Internet centers Zyxel Keenetic Viva and Keenetic Extra. Connecting to a provider via a wireless Wi-Fi network. We analyze user reviews
How often do you use the Internet at home? It seems that the question is completely out of place, it is almost impossible to imagine a modern person without a smartphone connected to the network. However, at home, you want high speed, which allows you to download large files, while spending a minimum amount of time. Routers come to the rescue and today we have a review of the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III, which will provide your home with fast Internet and protect users from unwanted content. Let's take a closer look at this device.
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G II review
Contents of delivery
The device comes in a compact blue and white package where you can find all the necessary information. At the time of writing the review, the average cost of the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III, according to the YandexMarket service, was approximately 2,000 rubles. Package Included:
- Router ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III
- Power adapter
- Operation book
- Warranty card
Characteristics
- Processor - MT7628N 575/580 MHz
- Wireless standard - 802.11n, frequency 2.4 GHz
- MIMO support
- Max. wireless connection speed - 300 Mbps
- Information security - WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x
- Switch - 2xLAN
- Port speed - 100 Mbps
- Repeater (repeater) mode
- Number of USB 2.0 Type A connectors - 1
- Guest network
- IPv6 support
- Firewall (FireWall)
- DHCP server
- Dynamic DNS support
- VPN pass through support
- Support for VPN tunnels
- PPTP support
- L2TP support
- IPSec support
- Number of external antennas - 2 x 5 dBi
- Web interface
- Telnet support
- The amount of RAM - 64 MB
- Flash memory size - 8 MB
- Ability to connect 3G/WiMAX/LTE modem
- Support IEEE 802.1q (VLAN)
- Flash memory
- Dimensions (WxHxD) - 140x30x110 mm
- Weight - 170 g
Appearance
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III received a compact size and is made of black plastic. The build quality is pleasing.On the front panel of the device there are four illuminated symbols that indicate the status and mode of operation of the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III.
On the top edge of the router is a Wi-Fi control button (WPS/on/off). Here you can also see information about the capabilities of ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III.
On the bottom of the device are two rubber feet and two clips for hanging on the wall. The center contains all the necessary information about setting up the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III.
On the rear panel of the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III, there are all the connectors necessary for operation: Internet, Home Network, USB, Reset, power. All connectors are signed and highlighted in a separate color, which allows even the most inexperienced users not to make a mistake.
On the side faces are ventilation holes in a pixel design. Directional-adjustable antennas are also fixed here.
Generally speaking, ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III received a nice design that will be able to fit into the interior of any workspace.
Setup and functionality
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III is powered by an energy-efficient Mediatek MT7628N (575 MHz) processor in one tandem with operating system NDMS 2. This processor has already shown itself on the good side.In addition, it should be noted that the device can be managed and configured using a free mobile application, which allows even the most inexperienced users to quickly and easily set up the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III
The mobile application allows you to remotely control the ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III and configure all the necessary settings.
The router settings menu is divided into many tabs, which makes it possible to more carefully approach all settings.
The mobile application has the ability to quickly configure the Internet, which greatly simplifies most tasks.
ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III also supports USB modems, which allows you to use this router in your office. This feature allows you to minimize the cost of the Internet, and leave the same speed.
Speed tests
The data rate of LAN shows higher results than LAN-WAN. However, despite this, it remains very high and will be enough to work in the networks of our providers. The speed is approximately 150 Mbps. Given that most providers do not provide users with Internet speeds above 100 Mbps, ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III will be the perfect solution for your home.Results for ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III
Summing up, it should be said that a high connection speed will allow you not to think about anything. An excellent security system that will be able to protect your children from various banners with obscene content, thanks to the "Safe Internet" setting, which allows separate filtering of connected devices. The ability to manage ZyXEL Keenetic 4G III using a mobile application opens up new opportunities for users. In addition, it should be noted that you can automatically restart the USB modem if it, in turn, freezes. You can also install new updates using a mobile application and do it remotely. All this for a small cost. The choice is yours, we can only show and tell.It just so happened that I'm a complete teapot in routers. In my entire life, I have only had four routers: some old Asus, a branded Stream router, an Apple Time Capsule, and Xiaomi Mi Router 3. I still use the latter. Therefore, I ask you to excuse me in advance if some moments of the presentation are not covered in sufficient detail. By the way, I tried for a long time to remember why I associate Zyxel with Masyanya. It turned out that they somehow had a joint promotion.
