Keenetic Extra II: the best budget router with the AC1200 formula. Connecting a computer to wi-fi

Setup instructions Zyxel Keenetic Extra

We will independently configure the connection of the Internet center to the Internet through the built-in web configurator. To configure, connect to the device via an Ethernet cable (included, yellow):

Launch your browser ( Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer etc.) and in address bar dial 192.168.1.1 (default IP address of the device) (Zyxel Keenetic routers also have a site for setting up my.keenetic.net). To enter the menu, enter the login admin and password 1234. You will see the device’s web configurator:

We set a password to enter the web interface of the router settings - the default login is admin.
Click “Apply” to save settings:

The settings menu is located at the bottom - go to the item “Internet” - “Connections”".

The interface has already been added here "Broadband Connection" To open it, just click on the name:

In field “Configuring IP settings” Leave it set to Automatic. Click “Apply” to save settings:

It is advisable to immediately update the router firmware; to do this, go to the menu “System Monitor”. Updates are available. Click on the name “Available”:

After you will see a window with the update process, you need to wait until it is finished, after which the Web configurator will load on its own:

Next we go to the menu “Wi-Fi network” for settings wireless connection.
Because The router supports two frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz- configure both connections:

Click “Apply” to save settings.
And at a frequency of 5 GHz. It is better to add 5G to the name of the network so that you can always determine at what frequency the connection will occur:

Click “Apply” to save settings.

* When selecting a country, be sure to indicate - United States. Russia country supports channel range 1-13. When choosing the country Russia, you may encounter problems connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Many devices do not support connection when selecting a channel higher than 11. We strongly advise against going beyond channel 11. When you select the country United States/USA, the channel range is 1-11.

At this point the settings are completed - it would be a good idea to check if the checkbox is checked IGMP to view IPTV in the “Home Network” menu - “IGMP Proxy”:

For the correct performance of all network resources"VL-Telecom" is at your home, you also need to change your home subnet.
To do this, go to the local network settings, tab "Segments", select "Home":

Next we change IP address and pool start address(default will be 192.168. 1 .1 must be changed to 192.168. 0 .1:

After changing the IP address, setting up the router on this site (192.168.1.1) will not be available. After a while, in the address bar, type 192.168.0.1 (the IP address of the device assigned by us) (Zyxel Keenetic routers also have a site for setting up my.keenetic.net). To enter the menu, enter the login admin and the password assigned at the beginning of the setup:

The setup is complete. Go to tab "System Monitor". Here you can view the Internet connection status and the received network settings:

Step 1 of 1
Connect the cable that our installers installed in your apartment to the Internet port, and connect your computer to any of the yellow ports. You can also connect your PC to the router via a wireless network, but at the initial setup stage it is better to use a cable.

Step 1 of 6

Step 2 of 6

If the router has not yet been configured, the NetFriend Quick Setup page will open.
Click the “Web Configurator” button.

Step 3 of 6

If the “Set Administrator Password” window appears, in the “ New Password"Create and write a password that will be used for further authorization in the router settings (we recommend using the admin password).
In the “Enter password again” field, re-enter the password you created.
Click the “Apply” button.

Step 4 of 6

Step 5 of 6

To set up a wireless connection, click on the “Signal Level” icon in the lower indicator panel (in the middle).
Click on “Access Point” or “2.4 GHz Access Point”.
Fill in the fields as follows:

Network Name - Enter a name for your Wi-Fi network.
Network security - WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK.

Country - Russian Federation.
Standard - 802.11bgn.
Signal strength - 100%.

Step 6 of 6

If there is a “5 GHz access point” item in the menu, click on it and set up the 5 GHz network in the same way.
Fill in the fields as follows:
Enable access point - check the box.
Network Name - Enter a name for your Wi-Fi network and add "_5G".
Network security - WPA2-PSK.
Network key - enter the password to access your Wi-Fi network.
Country - Russian Federation.
The standard is 802.11an.
Signal strength - 100%.
Enable WMM - check the box.
Click the "Apply" button (under the "Enable WMM" line).

