Description xiaomi mi wifi nano router. Experience using Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Nano
If a few years ago the size of the router directly told us about the technical characteristics of its filling, today this is no longer such a determining indicator. Technologies are improving and today you can fit very productive hardware into a small box. A striking example of this is the Xiaomi WiFi router - the official name is XiaoMi Mi Router Youth Edition, but it can also be called Xiaomi Nano WiFi Router.
This is a junior model from the line of routers from this manufacturer, which, despite its modest size, has very good characteristics and is suitable for creating a wireless network in the home. For $20 we get a WiFi router equipped with:
- Processor MTK 7628N, 580MHz
- ROM 16M
- RAM 64MB DDR2
- 2 antennas
- 2 LAN ports and WAN port - up to 100 Mbit/s
The router provides speeds of up to 300Mbps at a frequency of 2.4GHz (wifi b,g,n), which is quite enough for home use. Also, it doesn’t bother me at all that there are only 2 sockets for connecting computers via cable - remember how many devices you have in your home connected this way. I am 99% sure that this is 1 desktop PC, and the rest are laptops, tablets and smartphones via WiFi. There is also a mode of operation as a wireless signal repeater from another access point.
The box is made in a signature minimalist style - there is only the Xiaomi logo on it and the main technical characteristics are indicated on the side in small print.
The delivery set is also minimal - the router itself, an adapter and power cable, and instructions in Chinese. The adapter has an American plug, so to use it you will need to purchase an adapter. Moreover, it is removable, so that if necessary, you can also charge your phone.
Xiaomi Mi Nano router speed tests
We also have separate articles devoted to detailed information, but here we will check its speed capabilities. To test the quality of communication that the router provides over the local network, speed measurements were taken in various connection modes.
Equipment:
- WiFi adapter TP-LINK Archer T4U (speed up to 300Mb/s at 2.4GHz, USB 3.0)
- Gigabit network card ASUS NX1101
- Two PCs with Windows 7 64x
- AIDA32 Network Benchmark program
In all tests, we see the same picture - with a wireless connection, the speed naturally drops, but only slightly compared to cable, which is very pleasing, since we can say that the router does not slow down the speed.
A feature of Xiaomi Wi-Fi routers that makes it difficult to set up the Internet and Wi-Fi network is problems with interface translation. Even in the English version of the firmware, some inscriptions remain in Chinese. To configure these items via a browser, it is recommended to use an online translator, such as Google Translate.
Differences in setting up Xiaomi routers
All Xiaomi models are configured through the same interface. It can be used:
- Administrative panel in the browser;
- Client for Android;
- iOS application;
- Utility for Windows;
- Program for Mac.
All stages of specifying parameters are the same, but depending on the availability of additional functions, different settings are available for different devices. The Mi WiFi 3 and Mi WiFi Mini routers support two wireless network bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They also have a USB port that allows you to connect external devices (hard drives, flash drives).
The Nano model is similar in design to the Mini router. The differences between the routers are visible on the back panel. Instead of a connector for the Xiaomi power supply, a Micro-USB input is used. This allows you to connect the "Mi WiFi Nano" even through a mobile phone charger. In addition, there is no USB port for connecting external drives.
Note! The Xiaomi lineup also includes professional routers with built-in memory up to 6 TB. They are distinguished by higher technical characteristics and the presence of active cooling.
Connecting and logging into the web interface
Plug the ISP cable into the blue input on the back of the router. If you have home computers or laptops with an Ethernet connector, connect them with a cable to the gray ports. Unlike most routers from other brands, budget Xiaomi devices do not come with a network cable. You need to purchase it separately or use a Wi-Fi connection.
When purchasing with delivery from China (for example, from an Aliexpress store), you should also take into account that the power supply plug is type “A”. To plug into a Russian outlet you will need an additional adapter. Connect the adapter to the router and turn it on to the network. There is no power button on Xiaomi routers; devices start working immediately after connection.
Despite the availability of client applications for smartphones and computers with different OSes, the admin panel remains the universal method of configuration. It can be accessed using any software and hardware platform. Just launch the browser and enter the standard IP of the Xiaomi router into the address bar: 192.168.31.1.
When connecting for the first time, check the box confirming that you agree to the terms of the license agreement and click the button above it. The system will prompt you to enter a new Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and its password. Provide this information and proceed to the next step. Then enter a new password to enter the router settings. When the device reboots, connect to the created network and enter the administrator password.
