Choosing the right WiFi access point for your home. How to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your laptop yourself

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Wireless networks today are used not only to connect a computer to the Internet. Tablets, smartphones, smart TVs and other “smart” equipment use this technology to connect to the Internet. Well, to organize a home Wi-Fi network you will need a device such as a wireless access point.

What you need to know to the average user when purchasing a device for creating Wi-Fi home networks

For a small apartment or private suitable for home Almost any Wi-Fi access point or router, therefore, if you have a small home, you can purchase the cheapest device.

More a difficult situation- spacious a private house or a multi-room apartment in an old building. In a spacious home, the cheapest Wi-Fi access point may not reach every room, especially if the walls between rooms are solid. In such a situation, you will have to purchase more powerful Wi-Fi access point or router. Another way out is to buy two cheap points and set them up to work together. Another method to consider is purchasing an access point and repeater. The specific location of access points or point and repeater (repeaters) is individual and depends on the configuration of the housing, the number of floors, and the materials from which the floors and walls of the house are made.

Is it worth buying more expensive access points?

To create a Wi-Fi network in a room or small apartment, budget equipment is quite suitable. Yes, today you can find devices on sale that support the latest standards and frequencies, but the increase in operating efficiency will only be noticeable if they are supported by client devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones).

You may also have the following questions:

Is it worth buying an access point with multiple ? It is desirable to have at least two antennas.

Is it important that the antenna on the point is removable? This is convenient if in the future you want to change it to one that has a higher gain.

Do you need additional access point capabilities? For normal home use - no, but the ability to work with 3G or 4G USB modems will be a plus.

Laptop owners prefer to create their own wireless point at home access with the possibility of access to Internet. This allows you to preserve the main advantage of using mobile devices.

Instructions

First select the Wi-Fi router (). This device must have a sufficient signal propagation area and must also be suitable for wireless adapters laptops. Read the instructions for your mobile devices.

If you do not have a paper version of the manual, then visit the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop model or of this adapter wireless communication. Buy a suitable Wi-Fi router.

Install this device in the required location. Connect it to the mains. Connect the connection cable to the WAN (DSL) or Internet connector located on the device body.

Turn on your laptop or desktop. Connect its network card to the Ethernet (LAN) connector of the router. Launch your browser. Fill in the web address input field with the IP address Wi-Fi router. You can find it in the instructions for the equipment.

Now create your own Wi-Fi hotspot access. To do this, go to the Wireless Setup menu. Set a password and SSID for your wireless point access. Choose from the available types of data encryption the one that your laptops can handle. Save point parameters access.

Video on the topic

To connect to the Internet mobile computers and other devices that work with Wi-Fi networks use special equipment. It is necessary to create a point access to a wireless network.

Usually wireless dots access They call the devices themselves with which the network is created. Their main purpose is to connect several computers, tablets and communicators into a wireless local network. Modern points access can perform a variety of functions. The use of wireless technologies eliminates the need to lay a large number of network cables. Naturally, when using Wi-Fi routers, users can maintain the mobility of laptops, because there is no need to connect cables to them access to the Internet. Routers and routers can be used to create a common network that includes both wireless devices, so desktop computers. Now wireless points access became widespread in public places. These could be cafes, airports, libraries, and so on. The use of wireless technologies allows us to provide customers and visitors free access on the Internet. You can often find wireless points access, used to create home networks. Installation own Wi-Fi router allows you to connect several devices to the Internet at once, combining them into single network. This method allows you to save money without having to pay a large number of agreements with the provider. Large enterprises sometimes install several points access. They are combined into shared network, thereby ensuring communication between all computers and laptops located in this area. This method allows you to organize a single wireless network even in residential areas. It is worth noting that wireless points access allow you to quickly control the local network they form. Sometimes this makes the task much easier for network administrators.

The widespread use of laptops has led to the fact that many people prefer to use wireless networks inside their own home or apartment. To create a Wi-Fi access point, it is recommended to use certain devices.

