WLAN Optimizer is a utility for optimizing the performance of a Wi-Fi connection. Choosing a Wi-Fi router - Rating of the best models for the home Buying removable antennas with high gain
In this article, I will try to answer a very popular question, which in most cases is difficult to even explain. People often write to me in the comments about some problem with Wi-Fi, I read the question several times, but I can’t understand anything. And to answer the question, I answer with several questions to understand what the problem is and clarify necessary information. Let's talk today about the unstable operation of the Internet when connected via Wi-Fi.
Let's try to figure out what exactly this connection instability is, what the problem might be, and what can be done to solve problems with wireless network.
There are times when the Internet does not work as it should. For example, you connected the Internet to your computer via a network cable. We bought and installed a wireless router, and began connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi. And they began to notice that the Internet was not working properly, it was constantly cutting out, the speed was low, etc.
I’ll probably now highlight problems that can be attributed to unstable operation of the wireless network. This way, it will be easier for us to navigate the problem itself and a possible solution.
- Frequent connection interruptions. For example, you connected a smartphone, and after a while it turns off by itself. Or a laptop that constantly disconnects and connects. I've seen cases where the connection was lost for a few seconds and was immediately restored. This is not always noticeable, but if you have Skype installed, its connection status is constantly changing. Or a yellow icon appears next to the connection icon. Here is another article on this issue: ““.
- Low internet connection speed, or speed spikes when connected via Wi-Fi. It may be that, for example, during the day the speed is normal, but in the evening it drops significantly (if connected via cable, the speed is always stable).
- Unstable Wi-Fi connection. This can include a large number of connection problems. For example, when a device connects to the network for the second or third time. Or, only in a certain place (for example, near the router, I already wrote about this problem ) .
- When you notice some problems, but not always. For example, the Internet works fine for several days, and then strange problems with Wi-Fi begin again. Or, as I already wrote, everything is fine in the morning, but in the afternoon the connection is unstable.
This list can be continued, but I think the essence is clear. I would just like to exclude from this list popular problems that have their own characteristics and about which separate articles have already been written:
- Error “ ” on computers, or when the connection is on mobile devices is, but .
- Errors on mobile devices: , and " ".
Solving the problem with unstable Wi-Fi
I have some kind of universal solution. And there are no special settings with which you can adjust the stability of operation. You need to try and find a solution. I will give some tips that should help you in this difficult matter.
Reboot your router and laptop (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
This is the first thing to do. Just turn off the power from the router and turn it back on. Also, reboot the device that you are trying to connect to the network, or that is experiencing some problems.
You need to understand what the problem is.
Everything is simple here. We need to find the culprit. This could be either your router or the device itself (computer, smartphone, etc.). How to do this? Just try connecting other devices to your network (preferably those that work on the same operating system) . If the problem persists, then most likely the problem is with the access point. And the problem must be looked for in it.
If another device connects and the Internet works stably, then most likely the problem is in the device itself (with which there were difficulties). I'm already confused.
Make sure the Internet is working directly.
What does direct mean? This is when it is connected without a router. Network cable directly to the computer. Perhaps there are some problems on the provider's side. And you are already torturing your router and other equipment.
Change the channel your wireless network is on.
This is a must! If there is interference on the channel on which your Wi-Fi is operating (in the form of wireless, neighboring networks), then a variety of incomprehensible problems may arise in the operation of your Internet connection, which are even difficult to explain. Read the article on how to change the channel. This is probably the most important and effective advice.
We update the software on the router.
Afterword
If nothing works, write about your problem in the comments. Try to describe the problem in as much detail as possible. We'll figure it out together.
If you have anything to add to the article, I will be only grateful. Best wishes!
How to optimize your Wi-Fi connection? You can call your provider or raise your laptop higher, but how effective is this? Still, there are more rational and proven ways to improve Wi-Fi performance, and one of them is the utility WLAN Optimizer.
What can WLAN Optimizer do? In general, a lot. Disables constant background scanning of available wireless networks, reducing delays in the Wi-Fi connection. In this case, the program optimizes the connection immediately after loading Windows OS in automatic mode.
Who do we recommend downloading WLAN Optimizer for PC first? First of all, for those users who often play online games or watch streaming videos. If you often notice lags or video playback with delays, you can add this utility to your collection of programs. You definitely won't regret it!
The WLAN Optimizer program contains the following settings:
- Disable background search and disable auto-tuning. In the first case, you can disable search without administrator rights; in the second, you will still need them.
- Activation of streaming mode. If this feature is supported by the driver, administrator rights are not required.
- Naturally, you can choose which settings to disable and which to leave. But we recommend running (at least for the first time) the WLAN Optimizer utility with automatic settings.