Step 1 of3

Open the browser, write 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter.

Step 2 of 3

When you log in for the first time, if the router has not yet been configured, the Quick Setup Wizard will open. Click "Control Panel".

Step 3 of 3

On the left, in the “Internet” section, select “Wired”

1. There is no need to set up a new connection; all settings are made in the “Provider” tab.

• Connection priority: Primary connection
• Opening hours: Open all the time

2. If you have an IPTV set-top box (options), then for correct operation you need to configure the bridge port.

• From ports 4, 3, 2 or 1, you need to select the port into which the cable that comes from the IPTV set-top box is inserted and click on the arrow. A menu will open, select TV set-top box.

3. IP Setting: Automatic (DHCP)

• Even if you have the “Static IP” service activated, this setting should always be Auto.

4. Connection setup:

• Type (protocol): L2TP;
• Server address: tp.internet.beeline.ru;
• Username: Your personal account (089..,085...);
• Password: Your Internet password;
• Authentication: Auto;
• IP Setting: Auto

Wi-Fi setup

Step 1 of 3

On the left, in the “My Networks and Wi-Fi” section, select “Home Network”

We make all the settings in the “Home Network” tab.

Below there will be a section “Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz wireless network” and “Wi-Fi 5 GHz wireless network”, the settings are the same.

Click “Advanced settings”

Step 2 of 3

The advanced Wi-Fi settings will open.

• Network Name (SSID): The network name that will be displayed in the network list;
• Hide SSID: There should be no checkbox;
• Opening hours: Open all the time;
• Network security: WPA-PSK + WPA2-PSK
• Password: You need to come up with and write down on a piece of paper (so as not to forget) a password, at least 8 characters.
• Standard: 802.11bgn;
• Channel: Auto

Step 1 of 2

Click on the globe icon in the bottom indicator bar (second from the left). The following page will appear.

Step 2 of 2

In the “Connections” section, select “Broadband connection” and click on it.
In the “Ethernet connection setup” window, in the “Use connector” line, select the port to connect the TV set-top box (do not uncheck the box for port 0).
Click the "Apply" button.

Use a hard reset if you need to configure the device again (remove all custom settings), there is no access to the web page of the router settings interface; after setting up the router, the Internet connection was not established or the access password was lost.

Attention! When performing a hard reset, all custom settings will be reset to factory settings!

There is a recessed RESET (RESTORE) button on the device body, which allows you to reset the settings to factory settings. You can find the RESET, RESTORE button on the same side of the router case where the other connectors and buttons are located. In rare cases, the button may be located on the bottom of the router.

To reset your router to factory settings, follow these steps:
Turn on the router's power and wait until the device boots up completely. Press the RESET, RESTORE button using a pointed thin object (such as a paper clip) for 30 seconds, then release the button.
After this, the router will reboot with default settings (factory settings) and will need to be configured again.

Be careful when following the instructions in this section. In case of an error in the actions, a visit to the service center will be required to restore the device. It is recommended to flash the router by connecting the cable from the PC to any of the LAN ports. When flashing a router via Wi-Fi, there is a risk of getting an inoperative device that can only be restored in a service center, or cannot be restored at all.

Step 1 of 4

Download the firmware.

Step 2 of 4

Open the browser, type the router address in the address bar, and press Enter. The router authorization page will open. Enter your username and password to access the router and press Enter.

Step 3 of 4

The web interface of the router will open in front of you.
Go to the "System" menu. In the “Files” section (in earlier versions of the firmware this section was called “Configuration”), click on the file name “firmware”.

Step 4 of 4

The “File Management” window will appear, in which click the “Select File” button to specify the firmware file.
In the window that opens, specify the location of the file with the firmware for your device (file with the extension bin).
First you need to extract the files from the zip archive with the firmware.
Click the “Replace” button to start the firmware update procedure.

