Review of Zyxel Keenetic Extra II: AC1200 at a reasonable price.

The broadcast power of the Zyxel Keenetic Extra router will satisfy the majority of people living in apartments and houses with a small living space. Good functionality and numerous features of the device are more than sufficient for home use.

Support for dual-band mode allows you to comfortably use high-speed Internet in apartment buildings, even in the presence of a lot of interference from neighboring wireless points. The manufacturer also equipped the Extra model with gigabit ports and USB port support.

Box and its contents

The ZyXEL company traditionally printed an overview of the main characteristics of the device on the Keenetic Extra packaging, which favorably distinguishes it from competitors of the same price range. It should be noted that the entire description is in Russian, so the buyer will not have to guess what he will receive after purchasing the device.

The manufacturer has neatly packed everything needed for a quick commissioning of the equipment.

The list of equipment consists of the following elements:

1. The Zyxel Keenetic Extra device itself;
2. Patch cord;
3. Adapter for connecting to a 220 V power supply;
4. Instructions and warranty card.

Appearance

Firm "Zixel" reacted conservatively to the design of the exterior of the router in question. The shape of the glossy body and its black color emphasize the practicality of the equipment. The front panel is decorated with nine indicator lights for operating modes.

Also, the front panel has a key that the owner of the router can customize at his discretion. On the side of the device, in addition to the ventilation holes, the user will find a full-fledged USB connector. One WAN and 4 LAN sockets, as usual, are located on the back, and there is also a place for a round hole for connecting the power adapter and the following three buttons: "On / Off", "Fn" and "Resert". The user can customize the functionality of the "Fn" key at his own discretion.

A pair of front legs is designed to provide reliable fastening on the wall in any position, and when installed on a horizontal surface, the rear polymer legs will prevent the device from sliding.

Hardware design

As a rule, kinetics are equipped with a good set of functionalities. Zyxel Keenetic Extra is no exception. In addition to the main function of broadcasting Wifi in 2 bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz, the device has support for USB routers of cellular operators, DLNA and torrent. The disadvantages include the only USB port, since this is no longer enough for a significant number of users.

A powerful processor operating at a frequency of 580 MHz, and the amount of RAM (128 Mb), sufficient to solve most of the tasks at home, will allow you to comfortably operate the device without frequent freezes. 16 Mb of internal memory easily accommodates all the software you need.

Four Gigabit LANs provide high-speed home network computers, while a Gigabit WAN connector is responsible for connecting to the World Wide Web, allowing you to take full advantage of your ISP's capabilities.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer has equipped the router with external antennas of a non-removable type, so purchasing them with a higher gain for owners of large apartments is a useless undertaking (unless with appropriate skills in using a soldering iron).

When using an external “Keenetic Plus DECT” unit, the router supports telephony, but it is not in the standard box, and if necessary, you will have to pay extra for this USB module. You can connect an external drive or printer to USB 2.0, and you can print documents from any device connected to the wireless network created by the router.

The security of the created network is ensured by SPI technology, Wi-Fi encryption over WPA2-PSK and a firewall. The convenient parental control option will appeal to families with minor children. Experienced users appreciate the command line mode.

Software

Entering the settings through a computer is carried out by typing in the search field of the browser "192.168.1.1". Next, in the displayed menu, type the access code of the owner of the router.

The program for entering settings and network parameters is similar to the rest of the kinetics models.

The used firmware "NDMS v2" has several methods of connection with the analysis of channel availability, as well as via USB devices of all mobile operators of the Russian Federation.

Implemented efficient filtering of traffic with the ability to deny access to resources marked "for adults".

In order to adjust the parameters of the Wi-Fi network, you need to go to the appropriate section and fill in the columns in the "Access Point" tabs for both frequency ranges of the wireless network.

The other tabs are used to configure guest connections. All graphs have hints, so the whole procedure for entering parameters is usually not difficult.

Setting via smartphone

The absence of a computer at home does not pose a problem for owners of Zyxel Keenetic Extra, since several convenient programs have been developed specifically for smartphones.

ZyXEL Keenetic NetFriend

It is a remedy for smart phone users without a PC.

In addition to entering the settings, using the utility, you can easily analyze the Wi-Fi connection, as well as upgrade the firmware.

ZyXEL My.Keenetic

This program has an even more extended list of tools. It can remotely enter the router interface and control devices on the wireless network.

The main advantages of the model

Many users leave positive reviews about the high speed of gigabit ports and the ability to broadcast at 5 GHz. The web interface has everything you need to manage the multiple modules.

The main disadvantage

Insufficient power of external antennas, which cannot be changed, therefore the device copes well with its tasks only in two-room apartments, sometimes in three-room apartments, if there are no thick interior partitions. The only disadvantage is the only USB port, since this is no longer enough for a significant number of users.