The start screen contains basic information about the router and statistics on its operation. At the bottom of the page, graphs of network usage (wired and wireless) and the load on hardware components are displayed. If the router operates in two Wi-Fi bands, data is displayed for each connection created.
Important tip! If you encounter difficulties connecting, use the built-in connection diagnostic utility. Rebooting the router may also help.
Internet and Wi-Fi setup
To specify the provider data, click the third item in the top menu: “Common settings”. Open the "Internet settings" tab and select which settings you want to change. Various connection protocols will be available in the drop-down list. If the type of connection you are using and your account details are unknown to you, check them with your Internet provider support.
Wireless network settings on Xiaomi routers are indicated on the adjacent tab in the same menu: “Wi-Fi settings”. Dual-band routers allow you to set separate SSIDs and security settings for 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. In the “Encryption” column, select the encryption protocol, and in the text field below it, enter the Wi-Fi access key.
You can set the guest network at the bottom of the page. To launch it, change the value of the first item from “Shut down” to “Open”. Enter the guest Wi-Fi SSID and select the protection type from the drop-down list. If you specify encrypted access, you will also need to enter the password for the guest network. The settings will take effect after the router is rebooted.
Recently, my router at home started to malfunction; this resulted in a constant drop in speed, and in order for the router to start functioning normally again, I had to reboot it. Every day I rebooted it 3-4 times. Patience quickly ran out and the decision was made to buy a new router.
First of all, I opened the Yandex market and started browsing popular models. The top included all sorts of Dlink, Asus, TP-link, but I noticed that the top was Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Mini. And so I became interested in what kind of router this is, because... I was sure that Xiaomi had to make the router something special, it had to be different. I started studying their products and came across Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Nano. This model is a little simpler, but that doesn’t make it any worse; in any case, this router satisfies my needs, and I don’t need anything more.
On GearBest this router costs $16, add fast delivery, and you end up with ~$20. In Russia, this router is sold at a price of 1,799 rubles, the overpayment is minimal, so I decided to buy it in Russia. In DNS in my city this router was not available, I had to wait 5 days, but it’s still faster than if I ordered it from China.
Equipment and appearance
The box and equipment are no different from the Chinese version. The box contained the router itself, a MicroUSB cable, an adapter for a European plug, and a mini-instruction manual in Chinese. I knew that the router was small, but I didn’t think it was so small, especially in comparison with my previous router. The router is very beautiful, especially compared to its faceless competitors. Usually you want to hide your router somewhere, but you don’t want to hide the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Nano anywhere; on the contrary, you want to put it in a prominent place.
The router body is made of white matte plastic. An excellent solution in my opinion, because... On white plastic, unlike black, dust is not so noticeable. There are two antennas on the sides of the router, there are no complaints about them.
All connectors are on the back side, there are not many of them: MicroUSB, Ethernet, 2 LAN ports.
The router is powered by a MicroUSB cable, which is good news. Firstly, if something happens to your cable, you won’t have any problems finding a new one. Secondly, this router can be powered by an external battery. Xiaomi claims 60 hours of battery life when powered by a 20,000 mAh Xiaomi external battery.
Setting up the router
To configure the router, I advise you to download any browser with a translation function, because... The first setting takes place in Chinese, in my case it was Google Chrome.
The setup itself takes a couple of minutes. You must agree to the terms of the user agreement, specify the name and password of the Wi-Fi network and specify the username and password to access the control panel, the router is ready for use. Then the router control panel will open, where you can delve into the settings, including turning on the English language. I didn’t delve into the settings, I didn’t even change the language, and here’s why...
Mobile app
Like any other Xiaomi product, the router can be controlled using the proprietary Mi Router application (iOS/Android).
With this application you can completely control the router and all connected devices.
For each device you can:
- Restrict Internet access.
- Add certain sites to a blacklist.
- Receive notification when a device is connected.
Through the application you can completely control the router. You can change Wi-Fi settings, download and install updates, configure VPN and much more, i.e. the application can completely replace the control panel in the browser.
