ZyXEL Keenetic GIGA II - modem configuration and firmware. Description of the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II router, its connection, firmware and configuration Zyxel Keenetic Giga II is customizable

The zyxel keenetic giga 2 router is a real Internet monster that can easily cope with both multi-gigabyte downloads and IPTV. This is confirmed by the two detachable antennas in the package (with a gain of 5 dBi) and a 2-port USB host, thanks to which it is possible to access high-speed 3G. Built-in electronic filling allows you to reach download speeds up to 1 Gbps!

The ZyXEL router is an Internet monster that can easily cope with multi-gigabyte downloads and IPTV.

The router works on the 802.11n standard and has a built-in firewall for better protection. It is for this generation that the NDMS V2 platform was developed. In general, the zyxel keenetic ii router is an excellent modern platform for organizing a wireless connection. But how do you get the most out of such power? This will be discussed further.

Internet connection setup

First, connect the router to power in this way:

  • adapter included in the kit - into an electrical outlet;
  • internet cable to the WAN connector;
  • patch cord from the delivery - in the connection "LAN-port" and "PC network card".

Now that the device is connected, all settings can be made through the main menu..168.1.1.

You will be prompted to enter the data "Username" and "Password". If you bought a zyxel keenetic giga ii router "out of the box", then the data will be standard - enter "admin" in both fields. In the upper right corner of the opened web interface, you can select the language of work. The default is English. Select from the bottom row of icons one with the image of the earth globe - this tab is responsible for setting up the Internet connection. In the window that opens, select the IPoE option and then the ISP interface.

To make your work easier, in the “Configuring IP Settings” section, select the “Automatic” option, and “MAC address” - “Take from computer”. Also check that the correct WAN and LAN are selected, which are responsible, respectively, for connecting to the network and PC. Click “Apply” to save specific changes.

Setting up a Wi-Fi connection

The zyxel keenetic giga 2 router shows its true potential when creating a working Wi-Fi network.

Despite the presence of 4 ports for a PC, wireless connection expands the number of simultaneously connected devices to one and a half dozen.

To configure and calibrate the network, these steps are required. An icon similar to a communication signal is responsible for the Wi-Fi configuration mobile phoneslocated at the bottom of the menu. The following parameters should be configured according to the algorithm:

  1. "Access point" - "Enable" (everyone within the signal range will be able to see and connect to the created network).
  2. SSID - Enter any network name you like.
  3. "Protection" - Zixel Internet Center experts advise you to choose the WPA-PSK protocol.
  4. "Security key" - a password for accessing a Wi-Fi network, while it can be up to 63 characters!

All other parameters can be left as default. Save your changes.

Setting up IPTV and Multicast

IPTV is a demanding but growing service that turns the zyxel keenetic giga router and your PC into a single media center. It is worth noting that this service became available with the second generation of the Giga series.

There are several options for accessing IPTV:

  • connecting a TV tuner;
  • use of special software (for example, VLC).

These options are slightly different from each other. Setting up a zyxel keenetic giga router for IPTV is as follows. Open the "Home network" tab (the icon with the image of several computers in the main menu of the router), and in it - IGMP Proxy.

In the window that opens, put a check mark in front of the pointer. Thus, the Internet TV function will be available with any of the possible connection options. Learn more in technical support provider.

If the IGMP Proxy option is absent, then to enable it you need to activate it in the tabs "System" and "Components". The following specified parameters must be set to the following values:

  1. Upstream - ISP (it is he who will provide IPTV traffic).
  2. Downstream - LAN / WLAN interface (it houses a PC and a TV tuner).

In the case of setting through a special attachment, additionally designate the port to which it connects and which will provide access to the TV. This will require two steps. First, by clicking on the "Internet" icon, go to the ISP interface tab to calibrate it. Second - in the same place, mark the specific connector that will be used to connect the IPTV set-top box.

http: // site /

After completing the above steps, restart the connected gadget, and the router will be ready to receive and transmit digital television... Now you know how to make the most of the hardware power of the second generation of the Zyxel Keenetic Giga!

  1. Antennas wireless network Wi-FiTwo omnidirectional antennas. The recommended position of the supplied antennas is vertical.
  1. (Wireless LAN ControlWi-Fi) The button allows you to quickly and safely connect to a secure wi-Fi networks Wi-Fi 802.11g / n wireless devices that support the WPS standard, such as computers and laptops with Microsoft Windows operating system.

