Router-Related Knowledge

A slow internet speed can make life feel like a dark tunnel! WiFi has become an essential part of many people’s lives, and internet speed is closely related to personal happiness. However, we often encounter situations where the home WiFi gets slower over time, and the internet speed fluctuates. What could be the reason?

This might be related to improper usage of your router! Today, let’s learn some router knowledge together to fill in your knowledge gaps.

01. What is a Router?

The term “routing” refers to the action of transferring data from one place to another. A router is the machine that performs this action. Its English name is Router, and it is a network device that connects multiple networks or segments.

It translates data information between different networks or segments, allowing them to “understand” each other’s data, thereby forming a larger network.

02. What is the USB Port on the Back of the Router Used For?

Many people might notice that their router has a USB port on the back. This is an interface for external storage devices, such as USB drives, external hard drives, and even printers and mobile phones.

1. Offline Downloading:
   Many routers on the market have this feature. This means we can log into the router’s backend or control the router’s app to directly download resources from the internet without using a phone or computer.
2. Charging Mobile Phones:
   If your phone or other mobile electronic devices run out of battery and you can’t find a charger, the router’s USB port can be a lifesaver. Of course, for long-term use, it’s better to use a charger.
3. Wireless Network Printer:
   By connecting a regular printer to the router’s USB port, it can become a network printer, allowing networked computers to perform wireless printing operations anytime.

03. What Do the Router’s Indicator Lights Mean?

Router indicator lights typically fall into four categories: Power Indicator, SYS System Indicator, LAN Indicator, and WAN Indicator. Their meanings are as follows:

1. Power Indicator (POWER):
   This indicator light shows that the power is connected. It should be constantly on for normal operation. If it’s off, it means the power is not properly connected or the router is malfunctioning.
2. SYS System Indicator:
   The SYS System Indicator is the router’s working status indicator. It should blink to indicate normal operation. If the SYS System Indicator is off or on but not blinking, the router is likely malfunctioning.
3. LAN Indicator:
   The LAN interface connects to the computer. When a LAN cable connects the router’s LAN port to the computer’s network card interface and the computer is turned on, the LAN indicator light should be on. If it’s not on, there might be an issue with the interface or the cable.
4. WAN Indicator:
   The WAN indicator light shows the status of the external broadband line. It should be constantly on to indicate that the port is connected to the front-end modem. When there is data transmission, such as when a device is accessing the internet, the WAN port will blink continuously.

04. Why Should You Restart the Router Regularly?

Many people leave their routers running continuously without ever turning them off. If a router is never turned off, it not only accelerates the aging of internal components but also prevents the cache generated during operation from being cleaned, leading to slower internet speeds and other issues, affecting the user experience. Therefore, it’s best to restart the router regularly.

05. Why Do You Need to Buy a Router When You Already Have a Modem?

After fiber optic internet is installed, it comes with a modem that mainly provides three functions: WiFi internet, HDTV, and landline phone. WiFi internet is just one of these functions. Compared to a router dedicated to WiFi, the modem can basically meet the WiFi coverage needs of a single scenario or a small apartment. However, for complex scenarios, large coverage areas, and multiple connected devices, it’s recommended to add a WiFi router in addition to the modem.

06. Four “Bad Habits” of Using a Router

1. Setting a Too Simple Password:
   A simple WiFi password can easily be cracked by others, causing network congestion and slow speeds. In addition to regularly changing complex passwords, it’s also best not to use any WiFi cracking software to avoid leaking WiFi information.
2. Never Restarting the Router:
   Routers are designed to work continuously, but that doesn’t mean they should never be turned off. Prolonged operation can cause instability, leading to slow speeds and lag. Therefore, it’s important to restart the router periodically.
3. Not Cleaning Dust Regularly:
   Routers work continuously and accumulate a lot of dust internally and around the cooling vents, leading to poor heat dissipation. If the heat dissipation is poor for a long time, it may cause crashes and disconnections. To extend the router’s lifespan, it’s advisable to clean it regularly.
4. Placing Near Interference Sources:
   • Electrical Appliances:
     Appliances like microwaves and induction cookers can interfere with wireless network signals, causing transmission blockages and reducing internet speed.
   • Metal Products:
     Placing metal products like iron and tin near the router can also obstruct signals and cause slow internet speeds.
   • Glass Products:
     Glass products have a high density and can weaken signal transmission. It’s best not to place large glass products near the router.
   • Walls:
     Wireless signals weaken when passing through walls. It’s best to place the router in an open area without obstructions to ensure better WiFi coverage throughout the house.