Productivity and work
A beautiful appearance and a mobile application are of course good, but the performance of the router in everyday work is much more important. I have been using the router for 2 weeks already, during which time it had one glitch, I had to reboot, there were no more problems. The router maintains excellent speed. Over the weekend, I usually had 5-6 devices connected at home and there were no problems with speed. There are no complaints about the range; my phone kept the signal at a distance of 20-25 m.
Results
Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Nano is an excellent router in terms of price/quality ratio. It has excellent performance, can be fully controlled via a mobile app, and has a nice design. You should only consider purchasing it if you just need a home router that will simply work.
I specifically bought a Xiaomi mini WiFi router in order to prepare several detailed instructions for setting up this interesting router. By the way, judging by the reviews and comments in online stores, the router from Xiaomi is very popular. And this is not even strange; for a small amount we get a beautiful, powerful and high-quality router. In addition, the router is dual-band, of course with support for the 802.11ac standard, and even with a USB port. Yes, this is a Chinese router, but Xiaomi is a good company and very popular.
The Xiaomi router itself is very beautiful, stylish and unusual. I will review this router in a separate article. And in this article I want to describe in detail the process of first setting up the Xiaomi mini WiFi router. I'll show you how to connect a router, set up a Wi-Fi network, and the Internet. In the near future I will prepare instructions for setting up file sharing on a USB drive, updating the router firmware, etc.
Control panel in Chinese. What to do, how to change the language?
As for setting up Xiaomi mini WiFi, this is most likely the only point that may disappoint you in this router. The fact is that the router settings are in Chinese. There is no option to choose Russian, or even English. If you want the control panel to be in Russian, you will have to flash the router with third-party firmware (PandoraBox, Padavan). The firmware process itself is complex. Perhaps I’ll write about this in a separate article.
English language can be added. You need to change the region to Europe in the Wi-Fi settings and update the firmware. I will also write about this in a separate article. Well, I advise you not to bother and just set up the Xiaomi mini router according to my instructions. Will anything change if the settings are in English? This is a router, you configure it and forget about this control panel. And everything is exactly what language it is in. The main thing is that the Internet works well and stably.
One more thing, the router can be configured from a smartphone or tablet using the Mi Router application. The application is in English, everything is clear there. We will also consider this option at the end of this article.
This instruction should be suitable not only for the Xiaomi mini model, but also for WiFi MiRouter 3 and Mi WiFi Nano.
Xiaomi Mi Router Mini: setting up Wi-Fi and Internet
First, connect power to the router, and connect the cable from the provider or modem to the “Internet” port.
Next we need to go to the settings of the Xiaomi router. First we will look at the first setup from a computer (laptop). You can connect your computer to the router using a cable (although there is no cable included), and via Wi-Fi. Immediately after turning on, a wireless network with the name “Xiaomi_some numbers” will appear. It is not password protected. Let's connect to it.
If you have access to the Internet right away through your router, then it makes sense to configure it through the Chrome browser, or Yandex Browser. They can translate pages on the fly. And the control panel will be more understandable. The translation there is not perfect, but still better than Chinese characters.
1 Open any browser and go to the address miwifi.com (it is listed at the bottom of the router). Or 192.168.31.1 . You can see the detailed article in which I showed. On the first page, just click on the big Chinese button :) This is something like a license agreement.
2 Next you need to set the Wi-Fi network name and password for it. The password must be at least 8 characters. Since the router is dual-band, the password will be the same for networks on two frequencies. It can be changed later in the control panel. Let's continue with the setup.
3 In the next window, we need to set a password that will protect the router settings. This password will need to be specified when entering the router settings. Enter your password and click on the button to continue. If you want the router password to be the same as the Wi-Fi password, you can simply check the box. But I don't recommend doing that.
4 We see a message that the router will create two Wi-Fi networks at different frequencies, their names will be indicated there. The router will reboot.
After the reboot, a Wi-Fi network will appear with the name we set during the setup process. Connect to this network using the configured password.
5 In the settings window, if you have not closed it yet, you can click on the button and you will see a message asking you to install a proprietary application on your smartphone to control the Xiaomi router. You can install this application in the App Store, or Google Play if you need it. It's called Mi Router. Below I will show you how to set up a router from your phone using this application.
Important point! If the Internet through the router is already working on your devices, then the setup of the Xiaomi router is complete. If you want, you can go into its settings, I’ll show you how to do it below.
If Internet does not work through the router, then it needs to be configured.