Wait while the router updates its firmware, it usually takes no more than 15 minutes, and do not unplug the router from the power outlet during the update. After the router updates its firmware and reboots, you can start using it.

We previously wrote about the high-performance Zyxel Keenetic Giga III is an excellent, but not at all cheap router. Now it’s the turn of the younger model with a humane cost of 3500. Let’s see where the developers saved and under what conditions Extra II is superior to its more advanced brother.

By appearance The new Keenetic family differs from older models. Now it is a black and white rectangle with beveled edges and LEDs placed on the top panel. There are now four antennas: two for each band. They are non-removable and located around the perimeter. Their stated gain has not changed and is about 5 dBi.

The equipment is still spartan - the router itself, power supply and network cable for initial setup.

On top panel There is a button, a single press of which starts the WPS procedure in the 2.4 GHz band, a double press in the 5 GHz band, and a long press turns Wi-Fi on/off completely. Button functions can be reassigned via the web interface.

On the rear panel, as in the Giga III, there are four LAN ports and one WAN with the Russified names “home network” and “Internet”. But, as we remember from our experience with “kinetics”, this division is quite arbitrary; the purpose of the ports can be reconfigured.

Unlike Giga III, there is only one USB port, located on the right side. In an attempt to reduce cost, the manufacturer abandoned the second port, simultaneously removing support for USB 3.0. On the one hand, we lost the opportunity to assemble a relatively fast NAS based on a router, but we were not left without such functionality in general, since software platform It’s exactly the same here, only the iron is weaker.

Characteristics of Zyxel Keenetic Extra II in comparison with the older model Keenetic Giga III

	Keenetic Extra II	Keenetic Giga III
CPU	MT7628N 580 MHz	MT7621S 880 MHz
RAM	128 MB DDR2	256 MB DDR3
WiFi	AC1200	AC1200
Ethernet	5 x 100 Mbit/s	5 x 1 Gbit/s
USB	USB 2.0	1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed Wi-Fi networks 5 GHz / 2.4 GHz, Mbit/s	300 / 867	300 / 867
IPoE/PPPoE routing, Mbit/s	up to 95	up to 1800 in duplex
Control via mobile application / print server / file server / VPN	Yes Yes Yes Yes	Yes Yes Yes Yes
Approximate price, rub

Web interface

If you have dealt with at least one Kinetic over the past four years, then the Extra II web interface will seem extremely familiar to you. But this does not mean that nothing has changed in him.

IN latest firmware three appeared interesting features. The first is external access via HTTP to the router and devices on the internal network through 3rd and 4th level domains, respectively, even under a gray IP. Second - quick setup IPsec, which allows you to log into own network from public networks via VPN and access the Internet through your trusted home provider. The third is automatic scanning of the 2.4 GHz range every 6/12/24 hours and switching to a freer channel.

External access is provided by our own KeenDNS service. Let's say you have a NAS, Wi-Fi printer, IoT device or security system, the web interface of which you would like to access via the Internet. To organize access, you need to register its address in the KeenDNS service through the router’s admin panel and come up with a name for it. The system checks the availability of a name on several domains on the fly, and then creates a subdomain for service code router. Next, you have a choice: work directly or through the cloud. The direct path is optimal for advanced users who have a static IP address and are proficient in port forwarding. “Cloud” will suit everyone else perfectly and will be the only possible option for users with dynamic IP.

As a result, you can log into the admin panel of the router at the external address ***.mykeenetic.ru (where instead of asterisks, the router name registered above). The devices will then become available at addresses in the format ***.routername.mykeenetic.ru. An example is in the screenshot above. Especially for this review, we created the address mvgeek.mykeenetic.ru and opened access to the Transmission torrent client built into the router and network storage WD MyCloud. Now their web interfaces are accessible from anywhere in the world.