Short press Starts the Quick Connection (WPS) function
Pressing for more than 3 seconds Enables or disables the wireless network

  1. Reset button (Reset custom settings)Use this button if you need to configure the router again or you have lost the password to access it. To reset the settings, press the button with a pointed object and hold it down for about 10 seconds until all lights on the router go out. The power indicator will start blinking, and after half a minute, the Keenetic will boot up with the default settings.
  1. FN Button (Flexible Button)In the web configurator of the Keenetic, you can assign one or several functions to this button. By default, the button is for safe shutdown all USB storage devices connected to the router.
  1. Network connectors "0 ... 4"Five network connectors for connecting home devices and the Internet. By default, the yellow connectors "1 ... 4" are for the home network and the blue connector "0" for the Internet.
  1. Power switch and connectorPower switch and power adapter connector supplied. The router is designed for continuous operation and does not require a daily power outage. If you need to turn off the router, for example during an extended break in use, it is recommended that you also unplug the power adapter from the electrical outlet.


2 USB Multifunction Host Connector - Located on the side of the router. Connector for compatible USB devices, such as USB 3G / 4G mobile Internet modems, USB drives, USB printers. You can find the current list of compatible USB devices on the Keenetic Omni router page by visiting the ZyXEL website.

8. Power (Status) indicator

9. Indicators 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (Connecting to network connectors)


10. (Wireless Wi-Fi) indicator

12. Indicator (USB connection)

Router connection

  • Choose a suitable location for your router. It is recommended to place the router at the center of the wireless network.
  • Adjust the position of the antenna. An upright position is often best.
  • Connect your computer to local network through the LAN (home network) ports of the router (if you already have a wireless network adapter and want to use a wireless network connection, you can skip this step)
  • Connect the incoming Ethernet cable to the INTERNET port of the router
  • Connect the power adapter to the power adapter on the router and plug the other end into a power outlet.

Setting up a computer to connect to a router:

  • In your computer's TCP / IP settings, select.

To configure the router, you need a computer with network adapter Ethernet or Wi-Fi configured to obtain an IP address automatically (in your computer's TCP / IP settings, select Obtain an IP address automatically).
1. Connect the router to a power outlet using the supplied power adapter. Wait until the POWER indicator of the router stops blinking and remains on.
2. Connect the router to the computer from which the configuration will be performed. To do this, connect the connector "1" on the router to the Ethernet adapter of the computer using the supplied network cable... Turn on your computer and wait for the operating system to load. If the connection to the computer is correct, the “1” indicator on the router will light up.
To access the router configuration, open a web browser and enter the default address http://192.168.1.1 in the address bar then press ENTER. A window will open with the choice of the type of router settings. In this window, you must select the item Web configurator.





Immediately after choosing a configuration option, a window will appear in which you will be asked to create a password to log into the router to prevent unauthorized access to the system settings.
In both windows, you must enter the same password, if it does not match, a message about password mismatch will appear.

After that you will be taken to home page settings and diagnostics. This window displays general information about the connection status, as well as settings menu items.

DHCP configuration


To configure the automatic obtaining of an IP address (DHCP) by the router, click on the button
Then you need to select the type of connection Broadband connection which is to be configured (by double clicking on it with the left mouse button):

After selecting the connection type, a new window will open in which you can configure the automatic obtaining of an IP address.

Use connector: In this section, you can select the port that will be the main one for communication with your provider. When configuring, the default port should be marked "0". There should be empty cells opposite other ports.
Pass tagsVLAN ID: This field can be left blank.
Include:
Description: In this field, you can set the connection name, how it will be displayed in the router settings field. You can leave the default name in this field (broadband connection) or change it to DHCP.
Network ID(VLAN ID): Leave default parameter 2
SettingsIP: In this setting item, you can select the type of receiving IP, must be selected Automatic.
IPthe address:
Subnet mask: not available (for automatic tuning IP settings)
Main gate: not available (when automatically configuring IP settings)
DNS 1,2,3:These fields should be left empty, because when automatically receiving an IP address, your router will automatically receive this parameter as well.
MAC-the address:In this item, you can select the way to use the MAC address (unique identifier of the network device). The value should be Default.
Device name:At this point you can change the name of your router that will be displayed on the Internet.
The sizeMTU: Should be set to 1500
Do not reduceTTL: In this menu item, the selection must be deselected.
After entering the settings, you must click Apply... Then you can proceed to setting up the Wi-Fi connection.

