• Can different models of router networking together?

Generally speaking, they can network together mostly, but sometimes it will be limited by the band frequency for different models, so there will be an interference if that happens.

• What’s the difference between mesh and normal routers?

The main differences between Mesh networks and traditional routers lie in their topology, coverage range, signal stability, and scalability:

Topology:

For traditional routers, in a traditional network, there is usually a main router connected to the internet, which is then connected to multiple sub-routers or switches, forming a hierarchical topology while Mesh networks have a mesh-like structure where all nodes are interconnected without a fixed master-slave relationship. Each node can communicate directly with other nodes, providing a more flexible communication structure.

Coverage Range:

For traditional routers, traditional networks have limited coverage range, and multiple routers need to be deployed to cover a large area. And Mesh networks have broader coverage range since each node can communicate with other nodes, making them suitable for large residences, offices, and other extensive areas.

Signal Stability:

For traditional routers, in traditional networks, signals may become unstable due to obstacles, interference, etc., leading to signal degradation. In mesh networks, each node can act as a signal relay, resulting in more even signal coverage and reduced issues related to signal weakening and dead zones, thus offering more stable connections.

Automatic Optimization:

For traditional Routers: Manual adjustments to router placement or channel settings might be necessary in traditional networks if signal instability occurs in certain areas. Mesh networks often feature automatic optimization capabilities, where nodes can automatically adjust connections based on signal strength and quality to provide optimal performance.

Scalability:

For traditional Routers expanding traditional networks may require adding more routers, which could lead to complex management between different routers. Mesh networks are more flexible in terms of expansion; adding more nodes is sufficient without requiring intricate settings.

It's important to note that while Mesh networks have advantages in certain aspects, they might also be influenced by factors such as device compatibility and cost. The choice between the two types of networks should be based on specific needs and the environment they will be deployed in.

• Which type of network cable I should choose? Why?

Classification of network cable:

1. CAT5

The transmission bandwidth is 100MHz, which is used for voice transmission and data transmission with a maximum transmission rate of 100Mbps, mainly for 100BASE-T and 10BASE-T networks, and has been replaced by CAT5e.

2. CAT5e

It has small attenuation, less crosstalk, and the maximum bandwidth of CAT5e is 100MHz. It's mainly used for Gigabit Ethernet.

3. CAT6

The transmission bandwidth of this type of cable is 250MHz, and the transmission performance of CAT6 cabling is much higher than that of CAT5e standards, and it is most suitable for applications with a transmission rate of 1Gbps.

Support for gigabit networks, often referred to as "gigabit cables"; CAT6 provide a 200MHz combined attenuation to crosstalk ratio and an overall 250MHz bandwidth; CAT6 are mainly used in gigabit networks, and the transmission performance is much higher than the standard of CAT5.

4. CAT6e

CAT6e is an improved version of CAT6, which is mainly used in 10 gigabit networks. Transmission frequency is 500MHz, the maximum transmission speed can also reach 10Gbps.

Compared with the CAT6/6e standard, the crosstalk, attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio and so on have been greatly improved.

5. CAT7

It is mainly to adapt to the application and development of 10 gigabit Ethernet technology. But it is no longer an UTP, but a STP, so its transmission frequency can reach at least 600MHz, and the transmission rate can reach up to 10Gbps.

CAT7 standard is a STP wire, mainly used in ten gigabit network, transmission rate up to 10Gbps; In CAT7, each pair has a shielding layer, and the four pairs of lines together have a public shielding layer, which is much thicker than the commonly used network cable in appearance.

For most of the household users, we highly recommend CAT6/6e series, because it can up to 1000M bandwidth limitation and higher cost-efficiency compare to CAT5 and CAT7.

• Can WiFi5 and WiFi6 routers network together?

Yes, they can. But one thing for sure is that WiFi6 is downward compatible to WiFi5 while WiFi5 is not. Usually higher WiFi version can downward compatible to lower WiFi version. Unless it’s independent R&D. So if they network together, the max transmit rate depends on WiFi5.