Conclusion

Rich functionality and good hardware make it possible to create an uninterrupted home Wi-Fi network. But if you need a router for installation in a small office or a large apartment, then it is not recommended to purchase the device.

If you have just signed a contract with one of the Internet providers and purchased everything you need (router, cable), you may want to install and configure network access yourself, without additional costs for technical specialists. Therefore, you came to this page and therefore you will succeed.

This article will discuss in detail the process of self-connecting the Internet via an Ethernet cable to a Zyxel Keenetic ii router for various providers and data transfer protocols (PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP).

How to start a router?

Carefully remove all accessories from the package and follow the following procedure when connecting it:

• Unpack and connect the power supply to the device;
• Insert the cable from the provider into the dedicated WAN port (the one through which Ethernet data is transmitted);
• Remove from the package and connect the connecting cable to the router, as well as to the network card of the main PC: it is short enough, the same at both ends, inserted into any of the five free slots of the router and the only one available on the computer / laptop;
• Plug in the power supply, then press the power key on the back panel;
• Wait until the device starts up completely, as a result of which 3 diodes will light up on the indicator panel: power, network, PC connection.

The new connection should now be displayed in the lower right corner of your PC screen. Let's do some preparatory work:

• Right-click on this icon, open the Control Center;
• In the right part of the window that opens, the name of your connection will be highlighted in blue. Click on it;
• Another window opened. Open the properties by clicking on the corresponding button;
• Scroll down the list of parameters of the current connection and find the Internet Protocol version 4: select it and open the properties (button below the list);
• Make sure that in both cases, IP and DNS are set to retrieve settings automatically. If this is not the case, set the selectors to the appropriate value;
• Apply changes.

This completes the preparatory work. Let's move on to the main settings.

Connection setup

When configuring the Zyxel Keenetic ii router, we will use the web configurator common to the entire Kinetic family. Therefore, having learned how to configure this model, you can cope with connecting third and third generation devices and other types like Lite, 4G, etc.

And so, first we need to open this very web configurator:

And now you are in the main menu of the device. In it, you can find data about the current firmware (upper list on the right), connected connections (upper left), as well as two types of menus: a text menu at the top and a lower one, consisting mainly of graphic icons. We are interested in the second - "Internet".

But before proceeding to enter the parameters, find the provider in the contract or get the following data from the support service:

• What access protocol is used: we have already listed the most popular ones above (PPPoE, L2TP);
• Authorization data (personal login and password - contained in the agreement);
• Whether it is necessary to specify the IP address as well as the name of the dedicated server (VPN). These values, if required;
• Whether you are assigned a static address, or is it updated (dynamic) in every new session;
• Does the provider register MAC addresses (this is done, for example, by Dom.ru) and, if so, which one belongs to you;

We need all this to connect the Zyxel Keenetic ii router to the network.

After switching to the Internet tab of the main menu, you will see an updated list of tabs at the top of the page. Go to the PPPoE / VPN section and click on the add connection button. In the window that opens, we make the following settings:

Example of configuring a router in PPPoE mode

• We set the checkboxes in the first two selectors, which will turn on the connection and designate it as the main one for accessing the external network;
• In the protocol field, indicate the one that the provider told you. For example PPPoE;
• If the supplier has informed that it is necessary, we indicate the server address;
• Immediately after it, we indicate our personal data as a user;
• We set the protection method (i.e. authentication) only at the request of the Internet provider;
• Below, if you are supplied with a dynamic IP, do not change anything. And if it is static, then we select the manual setting of the parameters and write the corresponding values ​​for the address, subnet mask and gateway used (Some providers do not supply the ip-address at all via the client wan-port. In this case, you must select the "No IP-address" option);
• All other parameters are optional for the owners of the Zyxel Keenetic ii router and are assigned only at the request of Rostelecom, Beeline or any other company with which you have entered into an agreement;
• Click on Apply Settings and wait for the changes to be made to the router configuration;

Example of configuring a router in PPTP mode

If the supply agreement provides for a static IP, and you did not succeed in setting up the connection using the algorithm above, try the following additionally:

• While in the same "Internet" section of the Zyxel Keenetic ii router, open the IPoE tab of the top menu;
• Click on the name of the only interface specified in the table;
• In the pop-up window, we also check the boxes in the two upper selectors;
• We find the line of IP parameters and select the manual configuration method;
• In the fields that appear, write the data from the provider;
• If the addresses of domain servers were provided, we indicate them below;
• Here you can also specify the static MAC address assigned to you by your ISP. To do this, remove the "Default" setting in the corresponding field;
• We apply the changes and check the internet availability again.

An example of manual configuration of ip-addresses

For reliability, you can restart Zyxel Keenetic ii and turn it off, then (after 15 seconds) turn on the network adapter of your PC.

