition, there are additional sources of problems - interference. In apartment buildings, their main cause is neighborly routers. Today there are many of them, and in order not to interfere with them, it is necessary to use other data transmission channels. The optimal speed can be achieved if there are at least five more between your and the neighbor's channel (that is, if the neighbor's router is on the ninth channel, you need to switch to the fourth).
Several other sources of interference include Bluetooth, microwave ovens, and baby monitors. All of them operate at 2.4 GHz and clog the channel. It is not for nothing that in some tablets and smartphones it is impossible to use two interfaces at the same time.
802.11 wireless communication is designed so that the maximum speed in a network from a router and multiple consumers cannot be higher than that of the slowest device on this network.
5 reasons to upgrade your router
Increase in speed
If you want more speed - go to a new standard. However, it is worth changing all the devices consuming Wi-Fi, otherwise 802.11ac speeds will not be achieved.
It is unlikely that your ISP provides real Internet access at speeds higher than those supported by 802.11n. But if it does, the router must be changed.
There can be several reasons for a slow Internet connection:
- The increase in the number of home gadgets using the Internet.
- Network problems. In this case, it is worth checking if there is a slowdown in the wired connection. If the low speed is in the wireless network, then first of all it is worth trying to select a channel free from other devices. If that doesn't work, it's time to run after a dual-band router.
- Outdated devices may not perform well due to weak hardware. The router does not send information directly, it processes it, encrypts, decrypts, redirects. A powerful processor and a large amount of RAM allow the router not to shut up during operation.
Wireless connection to a printer
Many modern Wi-Fi devices have a separate system service - Print Server. It provides direct operation of the router with a printer connected to a wireless network.
In this case, the drivers are installed directly into the router, and you can print from any device that uses this Wi-Fi network.
More convenient firmware
Many routers have firmware problems that cause disconnections, difficulties connecting devices to the network, and the like. To exclude this, it is worth updating the firmware or even installing a third-party one.
One of the best today is OpenWrt. But in order to flash the router, a USB port may be required. Therefore, if you want to be able to customize, you have to spend a little money and purchase a more modern device.
In addition, a larger amount of permanent memory may be required: it is he who guarantees the operation of the device with additional functions and the possibility of flashing.
Create a torrent or media server
The USB port may be required for other purposes as well. For example, to connect an external hard drive. Many modern models of routers on native or third-party firmware not only have tools for creating home cloud storage, but also allow you to install a "torrent download" in your own memory.
Some router models can even be turned into media centers. If the built-in memory allows, of course. To do this, you will need to install one of the specialized * NIX-systems, cleaned of all unnecessary, as firmware. The result is an excellent energy efficient home server that can be accessed from any of the gadgets used.
A router consumes significantly less electricity than a computer. This configuration replaces many NAS - a full-fledged network home server.
However, even the smallest firmware requires at least 64 MB of memory. For effective use of the router as a server, 128 MB is preferable.
Increase the coverage area
The higher the data transmission standard, the larger the coverage area. The 5GHz band used in more modern 802.11ac / n penetrates better through concrete walls over short distances.
On the other hand, most often, to increase the coverage area, it is enough to either rearrange the router, or change antennas, or install a signal repeater (repeater). But a new gadget can be chosen so that it definitely has a better transmission and a larger coverage area.
This requires two antennas (better removable: they are of better quality and can be replaced if necessary) with a gain of 5dBi and support. The latter suggests that the antennas are spaced apart so as to provide maximum performance and not interfere with each other.
It makes no sense to use more than two antennas at home. Cheap devices can create a third antenna interference to themselves, and expensive ones rarely pay off.
conclusions
The router only needs to be changed if there are problems with data transmission over Wi-Fi. Or if your gadgets support more modern standards than the current distributor. With the increase in the speed of the wired Internet and the expansion of the fleet of equipment, it is also worth thinking about purchasing a new unit.
But if everything is installed, everything works and nothing changes, leave your money with you.
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