• What is the meaning of Data Rate ?

It means the maximum wireless associated/link speed the router can provide. It is the internal WLAN connection speed between the computer and the router, not the internet speed. It also means theoretical rate.

• What is the difference between WiFi5 and WiFi6?

The difference is:The capacity, speed, technology, frequency bands, modulation mode, efficiency, Security, power consumption capacity.

The capacity is different. Wifi6 is larger than wifi5 capacity, Wifi6 introduced a new coloring mechanism, allowing multiple mobile phones/computers to access the Internet at the same time, multiple users at the same time is not easy to appear stuck, Wifi6 is more secure than wifi5, Wifi6 equipment if you need to pass the wifi alliance certification, must use WPA3 security protocol, Effectively protect user privacy and security, and greatly improve security performance.

The speed is different. WiFi6 is faster, supports more concurrent devices, has lower latency and lower power consumption. WiFi6 uses the same OFDMA technology as 5G, combined with 1024-QAM high-order modulation, to support up to 160MHz bandwidth, nearly three times faster than WiFi 5. Intelligent frequency division technology can support more device concurrency and increase the capacity of access devices by 4 times.

The technology is different. wifi6 technology transcendence is all-round. Major manufacturers are working on the WiFi6 router market, and the competition in the market will be more intense, but it is a good time for consumers to upgrade WiFi6 routing.

Different frequency bands. In terms of frequency bands, WiFi5 only covers 5GHz, while WiFi 6 covers 2.4/5GHz, fully covering both low and high speed devices.

The modulation mode is different. In terms of modulation mode, WiFi6 supports 1024-QAM, which is higher than the 256-QAM of WiFi5, and the data capacity is higher, which means higher data transmission speed.

The efficiency is different. WiFi6 adds the new OFDMA technology to support parallel transmission of multiple terminals at the same time, effectively improving efficiency and reducing latency, which is the secret of its data throughput.

Security is different. WiFi6 is more secure: If WiFi6 devices need to be certified by the WiFi Alliance, they must use the WPA 3 security protocol, which is more secure.

• What’s the max number of connected mobile digital devices of one router?

Generally speaking, 40-60 vary from different models.

• What’s the difference between 2.4G and 5G ?

They are in different frequency, and also in different channels. The higher the number, the higher channels and bandwidth they are. And of course the higher speed user experience for surfing Internet or gaming, etc. For the signal coverage area, 5G is less broader than 2.4G.

• What is “Unify 2.4G & 5G” this function intended for?

They share the same WiFi and password so that clients can connect to the WiFi(SSID) automatically. But one thing for sure is that, if the mobile devices only supports 2.4G, then it probably not able to connect the WiFi. Even if successfully connects to it, it would be more likely suffer the unstable connection.

• What’s the difference between modem router and normal router?√(AC6 & V12)

The main difference between a modem router and a normal router lies in their functionality and how they connect to the internet:

Modem Router:

A modem router combines the functions of a modem and a router into a single device.It is capable of connecting directly to the internet service provider (ISP) network. The modem part of the device converts digital signals from your ISP into analog signals for transmission over phone lines or coaxial cables (depending on the type of internet service), and vice versa.Modem routers are typically used in homes or small offices where you want a single device to handle both internet connection and local network management.

Normal Router:

A normal router does not have built-in modem functionality and therefore cannot directly connect to the ISP network.It requires a separate modem to connect to the ISP. The modem converts the ISP's signal into a form that the router can use to distribute internet access to devices within the local area network (LAN).Normal routers are used in situations where you already have a separate modem provided by the ISP, or where specific network configurations are needed that involve separate devices for modem and routing functions.

In summary, a modem router is an all-in-one device that integrates both modem and router functions, making it convenient for basic home or small office setups. A normal router requires a separate modem for internet connectivity and is used in scenarios where more flexibility or specific network configurations are required.