PPOE connection setup


If you are using a PPPoE connection, then you should select
then in the window that appears, select the tab for settings PPPOE / VPN and in this window click the button Add connection


After that, a new window will appear in which you need to configure the connection using the PPPOE protocol.

Include:This item must be selected (activates given view connections).
Use to access the Internet: This item must be selected. If the selection is cleared, the router will not use the dedicated port for communication with the provider, but will use this port as a local one (for communication within the local network).
Description: In this field, you can set the name of the connection, how it will be displayed in the router settings field. It is recommended to specify PPPOE connection.
Type (protocol): At this point, you must select the type of PPPOE tunnelled connection. (PPPTP options are also available, L2TP - not used in your network)
Connect via: At this point, you must select network connection which will be used to establish the connection. You must choose Broadband connection (ISP)
Service name:
Hub name: This field must be left blank. (not used)
Service address:This field is unavailable for this type of connection.
Username: Login connection provided by your provider.
Password: In this paragraph, you must specify Password connections provided to you by your provider.
Authentication method:This paragraph should contain the value Auto .
Data encryption:
UseCCP:This item is not available with this connection.
SettingsIP: This item is responsible for the type of obtaining an IP address. There must be a value Auto .
IPthe address: This item is not available with this connection.
RemoteIPthe address: This item is not available with this connection.
DNS 1,2,3: These points are responsible for specifying specific DNS servers... But due to the fact that all settings are assigned automatically, there is no need to specify values \u200b\u200bin these fields.
Auto-tuningTCP-MSS: This item is responsible for auto-tuning the size of data fragments. This item must be enabled.
After setting up the connection via PPPOE, you need to click the APPLY button, after which you can go to wi-Fi settings networks.

Setting up a wireless connection


To set up a wireless connection, in the main menu, press the assignment
In the window that appears, the tab should be selected Access point.


Enable access point: This item is intended to enable / disable broadcasting of the radio module. This item must be enabled.
Network name(SSID): In this field you must enter the name of your network (the name of your network will be displayed in the list of available networks). By default, this field contains the name of the router model.
HideSSID: If this item is not selected, then the name of your network will be visible in the list of networks, if the item is selected (activated), then your network will be hidden, and connection to it will be possible only by manually entering the network name. It is better to leave this item unselected.
Network protection: Here you can select the type of encryption to be used. It is desirable to use WPA2-PSK since this type of encryption is the most reliable and supports the 802.11n broadcast standard (the fastest).
Network Key: Here you can specify a password of 8 to 63 characters in ASCII encoding (that is, it is permissible to use capital and lowercase letters and numbers of the Latin alphabet).
Key 1,2,3,4:
Default key: When this type encryption (WPA2-PSK) not available
Standard:Please select 11bgn mode.This mode allows all wireless stations of the 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n standards to connect to the router.
Channel: This field sets the operating frequency that you are going to use. The default mode is Auto,thus, the access point itself in automatic mode will select the most suitable channel . This parameter should be left in Auto mode.
Signal strength: In this item, you can set the broadcast signal strength of the radio transmitter. You must put 100%.
After setting the settings, click the APPLY button. After that, your router is fully configured to work on our network.

The Keenetic Giga router from the manufacturer ZyXEL is not just a router, but a whole network center. With its help, you can create a local network with an exchange rate of up to 1 Gbit / s (as the name Giga speaks about), while providing each of the subscribers with Internet access. The router supports IPTV technology, and two integrated USB port allow to connect network printers or external hard drives with sharing... Let's consider how to set up a zyxel wifi router, its appearance and characteristics.

Router package

The router is supplied for sale in a snow-white box, in the center of which the device itself is depicted on the front side, and the main attractions are described around it.

Router packing box

The router package includes:

    zyxel kinetic router;

    Two detachable 5dBi omnidirectional antennas;

    Power Supply;

    Ethernet network cable;

    Instructions for use;

    CD with ZyXEL NetFriend software;

    Warranty card.

Router package

The router has a 1 year warranty.

ZyXEL NetFriend is an Internet or IPTV setup wizard designed especially for inexperienced users.

Case, front panel of the router

The Wi-Fi Zixel router, like the packaging, is also snow-white, not counting the inscriptions on the top panel.