Choosing a compact Internet access point

By now, the Internet has become an almost ethereal entity, which we do not notice when it is there, but experience a strong hunger for information when it is not there. And if the existence of the office determines relatively stable connection to the Network, at least due to the company’s business processes, then outside world access has yet to be found and obtained. That is why shopping and office centers, hotels, cafes and restaurants have advantages in the eyes of users, where you can connect to the Internet with your laptop or PDA, and especially if this can be done for free.

The disadvantages of a network cable outside the office are obvious: you need to take a piece of patch cord with you; even in a hotel, in order to plug it into the socket, you will first have to crawl under the table, and then be tied to it so that you cannot even reach the bed with the laptop, let alone go out onto the terrace. Therefore, a traveler will be much more suitable for devices that can be used to immediately connect a mobile assistant “over the air” or convert an existing one cable internet in wireless. In our review we will focus specifically on compact models, which will not take up much space either in a business traveler’s suitcase or in a vacationer’s backpack.

Inexhaustible springs

So, let's look at what options exist for connecting a mobile device to the Internet. In general, the Internet comes in two ways: through the network of cellular operators and in the form of a fixed access point using Wi-Fi technology.

Cellular operator network

The technology is quite versatile and very common - if you have cellular telephone, then with a 95% probability it also has the Internet, which can be observed directly on the screen or transferred to a computer. Also produced by industry special kits exclusively for the Internet (cellular modems). They are designed as USB devices and are connected via a port to a computer or laptop.

It is clear that the phone or modem must be equipped with a registered SIM card and be within the coverage area of the operator's network. Most provider tariffs involve charging a regular fee from the subscriber, and even the so-called unlimited tariffs in fact they are not. The channel speed depends on the operator’s equipment installed at your location and ranges from tens of kilobits per second (GPRS) to several megabits per second (new 3G, 4G technologies). An important advantage is that the connection is not interrupted when the receiver moves between cells, which is important, for example, while traveling in a car.

Wi-Fi hotspot

Wi-Fi technology was specifically designed for building wireless networks and is definitely faster than cellular communications (from 54 Mbps for the 802.11g standard to a theoretical 600 Mbps for the 802.11n standard). As base station an access point is used that has its own identifier (SSID) and to which client devices connect. Wi-Fi receivers are built into many modern communicators, laptops and other mobile devices. The range of the network is small - tens of meters indoors and up to one and a half hundred meters outdoors. Automatic switching between points when moving the receiver from point to point is not provided. Having access to the Internet via Wi-Fi is serious competitive advantage for mass-service enterprises, so they often make access to the Internet free in order to attract customers.

"Let's ford this river"

The options described above most often involve a point-to-point connection, that is, each device connects to the provider via its own channel or account, which is certainly beneficial to operators. But variety life situations inexhaustible, which is why both users and manufacturers have come up with various cunning ways sharing to the Network, for example, in order to reduce subscription fees or increase the convenience of web surfing. Here are examples of the real needs of regular Internet visitors:

1. It is necessary to quickly deploy a local network with access to the Internet and connect both mobile and wired clients to it.

3. The hotel room has Internet access, but there is only one cable outlet. It is required to provide Internet to a laptop, PDA and iPad.

4. Have a paid account Wi-Fi provider. It is necessary to share access to this recording between different mobile and stationary devices.

Of course, there are serious stationary solutions for these problems, but we are interested in portable devices, which we will consider further.

"Give me your hand, there are no extra ones here"

Since we are talking about cellular operators, it is necessary to mention that at least two operators from " Big three"there is a device that performs the function of transmitting a data stream from a cellular network to a Wi-Fi connection. It is called a 3G/Wi-Fi router and is a small box powered by a battery - its internal modem is tied to the operator (“locked”), and the Wi-Fi port can accept up to five connections.

But we are supporters of universal devices that give the user freedom of choice, so authoritarian devices from providers are alien to us. Let's move on to consider market solutions.

