How to choose access point router for home in 2022?
2022.01.13 / By hqt
Why do you need an access point? It provides wireless internet on all smart devices within an apartment or office. However, more than half of users do not even realize that in addition to the obvious purpose, routers can have a number of useful, convenient and simply interesting functions.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with ten features of an ordinary router that very few people know about.
Changing ranges
Modern routers support two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages and is selected depending on the area of the required coverage and the presence of obstacles in the signal path.
However, if an apartment building has many routers on the same range, they can interfere with neighbouring networks. By experimenting with band switching, you can find the best option for your application. The main condition: is so that the selected range can be supported by receiving devices.
Port Mapping of the access point
Each provider warns about the need to turn off the router during a thunderstorm. However, the user does not always have this opportunity. First of all, the WAN port suffers from overvoltage. If similar trouble has occurred with your access point, you can restore the connection without repair.
In the settings of the router from the computer, reassign the WAN port to one of the free LAN ports. This feature is called mirroring or virtual port in the web interface. Also, using this function, you can switch between several providers without swapping wires.
Traffic optimization of the access point
The QoS or Quality of Service feature allows you to prioritize traffic flows. If the router is loaded with several tasks at the same time, secondary processes such as backups or long-term torrent downloads can take up a large proportion of the traffic.
By manually prioritizing, you can ensure a stable connection to individual devices, or prioritize applications such as video calls in instant messengers or services for watching movies.
Password-free connection
WPS is the ability to connect to the network if you have forgotten your password. Just press the button with the corresponding name on the router and the connected device, and wait for automatic pairing.
However, in some cases, you may need to confirm it in the form of a PIN code, which can be found in the settings of the access point. On some routers, the WPS button can also be used to restart, so look at the press mode in the instructions in advance.
Parental control with the access point
It is a very useful function that will find its application not only in a home with children but also in an office. Depending on the model and brand, this function may have different names: access restriction or access control.
The convenience of the function lies in the ability to simultaneously restrict access to certain resources from all network devices and not to configure each phone, laptop and computer separately. You can also customize the connection schedule for each device.
Mobile Internet through a router
If you have a USB modem from a cellular operator and paid traffic, then you can share it through your home access point router. This function is convenient when providers have technical work or you missed the date of payment for the Internet.
Also, such a tandem will be useful in rural areas or in the country, where stationary networks are rarely laid. To do this, you need to connect the modem to the USB connector of the router and perform simple settings in accordance with the instructions for a specific device.
Writing files to a USB flash drive without a PC
A USB port can be found in the specifications of many modern routers. This means that you can write any files stored on devices connected to the network to a USB flash drive or external drive.
The system also works in the opposite direction: from any computer, laptop or home network phone, you can access the files stored on the media connected to the router.
Torrents without a computer
Some access point routers with USB ports are equipped with an auto-boot function to make your home computer’s life much easier. Download torrents and files directly to any external storage device by turning off your PC after starting the process.
By placing the download overnight, you will save on electricity and avoid the annoying hum of your computer. You can enable this function in the USB port settings of the router.
Connection control
The settings for each router contain a list of connected devices. This is a very useful feature to help identify illegal connections.
Expansion of the coverage area of the access point
Very often, the power of one router may not be enough to fully cover a private house or office space. However, if a second router is available, it can be used as an additional access point. To do this, the access point routers should be connected using a LAN port or via Wi-Fi. The data for connecting to the network will not change.
Is every router capable of this?
Unfortunately no; the functionality of each model depends on the manufacturer, software filling, and technical characteristics. If you have a budget model older than 3 – 5 years, then you should not expect wide functionality from it.
However, in the line of each manufacturer, you can find models with various capabilities that will help simplify the user’s life and provide additional functions in addition to the main one – a stable wireless connection.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi is radio emission. And it, as you know, still affects the body in a certain way. BUT!!! A lot depends on the power. If you are constantly near some powerful industrial source of radiation, you can talk about harm. In the case of a household appliance, it is unlikely.
How to choose an access point router?
When choosing an access point router for your home, pay attention to its power. Sanitary standards recommend using a device with a radiation power of up to 0.19 W / m (0.01 W / cm2) indoors. If the device does not hang at the head of your bed, there is no need to talk about any harm.
You need to choose according to the price. The more expensive the better
No. Price is by no means a fundamental factor. When choosing a device from a “promoted” manufacturer, you often pay for the brand. If you try, you can find a more affordable alternative. When choosing a Wi-Fi router, first of all, look not at the price, but at the characteristics:
Support for 5 and 2.4 GHz bands. But keep in mind that at 5 GHz the wavelength is shorter and the waves decay faster.
The radius of action: There are complex formulas for an accurate calculation, which take into account signal attenuation, the influence of electromagnetic radiation from other devices, etc.
