This page will be entirely devoted to the excellent Wi-Fi router from ZyXEL - ZyXEL Keenetic Start (instructions for setting up this router). As the name suggests, it's not hard to guess that this is an inexpensive model designed for home use, or in a small office. For home, the ZyXEL Keenetic Start router will do just fine. The price of this router is about $ 24. Among the main competitors in terms of price, one can note: TP-LINK TL-WR741ND, Asus RT-N10LX, D-Link DIR-320 / A, Netis WF2419 and others. If, for example, we compare it with the TL-WR741ND, then I would advise buying the ZyXEL Keenetic Start and only it. The price is a few dollars higher, but it is much better and more stable.
The router turned out to be really successful, thanks to its modern hardware, design and ease of connection and configuration (which is important), well, I also liked the box :) If you need an inexpensive router to connect to the Internet of several computers, mobile devices, Smart TV and watch IPTV, then this model is a great option. All these devices can be connected to a local network without any problems.
Key features of ZyXEL Keenetic Start:
- Operates at speeds up to 150 Mbps, 802.11n network standard, and 2.4 GHz frequency.
- WAN connector - regular RJ-45. Supports all popular connections: PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, etc.
- There are 4 LAN ports that operate at speeds up to 100 Mbps. There is also a bridge mode.
- MIPS 24KEc 360 MHz processor, 32 MB RAM. By the way, the control panel displays the use of RAM and the load on the processor.
- There is a button to turn off Wi-Fi (the WPS button must be pressed and held for a few seconds).
- Built-in filter of unwanted sites "Yandex.DNS" and parental control "SkyDNS".
- There is a great opportunity to create a separate, guest wireless network, without access to the local network.
- 1 x 3 dBi fixed antenna.
- It is possible to hang the router on the wall.
- Simple and intuitive control panel. Logging into the settings at 192.168.1.1, or my.keenetic.net - detailed instructions.
Reviews on ZyXEL Keenetic Start
You can find a lot of reviews on the Internet, mostly all positive. There are, of course, reviews about various problems in the operation of ZyXEL Keenetic Start. This is mainly the unstable work of the Wi-Fi connection and the short range of the signal. As for Wi-Fi problems, they can be caused by interference from other networks. And the network coverage of this router will be enough for about 2-3 rooms. Basically, it all depends on the location of the router and walls.
An important question is whether ZyXEL Keenetic Start cuts the connection speed via cable and Wi-Fi? Cuts, all routers cut it. Of course, if your tariff is up to 20 Mb / s, then you will hardly notice it. But if 100 Mb / s, it will be noticeable. There are many reviews about this, even 70 Mb / s via Wi-Fi received from this router, information from the Internet is not verified. There will be an opportunity, I will test it. But, do not forget that the conditions are different for everyone (interference, the type of connection to the provider) and the result, of course, will be different. Also, a lot depends on the device you connect and on which you measure the speed.
My review:
I have only pleasant impressions from Keenetic Start. I really liked the box right away. In the middle there is white cardboard, and a box with instructions looks especially beautiful (they probably spied on Apple). All glossy panels of the router are covered with foil.
It is noticeable that ZyXEL took care of an ordinary user who will independently configure the router. All ports and buttons on the rear panel are signed in Russian (which is rare), and understandably. For example, the connector into which we connect the cable from the provider is signed "Internet". Also, it is worth noting separately the understandable control panel in Russian. For example, the same TP-LINK company does not have a Russian control panel on all devices and firmware versions. I wrote about it here.
I did not find any minuses in this router for myself. Is that very brand, glossy panel. But there is not much of it (on the top panel). And the WPS button is pressed somehow not very pleasantly and loudly.
Share your feedback on Keenetic Start in the comments. It is especially interesting how it works under a decent load, whether it heats up and how much speed it cuts. We are grateful:)