The first of the compact routers we are considering can also be classified as a 3G/Wi-Fi router. It's called myPocket Router and designated DIR-457, weighs only 103 g and is small in size (110 x 65 x 13.6 mm). Interaction with the telecom operator occurs using a SIM card inserted inside, and those who wish can receive a data stream by Wi-Fi channel(802.11g standard). From additional features Noteworthy is the microSD card slot so that all connected friends can share files, as well as the selfish USB modem mode - only for one, personal computer.

We think the DIR-412 device is more attractive and versatile. A little bigger size(122 x 97 x 27 mm), it has an RJ-45 connector (Ethernet), as well as a USB port on top cover, into which any cellular USB modem, including those from our “Big” providers, is vertically plugged. The following modes are supported:

router - receive Internet via cable from the provider and send it via Wi-Fi;
communication redundancy is very useful mode: in the event of a drop in the provider's main channel, the device automatically establishes a connection via 3G, ensuring continuity of operation;
3G/Wi-Fi router - get the Internet from a cellular network and give it to your computer via cable, as well as to friends via Wi-Fi.

Tiny access points TRENDnet

By analogy with the previous manufacturer, the first in line for review is the 3G/4G/Wi-Fi box. It is called TEW-655BR3G and is clearly aimed at “wearable” applications - this is clearly evidenced by the built-in battery. True, in offline mode The device will not last more than 2.5 hours, so you will still have to take the power adapter with you.

A cellular modem, traditionally, is inserted into a USB port, and twisted pair network cable - into the RJ-45 connector. The manufacturer claims compatibility with all types cellular modems, including those provided by Skylink and Yota providers. The other twisted pair plug can be plugged into your cable provider's modem or simply into your router. Thus, we will get a wireless access point to our home network. In the list of features, TRENDnet notes the presence of a firewall, packet filter, encryption of wireless traffic, easy installation and connection. Dimensions 107 x 76 x 21 mm, weight 97 g.

If you are going on vacation where you do not plan to use an expensive roaming channel, much less share it with anyone, then it is better to purchase a small but smart router TEW-654TR. Its weight is only 50 g, dimensions 60 x 80 x 18.5 mm, so that it does not get lost in your bag, a case is included. Compatibility with the 802.11n protocol will allow you to quickly deploy a high-speed Wi-Fi network (up to 300 Mbit/s) in a separate apartment or hotel room and send the Internet to it from the existing cable - this is the functionality that is limited, but nothing more is required from the baby. The machine is powered from an external unit or directly from the USB port of a laptop.

Getting started with the equipment of the respected company ASUSTek Computer Inc., we will start with the miniature WL-330gE access point. It is only slightly larger than the tiny TEW-654 (86 x 62 x 17 mm), but significantly more functional. Here are the roles she can play:

router - receive the Internet via cable from the provider and distribute it via Wi-Fi to subscribers;
local access point - provide Wi-Fi clients with access to the existing local network;
shared access point - connect to toll point Wi-Fi via one account and distribute traffic from it to friends via Wi-Fi;
wireless adapter - allows you to turn any device with an Ethernet port into a wireless one.

Simple connection, control via a browser, as well as all sorts of mandatory services - WPA, DNS, DHCP, NAT, UPnP - and other combinations of Latin letters that increase the convenience and safety of work, make this router an excellent choice.

In April 2011, another model from ASUS went on sale, on the box of which there is the inscription WL-330N3G - 6-in-1 (6 functions in one device). In addition to the functions inherited from the WL-330gE, the box is the size of credit card can also work like this:

radio extender - accept wifi signal from a wireless access point, amplify it and transmit it further;
3G/Wi-Fi router - receive a data stream from a cellular network and send it to clients via Wi-Fi; for this purpose, the device is equipped with a USB port for a cellular modem.