If the router is not new, and the configuration was carried out earlier for other providers, you must reset the parameters to the factory defaults. To do this, on the rear panel of the device, you need to find the Reset button and hold it down for 10-15 seconds, then restart the router. In this case, the login password (1234) and other parameters will be initialized. Now you can set up again and continue using a high-quality Internet connection using a Zyxel Keenetic ii router.

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Instructions for setting up Zyxel Keenetic Extra

We will independently configure the connection of the Keenetic to the Internet through the built-in web configurator... To configure, connect to the device via an Ethernet cable (included in the kit, yellow):

Launch your browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1 (Device IP address by default) (Zyxel Keenetic routers also have a site for configuring my.keenetic.net). To enter the menu, enter the login admin and the password 1234. You will see the device's web configurator:

We set a password for entering the web interface of the router settings - by default, the login is admin.
Click on "Apply" to save the settings:

The settings menu is located at the bottom - go to the item "Internet" - "Connections".

Interface has already been added here "Broadband Connection" to open it, just click on the name:

In field “Configuring IP Settings” leave the value Automatic. Click on "Apply" to save the settings:

It is advisable to immediately update the firmware of the router, for this we go to the menu "System Monitor". Updates are available. Click on the name "Available":

After you will see a window with the update process, you need to wait until the end, after which the Web configurator will load itself:

Next, go to the menu "Wi-Fi network" for wireless settings.
Because the router supports two frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz- we configure both connections:

Click on "Apply" to save the settings.
And at a frequency of 5 GHz. It is better to supplement the name of the network with 5G so that it is always possible to determine at what frequency the connection will take place:

Click on "Apply" to save the settings.

* In the choice of the country, we must indicate - United States... Country Russia supports the channel range 1-13. When choosing the country Russia, you may face the problem of connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Many devices do not support connection when selecting a channel higher than 11. We strongly advise against going beyond channel 11. If the country is United States / USA, the channel range is 1-11.

This completes the settings - it will not be superfluous to check the presence of the checked box IGMP to view IPTV in the menu "Home network" - "IGMP Proxy":

For the correct performance of all VL-Telecom network resources at your home, you must also change the home subnet.
To do this, go to the local network settings, tab "Segments", choose "Home":

Next, change IP address and starting address of the pool(default will be 192.168. 1 .1 must be changed to 192.168. 0 .1:

After changing the IP address, setting up the router for this site (192.168.1.1) will not be available. After a while, in the address bar, type 192.168.0.1 (the device's IP address assigned by us) (Zyxel Keenetic routers also have a site for configuring my.keenetic.net). To enter the menu, enter the username admin and the password assigned at the beginning of the setup:

The setup is complete. Switch to tab "System Monitor"... Here you can view the status of the Internet connection and the received network settings:

Problem solved

Advantages: 1) Previously, ZyXEL products were considered more expensive than NetGear, D-Link and TP-Link. But when looking for dual-band routers, I was extremely surprised that models with similar characteristics from the above manufacturers are in the same price segment. Therefore, my choice was for Keenetic Extra. 2) ZyXEL products have been on our market since the 90s, so most devices work great with local providers, and out of the box, IP-TV and more are supported. 3) Configuring the router: + there is a web interface for users. Completely set up in less than 30 minutes without any difficulty. + system administrators can use Cisco-like commands. 4) The firmware is split into components. This implies several advantages: + the user can remove unnecessary components, freeing up space on the flash memory + components are updated as needed, which is a definite plus in terms of functionality and safety, since other manufacturers release monolithic firmware every few months. Thanks to this, there is some confidence in the absence of known backdoors and holes. Therefore, I recommend that paranoid people look closely at either ZyXEL or MikroTik. 5) You can install a "network packet capture module", udp-http proxy, ftp server, torrent client, samba, VPN server, etc. 6) additional modes of router operation are available: amplifier mode, adapter mode, access point mode. 7) any Lan port can be reconfigured as Wan to connect to a second provider. Disadvantages: 1) Antennas are non-removable, which can be a disadvantage when trying to use in large rooms. 2) 5GHz coverage is less than 2.4GHz, but these are features of the technology, not the router itself. 3) The subjective opinion that 16 megabytes of flash memory is not enough by modern standards ... But in fact at the moment less than half is occupied. As a last resort, you can connect an external USB drive. Commentary: The router was purchased for the following conditions: - a two-room apartment - the router is installed in the central room next to the computer (connected via twisted pair) - there is a set-top box in the other room. It receives large volumes of tcp and udp traffic every day over Wi-Fi 5GHz (behind a concrete wall, the connection speed is 150 megabits / sec) - there is also a laptop and smartphones in the apartment. Monitoring the router under load: - less than 50% of 16 megabytes of flash memory is occupied - no more than 25% of 128 megabytes of RAM is used - the load on the processor has not yet exceeded 10%. Keenetic Giga has been used in this apartment for the previous 4 years. During this period, not a single problem arose with it, it did not even have to be rebooted.