Why did the separation happen?
The fact is that Keenetic was originally an enthusiastic line in the Zyxel lineup, and over time, Zyxel's priorities diverged more and more from Keenetic's goals, as a result, the companies decided to split up. Now it's two separate legal entities with your products. The warranty obligations of current Zyxel Keenetic routers now lie with Keenetic.
Changes in the lineup
If earlier all the names of routers were in the Zyxel Keenetic Giga III format, now they decided to abandon the numbers. Formally, any generation will be called simply Keenetic Giga and have its own article number (KN-1787, for example). I consider this decision unsuccessful, because the end buyer will not know which generation of the router he is buying, and the cunning seller will always be able to sell him an older model.
Single Band Routers
An interesting thing, my last two routers are dual-band, and being aloof from the router market, I assumed that almost all models also work in both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. At the presentation, Keenetic shared an interesting infographic: despite the steady growth of dual-band models, they still occupy less than a quarter of the market!
After such spectacular analytics, you can safely imagine four models of single-band routers at once :)
Key changes in new Start and 4G - new design and two additional LAN ports. Keenetic notes that Start is the most affordable router on the market with Multi-WAN support, and 4G supports about 67 different LTE modems.
Dual Band Fast Ethernet
Another interesting fact- most users do not particularly need "gigabit" Ethernet, because few providers provide speeds above 100 Mbps, and so far there is no particular need for such speeds.
In general, the slide below is very revealing. Pay attention to how the share of "gigabit" routers decreases every quarter. It seems to me that this is due not so much to the needs of users, but to the savings of producers.
Keenetic explains that the presence of a "gigabit" port automatically entails the replacement of the chipset, and this already affects the final cost of the device.
Dual Band Gigabit Ethernet
And here are the latest, coolest and most sophisticated routers without compromise. Here you have "gigabit" Ethernet, and USB ports for various tasks, and many other interesting features.
New web interface
Keenetic also announced an update to their web interface. I must say that it looks quite fresh and modern. The presentation talked about how you can add settings for multiple providers, set up a guest network, work with VPN and torrents, and perform a bunch of other actions. The new interface will also be available for current routers, starting with those that were released in black (2013).
Of the interesting possibilities, I note automatic update router firmware. Keenetic separately noted that this only sounds like another feature, but in fact, the actual updates in automatic mode will allow users not to worry about current open vulnerabilities. Interesting statistics - previously only 10% of users had latest version firmware on your devices.
Mobile app
There is also a separate mobile application for routers, with its help you can perform the basic functions of working with a router: checking statistics, setting up access for devices, and much more.
Some personal impressions
After the presentation, I took time out for a day and tried one of the new "kinetics" to form my own impression of the company. I had a GIGA model in my hands. As a lazy user, I installed a mobile application and wanted to configure the router through it. To connect to the router, just scan the QR code on the router case, and then the settings window will open. My ISP does not support automatic settings, so I had to enter the IP address and DNS manually. The rest of the setup was simple and straightforward.
It can be seen that the application is made with care for a variety of users. On the one hand, it is very simple and understandable, and on the other hand, if you delve into the settings, you can configure almost every sneeze. After Xiaomi with their semi-Chinese app, GIGA and MyKeenetic feel very different.
Conclusion
As far as I understand, the separation of Keenetic from Zyxel is just an opportunity for the company to do what they like, without the influence of the main brand. Judging by the novelties presented, the company is serious, and the continuity in the names tells us that little will change for the end user.
As I wrote above, I have one of the new products in my hands - Keenetic GIGA. After more or less prolonged use, I’ll tell you how the router behaves and what impressions a simple consumer has of it.
