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You've probably noticed that some router models, in addition to other connectors, have a USB port on their case, and some even have two. Some of you even know why it is needed, since they use it to connect a 3G/4G modem or flash drive. However, few people know about all the possibilities USB applications connector on the WiFi router. In this article I will list everything that can be connected to USB port router and show you how useful its use can be.

Why do you need a router with a USB port?

Functional wifi router and with a USB port it differs from and depends on the manufacturer and specific model. Moreover, with each new firmware it also introduces new possibilities for using the USB port. For example, support for some new modems or the creation virtual server. Let's look at them in detail at TP-Link routers, Asus, Zyxel, D-Link and others.

USB port on the router for 3G/4G modem

I don’t know about anyone, but personally, I bought my first router with a USB port at the dacha in order to be able to connect to mobile internet not only from one laptop, but from several devices at once. The first time I did this was a long time ago, when finding a compatible router and modem was a real problem. Then, succumbing to a marketing ploy, I chose the combination Zyxel router Keenetic 4G and Yota modem, since the advertisement said that these two devices were “made for each other.”

Now I’m sure that it was possible to look for other options, but then I didn’t really want to delve into it and I already took ready-made solution. I discussed the operation of such a tandem in detail in the article about selection and connection.

WiFi router with USB port for connecting an external drive

The second thing I had to deal with was connecting to the router’s USB port external storage. At first it was just a flash drive, but after “trying out” this method, I began to use a full-fledged one. HDD. For what? It's simple - it can be used as a network storage for files and have access to them via WiFi not only from one PC, but also from any phone and TV set-top box.

This is very convenient - after all, before I downloaded the same videos from my computer to a flash drive, then took it out, connected it to the set-top box and then watched them on big screen TV. With customization network storage these extra steps are gone and that's it necessary files became visible on wireless network on all devices at once.

When we connected the drive to the USB connector of the router, there are several configuration options:

Network printer

— another cool setting, with the help of which a printer is connected to the router’s USB port and also organized general access via wifi from any device. Print a document from your smartphone? No problem, to do this you no longer need, as before, to connect it to your computer and transfer it to your hard drive, or via e-mail.

What to look for when choosing a router with a USB port?

In general, you have already seen the benefits of having and using a USB port on your router. Now I'd like to give a few practical recommendations, if you still decide to “get” such a thing.

• The first thing you should pay attention to is that the connector is of the USB 3.0 standard in order to work at the highest possible speed. If you want to create a media server and stream video from it to high resolution, then USB 2.0 may not cope with the task and constantly slow down. It will be a shame to spend several thousand rubles, and in the end not be able to fully use all the “goodies”. The same applies to the drive connected to it - a flash drive or hard drive must have
• Without going too far from the topic of external drives, keep in mind that the connected drive is often powered from the USB port itself, but in some routers its power may not be enough for anything other than data transfer. Worry in advance - ask the seller, read reviews -
  so that the router can transfer power to the disk via USB, or the hard drive itself must have external power supply- there are such models.
• Pay attention to the supported functionality of the router's USB port. Even if this connector is present, this does not mean that everything I described above will work on this model. There are routers that work with flash drives, but do not support modems, or vice versa. For example, Apple Airport (a cool router, by the way) has a USB connector on board, but it does not have DLNA, nor can you connect the Internet via LTE - it is only needed to create your own media server, which only works on Apple devices and iTunes. Or, as in the case of Xiaomi - there is a connector, you can use it as a backup server, but bad luck - only through special application, which is installed on the computer, and understanding it, despite the fact that everything is in Chinese, is not very easy, and it is not convenient.
• The same applies to compatibility with 3G/4G modems - there are a huge number of models, but not all are recognized by certain routers.

  A list of devices that are guaranteed to be friends with each other can be found on the official website of the router manufacturer. Look also at the descriptions of recent official or custom firmware- perhaps with a firmware update, the router, which the modem did not recognize before, will suddenly work with it. This happened, for example, to me when I installed software from Padavan on one of the Asus.