Entering the Xiaomi router settings and setting up a connection to the provider
1 In your browser again, go to miwifi.com. You will be prompted for a password. Enter the password you set during the first setup. This is not a password for Wi-Fi, but rather for a router.
2 To set up the Internet (connections to provider) go to settings to a separate page as shown below. Select your connection type from the list. Most likely you need to select PPPoE. It’s just that if you had a DHCP (Dynamic IP) connection type, then the Internet through the router would work without configuration. You can check your connection type with your provider.
3 After selecting PPPoE, you will need to set the necessary parameters for the connection. These parameters are issued by the Internet provider. Also, they are most likely indicated in the documents that were given to you when you connected to the Internet.
4 If your provider uses MAC address binding, you can change it on the same page, below. Just enter the required MAC. Or ask your provider to write down the MAC address of your router, which is indicated in this field, or on the body of the device itself.
You need the router to connect to the Internet and start distributing it to your devices.
Setting up a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless network. Changing your Wi-Fi password
If you want to change the name of the Wi-Fi network, password, channel, or for example disable the network at some frequency 5 GHz, or 2.4 GHz, then go to the settings and go to the page as shown below.
If you scroll down the page, you will see the 5G Wi-Fi settings there, as far as I understand the guest network settings and changing the region.
As you can see, nothing complicated. Even though the settings are in Chinese.
First setup of a Xiaomi router from a phone or tablet (Mi Router)
You can also configure the router from a mobile device. First you need to install the proprietary Mi Router program on your phone. We install it from Google Play or App Store. If you don’t want to install the application, you can configure it through the browser of your mobile device, as I showed above.
Connect your smartphone to the Xiaomi router. The Wi-Fi network will have a standard name and will not be protected by a password. Also, do not forget to connect the Internet to the router.
On my iPhone, immediately after connecting, a window appeared with the router settings. And on Android, in the Mi Router program you need to select the "Set up a new router" item. We indicate the location where the router is installed and click the “Next” button.
The router will check your Internet connection, and if your provider uses a DHCP connection, you will see a message that the Internet is connected. Like in my screenshot below. And if you have PPPoE connection technology, then you will need to set some parameters (login, password).
The last step is to set a password for the Wi-Fi network and change the name of the network. Enter this information and click the "Finish" button.
Please note that the password set on the Wi-Fi network will also be used to access the router settings when logging into the control panel at miwifi.com.
That's all, the router setup is complete. If something does not work out, then go to the settings through the browser and change the necessary parameters.
Even without updating the router's firmware to English or Russian, you can configure it without any problems, and everything will work. Yes, the settings are very difficult to understand in Chinese. Even in English it would be easier. There is an English version of the original firmware; in a separate article I will show you how to install it.
I really liked the router, both in appearance and in its stable operation. Write your reviews about this model, share tips, and ask questions. Always happy to help with advice!
Hello everyone my dear friends. Today we are reviewing a new product from Xiaomi - the ultra-thin four-antenna router Xiaomi Mi-router 3, which has the ability to work simultaneously in two WiFi bands: 2.4G and 5G. Although it was released just recently, the router has already managed to make a lot of noise among users. So today we’ll talk about it together. I invite everyone to go under the cut and get to know the new gadget better...
“Xiaomi did not delay the announcement, introducing Xiaomi Mi Router 3 with support for the 802.11ac standard. The new router is thin, although the exact dimensions of the device have not yet been published. As previously reported, the router received four antennas, which should significantly increase the effective operating range of Xiaomi Mi Router 3. Having announced the device, the manufacturer limited itself to only one picture, so we do not know how many ports will be located on the back of the device. According to sources, the router, equipped with 128 MB of RAM, supports the installation of plugins and can be controlled from a mobile device using an exclusive application.”©
A few months ago, well-known Internet portals literally exploded with news about a new product from Xiaomi - the news from the developers was instantly picked up and in a short period of time spread across the Internet. But the words turned out to be not far from reality. We didn’t have to wait long for the official release of the new product - large stores began accepting pre-orders for the gadget. This meant only one thing - serial production had begun and it was only a short time before the router was released to the masses.