At the beginning of 2012, we carried out, which showed decent speed results, while the new generation promises not only an expansion of functionality, but also a significant increase in speed indicators.
Specifications ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II (manufacturer information) | |
---|---|
Products webpage | ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II |
Retail price | From 3.2 thousand rubles |
ethernet | 5 RJ-45 connectors (1000BASE T/100BASE T/10BASE-T) with auto cable type detection |
USB | 2 USB 2.0 Type A |
Antennas | 2 RP-SMA connectors for connecting external Wi-Fi antennas |
Indicators | 7 status indicators |
Wi-Fi control button | There is |
Flexible button (FN) | There is |
Power off button | There is |
Reset user settings button | There is |
Dimensions | 158 x 110 x 32 mm without antennas |
Weight | 0.27 kg without power adapter |
Working temperature range | From 0 to +40 °С |
Relative Humidity | 20 to 95% non-condensing |
Power supply voltage | AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
Web configurator in Russian | There is |
Command line (CLI) over TELNET | There is |
Ability to manage from an external network (web configurator / CLI) | There is |
Configuration backup and restore | There is |
Software Feature Update | There is |
System log | There is |
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Internal organization
Of course, we got to the insides of the router, by the way, it was quite simple: you need to unscrew the two self-tapping screws accessible from the bottom side and carefully press the latches on the front of the device. Opening the case, getting the board is not difficult. If in the first generation, when disassembling, it was necessary to carefully monitor the buttons that could fall out and get lost, then there is no such problem here.
Keenetic Giga II board
Keenetic Giga II board
Front side of the board
Bottom side of the board
The hardware of the new series is based on the 700 MHz MediaTek RT6856 processor, we recall that the first generation used the MediaTek RT3052 platform, 320 MHz. The differences between the models within the line are in the amount of memory, the speed of the Ethernet switch and the wireless Wi-Fi network. The Ultra version has a 300+450Mbps dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11n hotspot operating at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Keenetic II and Giga II received a proven and quite up-to-date solution in the form of a 300-megabit 2T2R 802.11n radio interface for the 2.4 GHz band. The table below shows the differences between the models of the new line.
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Setup and administration
As we mentioned earlier, there are two ways to configure the novelty: a web interface and a CLI interface, NetFriend, familiar to many, is now available not as a separate application, but as a configuration wizard within the web interface.
To access the Keenetic Giga II interface, go to http://192.168.1.1. when you first log in, the setup wizard will automatically start, in which you can set a password for accessing the interface and set all the necessary parameters.
Functionally, in the second generation of the firmware, quite a lot of changes took place, such features as support for backup Internet connections, the ability to connect a VPN to access corporate and home networks, support for IPv6, which is gaining momentum, and many other features appeared. Of course, the ability to create a guest network is supported, which has Internet access, but no access to the local network. There are options for sharing a USB-connected drive using FTP and CIFS protocols, as well as using the built-in DLNA server and the Transmission torrent client, and the speed limit of 1 MB / s is now raised to 5 MB / s by default, if necessary, you can set and higher speed. Note that you can connect USB hubs to USB ports and combine disks, modems and printers. Of the interesting features, we note the possibility of simultaneously connecting via Wi-Fi to a provider and working in access point mode.
So that you can evaluate the capabilities of Keenetic Giga II and get acquainted with the web interface, we provide screenshots of all its pages below. Click on the picture to enlarge.
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Command line interface
Keenetic Giga II supports command line configuration. To access this interface, you need to go to its address, for example, through Putty. The command syntax will not cause problems for those who are familiar with network equipment, and it can be called quite logical and understandable, reminiscent of the CLI interface of Cisco equipment.
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Testing
We tested the novelty on our test bench, evaluating throughput routing with a wired connection, and we also evaluated the speed of the wireless interface. We did not pass by the NAS functionality that the new generation of Keenetic suggests, but first things first.