A strong and respected tradition has developed among subscribers of Belarusian providers - in any incomprehensible situation when the speed or stability of the Internet connection deteriorates, blame the operators. However, not many people know that sometimes problems with network access via Wi-Fi can be caused due to certain specifics of the home router.
The site has prepared a small FAQ to make your online experience more comfortable.
Long gone are the days when you could only access the World Wide Web from a desktop computer. Now many families have not only a regular PC in their home, but also tablets, laptops, smart TVs, not to mention smartphones, and each of these gadgets is usually connected to the network via Wi-Fi.
Note that most subscribers prefer to use the router provided upon connection and do not see the point in additionally customizing the device “for themselves.” Often, it is because of this decision that subscribers begin to have questions like “Why is my Internet speed low?” and “The provider promised me N Mbit/s, but where are they?”
Note that there are cases when low speed and connection interruptions should be blamed on the providers, but before calling support, you should read our short educational program, perhaps it will help you get back the “lost” megabits per second.
The first symptoms that make you think about using your wireless network correctly are:
Your device sometimes connects to Wi-Fi, sometimes it doesn’t, and interruptions occur unexpectedly and without any logic.
The speed of downloading content over Wi-Fi is extremely low, even if the data is loaded via local network or the provider's internal resources.
Wi-Fi disappears in a certain place, and sometimes it is near the router.
The results for increasing the speed of Wi-Fi access are shown using the example of an Internet connection from Atlant Telecom, using the Akado speed test.
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In a typical apartment in a multi-storey building, the Wi-Fi connection speed may often not reach that stated by the provider due to various nuances. For example, with a connection speed of 100 Mbit per second for Atlant Telecom’s internal resources, users receive about 28 Mbit per second. |
Choosing a location for the router
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The first thing you need to consider when choosing a location is the thickness, position and number of walls through which the Wi-Fi signal will pass. In addition, any pieces of furniture placed between the router and your gadgets will create additional interference due to which the signal will be weak.
Therefore, try to place your “Internet distributor” in the center of the apartment, for example, in the corridor, and in an elevated place.
Setting up a free channel
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To select the best communication channel, you can use the application, which allows you to perform a quick Wi-Fi network scan.
To switch your router to the desired channel, you need to go to the device settings menu. If you are using a router issued by your provider, then you can find out all the details of the settings using these links: Beltelecom, Atlant Telecom, Cosmos TV. Note that in the menu you need to find the Wireless section, in which, in the Channel properties, remove Auto and select the number of the desired channel.
Installing an external Wi-Fi adapter
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By installing an external adapter, you can increase the signal reception level several times. In addition, this device will provide increased signal penetration, making Internet access possible despite heavy ceilings and concrete walls.
Note that an additional advantage of the external adapter is that it can be taken out on a USB extension cable to a place where the reception will be more stable or strong; usually even 1-2 meters is enough.
Replacing a standard router with a two-antenna model
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When choosing a router with two antennas, one will work for signal transmission, the second will work for reception, thanks to which the device can separate streams and maintain maximum speed.
If your home devices support signal reception at a frequency of 5 GHz (this is indicated in technical specifications gadget), then you can purchase a two-antenna router capable of transmitting a signal in 2 bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Unlike conventional routers that transmit at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, this model is capable of distributing the Internet on 19 channels (at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, devices broadcast on 13 channels), while all these 5 GHz channels are usually free.
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When using the router at 5 GHz, we saw that all 19 signal channels were free, which means there was no additional interference from neighbors’ devices. Connection speed - 82 Mbit/s. |
Connecting an Ethernet cable
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As an IT journalist who has worked for many years in an editorial office testing various hardware, including network hardware, I can say that there is one thing we practically cannot find out during tests. It is impossible to seriously check the stability of a Wi-Fi router during constant use.
Tests and measurements will show the speed and coverage provided, they can reveal vulnerabilities, it will be possible to find out whether the router is convenient to configure and whether a cat can sleep on it, but how stable it will be, working 365/24/7, it will not be possible to find out, simply because there are so many tests don't last.
I've had my fill of some ZyXEL routers that managed to freeze several times a day, and returning home began, each time, with a power cut. It was especially annoying that I now have four routers; they need to cover several floors of the house and provide roaming between floors. Having eaten my fill of zuhels, I switched to Netgear, and until recently I quietly used the WNR-3500L as my main one, it worked for about three years without a single glitch. An extremely stable piece of hardware.
Then I found a Netgear WNDR4000 on the shelf and configured it as the main one (channel reception, DHCP and IP assignment via MAC, DMZ, etc. The point is not that I was no longer satisfied with the incoming router, but that the “wonderful” specialists - the installers decided for some reason that the problem of the lack of Internet on the day the new provider arrived was in my router (which was not the case). As a result, after working for a little less than six months, WNDR4000 began to deliver.
