In September last year I called Netgear Nighthawk X4 “major disappointment routers second wave.” During testing, the device worked so bad that I promised will certainly come back to it after the company Netgear released a new firmware capable to take full advantage of its existing equipment. Soon it happened, and the current review fully replaces the previous one.

My initial testing based on firmware version 1.0.0.52. In the new version of firmware tests involved 1.0.0.76. If you purchased Nighthawk X4 and still have not updated the firmware, I strongly recommend to do it and install a latest version of the software.

I suspect that competitive pressures forced the company Netgear release their product too early, because the firmware update has led to a significant increase in its performance. If the old firmware Nighthawk X4 RT-AC87U conceded in all respects, the new software Netgear router not only significantly improve their results, but also bypassed in some tests the product ASUS.

Performance when using the bridge

However, to overcome the design of ASUS in all categories failed. If you want to get the best performance 802.11ac router, it must be docked to the second router, which will work as a wireless bridge. Connect client device to the bridge with a cable, and it establishes communication with the router, showing a very high-speed data transmission. Taking, for example, the Roku device or PC to use as a home theater, you’ll get the absolute best performance (of course, provided that the cable connecting Ethernet).

Netgear Nighthawk X4: revised version

The rear panel connectors are Nighthawk X4 5-port switch Gigabit Ethernet, power button and switch the LEDs on the front panel.

When I connected with the second Nighthawk X4 same router that is configured as a wireless bridge with a new firmware its capacity has grown by an average of 20% compared with what we saw earlier. But after installing the new firmware on the two routers from ASUS and configure one of them as a bridge, a combined system of ASUS demonstrated performance that is 24% higher performance Netgear.

Disappointing that Nighthawk X4, configured as a bridge, still can not find the SSID routers attached to the client device (one of them was working at 2.4 GHz and the other at 5 GHz). You have to enter this information manually, and if you make a mistake, it is necessary to reset all the settings and start all over again. Touch screen user interface ASUS RT-AC87U, and the router will find one and all SSID, then you only have to choose only the desired item from the list and enter the password. That’s the way it should be.

New firmware Netgear provides an even higher productivity growth compared with what we saw in the previous test when connected via Wi-Fi-adapter 802.11ac with USB. For these tests, I chose adapter ASUS USB-AC56. In such a scenario actually observed a significant increase in performance, however, most of its growth has fallen short distances (when the client device was at 3 and 6 meters from the router).

Netgear Nighthawk X4: revised version

When connected via Wi-Fi-adapter with USB interface 802.11ac new firmware Netgear provides an even higher productivity growth.

Interestingly, the ASUS RT-AC87U with the new firmware in two bandwidth tests, in contrast, fell, and in the tests at long range fell by almost half. On average, according to the results of testing in this scenario Nighthawk X4 was slightly ahead (4%) of its competitor.

Performance 802.11n network at 5 GHz

If your portable computer does not have built-in adapter 802.11ac, and you do not plan on buying it, perhaps you will be interested to learn how to work with 802.11ac router adapter 802.11n. In this test, I have been involved dual band adapter Intel Centrino Ultimate-N, built-in gaming notebook AVADirect, which I use for testing routers.

With the new firmware Nighthawk X4 performance in the most difficult test (for the organization of communication with home theater) at 5 GHz decreased. Although the client device closer to the router, then when it is placed in my home office, the signal on the way to the customer had to overcome more walls and insulation levels. When running the test elsewhere to improve or maintain performance at a constant level.

New firmware ASUS also proved to be slower than in the previous test. In the kitchen, the gap was minimal, but at longer distances, it increased. However, RT-AC87U with the new firmware generally run faster than Nighthawk X4 with new software code.

Performance 802.11n network at 2.4 GHz

The usefulness of this test is possible to argue because people are actively switching to standard 802.11ac, featuring higher performance. But, looking around your own home, I was surprised to find how many surveillance cameras and other devices are still connected to the network 802.11n 2.4 GHz.

Perhaps this figure looks even more interesting to others, because thanks to the new firmware performance Nighthawk X4 increased significantly (except for data transmission over long distances), while the firmware update ASUS, on the other hand, led to a serious reduction in the rate of RT-AC87U.