Router appearance

On the front of the top cover, there are nine LED indicators showing the status of power, WAN, LAN and USB ports, and WPS activity. If the port LEDs are blinking, then network traffic is currently passing through this interface.

Back, side panels, and the bottom of the router

On the back of the router zyxel giga places all ports and connectors for connection. Marked in yellow LAN porty for connecting computers in the local network, blue - WAN port for connecting to the provider's network. To the left of the LAN ports there is a WPS activation button (automatic wireless devices to a wireless Wi-Fi network), an on / off button for the Wi-Fi module, and a hidden reset button. To the right of the WAN port there is a connector for connecting a power supply and a button to turn on the router. Antenna connectors are located along the edges of the rear panel.

Back and side panels of the router

On the side panel there are two USB 2.0 ports with buttons for safely disconnecting the USB device.

On the bottom of the router there is a label with useful information.

The bottom of the router

The label contains the network address of the router, login and password for entering the settings menu, the name of the wireless network and the mac address of the device.

Router hardware

The zyxel router firmware runs an operating system on linux based, which allows you to significantly expand the capabilities of the router.

Router hardware

The processor of the device operates at 384 MHz, the volume random access memory is 64MB, Flash memory is 8MB.

Setting up a router

Entering the settings menu

Consider how step by step setup zyxel router. To start the configuration, you need to go to the settings menu of the router. This is done from any web browser.

First of all, we connect the router to the computer using a network wire, one end to the LAN port of the router, the other end to the computer's network card. We turn on the router. When the indicators on the front panel light up, launch any web browser and write the ip of the zyxel router in the address bar - 192.168.1.1. A window will open in which you must enter your username and password. The manufacturer assigns the same values \u200b\u200bto all devices - "admin" and "1234", respectively.

Entering the username and password to enter the router settings menu

After entering the settings menu, it is recommended to change the password. If an error is thrown, then, probably, when previous settings the factory settings have been changed. To reset all settings, press the reset button on the back of the router. If that doesn't help either, then the zyxel router probably isn't working.

Router settings menu structure

The router settings are divided into certain categories, each of which can be selected in the list on the left side of the window. In the center, the selected menu item is configured itself.

The first page of the router settings menu

The first page displays complete information about the current state of both the router itself and all connections. This title page is specific to ZyXEL, the same information is displayed on other models, for example, when configuring the zyxel p660 router. Of course, there is all the information about the devices connected to the USB ports.

Setting up an Internet connection

To set up an Internet connection, select the "Internet" item, then the "Authorization" sub-item.

Setting up an Internet connection

For further customization, you must prepare a contract issued by the provider. In the field "Internet access protocol" select the type of connection, in the field "Username" and "password" also enter the corresponding data. All this is in the contract.

After the completion of the input, be sure to confirm the changes made with the button "apply".

Setting up a Wi-Fi router

zyxel wi fi router is configured in the "Wi-Fi network" menu.

Setting up a Wi-Fi router

Submenu "Connection". The “Network name” field is used to enter the name of the wireless network, which can be hidden if desired by checking the “Hide SSID” checkbox below. It is better to leave everything as default in the list of standard and channel - the router will automatically select the best options.

Submenu "Security". In this submenu, the type of encryption for connecting to the wireless network is assigned and the password is set.

Configuring Wi-Fi network security

We leave the first three fields by default, in the “Network Key” field, enter the password, which should consist of letters of the English alphabet and numbers. By the way, this rule is true for any Wi-Fi modules, whether it is setting up a zyxel p600 router or any other.

Updating the firmware

Firmware, or more correctly, firmware, is that part of the router that can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website and installed into the device. In new versions of the firmware, the identified errors are often corrected, new functionality is added to the router, and simply makes it work faster and better. To update, you must go to the ZyXEL website (http://zyxel.ru/keenetic-giga) and, if available new firmware download it to your computer.

Router firmware update process

The update process begins and continues for 4 minutes.

Attention! In the process of updating, under no circumstances should you disconnect the router from the power supply! The consequences are unpredictable, up to the complete failure of the router.

The Zyxel Keenetic Giga II Internet Center is multifunction device, with which you can build a home or office network with Internet access and Wi-Fi access. In addition to basic functions, it has a number of additional opportunitiesthat go far beyond the usual router, making this device interesting for the most discerning user. To realize these possibilities as fully as possible, the router must be able to properly configure. This will be discussed further.