Smart technologies indicated with Latin letters, are also present, and all this power is combined with exceptional ease of device setup. In particular, turning the router into 3G/Wi-Fi mode did not require any effort from us at all - we simply inserted a pre-activated modem into the USB port, connected the power, and no later than a minute later connected to the new ASUS Wi-Fi point and checked mail.

conclusions

Wifi surrounded us everywhere. We can no longer imagine life without these networks, which allow us to connect to the Internet anywhere. But they cannot arise on their own. For this, special network devices are used. A large variety of them are produced. In this article, we’ll look at one of these devices and figure out what a wifi access point is.

Let's first look at the definitions of each of these devices.

An access point is a small station that creates a connection to an already ready-made network. It receives Internet connection from the router and transmits it further. There are more expensive models that allow you to do this without routers, but they vary greatly in price. It should also be noted that the access point has only one connector.

Router ( router) - special network device, having several interfaces. It allows you to exchange data between different devices on the network. The router is capable of distributing Wi-Fi to all devices located nearby.

What do a router and an access point have in common? The answer is quite simple. Most modern routers have the function of creating a new wireless network. Access points operate on a similar system. This allows all home devices to use wifi.

But the access point has additional functions. It allows you to create a Wi-Fi connection based on an existing one. This is necessary in cases where the router cannot distribute the Internet at the required distance on its own. It can also help reduce the load on the router. There are many applications that can be found.

Next, let's talk about how to choose an access point

access points and their applications

Access point specifications

Manufacturing materials

The device is divided into the following types based on materials of manufacture:

For external placement. Used when you need to place the device outdoors or in other unpredictable environments.
For indoor placement. Placement in an office or home.

It should be noted that the first type requires stronger materials in order for the device to work as long as possible.

Installing an access point

Also, the device can be placed different ways. Standard placement options are on a table or on a wall. But you can also plug it into a power outlet, which is ideal for repeater mode. This is the most convenient and easiest way of all.

Operating frequency

Transmitters can different frequencies for operation - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Models that support these frequencies simultaneously are also sold.

Transmitter power

The resulting transmitter power affects the strength and distance over which the signal is transmitted. The higher it is, the further you can distribute the wifi network. Also, with high power, the network passes through walls and other obstacles better.

But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to buy a device with the strongest signal without obtaining special permits. The maximum permitted transmitter power in our system is 20dBm. Anything more is professional equipment that must be registered with special authorities.

Maximum wifi speed

Each access point has its own standard of supported communication. It allows you to draw conclusions about the speed at which you can use the Internet. Information about the standard must be clarified before purchasing. The best thing to do here is to consult a specialist.

Number of antennas

This option is completely related to the previous point. The more antennas a wi-fi access point has, the faster its speed. But you need to understand that not all antennas can be used. Some of them will not work if there are fewer of them in the receiving device, such as a laptop.

Antennas can have different operating ranges.

Antenna types

There are two types of antennas:

internal;
external.

The second type of antenna can often be removed in order to replace it with a more powerful and suitable one. This helps strengthen the signal.

Ethernet port speed

These ports connect the transmitter to a wired network. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, then you should choose the maximum allowable speed of these ports, i.e. up to 1000 Mbit/s. If your provider does not allow you to use a very fast connection, then a speed of 100 Mbit/s will be sufficient.

PoE support

This is a special function that transmits using a transmitter electrical energy and data. It is used in cases where the transmitter is located at a considerable distance from sockets and other means of supplying electricity. But this function

will significantly increase the cost of the access point. This function is used mainly in professional models.

Transmitter operating modes

Access point

The most popular and used operating mode, which creates a wifi network for connecting devices. It is also possible to create a network based on an existing one.

A bridge connects two wireless networks together. This increases range and capabilities.

Repeater

A wifi access point is used as a signal repeater. Allows you to repeat an existing signal, which greatly increases the network coverage area.

This is what allows you to turn the received wireless signal into a wired one. Used for desktop computers.

Router

Allows you to create new wifi connections with your settings.

Making a choice

We have already decided on access point and what is it. Now let's move on to the choice.