Like many other Internet users, I could not resist the tempting offer and placed an order for the hero of the review. Personally, I purchased it in the store. True, this was not made by pre-order, but a little later, although this is not so important. Moreover, the price using points turned out to be much more interesting than in other stores. And the order was placed. Literally two days later the track number showed the first signs of life, and after 9 days it was in my hands
For lovers of tracking numbers
But not only the speed of delivery pleased me. The packaging from the store was also excellent, thanks to which the box of the router, like the device itself, was not damaged at all.PACKAGING AND APPEARANCE
Speaking of product packaging, the router comes in a Xiaomi branded box. The packaging design of this manufacturer is no different from other Xiaomi gadgets - all technical characteristics and product descriptions are in the original (in our case, Chinese) language
The official Xiaomi logo is present everywhere: on the box...
... (looking ahead) on the device...
...on the antenna...
On the back of the package are technical specifications. For those who know Chinese, this information will be useful. And for those who don’t know, all the characteristics are available on the official website of the product (they will also be presented during the review)
If you believe the additional information on the packaging, the manufacturing date is April 2016. Product code - DVB4126CN. Google has no idea what this article is, and I even less so. Perhaps Banggood's?
It's time to open the box, the most interesting thing is inside... And here he is - the hero of our review, everything is very neatly packed, there is nothing to complain about
Inside the package there is a QR code on the box for installing the Xiaomi Mi application. This application allows you to configure the router from your smartphone
The equipment, to put it in one word - Basic. To be even more precise - everything is to a minimum. The developers did not include a patch cord (although many routers and modems come with one) and the charger wire barely reaches one meter in length. Personally, I’m only a short distance from the nearest outlet. Okay, let's think that we can start a collective farm.
But what is included in the package is the router itself (okay, at least they included it), a proprietary charger and instructions... 
To familiarize yourself with the instructions, I’ll just leave it here under the spoiler
Instructions (Chinese)
American standard plug. The adapter is not included in the package. Note that online stores selling this gadget could take care of European customers. But for now, what we have is what we have. At first, users will have to look for an adapter (you can buy it in almost any hardware store for a price of around 12-15 rubles)
If we're already talking about the charger, the manufacturer claims the following characteristics:
I measured the current consumption in standby mode - within one minute it rose smoothly and stopped at 27 mA
And here is the new product itself, for which we have all gathered here today. This is him - a handsome router
I almost forgot about the technical specifications. The manufacturer declares the following characteristics and provides the following information on this router (information under the spoiler)
Specifications
CPU MT7620A 580MHz;
ROM: 128MB SLC Nand Flash;
RAM: 128MB DDR2;
Four external directional antennas
2.4GHz WiFi 2x2 (up to 300 Mbit/s);
5GHz WiFi 2x2 (up to 867 Mbit/s);
WAN (up to 100 Mbit/s);
LAN x2 (up to 100 Mbit/s);
Possibility of connecting a hard drive via USB connector
Presentation of Xiaomi Mi-router 3
Router with improved signal
Absolutely new design with four antennas, support for 802.11ac WiFi technology, 128 MB Flash memory, convenient control using a special application.
Thanks to you, the new WiFi router Xiaomi Mi Router 3 has become even better: Xiaomi took into account all the wishes of users of the previous version and carried out a deep optimization of the router. Now its signal has become even more stable, the coverage area is wider, the number of supporting devices is greater, and the functionality is richer. Xiaomi developers have done a lot of work before presenting an updated WiFi router with an improved signal.
New design with four antennas: increased coverage area, enhanced signal 1167 Mbps: 802.11ac support, dual-band operation 128 MB ROM: stable connection, expanded list of supported devices
Dedicated MIWIFI APP: convenient control from anywhere at any time 
Speed matters
Three times faster than regular WiFi routers. Let your home internet show what it can do.
Technology does not stand still, as evidenced by the constant increase in Internet speeds, the emergence of new devices with the ability to access the Internet, as well as the continuously growing audience of fans of online games and movies in HD quality. Our home Internet needs are also growing exponentially, so there is a need for a more powerful router that will allow us to experience all the benefits of the latest Internet technologies and get the most out of using the home Internet. Thanks to the upgrade, Xiaomi Mi Router 3 provides high-speed Internet access, fully satisfying your daily home Internet needs. 