• Finally, as I wrote above, there are modifications in which 2 USB ports are built in at once, such as in Zyxel Keenetic Giga II. As you understand, the more the better - you can connect both a flash drive and a printer at the same time.

I think now you have no questions left, why do you need a USB port in a router and how to use it?

Thank you! Did not help

• 8.Huawei E3372h
• 9. TP-Link TL-MR6400
• 10.TP-LINK M7350

A 4g mobile router is no longer a luxury, but an urgent necessity for those who constantly need to be online. If you prefer to lead an active lifestyle with frequent travel and trips out of town, then without this accessory it will be difficult for you to stay in touch. You can either purchase a 4g wifi router tailored for a specific telecom operator, or a universal device that works with any of them. In this article we will discuss the second type, since the characteristics and capabilities of universal routers look more successful.

If you decide to purchase a router with Wi-Fi support, then this rating will help you decide on the choice of the optimal 4g modem and not waste time and nerves on low-quality routers like the MTS Connect 4g lte wi fi router. Let's get started with our review.

Huawei E5172

The device is easy to use and easy to fine-tune. By purchasing this gadget, you will also be able to receive calls on a wired phone by inserting a SIM card into the router. An important advantage is a stable signal.

The disadvantages include a number of not the wisest technological solutions, as a result of which you can experience a number of negative emotions when using the modem; the LTE antenna connector could not be positioned so deep, and the lack of an external wifi antennas may prevent you from distributing the Internet to several family members. The price of this device starts from 4,000 rubles.

Huawei E5776

More modern device from the same brand. Signal quality, capacious battery - everything is in place. By taking care of the selection of firmware, you can significantly increase the productivity of the device.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the strange decision in the design of the case in the form of gloss - most likely you will need a case for comfortable use, otherwise scratches will not be avoided. The increased tendency to overheat also does not provide pleasant moments of interaction with this 4g mobile router. The lack of support for a number of bands forces you to be more careful when choosing an operator. The price of this router ranges from 7,500 to 11,000 rubles.

NETGEAR AC785

A good signal level despite not the most impressive dimensions, coupled with the ability to distribute the Internet not only via wi-fi, but also a USB cable, will certainly help this router find a buyer. The screen is informative, and the ability to reset the traffic counter on a certain day will help you avoid overspending.

But the battery leaves much to be desired; overheating is quite capable of draining your battery quite quickly, but if you use the gadget from a wall outlet, this drawback loses its relevance. In general, this device is devoid of the classic disadvantages of its counterparts of Chinese origin, and therefore you will feel more reliable in critical moment need to connect a second communication source. The price is steep - from 9,000 rubles.

Huawei E589

The ability to connect an external antenna will greatly facilitate the life of those users who have to catch the Internet in hard-to-reach places, but this can quickly drain the battery. Compactness and good design will pleasantly complement the other advantages of the router. With a good signal, you can count on excellent performance of 70-80 megabits.

What I didn’t really like about using this gadget was the constant overheating of the battery, which could ruin the experience of working with it. The price, starting at 5,500 rubles, looks quite reasonable.

Huawei E5372

With this device, you can not only distribute, but also receive signals from available Wi-Fi networks, which will help you save traffic. Connectors for external antennas useful if the signal does not satisfy you, but is in a good reception area this option will be redundant. Ease of use will allow even non-technical people to master the device, and therefore this router can be considered a good gift for your elderly relatives.

The sad quality of this modem can be called weak signal at wi-fi distribution, and therefore we do not recommend using it as a backup Internet access point if you are interested in a significant distance to the device from which you will access the network. The cost of the device is about 4,500 rubles.

ZTE MF90

Budget router from a Chinese manufacturer. A compact and fairly capacious modem is well suited for your first acquaintance with LTE routers. Some users speak of this modem in highly critical terms, but if you carefully examine the capabilities of this device, you are unlikely to find yourself in a similar situation.

The not very powerful signal, even when connecting an external antenna, is generally sufficient for web surfing, but the poor color and material of the case, unfortunately, will force you to clean it much more often than when choosing another router. The quality of the firmware also raises questions, but do not forget that the price for this router is about 2,500 rubles, and when purchased from an operator - half that, so if you need a budget router, this is a good choice.