Performance with NAS

The New firmware provided a substantial increase in speed of operation both reading and writing. Given the fact that the router Nighthawk X4 is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and one port eSATA, I decided to make important changes in the testing procedure. Previously, the files were transferred to the client PC via network cable with a mechanical hard drive with an interface USB 3.0. Now, however, I decided instead of a mechanical hard drive to use the solid-state drive with an interface USB 3.0.

The first thing I check how much time it will take to copy a collection of small files, totaling 10 GB SSD portable device in my desktop PC through a router Nighthawk X4 firmware that was used in the first review. Next, the same operation was carried out with a file size of 10 GB. The first two tests were tests “read” because the files were transferred to a portable SSD solid state drive on a desktop PC. In tests “on the record” the same files are copied to the solid state drive back to the desktop portable solid state drive connected to the router.

As can be seen from the chart, the new firmware Netgear really gives certain advantages in this area, especially in terms of the execution speed of write operations. But, in general, my opinion of NAS devices has changed. If they have for you is really important, the dedicated NAS device will be a better alternative.

Is it worth buying?

One of the distinguishing features of the router “second wave» Netgear Nighthawk X4 and ASUS RT-AC87U is the support of multi-technology MIMO, allowing the router to simultaneously serve multiple clients (simultaneously serve more than one client can all modern routers, but they give each client only of their attention, and then move on to the next cycle of the client).

But immediately after the appearance of the two routers on the market technology MU-MIMO are not supported. When this feature in the next firmware update finally included, support for MU-MIMO still does not bode well, in that case, if it is not supported by the client device. Given how the curve of the portable computer market behind the timing of the most modern equipment, it is unlikely in the near future is to wait for the embedded adapters Wi-Fi 802.11ac in laptops.

Given all this, after installing the new firmware and the observed productivity growth I have every right to increase the score Nighthawk X4 from 2.5 to 3.5 stars. New firmware ASUS RT-AC87U helped this device to save the title of the fastest current router. Let’s see what happens when I’m testing another batch.

Netgear Nighthawk X4 (model R7500)

Pluses:

• Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS);

• support for four spatial streams (4×4);

• the presence of two USB 3.0 ports and port eSATA.

Disadvantages:

• Router ASUS RT-AC87U, working together with a bridge 802.11ac standard is still much faster;

• support for MU-MIMO technology has yet to organize (the same applies to the device ASUS).

Findings

The new firmware has significantly changed my opinion of the router Netgear Nighthawk X4. This product was actually launched on the market in the unfinished version. Fortunately, the firmware can be rewritten. And if you bought the device R7500, before taking it to a service center, make sure that the changed firmware.

Price: $ 280.

Rating: 3.5

Source: Netgear

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Home networks have become a familiar attribute for most PC users. The number of devices that help connect to the Internet is constantly growing, improving their technical characteristics and ease of use. More and more people are starting to take up the wireless network, and, of course, to use modern routers and access points.

Models much as expensive, and not very much. The market continues to evolve and there are new players, one of which we have decided to introduce you.

Company TOTOLINK came to Russia recently, although its production has long been popular around the world. The range is wide – from the most advanced wireless router with support for 802.11ac until very inexpensive access points.

This time for testing we were given just two devices – wireless router N300RT & portable hotspot iPuppy 3. Let’s look at them more closely.

TOTOLINK N300RT router comes in a relatively small cardboard box, decorated in traditional black and blue of colors. Options pleased – it includes the device itself, power adapter, network cable RJ-45, CD-ROM with software and manual, quick setup guide in Russian, warranty card, leaflet and a special stencil, which helps to quickly mark the point for drilling wall installation. Frankly, with so we meet for the first time.

The main body material – matt white plastic, complete with a small black insert sotdelkoy under the brushed aluminum. It looks very good, build quality is also not raise any problems.

Next to the blue insert has eight indicators, and they do not stand out, prosvechivaya through the plastic top panel. Interestingly enough cool internal implemented – if the natural flow of air is not enough, it is possible to raise the decorative cover, under which there is a number of additional holes. An interesting solution, before we have not seen such.

The manufacturer has provided an opportunity to both horizontal installation of the device (for example, on a table), and its wall mount. The rear panel includes one input for an external connection (WAN) and four ports for use with the internal network. There is also a power switch, which is certainly convenient.

On the front side is available only Knop responsible for WPS and reset to the original settings.