Comprehensive WiFi signal
Increased coverage area. Supports wireless connection with more than 126 devices for the convenience of the whole family Xiaomi Mi Router 3 has a unique design and is equipped with four external high-gain omnidirectional antennas, supporting two frequency bands 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Thanks to optimized operation at different WiFi frequencies, the signal has become even stronger and the coverage radius has become even wider. The updated Xiaomi Mi Router 3 guarantees the most stable connection with wireless devices, allowing every family member to enjoy high-speed Internet. 
4 high gain omnidirectional antennas
The key element of any router is the antenna, on which the signal quality depends. The new Xiaomi Mi Router 3 is equipped with four external high-gain omnidirectional antennas. The upgrade had the best effect on the operation of the router in the dual-frequency range: at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the gain is 5 dBi, and at a frequency of 5 GHz – 6 dBi, which significantly exceeds previous indicators. 
Remote control of home Internet outside the home
Special MiWiFi application
As a rule, after setting up a WiFi router, we put it in the far corner of the house and rarely think about it. Now, using the MiWiFi application, you will not only simplify the installation of an Internet connection, but will also be able to maintain contact with the router even outside the home, receive information about the status of your home wireless network, and much, much more. 
Internet access control- You can control the time your children spend on the World Wide Web. The MiWiFi app will help you determine the time your children use the Internet in accordance with the scientific approach to study and relaxation patterns.
Protection against unauthorized network connections- When a new device connects to your home wireless network, the MiWiFi app will send a notification to your smartphone. If you don't want this device to have access to your network, you can blacklist it with one click.
Notification when online- Using this function, you can find out which members of your household have already returned home and are connected to the home network. 
Prefer to watch a movie online? Try downloading it in advance in high quality!
Create a smart media center at home
If the connection is unstable, due to technical problems with the Internet provider, online viewing of films may be difficult, which does not happen when watching a pre-downloaded film. You can easily turn your Xiaomi Mi Router 3 into a smart media center just by connecting a portable hard drive to it. The MiWiFi application will give you access to a huge amount of media content and allow you to remotely download the desired movie to a hard drive connected to the router with one click. When you return home, all you have to do is launch the movie on your TV, computer or tablet and enjoy watching it in excellent quality. 
Synchronization with Xiaomi TV, Mi Box, etc.
You can watch a movie downloaded using Xiaomi Mi Router 3 to an external drive from any device, be it a TV, set-top box, computer, smartphone or tablet. Also, using the MiWiFi application, you can easily and quickly automatically copy videos, photos, music and files and have access to them from any device connected to the router. 
Seven-level protection of personal data
- Protection against unauthorized network connections
- Network hack protection
- Data theft protection
- Virus protection
- Fraud Protection
- Data leak protection
- Blocking malicious sites
Protection from fraudulent sites- When opening fraudulent and potentially dangerous sites, a warning notification pops up;
Data theft protection- Prevents the theft of the router domain by fraudulent sites or Trojans;
Blocking malicious sites- Automatically blocks malicious sites, prevents the introduction of viruses into browsers, and ensures system security;
Data leak protection- Automatically intercepts requests from viruses and Trojans within the local network, preventing viral leakage of confidential data
Network hack protection- Automatically blocks attempts to hack the router, prevents changes to its settings and configurations, and ensures network security;
Protection against unwanted network connections- Allows you to check the list of connected devices at any time, restricts access to the network with one click. Automatically intercepts unwanted connections and promptly notifies you about them, allowing you to block access to “uninvited guests.” Supports MAC address filtering and provides blocking of devices not included in the “white list”;
Virus protection- Automatically checks downloaded files for viruses.
More stable operation without reboots
128 MB Flash memory. Even more supported devices and features
The more smart devices you have in your home, the higher the demands on your router. Xiaomi Mi Router 3 has been enriched with Flash memory by as much as 128 MB, which is eight times more compared to conventional routers. The optimization not only made it possible to expand the list of supported devices to 126 items, but also ensured more stable and reliable operation of the plugins, and also reduced the frequency of router reboots.
In size, of course, it cannot be compared with the mini version from Xiaomi, but it also cannot “boast” of dimensions. I can describe his appearance as “brutal skinny”
On the reverse side there are two LAN ports operating at speeds of 100 Mbit/sec, a WAN connector, a USB for connecting a hard drive or a network printer (I haven’t tried the latter, but I think this can be achieved with dancing with a tambourine), a reset button and a connector jet to connect power to the router
The bottom is perforated with numerous holes for better cooling of the gadget. Due to the shape of the router case, it is not possible to close them all at the same time.