For testing, we used a stand from the following platforms:
In addition to two stationary platforms, the ASUS ZenBook Prime UX31E ultrabook participated in the tests, in which we used the built-in Wi-Fi adapter to test the speed of the wireless network, as well as external adapters with a USB interface.
Routing testing
The first thing we did was test the Giga II routing, measuring throughput for incoming traffic using one and five streams. So, according to the IP protocol, the data transfer rate in one stream reached 740 Mbps, with an increase in the number of streams up to 5 - 850 Mbps .. If you use the PPTP protocol, then the routing speed decreases to 170 Mbps stronger and the speed drops to 140 Mbps. Given that most tariff plans do not provide speeds above 100 Mbps, such a reserve can be considered a reserve for the future, rather than a requirement of the time. Interestingly, the hardware platform itself has a performance headroom to further increase the speed, this can be seen from the processor load, which is far from the maximum.
Routing speed for five streams
Wireless network testing
To test the speed of the Keenetic Giga II wireless network, we used the built-in adapter of our ultrabook and external adapters Netgear WNA3100 and Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205, which were connected to the laptop and the second test platform for the duration of the tests. When testing, we chose the least loaded channel, judging by the information of the WiFi analyzer, in our case it was the twelfth.
As you can see, the speed test results were maximum when using the Netgear adapter and reached 135 Mbps. On other models, the speed was lower and was in the range of 80-90 Mbps.
NAS Testing
If the first generation Keenetic Giga had a relatively low performance in the role of network storage and did not allow you to fully watch Full-HD video from a connected drive, then the new model has taken a significant step forward. For verification, we used the first test stand connected to one of the local ports of the ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II router, connection speed 1 Gbps. As a drive, we chose the Plextor M5 Pro (test and review) (http://site/archives/3318), with a capacity of 256 GB, connected via a USB 3.0 interface. To evaluate the speed of work, we used CrystalDiskMark 3.0.2 x64. Note that we have tested for two file systems: NTFS (Windows) and EXT3 (Linux).
In addition to the synthetic CrystalDiskMark test, we evaluated the speed of data transfer via the CIFS and FTP protocols by simply copying large files.
In the NAS scenario, the Giga II showed impressive results, close to the performance of full-fledged NAS three years ago. The read speed from the disk reached 15.5 MB / s via CIFS, and 18.1 MB / s via FTP. This speed allows you to use it as a small network storage for your home network.
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Stability Zyxel Keenetic Giga II
In addition to testing at the stand, we used the router in the home network when connecting to the Internet through the Onlime provider, and also checked the operation of the router in 3g and 4g networks. During operation, the case heated up slightly, so the temperature of the surface of the case was kept at around 32 degrees at an air temperature of 24 degrees. If we talk about stability, then in two weeks of fairly hard use of the Giga II, we did not encounter arbitrary reboots and freezes of the device.
ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II | Conclusion
The ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II internet center turned out to be noticeably faster than its predecessor, especially in CPU-intensive tasks. It is pleasant to note that ZyXEL has done a good job and created the second generation, expanding the functionality and significantly increasing the performance of devices, during the two-plus years during which the first generation of Keenetic won the hearts of customers.
In addition to the high-speed performance of the novelty, ZyXEL also pleased with the pricing policy, leaving the price level comparable to the first generation models. In fact, any of the models of the updated line, even the younger Keenetic II, will cope with a speed of 100 Mbps with any available connection option.
Advantages of ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II
- High speed internet connection
- High disk speed
- Modular OS with the ability to select only the necessary components
- Work stability
- Two USB ports
Disadvantages of ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II
- No SSH connection
- Only one WLAN band (Ultra has two)
The file on the computer was located on a virtual RAM disk. Keenetic II Giga and Ultra have a lower speed than the USB 2.0 interface - about 30 MB / s. Keenetic II, taking into account a 100-megabit connection, has 5-6 MB / s. These are good indicators. At the same time, performance is practically independent of the disk itself. In tests with an inexpensive flash drive and an external hard drive Seagate Backup Plus SRD0SP0, it differed by literally 0.5 MB / s.