First of all, you need to choose in which mode your transmitter will be used, options:

If you want to create wifi on an existing wired network, then select the “access point” mode
If you need to connect two networks into one, then select support for the “bridge” mode.
If you want to expand the coverage area of one wifi networks It is necessary to choose models with repeater support.

After you decide on the operating mode, proceed to selecting the connection speed. The common range is 2.4 GHz. It is cheaper than other options. 5 GHz is suitable for residents of high-rise buildings who require less network congestion. Also, when choosing a speed, keep in mind that devices must support the same connection standards.

Let's sum it up

We answered the question about what a wi-fi access point is. This is a way of creating or expanding the range of a signal. You should not buy models with a large number of antennas or high speed if this is not necessary. Choose a device that suits your individual needs.

Wireless access points can be seen in offices. Flat boxes are designed for optimal wireless signal transmission. Network functions - Internet connection (network gateway), security (firewall) and management local networks(IP address assignment and routing) - performed by other devices.

Unlike a professional environment, a router on a private home network does everything network functions, including the creation of a wireless network. This means that trade-offs have to be made, and the disadvantages are most pronounced in network performance. The location of the router in most cases is determined not by optimal coverage, but by the installation location power socket. At the same time, the connected cables do not allow the device to be placed high, which would provide optimal conditions for the wireless network.

Besides, wireless technologies are developing faster than everyone else. So, in a five-year-old router, only the wireless network standard is outdated, and all other components still work quite well. Besides, fine tuning for most functions, it is available only in fairly expensive routers, which additionally tips the scales not in favor of the new (that is, expensive) model. However, available devices operating only in the 2.4 GHz band (for example, from a provider) can be retrofitted modern technology 5 GHz using an access point.

Using Powerline technology, an access point can provide a wireless network to another floor or another part of the house

Access points for professional wireless networks

Access points supporting the 802.11ac standard cost about 6,000 rubles, that is, no more than a good wireless network repeater. With a powerful transmitter and more convenient placement options, the access point can expand the coverage of your router's network or replace it entirely. Whereas previously these special function stations were only available to experienced users (as they were designed to be used as part of a complex infrastructure), modern models Additionally they offer a convenient web interface for basic configuration.

The new Netgear WAC510, which can be configured via a smartphone app, demonstrates that access points can be very easy to use. On the next two pages we'll talk about testing this device, as well as the more affordable TP-Link EAP245 with support for 802.11ac with a data transfer rate of 1300 Mbps.

The professional access point comes with a mount that allows you to mount it on a ceiling, wall or cabinet

Connection and operating modes

Access points can connect to the router in fundamentally different ways and operate in different modes, of which we have identified four main ones.

> Replacing the router's wireless network. The access point is connected to the router’s network port (LAN) and to the power supply (for network equipment that supports Power over Ethernet, a standard twisted pair cable is sufficient). The access point forms a new wireless network. Computers and other devices that connect to it receive IP addresses and Internet access from the router, meaning they are on its network as if they were connected to its Wi-Fi. In this case, you only need to perform simple initial setup in the access point's web interface. If the router and access point are working in the same room, it is better to completely turn off the wireless network in the first room so as not to interfere with the access point's signal.

The Netgear WAC510 access point operates in router mode, in which it assigns IP addresses itself

> Expanding the wireless network of routers. If neither the access point nor the router individually is able to spread the network throughout the entire apartment, it is worth trying to combine their efforts. Using a long twisted pair cable or Powerline adapter, place the access point in the location where you want to optimize wireless coverage. In this case, in the web interface of the access point you need to specify the same wireless network name (SSID) and WPA2 password as in the router’s network settings, but at the same time different channels - the farther they are from each other, the better (for example, for the band 2.4 GHz channels 1 and 13).