ZTE MF823D

Another “whistle”, so beloved by operators and causing irritation among people who demand maximum performance from the router. The advantages include the variability of connections to the internal network and end devices, as well as the low price of about 2,500 rubles.

But the lack of support for all LTE bands is a significant drawback that does not allow you to be confident in the reliability of the device at the right time. The lack of connectors for external antennas adversely affects the maximum possible signal. Like the previous one, this router does not offer outstanding characteristics, but does not ask extra money for them.

Huawei E3372h

A router that is loved by many operators, and due to the ease of unlocking and changing providers, it is also loved by consumers. An important advantage There is a large community of users who modify the firmware, which significantly improves the operation of the gadget. Working in all current LTE bands and the ability to connect external antennas will greatly simplify working with the device.

This 4g modem would look like a device without weak points, but the technological solution in such a wide body interferes with the use of adjacent USB ports, which can complicate interaction with your equipment. The price is not high - about 2500 rubles.

TP-Link TL-MR6400

A multitasking device that combines the functionality of a NAT router, a 4-port switch, and a built-in 3G/4G modem allows you not to use additional devices and stay connected all the time. By inserting the SIM card into this device the user will be able to have uninterrupted access to the Internet both at home and in the office or on vacation. Stylish design and modern technology beamforming, which allows the device to independently route the signal and increase its power, will be a nice addition.

The disadvantages of the router are obvious - this is no longer a “baby” that fits in your pocket, but a full-fledged router, complemented by the function of receiving an LTE signal. The lack of instructions in Russian can become an insurmountable barrier for people who do not speak foreign languages. This device is not as easy to use as whistles, and therefore you may need the help of a router setup specialist. The price for a router is from 6,500 rubles, which is an excellent indicator for such a powerful gadget.

TP-LINK M7350

Another TP-LINK, but already supporting LTE-ADVANCED. A good and informative screen and a capacious 2550 mAh battery that promises to work for at least 10 hours without recharging look like a good offer on the market.

Despite the promised speed of up to 300 megabits, the router in any case will not show higher speeds than your operator offers, and therefore the Advanced prefix should not be misleading. TP-LINK has traditionally released a solution focused on value for money, and also provided the opportunity for customers to choose their preferred operator on their own. Not a bad summary for a router for 5,000 rubles.

When you need to connect your computer to the Internet, you first have to deal with two basic concepts: “modem” and “router”. Although they denote tools for creating and maintaining a communication channel between a PC and a network, they refer to different devices and are used in different situations.

What does a modem do?

A modem is a device similar in appearance to a USB drive (flash drive). It provides connection to one device (usually desktop computer or laptop) with internet. When the user activates the modem, the following happens: the modem determines which Internet operator it will work with, connects to it, begins transferring user data and downloads information from the network to the computer. The modem is only responsible for maintaining the Internet connection for one device.

The modem looks like a USB flash drive and is also inserted into the USB connector of the computer.

There are two types of modems: 3G/4G and ADSL. Today, the first type is mainly used, as it provides a more stable, faster, cheaper and more accessible connection to the network.

3G/4G modem

Modems of this type connect to the Internet using a SIM card. Almost all popular operators cellular communications(MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Yota, Tele2 and others) offer their services and special tariffs for modems. At the same time, most modems are ready to work with SIM cards connected not to special rate for computers, but only to the tariff with a mobile traffic package.

4G modems provide faster connections than 3G modems

Connecting to the Internet via a 3G/4G modem occurs as follows: a SIM card with a pre-selected and paid tariff is inserted into the modem, the modem is connected to the computer and using special program, supplied with the modem, establishes a connection to the network.

The price of a modem can range from one to several thousand rubles. An important factor influencing the price is 4G support: modems that support this standard are more expensive.

The difference between modems supporting 4G and 3G modems

When buying a SIM card and modem, remember that a modem with 3G support is only capable of providing a connection in 3G and 2G cellular standards. If the name of the modem states support for 4G, then the device can provide communications in 4G, 3G, and 2G standards.