When copying different files from two different USB drives at the same time, the total speed is about 10-15% lower. However, it is divided unevenly. Therefore, if time is critical, and the files are very large, it is better to copy them one by one.
On Windows, a printer device is connected by creating a printer TCP/IP port. The ZyXEL website has detailed setup instructions.
There were no problems connecting the modem. All parameters for the recognized adapter are set automatically. A list of compatible modems can be found on the manufacturer's website. Routers support automatic transition to a modem connection in case of loss of the main one.
Testing
To test Keenetics, two wireless adapters were used: a TP-Link TL-WDN3200 dual-band USB adapter and a TP-Link TL-WDN4800 dual-band internal. Measurements were made using the Ixia IxChariot package with heavy traffic simulation. For best performance, the routers were tested at 2.4GHz in 802.11n-only mode. At 5 GHz, 802.11a/n was used because ZyXEL only provided a choice between a and a/n. The devices were located in the same room, opposite each other. Ether at 2.4 GHz was loaded a little, and in the case of Keenetic Ultra, it was the only one in the 5 GHz range. The transmitter power was 100%. Note that the “kinetics” allow you to adjust it yourself (by 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), which can be useful so as not to interfere with other access points nearby. And so, the included, but empty 5 GHz network does not interfere with the 2.4 GHz one.
Zyxel Keenetic routers have long established themselves as very versatile and fairly reliable devices. We also could not ignore this line and today we will find out how to setup one of the most popular Zyxel Keenetic 4G routers.
Differences between Zyxel Keenetic 4G and Lite routers
In fact, Zyxel Keenetic Lite and Zyxel Keenetic 4G are the same model with identical specifications. The only difference is that Keenetic 4G can work with USB modems - it already has built-in support in native firmware. Full list supported models - .
The Lite also has 4 LAN ports, unlike 2x for 4G, but the latter has a USB input, which its twin brother does not have. The rest of the models are the same.
How to connect a Zyxel Keenetic router
Setting up Zyxel Keenetic routers is not much different from the rest. There are two ways - through the program that comes with the device on a CD, or through the Web interface. Before you start reading, I recommend watching a video about basic configuration settings so that you understand what is at stake.
Setting up Zyxel Keenetic 4G through the program
As I said, I'm not a fan of any automatic programs- it is better to enter the router settings yourself, controlling the whole process. However, for beginners it can be convenient, so I will briefly show the interface of the built-in quick assistant.
We connect our router to the computer via a cable coming from the yellow LAN connector to the computer's network card. And also connect the ISP cable to the blue WAN socket. After that, turn on the router to the network and move the "Power" and "WLAN" sliders on the back to the "ON" position.
After that, go to the PC in "Control Panel - Network and Internet - Change adapter settings" and in the properties of the LAN connection. as well as the wireless connection, we set “Auto”, having previously recorded all the specified settings, if any, they will then need to be entered into the router.
We are waiting for the program to determine all the initial data for the settings.
If there is no provider in the proposed list, then you will have to do everything manually.
Setting up a Zyxel Keenetic 4G router manually through a browser
And here everything is much more interesting! Before you learn how to set up Zyxel Keenetic via the web interface, you need to turn the router over and look at its bottom - that is where the access data is indicated. We are interested in the address, logs and password in the admin panel.
We go to the browser at the specified address and enter the access data.
In the event that you already have a used router in your hands, then most likely the default values \u200b\u200bwere changed during the previous setup for security purposes. Then just reset the values by holding the "Reset" button on the case for half a minute. And after that already enter the standard login and password.
After that, we get to the main page, which contains summary information about the status of the device and your local and wireless networks.
It's nice that the entire interface is in Russian, which greatly simplifies working with it.
There are a lot of settings - your eyes run wide, it will not go in order and let's start with setting up the Internet.
First, decide what type of Internet connection you have - via cable or modem? Or, in general, will you use it as a repeater and connect to another router or access point that distributes a wifi signal? You can configure the router to work in one of these modes in the menu section "System > Operation Mode".