Before starting the configuration, you need to prepare the router for the first time. This training is standard for all devices of this type. It is necessary to choose a place where the router will be located, unpack it, attach the antennas and connect to a PC or laptop, and connect the cable from the provider to the WAN connector. If you are using a 3G or 4G network connection, you need to connect a USB modem to one of the available connectors. Then you can proceed to configure the router.

Connecting to the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II web interface

No special tweaks are required to connect to the web interface. It is enough just:


After completing these steps, the first time you connect, the following window will open:


The further course of the setup will depend on which of the two options offered in this window the user chooses.

NDMS - operating system of the Internet center

One of the product features lineup Keenetic is that their operation is carried out under the control of not just a firmware, but an entire operating system - NDMS. It is its presence that turns these devices from trivial routers into multifunctional Internet centers. Therefore, it is very important to constantly keep the firmware of your router up to date.

NDMS OS is built on a modular basis. It consists of components that can be added or removed at the user's discretion. You can view the list of installed and available components for installation in the web interface in the section "System" in the tab "Components" (or on the tab "Updates", the location is affected by the OS version).


By ticking the required component (or unchecking) and clicking on the button "Apply", you can install or uninstall it. However, this must be done very carefully so as not to accidentally remove a component necessary for the normal functioning of the device. These components are usually marked "Critical" or "Important".

The presence of a modular operating system makes the configuration of Keenetic devices extremely flexible. Therefore, depending on the user's preferences, the web interface of the router can have completely different subsections and tabs (except for the basic ones). Having understood this important point for yourself, you can proceed to the direct configuration of the router.

Quick setup

For those users who do not want to delve deeply into the intricacies of configuration, the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II provides the ability to set the basic parameters of the device in a few clicks. But at the same time, you still need to first look into the contract with the provider and find out the necessary details about your connection. To start the quick configuration of the router, you must click on the corresponding button in the settings window that appears after authorization in the device web interface.


Then the following will happen:


As you can see, setting up the device really happens very quickly. If the user needs additional functions of the Keenetic, he can continue it manually by pressing the button "Web configurator".

Manual setting

Those who like to delve into the parameters of the Internet connection do not need to use the function on their own quick setup router. You can directly enter the device's web configurator by clicking on the corresponding button in the initial settings window.

Then you need to:


After that, you can start creating an interface for connecting to the Internet. To do this, you need to select the required type of connection (according to the agreement with the provider) and click on the button "Add interface".


Then you need to set the necessary parameters for connecting to the Internet:


After entering the parameters, click on the button "Apply", the router will receive new settings and will be able to connect to the Internet. It is also recommended to fill in the field in all cases "Description", for which you need to come up with a name for this interface. The router's firmware allows the creation and use of multiple connections, and thus you can easily distinguish between them. All created connections will be displayed in the list on the corresponding tab in the Internet settings menu.


From this submenu, if necessary, you can easily edit the configuration of the created connection.

3G / 4G network connection

The presence of USB ports makes it possible to connect the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II to 3G / 4G networks. This is especially convenient if the device is planned to be used in rural areas or in the country, where there is no wired internet... The only condition for creating such a connection is the coverage of the mobile operator, as well as the installed necessary NDMS components. The fact that this is so is evidenced by the presence of a tab "3G / 4G" In chapter "The Internet" the router's web interface.


If this tab is missing, the necessary components must be installed.

The NDMS operating system supports up to 150 models of USB modems, so problems with their connection are rare. You just need to connect the modem to the router for the connection to be established, since its main parameters are usually already written in the modem firmware. After connecting, the modem should appear in the list of interfaces on the tab 3G / 4G and in the general list of connections on the first tab of the section "The Internet"... If necessary, you can change the connection parameters by clicking on the name of the connection and filling in the appropriate fields.


However, practice shows that the need manual setting connecting to mobile operator occurs infrequently.

Configuring a backup connection

One of the advantages of the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II is the ability to use multiple Internet connections at the same time through different interfaces. In this case, one of the connections acts as the main one, and the rest are backup. This function is very handy in case of unstable connection with providers. To implement it, you just need to set the connection priority on the tab "Connections" section "The Internet"... To do this, you need to enter digital values in field "Priority" list and click "Save Priorities".