Mounted on a card controller Realtek RTL8196E has five outputs. One of them is designed to work with an external network, and four – to work with local. RTL8192E wireless controller supports data transfer rates of up to 300 Mbit / s at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An interesting feature is support for PAS, which is able to assess the workload of Wi-Fi channel and automatically selects a free, thereby increasing the speed of the wireless connection.

When working on the Wi-Fi 802.11n router makes data transfer rate of about 67.5 Mbit / s, which can be called a good result, especially considering the workload of the 2.4 GHz band.

The menu is quite simple and quite logical, it contains tips for inexperienced users, and to the quality of the localization of any claims do not arise. Any changes you happen almost instantaneously, which can not but rejoice. Supports IPTV.

Running the router does not cause any difficulties even for the inexperienced user. Master quick settings will quickly establish a connection to the Internet, although this applies only to the basic settings. But the “advanced” users have a place to roam – you can configure “under him” almost everything.

Now let’s look at the access point TOTOLINK iPuppy 3. packed it for the glory, the assembly is also not let us down – the only thing missing is an external power adapter. There are only a cable with microUSB, which allows power the device from a laptop or PC.

Case dimensions do not exceed a pack of cigarettes, appearance is also quite nice. Connectors a bit – all that is available to the user, it RG45 and microUSB for external power. Placed at the end of the toggle switch operating modes (Access Point / Repeater to extend the wireless network). There are the usual button WPS, combined with Reset.

The antenna is built in, its gain is 2dBi. The access point operates in the 2.4 GHz band, with a maximum data rate of 150 Mbit / s.

One of the interesting features include the possibility of work in repeater mode, which allows to significantly expand the coverage of the existing wireless network. To connect to the Internet are used the most popular protocols – DHCP, PPPoE and Static IP.

Management occurs using a proprietary web localized shell. Configuring and Debugging does not cause any inconvenience; everything is fast and easy. iPuppy 3 has flexible settings and filters IP, MAC and URL. It also supports the ability to create up to three guest SSID with different parameters.

Having considered the two devices manufactured by TOTOLINK, we came to the conclusion that the quality stuff does not necessarily have to be exorbitant cost – even in the public sector there are manufacturers that can provide the user with a finished product that has excellent functionality at a very reasonable price.

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Router TP-LINK Archer C2 – one of the most affordable devices with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 ac in the line producer. Working in two frequency bands, the router has a total bandwidth of 733 Mbit / s, and subject to the availability of gigabit LAN-ports and one USB, before us is one of the most affordable options for building a modern home network.

TP-LINK Archer C2 comes cardboard box, decorated similarly to other products of the brand. In it you will find: Archer C2, two detachable antennas with a gain of 5 dBi power adapter cable Ethernet, CD with software and documentation.

Design, connectors

Relatively already sells equipment TP-LINK, Archer C2 looks pretty cool, it does not look like older brothers Archer C5 and C7. The upper part of the body has a slightly curved profile, a design course allows the router to look thinner than it actually is. The upper surface of embossed and glossy, beautifully tapered pattern shimmers in the light, but on such a surface is better visible dust or fingerprints.

Top you can see the silver logo of the manufacturer and the number of point green LED indicates the status of the device.

The rest of the body is made of matt brushed plastic it done a lot of holes for ventilation. At the bottom, you can find service information. All connectors TP-LINK Archer C2 traditionally gathered on the back side.

Between the two RP-SMA antenna connectors can be found socket power supply, the power button on the router with the fixation, one USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet ports LAN (4 pcs.) And WAN, power key Wi-Fi network and paired button WPS / Reset.

Functionality

Router TP-LINK Archer C2 is based on the processor MediaTek MT7620A, running at 600 MHz. He is responsible for the system and the processing of traffic passing through the LAN-ports. The amount of RAM is 64 MB and Flash-storage capacity – 8 MB.

Wireless network standard 802.11 b / g / n 2.4 GHz processor provides MediaTek MT7620A, antennas operate in a MIMO 2 × 2: 2, and the maximum data rate of 300 Mbit / s. Chip MediaTek MT7610E provides network performance 802.11 a / n + ac at a frequency of 5 GHz antenna configuration – MIMO 1 × 1: 1, and the maximum speed can reach 433 Mbit / s.