Client devices will automatically find the most strong signal within their reach, even if you move around the rooms with them. Similar functionality offer devices called Powerline Wi-Fi Extender, designed to expand coverage: they combine a Powerline adapter and a wireless transmitter. The advantages of a “real” access point are larger antennas and more flexible placement options (for example, ceiling or cabinet installation), which promises better signal transmission.

In WDS mode, the WAC510 works as a wireless repeater, but first you need to configure WDS in the base router

> Instead of a repeater. If connecting the access point to the router via cable or Powerline is not possible, you can optimize the router's network using wireless distribution technology - Wireless Distribution System (WDS). An access point differs from a regular repeater in having larger antennas, which means it can expand the coverage area and increase the data transfer rate.

> Access point in router mode. Netgear WAC510 can be used as a router, with which you can not only create a network, but also manage it. However, to connect to the Internet you need Ethernet connection Uplink - for example, using a cable modem or LTE modem. The device is not able to establish a DSL connection on its own.

Access point with configuration application
Router, WDS repeater or just an access point - the Netgear WAC510 features multiple use cases

Rich functionality: Netgear WAC510

This hotspot is easily set up with the Netgear Insight smartphone app. If we take into account the relatively low cost, the device becomes attractive also for private use.

Using the Netgear Insight Android and iOS app initial setup WAC510 is easy and simple

In the very simple case The first launch process is as follows. The WAC510 is connected via twisted pair to an existing router. The Netgear Insight application is installed on a tablet or smartphone connected to the router’s wireless network, which launches the assistant window. Next you need to open the menu “Access Point | ... WiFi Discovery | Connect to WIFI... | Discover Device”, click on the access point, select the country in which the device operates (this is necessary in order to determine which channels the access point can use), set the network name (SSID) and WPA2-PSK password - that’s all.

Powerful web interface

After basic settings, connect client devices to the WAC510 wireless network. Cable devices can be connected via its optional network port. More detailed settings can be found in the WAC510 web interface. To open them, find the IP address of the access point in the router's web interface. First of all, you need to change the standard login and password “admin/password” - they are located in the “Management | Configuration | System | Advanced | User Accounts".

From additional options WAC510 as an example, you can use the WDS setting, which is located in the “Configuration” section. This technology allows you to combine several access points into a single wireless network with centralized management - detailed instructions are in the user manual. You can configure the WAC510 for use as a router through the “Configuration | System | Basic" - all configurations are completely reset there, including the name of the wireless network.

For those interested, the Netgear web interface provides the ability to configure all the details of a wireless network

Hands-on testing of the configuration and use of the WAC510 web interface left good impressions, although the device sometimes took a little longer to apply changes (primarily restarting) than we would have liked. Performance measurements using the JPerf benchmark on an HP Pro X2 tablet on Intel chip The AC 8265 Wi-Fi was a bit of a disappointment at first, especially in the 2.4 GHz band, which is where older smartphones, TVs, and other simpler client devices operate. The Netgear access point achieved the highest speed, evenly in all directions, when the client device was located next to and at the same level with it.

That is, the signal emission is obviously optimized for uniform coverage of the surrounding area rather than being directed to one side, so a network with multiple client devices will exhibit good performance, if these devices are successfully distributed in space. However, Netgear's peak performance far exceeds that of weaker older routers and repeaters. Power consumption in standby mode is about half that of a full-fledged wireless router, and during data transfer it hardly increases (from 4.3 to approximately 4.5 W).

Netgear WAC510 vs TP-Link EAP245
TP-Link hotspot delivers better performance while Netgear offers more use cases with its variety of features

At high speeds: TP-Link EAP245

By appearance The TP-Link EAP245 is reminiscent of Netgear (and many other access points). But here you can only establish an Uplink connection with the router (WAN) via twisted pair, and it is impossible to connect a client device. In addition, there is no provision for using the device as a repeater and there is no configuration application for a smartphone.

