Why change a router, so if it works

Logo Wi-Fi decorate device capable of operating in one of the wireless communication standards IEEE 802.11. Of these, we are interested only 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac. Old and low cost devices often use 802.11g standard, characterized by the data rate to 54 Mbit / s at an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Newer and common 802.11n capable of operating at speeds up to 600 Mbit / s in the 2.4 or 5 GHz. The most advanced to date standard 802.11ac It brings to the consumer with a flow rate of 6.77 Gbit / s and uses a frequency of 5 GHz.

All of them are backward compatible. N-Soup may be connected to ac-networks and work, but, of course, at lower speeds.

Practical Wi-Fi network speed with one transmitting and one uses the device for at least two times lower than the theoretical, which is indicated in the description of the standard.

Router simultaneously communicates with only one device. While smartphone downloads something other devices on the network are delayed mode. Short delay, but can be noticeable when using the old equipment, improper setup or a large number of gadgets connected to the network.

In addition, there are additional sources of problems - interference. In apartment buildings are the main cause of their neighboring routers. Today, a lot of them, and to ensure that they do not interfere, and other data channels to use. Optimal speed can be achieved if between your channel and neighbor is still at least five (that is, if the neighbor router on the ninth channel, you need to switch to the fourth).

A few more sources of interference: Bluetooth, microwave ovens and baby monitors. All of them operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and clog the channel. Not without reason in some tablets and smartphones can not use two interfaces at the same time.

Wireless 802.11 is designed so that the maximum speed of the network from the router, and a number of users can not be higher than that of the slowest device on the network.

5 reasons to upgrade the router

The increase in speed

Want more speed - go to the new standard. True, it is necessary to replace all-consuming Wi-Fi device, or speeds 802.11ac not reach.

It is unlikely that your ISP provides real access to the Internet at speeds higher than those supported by 802.11n. But if you provide, the router needs to be changed necessarily.

Reasons for the slow Internet may be several:

1. Increasing the number of household gadgets using the Internet.
2. Network problems. Thus it is necessary to check whether the slowdown is manifested in a wired connection. If it is low speed in a wireless network in the first place is to try to pick up a free channel from other devices. If this does not work, it's time to run for a dual-band router.
3. Legacy devices may not work properly due to poor filling. The router sends the information not directly, it handles it, encrypts, decrypts, redirects. A powerful processor and a large amount of RAM allows the router does not shut up during operation.

Wireless connection to a printer

Many modern distributing Wi-Fi devices have a separate system service - Print Server. It provides seamless operation of the router with a printer that is connected to a wireless network.

Drivers at the same time are put directly into the router, and you can print from any device that uses this Wi-Fi network.

More convenient firmware

Many routers have a problem with the firmware, causing disconnections, difficulty connecting to the network devices and the like. To avoid this necessary to update the firmware or even put side.

One of the best today is OpenWrt. But in order to flash the router, you may need the USB-port. Therefore, if you want to be able to customize, you have to spend some money and buy a more modern device.

In addition, you may need a larger volume of non-volatile memory: it was he who guarantees the operation of the device with additional functions and the possibility of reprogramming.

Creating a torrent or media server

The USB port may be required for other purposes. For example, to connect an external hard drive. Many modern routers models in native or third-party firmware, not only have the tools create a home cloud storage, but also allow you to install "torrentokachalku" in their own memory.

Some router models can even turn into a media center. If you allow the built-in memory, of course. This will require, as one of the specialized firmware * NIX-systems, cleared of all superfluous. That will have an excellent energy-efficient home server, which can be accessed from any of the used gadgets.

The router consumes much less electricity than a computer. This configuration replaces many NAS - a full-fledged network home server.

However, the EEPROM, even the smallest, requires at least 64 MB of memory. To effectively use the router 128 preferably in the MB as a server.

Increased coverage area

The higher the data transmission standard, the greater the coverage area. The 5 GHz band used in the newer 802.11ac / n, better passes through concrete walls at short distances.

C on the other hand, often to increase the coverage area is sufficient to rearrange or router, or switch antenna, or put signal repeater (repeater). But the new gadget can be selected and so that it clearly had a better transfer and greater coverage area.

This requires two antennas (preferably removable: they are better and they can be replaced if necessary) with a 5dBi gain and support MIMO. The latter indicates that the antennas are spaced apart so as to provide maximum performance and do not interfere with each other.

More than two antennas used at home makes no sense. Cheap devices can cause interference of the third antenna themselves, and rarely pay off expensive.

conclusions

The router needs to be changed only if there is a problem with data transmission over Wi-Fi. Or if your gadget supports newer standards than the current distributor. With increasing speed wired Internet and fleet expansion is also worth thinking about purchasing a new unit.

But if everything is set, everything works and nothing has changed, leave their money with them.