The ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router is one of the Keenetic line of routers, the devices of which differ only in design and technical equipment: in the Lite versions there is no USB, and in 4G versions it is used only for synchronization with USB modems. The real differences are only between the Extra and Giga models. In fact, the ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router is standard, it combines the features and characteristics of devices of the entire line with the exception of the younger and older models.
Router Options
The ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II Wireless comes standard. Packed in a classic box. The second version of the router differs from the first by the presence of special software for controlling the device.
The kit includes the router itself, a cable for connecting to a personal computer, a power adapter, instructions for the ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II, warranty card. Separately, it is worth noting that the entire ZyXEL Keenetic line is a Russian development.
Design ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II
All models of routers of this line are made in the same style: the case is made of glossy plastic with a wave pattern. In reviews of the ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router, users note the inconvenience of such a solution: fingerprints quickly remain on the surface. The cooling system is represented by lattices located on the side faces. The WPS key is located on the right side. USB connectors, like the module itself, are provided only in 4G and Omni models. Models of the line differ only in the presence of USB, the shape and location of the antennas. For example, ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II is equipped with two antennas located on the side faces, which is very convenient for connecting interfaces to the connectors behind the router.
Models of routers without a USB module are equipped with eight green LEDs, while USB versions have nine. They indicate the presence of power, an Internet connection or line search, connection to four LAN ports or a WAN port, a Wi-Fi module or a USB connector (if equipped) in a particular router model.
The programmable button for configuring the ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router is located on the side panel, while for other modifications it is placed on the rear side. The key can be configured for various functions: activating Wi-Fi, safely removing USB devices connected, turning on WPS. The factory reset button is located there. Nearby are LAN and WAN ports, a power button and a connector for connecting a power adapter.
Technical characteristics of the router
The entire model line, with the exception of the older and younger models, has a similar hardware configuration, which is based on the MediaTek MT7620N processor with a clock frequency of 580 MHz. DDR-64 MB memory, 8 MB flash memory is enough for firmware. The ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router is equipped with a wireless 802.11 b / g / n controller with a maximum data transfer rate of 300 Mbps. Some models of the line have a USB 2.0 module.
According to their characteristics, ZyXEL Keenetic routers are significantly inferior to analogues - the same Xiaomi Mi Mini Router, for example, which at a much lower price is equipped with many times better. However, a plus in the ZyXEL piggy bank is the fact that they are much easier to configure and flash.
Connection and operation of routers
After the first connection, ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II asks you to enter the login and password from the Internet connection and immediately starts working. The router is equipped with integrated unified software with auto-update function and a large number of services that can be activated as desired. For example, you can disable the built-in torrent client module, especially if there is no need for it.
ZyXEL Keenetic router supports L2TP, IPoE, PPTP and PPPoE connections. The device’s functionality allows you to use it as a separate access point and repeater, connect third-party gadgets via Wi-Fi, via a USB port, an authorizer, and a wireless connection supported by the 802.1 module.
The ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II modem supporting the settings of different connections makes it possible to connect them according to the established priority. The performance of the channels is regulated by the Ping Check module: if there is no ping, the router reconnects to another signal source.
The ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router can support IPTV through the IGMP protocol. The built-in server and the ability to select individual ports allow you to connect the console.
The broad functionality of the wireless router supports packet capture, the operation of the IPv6 module, can identify users to give them access to files, connects to the DLNA server, synchronizes with most printers and USB modems, and is able to work with the transmission file download system.
ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II settings include the inclusion of restriction and control access to the network. For this purpose, a firewall is activated, thanks to which you can set specific settings for each of the interfaces. When searching, it is possible to filter by sites and words through the functionality of the Yandex.DNS and SkyDNS services. Despite the fact that the latter service provides an extended package of functions on a paid basis, the basic ones are enough to limit children's access to inappropriate content. These restrictions can be extended not only to the entire network, but also to a specific connection or device.
Separate devices can be added to the home group through the ZyXEL Keenetic Omni II router, renaming them in a convenient way. Any of the connected devices can be given a new name and make changes to the IP address issued to it by the DHCP server. Such a router function is very convenient and avoids conflicts associated with IP addresses. If the router has several connection interfaces at once, then you can set your address and name on each specific port.
Installed modules and the need to update them are displayed by the auto-update system. The user can activate / deactivate individual modules and start updating them if necessary.
The router supports almost all existing file systems and is easily synchronized with hard drives. The software allows you to work with drives. For network access, FTP and SMB / CIFS are used. Remote control via the Internet and server configuration via DLNA, Microsoft Windows and BitTorrent networks are available.
Internet connection setup
Network configuration for connecting to the Internet is carried out through a convenient and intuitive web interface. You can connect to it by entering the combination of 192.168.1.1 in the browser search bar. Usually, the username and password are printed on the bottom panel of the router, which must be entered when entering the web interface. It is advisable to immediately change the factory settings to your own. You can do this in the "Users" section after entering the password twice.
The interface offers two different network configuration options: fast or using the web configurator. Ordinary users should choose the first method. In the "Internet Connection" section, authorization data is indicated: login, password and other information. The information entered must correspond to that which was issued to the user by the operator.
PPPoE settings for individual operators
In the bottom menu of the router there is an icon with a globe image, the transition through which opens the connections tab, where the desired configuration is selected. In the “Description” item, the Broadband connection checkbox is set, then the “Ethernet connection” tab is opened, where several checkboxes are set at once: opposite the items “Use WAN connector” and “Use to access the network”.
Changing the MAC address is not required, but the IP address parameter is fixed in the "No IP address" position.
You can add a new connection in the PPPoE / VPN section. To do this, the following actions are performed:
- The login and password issued by the provider are entered.
- The lines “Description” and “Service Name” are left blank.
- Authentication is set.
- Type - PPPoE.
If configured correctly, the Internet connection will appear immediately after saving the changes.
Configure L2TP
For the Beeline provider , the Internet connection, that is, L2TP, is configured in the same way in accordance with the steps already given:
- In the interface of the router program, the item “Add connection” is selected.
- Connection Type - L2TP.
- Tp.internet.beeline is entered in the "Server address" item.
- The username and password provided by the provider are indicated.
- Changes made are saved.
Setting up Wi-Fi connection
The functionality of the ZyXEL router allows you to use it as a device that distributes a Wi-Fi network. In the router’s interface, the “Access Point” item is selected, after which the following parameters are set:
- Auto channel.
- The SSID name is created by the user, representing the name of the network.
- A strong password is entered.
- The maximum power is set.
- Degree of protection - WPA2-PSK.
As a result
The line of ZyXEL Keenetic routers is rightfully considered one of the best: the user can choose the model that is optimal for him in terms of functionality, technical characteristics and cost. Comparing a model with analogs like Xiaomi is useless: despite its wider functionality, you can achieve similar properties on Xiaomi, however, you will have to torment yourself with the firmware, but in the end you can get a good router in a more attractive design and with the ability to work in two ranges of networks. ZyXEL Keenetic works out of the box, without requiring flashing and complex settings, it has a good hardware component and characteristics.
Replacing old models from the line with new ones is not worth it: the technical specifications and the hardware component are exactly the same, the only difference is the appearance and location of the antennas. If the ZyXEL router is purchased for the first time, then it is better to dwell on the new models of the series - they are cheaper, look more presentable and, as already mentioned, their antennas are very well located on the sides.