4G modems can cost more, and 4G internet plans are also generally more expensive than 3G. But for a higher price, you will get a fast Internet connection, several times faster than the best 3G standard. The average speed of a 4G connection is 40–50 Mbit/s, and a 3G connection is 5–15 Mbit/s.

Cons of 3G/4G modems

When choosing a modem, be sure to pay attention to the coverage area. All 3G/4G modems depend on it.

The term “coverage area” refers to the area where coverage is available in your area. cellular network. People living in Moscow and St. Petersburg will most likely not encounter the problem of lack of communication, since operators usually concentrate their efforts precisely in the territory of these cities. But if you do not live in a large city, then before buying a modem, be sure to check on the operator’s official website to see if your region is in the coverage area. If the SIM card does not see the network, that is, it is outside the coverage area, the modem will not be able to work. The coverage area must be determined separately for 3G and 4G networks.

On the operator's website mobile communications you need to find out where the network “catches”

Video: comparison of 3G and 4G modems

An ADSL modem is a device that will provide your computer with an Internet connection via a telephone line. Such a modem appearance resembles a router and can also distribute the Internet to several computers, since it has Ethernet ports for outgoing cables.

The ADSL modem has an input for connecting to a telephone line

Internet connection via ADSL modem

The connection is made as follows: a telephone cable is supplied to the modem and connected to the connector special port, and a USB or Ethernet cable is connected to the other port, which is connected to the computer at the other end. The modem in this case serves as an intermediary, providing a suitable frequency range for data transmission. Sometimes there are more complex designs that connect a computer to an ADSL modem using a router or access point.

Disadvantages of ADSL modems

ADSL technology is practically not used these days for two reasons: connecting to a telephone line is more difficult than connecting to an Internet cable, and the maximum speed for such a connection is only 24 megabits per second.

For comparison, a 3G modem under ideal conditions can reach speeds of up to 63.3 megabits per second.

What does a router do? The router connects to the Internet via a modem or Internet cable and Wi-Fi networks connects several devices to the World Wide Web: computers, tablets or smartphones. Often in relation to a router you can also hear the word “router” - it means that the router is responsible for distributing traffic coming from.

different devices

Let's say two computers and one phone are connected to a Wi-Fi network. On each device, the user does something on the network, sends some data to the Internet and receives information from the Internet. All these data streams pass through the router, which must independently determine what part of the information to send to specific computer, and which one - on mobile phone, and do not confuse anything.

Main characteristics of the router

When preparing to buy a router, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• price: most cheap options- from 1 thousand rubles, the most expensive - over 10–20 thousand rubles;
• list of supported modems: list of models that the router can work with;
• support for 3G/4G technology: all modern routers can work with a 3G network, but not all support a 4G connection; if you try to distribute 4G Internet from a router that does not support this technology, something will happen automatic switching to the 3G protocol, the router will continue to work, but high speed will not work;
• range: the radius over which the Wi-Fi signal will spread depends on it; Manufacturers usually indicate the range under ideal conditions (without rain, with excellent quality of connection with the satellite, without concrete or other obstacles), but in reality the router will be hampered by walls and other obstacles, and possibly low level Internet signal (its quality depends on the modem), so feel free to cut the declared range by 5–10 m; The average range of action of routers is 100 meters under normal conditions and 300 meters in open areas, and the connection speed drops as you move away from the router.

Pros and cons of the router

Using a router has two main advantages: signal strengthening and the ability to distribute the Internet to several devices. All routers have antennas that help the modem catch a signal from the satellite, and the better the signal, the higher the speed of receiving and sending traffic.

The disadvantages of the router include:

1. Its size. A standard device occupies an area of ​​about 300 cm2 (about the size of a book).
2. In addition, the router requires a constant connection to a power outlet, while the modem is powered from the USB port.
3. When connecting wired Internet to a router, problems may also arise: it is not possible to lay an Internet cable everywhere.

Does a router replace a modem?

The router does not replace the modem, they work in pairs. The router itself does not know how to establish a connection with the satellite; the modem does this. The modem is inserted into the router and takes on the task of receiving and sending data, and the router only sorts what to give to which of the connected devices, and from which to receive and where to send.