When returning home, the first thing I do is not take off my shoes and undress, but go from my iPhone to 10.0.0.1 and perform a restart so that the Internet returns. And this is sad, because I may not be able to reach my home network at the right time when .
Question for you. What Wi-Fi routers do you use in the “install once and no more problems” mode? Which one is the most stable on the market? A separate question for Mac users: what do you think about Apple routers?
Assortment Wi-Fi router ov is increasing every day. If your eyes run wild in the store and you don’t know which model to buy, then this article is especially for you. Below I will tell you how to choose the right router for your apartment to suit your needs. And also you will find a rating of the most best models 2019.
Popular manufacturers of Wi-Fi routers
There are many popular, and not so popular, router manufacturing companies. We will not list them all here, but will highlight only the main manufacturers who consistently produce new models for our market.
It is immediately worth noting that each manufacturer produces models in different price category. Therefore, first you need to decide on a budget, and only then choose a device.
1.TP-LINK
A popular manufacturer of computer and telecommunications equipment. They are very popular in our market due to their relatively low price, good build quality and materials. Personally, I recommend choosing a router from the range of this brand. As a rule, they serve for quite a long time (mine lasted more than 3 years) without breakdowns or failures.
2.ASUS
Manufacturing company computer equipment and its components. The routers of this company are distinguished by their high price and corresponding quality. Cheap models can be counted on one hand, but they also mostly have positive reviews buyers.
3.D-LINK
Popular manufacturer of network equipment. The product range includes a large number of routers of various price categories. The company specializes exclusively in network technologies, therefore it produces only high-quality products in its segment.
4.ZyXEL
A large Taiwanese company producing network equipment. The production of routers is one of the main directions of the company. Prices for the company's equipment vary markedly. There are models for budget buyers, and there are models for people with an unlimited budget.
5.Huawei
A rapidly growing Chinese company that occupies one of the leading positions in its industry. Now the company is actively developing the production of network equipment. Customer reviews of the products are mostly positive.
We will not dwell long on choosing a manufacturer. In any case, there is no point in arguing which brand is better. You need to choose among specific models that suit your budget and characteristics. You can compare the best router models in the table below.
Choosing a router for your home. What should you pay attention to?
Each device is designed for specific purposes and tasks. If you are buying a router for the first time, it is important to correctly evaluate the characteristics of the device so that they match your requirements. Below we will write a specific list of characteristics that will help you choose the best router for your home or office.
Wan port type
The most important thing is the WAN port. This characteristic is indicated on all models. It depends on your Internet, so it is important not to make a mistake when choosing this option, otherwise the router simply will not suit you. There are three main types:
- Ethernet- this is a standard connection type that is available on almost all modern Wi-Fi routers. If the Internet in your home is connected via a network cable (not via a telephone), then this type of connection is suitable for you.
- ADSL modem- These are routers that connect to a telephone cable. Please note: if you already have a regular ADSL modem at home, then you can buy a standard router that is equipped with an Ethernet port (it can be connected via an old modem).
- 3G/4G routers- provide distribution of Wi-Fi signal from a USB modem. If you need a modem that supports this function, look in the port characteristics for the inscription: USB 3G/4G.
Wi-Fi signal speed
This is one of the most important characteristics that you need to pay attention to first. As a rule, most cheap routers (up to 1000 rubles) can provide speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s. If you expect to use Wi-Fi on 1-2 devices, then this speed will be quite enough.
I recommend paying attention to models in the price category of 1,500 rubles and above. Such devices will give Wi-Fi speed>300 Mbit/s. You can connect multiple devices at the same time, and the connection will not be interrupted or freeze.
Wireless capabilities also play an important role. Depending on the price category of the models, we recommend choosing the following standards:
- 802.11n- if the router is in the price category up to 2000 rubles.
- 802.11ac- if the router is of average price or higher.
Wi-Fi frequency
Most modern routers support two signal frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Due to the rapid spread of Wi-Fi in all apartments and offices, the 2.4 GHz frequency range quickly filled up, so the signal transmission speed may suffer.
The newer 5 GHz band provided owners of new routers with a free frequency, and as a result fast internet without interference. Therefore, if you have the funds to purchase a router with a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, we recommend choosing this option.
There are also dual-band routers that support two frequencies simultaneously. But such models, as a rule, cost a little more.
Router power and range
This is also a fairly important question, especially if you have a large apartment or country house.
As a rule, the operating range of the router model is not indicated in the specifications. And this is understandable, because this characteristic is influenced by a large number external factors, which differ for each buyer (wall thickness, type of walls, congestion of the frequency range and other interference).
But how then to choose a Wi-Fi router for a large room?
- Number of antennas. As a rule, the presence of two or three antennas greatly enhances the signal and increases the range of the router. On expensive models, the presence of 3 or more antennas affects the signal transmission speed rather than the radius.