Of course, there is a fly in the ointment in the current implementation, since access is only possible via HTTP/HTTPS. In other words, you will not get further than the “admin panel” of home devices. For example, you can’t watch a video stream from surveillance cameras in its pure form. However, if the camera web interface or NAS web interface allows you to view video in the admin panel, then everything will work out.

Let's move on to the VPN. In addition to the PPTP server, the latest firmware of the older Kinetics provides several standard methods for building IPsec tunnels. It is important that the router must have a static IP address. For mobile users For those without special training, the easiest way is to configure IPsec Xauth PSK, since this method does not require installation third party software. In Android it is called that, but in iOS you need to select Cisco IPsec. After preset virtual server in the “security” section in “Kinetics”, the corresponding settings are entered into mobile devices.

With such a connection, the data transfer speed is relatively low - about 10 Mbit/sec. This affects the load on the router, as well as the fact that the data essentially goes through a double path: first from outside in the tunnel to the router, and then from it without a tunnel to the Internet (and back). On the other hand, this is enough for mail and banking, and you can also find a faster public network often problematic.

Setting the third function, automatic selection optimal channel, quite simple. When configuring a 2.4 GHz access point, set the channel field to “optimal” and select how often the router will scan the network and, if necessary, switch to a free channel. Moreover, as support writes, if the router is busy actively transmitting via Wi-Fi, then it will not change the channel, simultaneously throwing out clients, but will wait for the next appropriate moment.

There is also a schedule that allows you to set the operating hours of the wireless network. Firmware settings allow you to temporarily disconnect specific registered devices from the network - this will allow, for example, to protect children from being on the Internet around the clock without restricting access to the network from other devices.

Tests

Now let's see how the new Extra II looks against the background of its older brother.

To measure the speed, we used the iPerf3 program in server mode, launched on a computer connected by wire to the router. And it’s in client mode, running on a laptop with dual-band Wi-Fi adapter Intel AC 7260HMW. In the 2.4 GHz range, the most free channel was selected, to which both routers manually switched.

The measurement is carried out at three points: directly in the room next to the router, in the room through one main wall, and in a remote room behind another main wall, where we climbed in search of a dead zone. At each point, speed was measured in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

At the first point we see Giga's twofold superiority. Obviously, the Extra's performance is limited by a 100 megabit port, while the Giga III has no such limitation.

Point 2, behind the wall. In the 2.4 GHz band the performance is almost identical. But at 5 GHz the results for Extra are worse. It feels like the 5 GHz transmitter in this router is a little weaker (additional amplifiers are announced in the Giga III). It is interesting to note that at this point we see the very situation where the superiority in speed of the 5 GHz network is negated due to its faster attenuation.

Point 3. For 5 GHz, two walls have become an insurmountable obstacle. And while Giga’s network is still somewhat smoldering (0.3 megabits), Extra simply refused to connect. Well, in the 2.4 GHz band, on the contrary, Extra showed an average speed of 14 megabits, while Giga only 6. Moreover, the connection at this point is extremely unstable.

Eventually

Keenetic Extra II turned out to be quite successful. Considering the price and available software features, you can forgive the lack of a gigabit port and USB 3.0. And, as practice shows, few are willing to overpay for it.

As for data transfer via Wi-Fi, at speeds below 100 megabits this router is not much inferior to its older brother. Yes, the 5 GHz transmitter could be stronger, but even in the current implementation the speed characteristics are quite good.

What do you think a home router should be like? Of course, we all want to get the best possible for little money, but reality is not a dream. You have to choose a home router according to two out of three conditions: reliable, with a wide range of capabilities, but expensive; inexpensive and high quality, but of little functionality or cheap, with a bunch of functions, but of dubious quality. However, I managed to find an exception where all three conditions are met - ZyXEL Keenetic Extra.

ZyXEL Keenetic Extra is not just a router, but a universal home Internet center with gigabit speed LAN ports and a dual-band point Wi-Fi access 802.11n standard. The model is not new this year, so it average price V Russian stores is about 4,000 rubles (as of July 2016). From this review you will find out why it is attractive, besides the price, and what its main drawback is.