A modem and router together create home Wi-Fi network with Internet access

The router can work not only with a wireless modem, but also with wired Internet. In this case, the connection to the network will be provided by Ethernet cable, but the functions of the router will not change.

Video: what is a router

What to choose: router or modem

Selecting only a router will not work for the reasons described in the paragraph “Does a router replace a modem?” When choosing a specific connection configuration, it is recommended to proceed from the following considerations.

1. If you need Internet for one device, but not tied to one point, buy a modem. You can plug it into your laptop and use it anywhere in your region (and abroad too, but outside home region Usually special conditions stipulated by the tariff come into force).
2. If you need Internet throughout the house for two or more devices at the same time, buy a modem and connect it to the router. At any time, you can remove the modem from the router and start using it outside the home. In addition, modern routers are so small and light that, if necessary, you can always take them with you on the road.
3. If you need to provide Internet access to a large number of devices, for example, in an organization or club, you need to install a router and connect to it either a powerful modem that can provide speeds sufficient to work on all computers at the same time, or an Internet cable.
4. If you are going to travel with a device that has a USB port or supports a SIM card (you can remove the SIM card from the modem and put it in your phone or tablet), then it is better to buy a modem and choose the appropriate tariff for travel.

Table: differences between router and modem

Video: differences between a router and a modem

The modem ensures data exchange with the Internet: receiving and sending information. The router provides access to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. A modem allows you to use the Internet on only one device, a router allows you to use two or more. Bandwidth The router is installed by the manufacturer.

Hello! I once wrote an article in which I talked about... I wrote about possible options. In this article I want to dwell in more detail on choosing a router that will work with a USB 3G modem. Let's consider some nuances so that later, after purchasing the equipment, no problems arise.

I have experience setting up two different routers that worked successfully (and one is still working) with a USB modem from Intertelecom. Based on this experience and also on information from comments on this site, this article will be written. Now everyone is actively installing the Internet in villages, where, as a rule, it is not possible to connect regular cable Internet. And it’s not always possible to install ADSL either, even if there is phone line. Why, in the villages, even outside the city, there can be similar problems with the Internet.

But, in these cases, wireless 3G (4G) Internet usually helps out. Now the prices are no longer very high. This is probably the only way out when there is no possibility of wired Internet. But not everything is so good here either :) Only one computer or laptop can work from one USB modem. But phones, tablets, TVs and other wonders of modern technology cannot work with a wireless modem. Give them Wi-Fi, or at least a connection via network cable.

So, you have more than two devices that need to be connected to the Internet, and the Internet itself is one USB modem? It’s okay, just buy and configure a router that can work with these USB 3G (4G) modems. You simply connect the modem to the router, configure it, and the router already distributes the Internet to all devices, via Wi-Fi, or via a network cable if, for example, your computer does not have Wi-Fi. But, if you do not want to lay a cable from the router to the computer, you can buy USB WiFi receiver, more details in the article.

Almost everything famous manufacturers, such as: Asus, Tp-Link, D-Link, Zyxel, Tenda have released several models of routers that work perfectly with most popular 3G (4G) modems.

Well, this is the whole point, with most modems, and not with all.

What do you need to know when choosing a router for a 3G (4G) modem?

As I wrote above, all routers that support USB modems, not all modem models support. Simply put, it may turn out that you already have a modem, you bought a router, for example the same RT-N56U (not a cheap device) and it simply does not know how to work with your modem. The result: several days of painful setup, hundreds of attempts to flash the router and a flight into the wall :)

To avoid all this, before purchasing you need to find out whether the router you choose will work with the modem that you already have or that you are going to buy. It is very important!

Choosing a router that supports USB 3G

Choosing a router is not difficult now. Go to some popular online store and look at all the devices that support USB 3G. Typically, the description says this: WAN port: USB 3G. This means that the router is friendly with USB modems. Or go to any regular computer store and ask a consultant.

