Optical fiber has recently been used for high-speed data transmission. Previously, not every user could afford to install a separate terminal in his apartment, which worked only for him.
In this regard, Internet providers “launched” the optical cable into the apartment building and connected it to the network module, and copper wires or twisted pairs transmitting the information flow left the apartment from it. At the same time, the data transfer rate dropped significantly. But with the creation of FTTB connectors, the situation has changed dramatically.
Best Wi-Fi Optical Cable Router
Now every resident of the city can afford a separate router for fiber optics. But at the same time, another question arose: how to transmit an Internet signal via Wi-Fi, for example, to connect a tablet, smartphone or laptop? To solve this problem, you need to buy a router with a built-in Wi-Fi module. But the wide range of products on the market can shock even an experienced user.
In order not to get lost in the whole variety of devices, you need to determine what, in your understanding, means the best Wi-Fi router? Perhaps this is a combine that can easily provide high-speed Internet with a dozen devices? Or will it be a compact device with an optimal ratio of price, functionality and durability? To help you figure this out, let's determine what parameters a WiFi fiber router should have.
Ports and Bandwidth
Earlier, when the optical cable was first brought into the apartment building, connected to the terminal, and only then transmitted the Internet signal to the apartment owners, the FTTH port was used. Not so long ago, a new format was developed - FTTB, which allows you to connect fiber to a router located in your home. To connect an optical cable directly to the router, two groups of ports are used - WAN and SFP.
The first group is the most common. Externally, the WAN port is a regular jack for connecting a telephone cable. However, before making a purchase, check with your provider what kind of WAN port is needed to connect. A fiber optic router equipped with an SFP connector is suitable for connecting any cable, as it is a standard format.
When choosing a router with a WAN port, you need to make sure that the bandwidth is not lower than the signal speed that your operator guarantees you. Otherwise, you risk overpaying for the Internet. SFP-connectors provide data reception at speeds up to 1 Gb / s and provide optimal throughput for any connection.
Wi-Fi Standards
Choosing a router with high bandwidth, you need to decide on its data transfer interface, otherwise there will be a situation where the router can receive a high-speed signal, but distributing it to mobile devices via a Wi-Fi network is not.
Therefore, when purchasing a fiber optic router, make sure that the wireless interface standard matches one of the following:
- IEEE 802.11b - create a Wi-Fi network with a data transfer rate of up to 11 Mbps;
- IEEE 802.11g - a higher-speed protocol that provides speeds up to 54 Mbps;
- IEEE 802.11n - the most advanced of the existing standards, transmits a signal at speeds up to 300 Mb / s.
When choosing a router in the store, you need to make sure that the Wi-Fi speed guaranteed by the device is not lower than the Internet speed that the operator provided to you. Now consider the most popular router models among customers.
D-Link-615 Series Routers
D-Link is one of the leading suppliers to the domestic Internet equipment market. Its products are noted by users for the best value for money.
When choosing a fiber optic router for the first time, take a look at the DIR-615 model. A simple and intuitive interface simplifies setup. The radius of the “distribution” of Wi-Fi signal with a speed of up to 300 Mbps with two antennas will be enough to cover the entire area of the apartment. There is a built-in IPTV function for watching interactive television.
Another bright representative of the series is the D-Link DIR-615 / FB. The router is equipped with a WAN port and two antennas that provide signal distribution over a rather large area with a speed of up to 300 Mbps, and has a LAN connector for connecting cable Internet.
D-Link High Speed Internet Routers
The D-Link DVG-N5402GF fiber optic router is one of the best for high-speed data transmission. It is equipped with 4 ports that provide signal reception at speeds up to 1 Gb / s, a WAN format connector. It has a Wi-Fi interface of 802.11n standard, which determines the transfer of data at speeds up to 350 Mb / s. Two removable antennas cover a large area.
The D-Link DIR-825 / ACF router uses an SFP slot for receiving data, so the Wi-Fi distribution speed reaches 1167 Mb / s while connecting up to 4 devices to the network. The USB interface can be used to connect a
network drive. The ability to filter MAC addresses and modern security protocols will protect your network from intrusion.
Routers from the provider
Some providers when connecting a fiber optic cable offer their own router for fiber. Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS are well-known operators who deliver their equipment at the time of subscription. However, the cost of connection increases significantly. In order not to overpay, you can choose your router, because there is no difference from which manufacturer to use the device.
It should be remembered that the parameters of the input signal correspond to the guaranteed data rate. As the best option, you can recommend the Mikrotik RB2011UAS-2HnD-IN with an impressive appearance and original design.
An alternative could be the Huawei EchoLife HG-8240. It has several slots for connecting devices on a local network, a special port for interactive television and provides data transfer speeds of up to 1GB per second.
Features of connecting a router to fiber
In some cases, when connecting to the Internet inside the apartment, they can install a terminal. Employees of the provider company themselves install a similar device and connect optical fiber to it. Which router to choose and how to connect it to the terminal, you decide.
First you need to combine the selected router and the optical terminal. This is done using a cable. If an optical network has been installed in your home, then this can be done through an optical outlet. After that, the router connects to the computer and checks the connection to the Internet:
- Open a command prompt as administrator.
- Run netstat -e –s and then ping google.com.
After that, it remains to check the speed of the Internet signal. To do this, open the "Task Manager" and select the "Network" tab. If the connection speed matches the one that your provider guaranteed, then you have taken into account all the recommendations on how to connect the optical fiber to the router, and you have chosen the right router.