TP-LINK Archer C2 supports a standard set of security protocols and authorization schemes in networks of providers.

Interface

Corporate Web configuration interface Archer C2 accustomed to other routers TP-LINK. Preferences window is divided into three columns. The first displays the items and sub-menu, the second is tuned in different settings, and the third is collected reference information.

While the router is not enrolled in a broad sell, so the interface is available in English only. On the whole, it contains the usual setting items: general status information, tools for firmware upgrade, configuration backup and restore factory settings. Configure wireless networks each particular range rendered as a separate item. In each of them, you can create one guest Wi-Fi network.

To the USB port, you can connect a printer or storage device to organize network storage, media server or FTP-server. There are parental control and other settings.

In addition, there are mobile apps for Android and iOS . The program allows you to view a list of connected devices to block customers manage parental controls, to produce basic configuration of the router – disable the network, change passwords, reset settings.

Operation

Router TP-LINK Archer C2 was used as the primary network device in a building more than a month. During the operation we did not have claims to the speed and stability of the device. He successfully coped with a constant load, which provided two PCs and three smartphone connected via Wi-Fi.

For measurements we used a laptop Asus ASUSPRO BU201 c Gigabit Ethernet-adapter Intel I218-V and Wi-Fi-module Intel Wireless-AC 7260 (802.11 ac / a / b / g / n, 2,4 + 5 GHz, 2 × 2 , 300/867 Mbit / s).

Test check speed via Ethernet-connection shows almost the maximum for a 100-megabit connection result.

Then we switched to channel Wi-Fi (2,4 GHz) and measured the speed at four points: in close proximity to the router at a distance of 5 meters in the next room separated thin wall in the next room, separated by the same thin wall at a distance of 8 meters, at a distance of 13 meters through the bearing walls and other noise. The first two points fall velocity is practically not observed, it is noticeable at large distances, while maintaining a reasonable data rate.

Network signal at each point of the next expected weakening.

If the farthest point of the laptop demonstrates the unenviable data rate at 20/8 Mbit / s, stationary PC with Wi-Fi module Qualcomm Atheros AR946x (802.11 b / g / n, 2,4 + 5 GHz) and two antennas ( 8 dBi) gives a 57/88 Mbit / s.

In the 5 GHz band, the results are generally similar, with the only difference that ASUSPRO, with the support of Wi-Fi 802.11 ac allows you to get much better results in place of a weak signal, while the wireless module PC without the support of high-speed standard shows a much more modest the result.

Note that due to the greater susceptibility of the 5 GHz waves to physical interference in distant points in the room signal falls more than the 2.4 GHz network, although this does not prevent getting normal results with the appropriate customer equipment.

Results

TP-LINK Archer C2 – wireless router with support for current communications standards and the stated data rate 733 Mbit / s. The device can be attributed to the lower-middle price segment – it is much more attractive than low-end models, although behind his older brother. In terms of equipment Archer C2 looks quite attractive – the buyer receives support Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Gigabit ports for fast wired network and one USB 2.0. At the same hardware base router is not the most advanced, so it can be recommended to build a home network average load, or as a replacement for the older and simpler models.

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Imagine a modern apartment, office or cafe without Wi-Fi coverage is as hard as finding an active person, smartphone, tablet and laptop. But if in your environment yet there are people who still languish without Wi-Fi access to the Internet, then check out our review of inexpensive router Netis WF2411R, as it is one of the best options to get a quality home network (wireless and wire) at minimal cost.

Supplied Netis WF2411R

Netis WF2411R model can only be bought for boxes – miniature size, quiet colors and high-quality textured cardboard will be useful in the economy.

This useful accessory in the department of gift packages may well pull 30$, and here for that amount you get not only the box, but all that’s inside – router, miniature power supply, power cord and instruction manual with warranty card.

Design, connectors Netis WF2411R

From a certain angle router Netis WF2411R reminds compact radio – enough story it on the wall, turn the antenna at a right angle and take a stylized perforations for the speaker. By the way, a pair of mounting holes in the hull attached router, but have to buy screws and screw into the wall yourself.

In metric units square top panel of the router is 133 by 99 mm, a “geek” – it takes about half the 7-inch tablet. Case thickness – 27 mm, weight – 149 grams, then there is really very little router that you can lose on the desktop, accidentally covering his magazine.