- Antenna power. We recommend choosing models that have antennas with a power of 5dBi or more.
- User reviews. Most often in the comments, users cite real examples. You can compare them with your room and choose the right model.
If you still can’t cover the whole room with one router, then it’s better to buy an additional one.
Rating of the best routers for 2019
| Category | Name | Rating (based on user reviews) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best cheap routers | 4.6 / 5 | 1 200 ₽ | |
| 4.6 / 5 | 1,050 RUR | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | 1,080 RUR | ||
| 4.6 / 5 | 1,080 RUR | ||
| The best routers at an average price | 4.5 / 5 | 1,750 RUR | |
| 4.9 / 5 | 4,650 RUR | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | RUR 3,130 | ||
| The best premium routers | 4.5 / 5 | RUB 15,590 | |
| 4.6 / 5 | 7,580 RUR | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | 6,050 ₽ |
The best routers according to user reviews
ASUS RT-N12
This router belongs to the line of “affordable” models from Asus. Designed for use in an apartment (2 or 3 rooms) or a small office. Thanks to two powerful external antennas, it provides high speed data transfer. ASUS RT-N12 will be enough if you like to watch movies and videos in high quality, or play online games.
Setting up the router takes a few minutes. After completing all the steps in the “setup wizard”, the router will be ready to distribute a Wi-Fi signal. Overall speed Signal transmission can reach 300 Mbit/s.
Advantages of the router according to user reviews :
- Installation and configuration is quite easy.
- Two powerful adjustable antennas that provide good signal coverage.
- Maximum signal transmission speed: 300 Mbit/s.
Flaws :
- Not identified.
TP-link TL-WR841N
A reliable device for creating wired and wireless connection networks in an apartment or small office. Excellent signal transmission quality is provided by two external antennas. The data transfer speed reaches 300 Mbit/s.
The router complies with the 802.11n standard, but at the same time, is backward compatible with devices with 802.11b/g standards. The functions of parental control, virtual server and quick protection will expand the boundaries of Internet use.
Advantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :
- Strong signal. Two powerful antennas can transmit data over a distance of more than 100m.
- Quick setup using the Easy Setup Assistant program.
- Beautiful, streamlined body shape.
Disadvantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :
- Not identified.
Zyxel Keenetic Start
Wireless router Zyxel Keenetic Start great option to create a network in an apartment or office. With its help, you can combine all your existing devices (tablet, laptop, phone) into your home network. The maximum data transfer speed is 150 Mbit/s. This will be enough for watching movies, downloading large files and playing online games.
This router allows you to create guest networks. Therefore, you do not need to give your network login and password to your friends and acquaintances every time. Due to its compactness, the device can be located anywhere in the apartment.
Pros of the router :
- A reliable and stable router that works for a long time without interruptions.
- Convenient control, quick setup.
- Compact sizes.
Cons :
- One external antenna, which is why the signal is not strong enough.
D-link DIR-615
A simple router that provides wireless connection speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Installation and configuration of the router is carried out in a matter of minutes, thanks to the built-in setup wizard. Update software occurs automatically from the D-Link update server.
The device allows you to create a guest network in which you can limit the speed of Wi-Fi and access to your home network. D-link DIR-615 is also equipped with a special button to turn the router on/off. Now, when leaving home, you will not need to unplug the device from the outlet.
Pros :
- Wi-Fi speed up to 300 Mbps.
- Wireless capabilities 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b.
- Quick installation, convenient setup.
- There is an on/off button.
Cons :
- It gets hot during prolonged use.
TP-link TL-MR3420
The router allows you to set up a high-speed connection Wi-Fi networks by pressing one button. Two powerful external antennas provide a stable signal with a speed of 300 Mbps.
This router is compatible with 3G modems. Now you can connect to Wi-Fi in places where 3G/3.75G networks are available.
:
- You can connect a USB modem.
- Large range due to powerful antennas (more than 100 meters).
- Quick installation and connection.
- Doesn't cut speed.
- Good quality.
Flaws :
- Not identified.
MikroTik RB951G-2HnD
Powerful wireless router with built-in antenna. The maximum data transfer speed is 300 Mbit/s. If the Wi-Fi signal is direct, then the speed of the RB951G-2HnD practically does not slow down. The device is equipped with 5 Ethernet and 1 USB port.
MikroTik RB951G-2HnD allows the user to connect several providers at the same time, limit Internet access by IP address, organize an access point, and much more. Setup and installation are very simple; you can configure it via the web interface or the Winbox program.
Advantages according to user reviews :
- The built-in antenna has a large range.
- There is practically no reduction in speed.
- Quick setup via the Web interface or using the program.
- Speed Wi-Fi signal up to 300 Mbit/s
- High build quality.
Flaws .
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