Here you can select the mode of operation in the local network. If Zyxel Keenetic is used as an extension of an existing wireless signal from another device, then you must select the "Wi-Fi Wireless Bridge" mode. If the router will turn into wifi the signal that comes to it via cable from another router or modem, then "Wi-Fi wireless access point". I will tell you more about this below.
How to connect Zyxel Keenetic 4G to cable Internet?
After that, you can go to the Internet access settings. First, let's deal with the cable type of connection of the standard type, when the cable goes directly to the computer or, in our case, to the router.
To do this, go to the appropriate section "Internet > Authorization", where we will need to select the type of connection to your provider and enter the required values. You can look at all of them in the contract for connecting to the Internet or call and ask directly from your Internet provider.
After entering your settings, click the "Apply" button in the lower right corner of the page to save them. Difficulties should not arise, since Zyxel Keenetic routers work with all modern protocols. If you are provided only with an IP address, mask and gateway for connection, or they are assigned manually, then these data are entered in the "Internet > Connection" item - select "Manual" or "Automatic" from the drop-down list.
Another case is when the Internet does not go directly to your computer, but through an ADSL modem via a telephone cord. Then we connect the Zyxel Keenetic router to the modem using a cable and set it to the “Wi-Fi hotspot” mode in the “System> Operation mode” section.
In this mode, no Internet settings need to be made, since the ADSL modem is responsible for communicating with the provider. We just have to set up a home wifi network.
Configuring Zyxel Keenetic 4G to work with a 3G / 4G modem
Another way to access the Internet is to use a modem from a cellular operator or Yota. Zyxel Keenetic 4G and Giga support almost all models found on the market, including Megafon 4G and MTS Connect kits.
To work, you need to insert the modem into the USB port and in the menu in the section "System> Operating mode" set "Via external 3G USB modem" or "Via external 4G USB modem - Yota" if you use the services of this company.
After that, a new characteristic item will appear in the menu for setting up this type of connection.
We just have to select our operator from the drop-down list and click "Apply" to activate the connection - all settings for working with the operator are already entered into the appropriate fields by default.
For Yota, you don’t need to do anything at all, except for connecting a modem.
Zyxel Keenetic as a wifi signal booster
And finally, the last option for connecting to the Internet - when the router receives it via wifi and distributes it, is called a repeater or repeater.
This mode is activated in the same place - in the "System" menu section and is called "via a wireless Wi-Fi network". If you use the Internet from a nearby cafe, then this is just what you need.
Upon activation, you will see a new menu item "Wi-Fi Client" in which you can view a list of available networks, connect and configure connection security.
WiFi router Zyxel as a router in a home network
After the Internet, you need to configure local network- both wired and wireless - we remember that the router has 4 LAN inputs, which means it can work like a regular router and supply the Internet to computers using ordinary patch cords.
Here you need to do everything as in the screenshot - assign a range of IP addresses, set the IP for the router itself in Server mode. If necessary, you can manually assign a specific address to a specific device by its MAC ID.
Setting up WiFi on Zyxel Keenetic
The next menu item of interest to us in the Zyxel Keenetic Giga router is “WiFi Network”. Here we will configure directly wireless access to the home network.
SSID is your network name, channel and standard. For more stable operation, it is better to change the channel to a certain number. Better yet, scan neighboring wifi networks and select the channel that does not overlap with others. More about this in. Setting the signal strength will reduce the range so that it cannot be connected from the street or a neighboring apartment. Here you can also hide the SSID for security purposes.
The next subsection is Security. In it you need to set the type of encryption and password for connecting to WiFi. It is best to assign the most secure type - WPA / PSK and a password consisting of a combination of letters of different case, numbers and symbols.
This completes the basic settings of the Zyxel Keenetic router - you can safely connect and work. However, in addition to this, this model has many additional parameters that will help make your local network more convenient and secure. I don’t see the point in dwelling on them in detail, since separate articles on the blog are devoted to them. I will give only screenshots of the interface with a description of the features.
Using a connected drive