Designer operated with only two colors, resulting in top Netis WF2411R black, and the bottom – white. Wherever possible, scattered openings for ventilation, because if the router overheats, it just forget what page or site you are asked to download it. A single antenna can not be removed, but can be inclined at 0, 45 and 90 degrees and rotate the segment width of 180 degrees. The correct position of the antenna can improve network performance, and hence the speed of access to the Internet, so do not be shy to experiment.

The front face is decorated with the logo Netis and secret characters, which together with flashing green lights a little higher prompt any sysadmin is not over whether you have the Internet and how many wires plugged into the router. All the technical side is hidden from the average user on the rear panel, look there is not obligatory. But if you are curious enough, you can find there a connector for the power supply, and service reset button WPS, as well as a row of five network connectors.

In the blue connector router safely insert your cable provider, but four black ports can and should be used to connect equipment that resides in one place. Usually it desktops, media players, game consoles, TVs and other smart devices affordable connector RJ45.

Functionality Netis WF2411R

Detailed specifications can be refined Netis WF2411R on its official website . All you need to know the normal user is placed in one sentence: The router supports Wi-Fi 802.11n in a single 2.4 GHz with a maximum data rate of 150 Mbit / s, and for wired clients are four stomegabitnyh port RJ45.

To start working with the router you need to connect your cable provider to blue port WAN, network cable dock COMPLETE one of the four LAN home computer, then connect the device to the power supply and wait for the initial load. In the main interface window, entitled “Installation Guide” to choose a language, type of Internet connection, as well as the name and password of your wireless network. In this basic setup of the router is finished and you can start surfing the web and other enjoyable activities associated with online.

Interface

More advanced users can click the Advanced button and switch to fine tune where you can adjust all the settings on your machine. For example, select “Status” displays the current information about global and local wireless network segment. The “Network” contains setting items WAN, LAN and IPTV, IP-backup utility for device addresses a specific MAC-address, and selecting operating mode “router” or “bridge.”

In the “Wireless Mode”, you can fine-tune mode and Wi-Fi security network to filter by MAC-address, configure WPS, add up to three guest networks, as well as configure additional parameters including transmit power, as well as get acquainted with the current list customers. Followed by paragraphs and sections of “bandwidth”, “Forwarding”, “Access Control”, “Dynamic DNS”, “Advanced” and “System”.

Operation Netis WF2411R

In this paper, a router Netis WF2411R shows itself very worthy, especially if your ISP provides a quality connection to the global network, and you will not personally torture device to excessive load. In terms of convenience like the compact size, adjustable antenna position and the minimum heating, but the lack of hardware power button and slippery plastic feet slightly surprised.

We tested the router in the usual business center, for which there are several dozen neighboring Wi-Fi networks is the norm rather than the exception. As client device was involved laptop Acer Aspire M3 network adapter Broadcom Netlink BCM57780 (GE) and W-Fi-module Qualcomm Atheros AR9287 (802.11n, 2,4 GHz).

Access speed Netis WF2411R to the Internet when a wired connection was pleasantly surprised, this is one of the highest scores we have received on this channel. Followed by access speed results when tested in three test points: next to him in the next room (through one wall, straight-line distance of 10 m), in a remote room (through two walls, straight-line distance of 20 m).

But looks so obtained by using inSSIDer graph of the signal strength of the above three points. As you can see, even in remote locations allows signal with the Global Network, in addition, we recall that the overall picture depends not only on the router, but also on the quality of Wi-Fi client device path.

Results Netis WF2411R

As a result, we can safely recommend Netis WF2411R as “the first router” for those users who do not want to overpay for advanced features, and wish to obtain a stable working device with a basic set of features. Again, that retail Netis WF2411R costs only 30$, and subject to such ridiculous price tag claim to the device simply inappropriate.

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The company TP-Link has officially unveiled a new application Tether, intended for administration and management of routers TP-Link via mobile devices running iOS and Android.

The main difference from the Tether based on the x86 architecture means WEB-control is compatible with a set of standards for DLNA, which allows users to transfer media stream is connected to the router from USB-drive on the client device.

Tether app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, are running iOS version 5.1 and above, as well as smartphones and tablets that are running Android version 2.3.3 and higher.

The application is available for download in the App Store and Google Play .

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