Technical characteristics and equipment

The word “Extra” in the model name may indicate that this device was the first of the entire ZyXEL Keenetic line to receive support for two frequency ranges wireless communication– 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which can operate simultaneously. Apart from this, only older and much more expensive models are endowed with this function. In all other respects, Kinetic Extra is only slightly inferior to its top-end “brothers”.

The device is intended for those who value maximum high speed communications in home network between devices with gigabit LAN ports, as well as full USB support and other goodies for all occasions. More on them a little later.

Like other routers of this brand, the Extra does not have an elegant design; it main strength- inside. Hidden in the depths of the discreet plastic case:

• Chipset MT7620A with clock frequency 600 MHz.
• Random access memory (RAM) – DDR2 128 Mb.
• Permanent flash memory (ROM) – 16 Mb.
• Module Wi-Fi standard IEEE 802.11n/g/b 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz with a maximum transmission speed of 600 Mbit/s (with simultaneous operation in two bands).

Outside are:

• 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports: 1 WAN and 4 LAN, with function automatic detection cable type.
• 1 USB 2.0 port with the ability to connect 3G and 4G modems, printers, data storage devices.
• 2 fixed dual-band MIMO antennas with 3 dBi gain (300 + 300 Mbit/s).
• Connector for connecting a power supply.
• Power button.
• Wi-Fi access point control button.
• Reset button (to reset settings).
• Programmable button (action is set in the web interface settings).
• 9 LED indicators condition.

On the bottom, as usual, there is a label with serial number, mac address and data for accessing Wi-Fi, as well as rubber feet and loops for fixing the router on the wall.

The package, in addition to the device itself, includes a 12 V power supply, a patch cord and a set of documents - a warranty card and two user manuals.

Functionality

The hardware component of ZyXEL Keenetic Extra is quite good, but, to be honest, it is not something unique. The most valuable thing about it is functionality. These are precisely what make this router stand out from a number of competing models sold at similar prices.

So, here are its main functions:

• Supports IP versions 4 and 6.
• Support for 3G, 4G (LTE), WiMax modems. It is possible to simultaneously create several Internet connections, for example, 3G+cable.
• Telephony support – when connecting the Keenetic Plus DECT USB module (not included in the package).
• Ability to work as a signal amplifier, adapter and access point.
• Reading data from USB drives based on various file systems(ext2 and 3, FAT32, NTFS, HFS+). Maximum reading speed – 17 Mb/s.
• Connecting a USB printer.
• Possibility of simultaneously connecting several USB devices via a hub-splitter.
• Supports all existing IPTV technologies.
• Support for virtual private networks (VPN), including protocols: PPTP, L2TP, PPPoE plus Link Duo (provides simultaneous access to the provider’s intranet resources and the Internet).
• PPTP-L2TP transit and the ability to create multiple PPP tunnels.
• Support for IPoE – an automatic authorization protocol in the provider’s network. When using IPoE, the subscriber is freed from the need to enter a login and password when connecting.
• Possibility of combining devices in a VLAN network.
• Traffic tagging according to the IEEE 802.1Q VLAN standard.
• Static routing.
• Telnet (via the built-in command line).
• SPI – protection technology network attacks method of analyzing the correctness of transit traffic.
• Firewall – firewall.
• DHCP server is a configurator of hosts that have been leased a temporary IP address.
• DMZ is a technology for separating public web services from private ones in order to protect the latter from external intrusion.
• Full feature NAT – IP address converter in TCP/IP networks with support for multiple external IPs.
• Supports manual port forwarding and role reassignment of Ethernet interfaces (LAN-WAN). The ability to create several interfaces from LAN ports to connect to the Internet.
• Parental control.
• Support for guest networks.
• WiFi Multimedia (WMM) is a protocol that gives priority to one type of traffic, for example, voice, over another.
• Access control by mac addresses.
• Built-in DDNS client (dynamic DNS) is a technology that allows you to obtain a permanent domain name for a device with a dynamic or local IP address.
• WPS – Fast Automatic Transfer Protocol.
• Encryption of wireless network traffic using WEP, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK technologies.
• IGMP – management of data exchange in device groups.
• Servers: VPN, FTP, file, DLNA, UPnP, print server.
• UDP to HTTP proxy is a technology that allows you to view IPTV on devices that do not support multicast.
• Integrated torrent client "Transmission".
• Control from an external network, including via mobile applications for Android and iOS. There are several such applications, for example, ZyXEL Keenetic NetFriend, ZyXEL My.Keenetic, PrintHand(for printing from mobile device on a printer connected to the router), etc.
• A separate control mode is provided via the command console (for advanced users).