You probably want me to advise you something? Well look, it worked for me for a while TP-LINK TL-MR3220, which I wrote about setting up in the article ““. But after about a month and a half, it broke down and stopped detecting the modem. And the one he worked with was Novatel U720, and I also tried connecting a modem from Kyivstar (model like ZTE MF180s, I don’t remember exactly). But the TP-LINK TL-MR3220 worked well, plus it's not expensive and works with a variety of modems.

I replaced it with Asus RT-N13U (Rev.B1), which I wrote about setting up in this article - . Great router for the price! With Novatel U720 modem (Intertelecom provider, Ukraine) made friends very quickly. There were no problems at all. By the way, this winter, it worked at a temperature of about -10 degrees (this is in the place where the router and modem are located). And it seems like nothing, alive :)

TP Link

But these two models (which I wrote about above) are already a little outdated, although TP Link TL Mr3220 and its older brother TP Link TL Mr3420 are still very popular. There is also the TP-LINK TD-W8968, which is also worth considering, and the small TP-Link TL-MR3040. And their prices are very good. In terms of price/quality ratio, TP Link is probably the leader.

Asus

If you want something more serious, I recommend taking Asus (but it will also be more expensive). For example RT-N65U, RT-AC56U, RT-N56U, RT-AC66U. These are expensive routers, to be honest, I don’t know if it makes sense to buy such a “machine” to work with a USB modem. I would buy something simpler, even from Asus, for example the small Asus WL-330N3G (but for a large number of different devices, I would advise taking a full-fledged router).

Zyxel

This manufacturer also has interesting and popular models: Keenetic Giga II, Zyxel Keenetic II, Zyxel Keenetic Omni, Zyxel Keenetic 4G II.

See also Tenda, D-Link, Edimax. As I already wrote, there is plenty to choose from. There shouldn't be any problems here.

Checking the compatibility of the router and modem

It is very important! If you are only going to buy a router and you already have a modem, then you need to understand whether they are compatible. As a rule, each manufacturer (for each router model) There is a page that lists supported modems and providers.

You need to know the model of your modem. Exactly the model, but “4G modem from MTS”, or “Beeline Modem” (as they usually write to me in the comments), this is not a model.

After you have already chosen a router and know which modem you will buy (or already have), you can check them for compatibility.

Here are some pages where you can view lists of supported modems:

For Asus, Tenda and others, I never found lists of supported modems (perhaps you know?). Therefore, there are two options here: either we take the phone and call the support service (router manufacturer) and ask about the compatibility of certain models. Or we type in Google something like this: “Keenetic Giga II and Novatel U720” (router and modem model). And let's see what information is there. Perhaps someone has already tried to make these two devices friends.

When you are already sure of the compatibility of the devices you have chosen, you can buy and configure. There shouldn't be any problems. Maybe right away.

Answers to some popular questions

Does the router use the Internet when no devices are connected?

I came across this question once in the comments. The problem was that the router itself was using the Internet when all devices were turned off. I understand that 3G Internet is usually limited, but the few megabytes that the router pumps out are not scary. Simply, he needs to check if there is an Internet connection. Several megabytes accumulate per day. But I think it's not scary.

Is it possible to place a router with a modem in the cold?

To improve the quality of reception, you often have to place the router and modem in places where the network is better and more stable. You can find the best coverage with the program (connect the modem to the laptop, and when you finish testing the network, connect to the router).

So, usually this is an attic, veranda, etc. Where it is cold in winter. It’s difficult to answer specifically here, but my router (Asus RT-N13U (Rev.B1) and modem successfully withstood a temperature of about -10 degrees. I don’t turn them off, not at all, they work all the time. Everything seems to be fine, but anything can happen :) The main thing is that there is no moisture. And it’s better not to wrap them in plastic bags.

Can I use USB extension cable to connect the modem to the router?

Can. But, if it is possible to do without an extension cord, then it is better to connect the modem directly. Also, if you notice any problems: disconnections, low speed, bad signal, etc., then try removing the USB extension cable.

I have an extension cord of about two meters, and everything is fine. Moreover, the extension cord is the most durable and cheapest.

Afterword

I hope I was able to fully answer the question about choosing a router that supports wireless modems.

If you have any questions or additions, don’t hesitate to ask :)