Wireless Network Specialist
The TP-Link EAP245 offers fewer features than the Netgear, but its wireless network is more powerful and it costs less

But TP-Link costs a little less than Netgear, and in the 802.11ac standard it reaches data transfer speeds of not 866, but as much as 1300 Mbit/s. The easiest way to set up is in the web interface. The IP address can be found, as in the case of Netgear, in the router's web interface. When starting for the first time, first set the username and strong password for the web interface. The input system works in an orderly manner, responds instantly, and the device quickly applies changes.

Attention: for TP-Link EAP245 you must first additionally activate WPA encryption for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands

The real security flaw in the device is that it creates two open networks by default (in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands), which require separate measures to protect. To do this, on the “Wireless” and then “SSIDs” tab, click on the notepad icon next to “Modify”. Specify the name of the wireless network (SSID), for “Security Mode” select “WPA-PSK”, for “Version” - “WPA2-PSK”, enter a strong password for “Wireless Password” and confirm the changes by clicking the “OK” button below. Then at the top of the page, switch to the 5GHz network and repeat the same.

Access points: range

Due to the popularity of access points in the business segment, the range of these devices is very wide, especially from specialized network equipment suppliers such as D-Link, Lancom or Ubiquity. Such devices cost more than 10,000 rubles and offer extensive functionality that is not used at home. Therefore, for testing we chose two affordable simple models from Netgear and TP-Link.

High speed wireless network

All other default settings of the EAP245 are intuitive. Some options may be interesting for commercial use of the device, for example, a splash page with terms of use. The Scheduler function, which turns the wireless network on and off according to a schedule, is practical for home use.

EAP Controller provides centralized management dozens of access points

In terms of performance, the EAP245 was impressive in both 802.11ac 5 GHz and 802.11n 2.4 GHz networks. Compared to Netgear, TP-Link's routed signal strength is greater - maximum speed was achieved when the logo panel was facing the client device. But thanks to its greater speed resources, in the use case we measured, TP-Link was faster than Netgear in all directions.

Overall, the EAP245 from TP-Link is a good choice for those who need a clean access point with the highest possible performance low price. Buying a Netgear WAC510 will pay off in cases where, first of all, the device should be simple (controllable from an application) or used not only as an access point, but also as a router or WDS device. One way or another, professional devices will once and for all solve almost all problems of coverage and transmission speed.

Photo: manufacturing companies; CHIP Studios/Simon Kirsch

Wi Fi is used to transfer data between devices and the advantage of this method is its ability wireless transmission information via radio channels. Wi Fi is used to distribute the Internet, especially in places where people use portable devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, etc.). Also today, everyone can set up a Wi-Fi network at home to connect to the Internet all devices that include Wi-Fi module, and this requires only one incoming cable from the provider. And, already using a router, you can connect any number of devices.

If you only connect to wired Internet, you can only connect one device at a time. network card, and for others you will have to install cables throughout the apartment for an additional fee. But tablets and smartphones can only be connected via Wi-Fi, so if you have these devices in your home, and laptops too, then it’s better to make a Wi-Fi access point at home. The great advantage of such a network is wireless connection, which allows you not to tie the device to only one point where there is an Ethernet connector (RJ-45). And places to connect to Wi-Fi are limited only by the range of the router. The advantages of this network also include a set of uniform standards for all manufacturers. That is, all equipment is able to connect to the network if it has a Wi-Fi logo. In addition, several devices can simultaneously connect to the router at the same time.

Router for Wi-Fi point

To organize a Wi-Fi access point at home, you will need a router. A router is a device that will coordinate signals in wired internet And wireless signals in radio channels that come from or to our devices. When purchasing you need it Wi-Fi router, rather than a router, is a router that can be used to branch out a wired Ethernet network.

Wired Internet can provide higher speed, how Wi-Fi network, therefore, when buying a router, you need to look at the speed that it can support (in the passport it may be called “routing speed”). There are several Wi-Fi network standards, they differ in data transfer speeds. Real speeds are always lower than the maximum possible for each standard by about 2 times. But even with such a decrease, the actual speed can reach tens of Mbit/s, which is quite enough for the normal operation of several connected consumers. It would also be useful to have a USB connector in the router, which can be used to connect printers, scanners, etc. to your home network. Printers that support Wi-Fi can be connected like other devices via a wireless network. But if there is no such support, then a USB connection will help you organize a home network with a printer and other devices.