All this is provided by the NDMS V2.0 software platform, on which, in addition to Kinetic Extra, Internet centers of the entire model range operate.

Web interface

The router's admin panel supports the Russian language, but due to the abundance of settings and functions, it is not so easy to work in it right away. However, it’s worth looking at the instructions included in the box, and everything becomes clear.

To access the Kinetic Extra web interface, the default address is 192.168.1.1. After entering it into the address bar of the browser and pressing Enter, the form for setting the Internet center administrator password opens.

To change the wireless network parameters, go to the Wi-Fi section (indicated by an antenna icon on the bottom panel of the window) and edit the settings for each of the frequency ranges - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Guest connections and access lists are configured on the adjacent tabs.

In each of the sections, as here, there is a small hint that will help you understand the purpose of the options and choose the optimal settings for them.

Another feature of the NDMS V2.0 firmware is that it is modular. If the preinstalled set of functions is not enough, the user can go to the components menu on the manufacturer’s website and download the missing ones from there. For example, a module for working with a certain type of USB modem. A unnecessary components you can simply delete it.

It is worth noting that ZyXEL routers have one nice feature: the ability to work with them out of the box. The case contains a reliable login and password for the wireless network already configured on the router. Those. If you only need Wi-Fi distribution from the router, then you can plug the device into a power outlet and connect the Internet cord to it. ZyXEL routers also work out of the box with the vast majority of Internet providers.

Managing your router using mobile apps

– a basic tool for managing routers of the Kinetic family.

With its help you can produce initial setup Internet center, check the connection quality and update the device firmware. To gain access, simply select your provider from the list and log in.

The application provides more advanced features: remote control router, control over all connected devices, as well as traffic distribution and connection speed limiting. Soon it will be possible to manage downloads through the Transmission torrent client.

Advantages and disadvantages of ZyXEL Keenetic Extra. General impression of use

Most owners noted three characteristics that, in their opinion, constitute the main advantages of this Internet center:

• Full compliance with the declared speed of LAN ports. The cable connection honestly reaches gigabit per second. More precisely, it almost reaches.
• Supports 5 GHz wireless frequency. This is especially important for residents of high-rise buildings and office centers, where many devices broadcast on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The 5-Hz band is still practically free, and where there is no interference, the quality of communication is much better.
• Multifunctional software platform that allows you to configure local network for any needs and use different ways Internet connection.

The only significant drawback is the low power of the antennas and the inability to simply replace them (without a soldering iron). Have a good one Wi-Fi signal only enough for an average 2-3 room apartment without thick concrete walls. It does not cover a larger area well.

In general, my opinion is that ZyXEL Keenetic Extra fully justifies the name of a home Internet center. Featuring dual-band access point, Gigabit Ethernet ports, excellent speed When connected via VPN, a full-fledged USB port with the ability to read disks, the implementation of IP television technologies and modular firmware, for which fresh updates are released, this model will remain relevant for at least another 3 years. Verdict: recommended for purchase.

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ZyXEL Keenetic Extra: review of an inexpensive home Internet center updated: January 29, 2018 by: Johnny Mnemonic