If you take a closer look at the sticker, you can see the information we need - the router’s MAC address and the IP address that it uses as the main one by default. The manufacturer assigned him an address 192.168.31.1 . We are also presented with a QR code for installing an application to control the gadget
It is worth emphasizing the fact that the router antennas are directional. All four antennas move along a path forward-backward by 90 degrees, left-right by 180 degrees
Now it’s worth taking measurements of the router and finding out its weight. If we compare it with my ancient ZyXel Keenetic Lite, then our hero seems like fluff, and the technical characteristics cannot be compared with the old “kineticist”.
ZyXel Keenetic Lite works in the last minutes for the benefit of the owner. But the gadget from Xiaomi is already breathing down our necks and is ready to replace it any minute... 
A little distracted, let's return to our hero of the review and make technical measurements
Dimensions and weight
The weight is not the heaviest among routers, although these two hundred and a bit grams are not felt at all in your hands. To be honest, I thought the weight would be less 
Router case dimensions 
Since the router body has curves, we will take measurements from different edges of the device 
Distance between antennas and antenna length 
And this is what two colleagues look like in their assigned work - ZyXel Keenetic Lite and Xiaomi Mi-router 3.
Our acquaintance with the appearance of the router is coming to an end, now let's move on to the next part of our review and try to configure the device
We connect power to the router and an orange indicator on the gadget’s body lights up, which, after some time, changes color to blue. The device is ready for useROUTER SETUP
To set up the router, I will need a laptop, a patch cord, a bottle of beer and a translator plug-in (then only Chinese will be used and we cannot do without a bottle of translator). And of course the router itself. We connect to the laptop and configure...
First, you need to read the terms of the license agreement and accept it. Whether I want it or not, the router forces me to do it 
Next, we enter a password to access the router’s web interface, set up a wireless network connection, give the name of the access point and enter a password. As soon as we complete all these manipulations, the router will restart and we can log into it through the browser using the address 192.168.31.1 and the password that we entered a little earlier. I recommend using Yandex.Browser or Chrome, as these browsers have the ability to automatically translate the language on pages 
We go to the main page of the router. Since we do not have an Internet connection, we see the following picture: 
The basic settings are configured in the “Set used” tab (this is how Yandex.Browser translated it for us). The main tabs that we need to configure and which we will use are “Free Wi-Fi devices” and “Online dialing”. In the first tab, you configure the wireless network. But if we initially did everything correctly, then there is nothing special to configure here. But in the “Online dialing” tab we enter the data for connecting to the Internet, which was provided to us by the provider - Username and password for Internet access 
If we did everything correctly, the router will automatically connect to the Internet.
The first thing I did was immediately measure the connection. Speedtest gave me the following data 
I would like to pay special attention to the signal strength. I took several measurements at different points in the apartment. The first measurement was taken in the far corner of the room where the router is located, the second measurement was made in the back room of the apartment through 3 load-bearing walls, and the third in the toilet room - through 2 walls, one of which is load-bearing. Blue and red graph - my routers
First measurement 
Second measurement 
Third measurement 
Overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase. Compared to the “old man”, this router shows not bad results. Among the obvious disadvantages is the Chinese interface for controlling the gadget, but I was aware of this before purchasing and knew about it. So this can be considered an optional disadvantage. Another point that I would like to remember is that the power supply cord is very short. If the issue with the lack of a patch cord and an adapter for a Euro plug can still be somehow omitted, then a short wire is sad...
If we talk about the pros, the router showed itself very well. Of course, there are now very few devices that support the 5GHz frequency, but two antennas for each frequency significantly strengthened the signal in the apartment. In principle, this was the main task that pursued the purpose of purchasing this router. I was pleased. The advantages also include the compactness of the device and the ability to point the antennas in the desired direction. But here again a small minus emerges - the inability to remove the antennas.
So, to summarize, I want to highlight the obvious pros and cons:
pros
- Operation in two bands 2.4 and 5 GHz
- 4 antennas
- High quality build
- Chinese
PS Since I finished writing the review late at night, I couldn’t find Fanya to take a photo with the router. Therefore, according to tradition, I will post a daytime photo, although the quality is not very good. Here Nafanya tried to find a “neighbor with a drill”...