Many companies today produce network equipment, including routers. Therefore, you will have plenty to choose from. Any Wi-Fi router will have several connectors. One of them is WAN, this input is used to connect the incoming Internet cable. There may also be several LAN connectors for connecting other devices via cable. This is when the router can also act as a router. May be USB port. And a connector for connecting the power supply. There should also be power on/off and reset buttons to return to factory settings.

Setting up the router

After purchasing and unpacking the router, you need to connect it to configure it. We connect the Internet input to the WAN connector, and a cable for connecting a computer to the LAN output.

After that, turn on the router, insert the disk that comes with the router into the computer, and install everything necessary drivers and programs. The disk may also contain a program with which you can make all the settings for the router. Or you can make these settings through the browser.

In order to enter the router settings through a browser, you must enter a address bar the address that is written on the sticker on the bottom of the router. There should be an IP address of 4 groups of numbers (for example, something like this: 192.168.1.1). There is also a login and password for accessing the admin part of the router settings.

IP address, login and password to enter settings

If this information is not indicated on the router and it is not in the instructions, then you can follow the path on the computer “Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center shared access» and in the window that opens, select “Change adapter settings.” And here you should see the “Local Area Connection” item.

By clicking on it 2 times, you will be taken to the network status menu.

By clicking on “Information” you will open a window with different information, but you need two lines.

This will be the IP address of the router and its value and enter it into the address bar of the browser. You will be asked to enter your username and password. By default, the login is “admin” and the password is “admin”. If everything is correct, a window with information about the network will open in the browser.

router settings window

To configure you need:

create an internet connection
create access to local network
make security settings (change the login password to the admin part)

Connecting the router to the Internet

First, go to the WAN section, where you will configure your Internet connection.

There you can configure several types of connection depending on the conditions of the provider. Set "dynamic IP address". Most providers give users a dynamic address.

After that, click “apply”, the settings page should reload (this is the router rebooting). After this, the computer should already be connected to the Internet.

If you choose PPPoE, also a common option, in this option the provider gives you a login and password, and may also give you addresses DNS servers and others additional settings. Additional settings vary by provider. Basically it's just a username and password. That is, select the PPPoE item, enter the login and password from the provider, click “apply” and the computer from which the settings are made will be connected to the Internet.

If you need to select L2TP as the WAN connection (all these points depend on the provider), then in addition to the login and password, you also need to enter the server name. In addition, you may need Additional Information. All this information is issued by the provider and does not depend on the brand of the router.

There may also be a “static IP” for the WAN connection. In this case, you need to enter the IP address, subnet mask, gateway and possibly DNS addresses.

additional data when selecting "static IP"

All the options considered are possible if you have all the necessary information from the providers. What if you don’t know this data? Then you can view them on your computer. How to do it .

After entering all the data in the WAN setup window, you click “apply” and the router reboots.

Additional router settings

After that, you enter the “Wireless Network” section.

In the “SSID” item you specify the name of your network, which will be displayed in the list of wireless networks available for connection.

For WPA encryption, select “TKIP”.

Install "preliminary WPA key» , which will be the password to log into the network. This password is needed to protect your Wi-Fi connection from intrusion by strangers. After all, the Wi Fi network can extend to other apartments within the coverage radius specified in the passport.

After that, click “apply”.

After these settings, the router should already distribute Wi-Fi Internet.

If you need to change your login and password to enter the admin part, then you need to go to “additional settings”. Next, in the “Administration” section, look for the “System” item.

After logging into the system section, you will be able to change your login and password.

After that, click “apply” again and the router will reboot.

You also need to configure the security of your network connection and your router is ready to use Wi-Fi distribution at your home.