Larger value means higher priority. Thus, from the example shown in the screenshot, it follows that the main connection is via a wired network, which has a priority of 700. If the connection is lost, the router will automatically establish a connection to the 3G network via a USB modem. But at the same time, he will constantly try to restore the main connection, and as soon as this becomes possible, he will switch to it again. It is possible to create a similar pair from two 3G connections from different operators, as well as setting the priority for three or more connections.

Change wireless settings

By default, the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II already has a created Wi-Fi connection, which is quite functional. The name of the network and the password to it can be found on the sticker on the bottom of the device. Therefore, in most cases, setting up a wireless network boils down to changing these two parameters. To do this, you must:


After saving the settings, the network will start working with the new parameters. They are enough for most users.

At the end of the review, I would like to emphasize that the article touched on the topic of only the key points in setting up the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II. but operating system NDMS provides the user with many more additional options for using the device. A description of each of them deserves a separate article.

It has become quite common for advanced technology companies to release new product series from year to year, making the minimum necessary changes.

Modern phones of recent years are practically copied from each other, and useful upgrades are practically not noticeable.

Against this background, the products of a large Taiwanese company ZyHel Communications Corp compare favorably - basically by the fact that they do not pursue an annual model update, and try to improve their subsequent creations as much as possible.

Here is their brainchild - Keenetic giga II - differs from its predecessor so much that it was worthy of a separate series and name.

But in the company's presentation, this product is part of the Keenetic II, Keenetic Giga II and Keenetic Ultra line - and in addition to many updates, it has a completely different software and hardware platform.

Apparently, the company wanted to present a new device under the well-known Keenetic brand - and at the same time completely remained faithful to its previous positive principles.

Key features

Unpacking and packaging

The dimensions of the router are 158 x 110 x 32 mm, weight is 270 g.

For those who are familiar with previous Keenetic models, the first thing that catches your eye is a dramatic design change.

If the previous models were made mainly in white, then this one is in black gloss.

It is definitely also beautiful - the black color suits almost any interior, is invisible and not striking; and besides, it is not so sticky to dust - you must agree - not everyone will be happy to change a properly working router just because its body has turned yellow from the settling dust.

On the underside of the device, also made of glossy black plastic, there is information about the manufacturer, series and rules of use (you can read more about this in the Russian-language part of the manual).

On one side, you can see the ears for mounting the device vertically to the wall, on the other side - a pair of rubber feet against slipping.

With this functionality, you can attach the device only in one position - antennas and ports down.

Also added connectors for external antennas - external antennas in the form of sharp spokes are connected to them.

They can be directed in different directions (see Fig. 5), which can significantly improve the signal quality.

As you can see in the photo, the connectors for connecting the antennas are located on back panel, a - to the side (see Fig. 6)

The device has a beautiful corrugated top panel made of glossy black plastic, rounded edges.

There are also small ventilation holes on the sides to cool the device.

Configuration buttons are located on the front panel.

On a small niche above and closer to the right corner, a noticeable large control key is also one of the latest useful innovations.

In addition, multicolored marking of connectors for wires of different colors was made convenient - this will help not to get confused when connecting the connectors. As you can see in the figure below (see Figure 7), two colors are used - yellow marking for four connectors in order to connect a home network with numbers from 4 to 1; and blue - for the Internet connection at number 0. On the right, there is a round socket for connecting power, and on the other edge - a click for reset and reboot the device. The ports are separated from each other so as not to interfere when connecting to the device

Fig. 7: rear panel

As you can see in the picture (see Fig. 8), there are also indicator lights on the front panel of the device, which practically correspond to the connectors connected to the rear panel.

From left to right - device operation indicator (on / off), Internet network, four home network connectors, power wi-Fi signal, USB connection icon.

Of course, the black color, the sides made of matte plastic and the stylish design added elegance to the device, and it looks much more expensive than its price (and, of course, fully justifies it).

Kit when ordering

What do you get when you order?

The set with the router includes:

The cost

How to setup

Preparing for setup.

Before starting work, turn on the router electrical network using an outlet. Connect one end of the cable to, and connect the other to the computer.

You can see where each of the connectors is located in the figure below.

The button on the top panel is the Wi-Fi setting button. If you press it briefly, authorization will start, and a long press for more than three seconds enables or disables wi-Fi module... Long press on it and turn on the device.

You are now ready to start configuring your network.

Setting up access to the Internet on the operating system

Setting up Internet access via LAN cable

Login to the Zyxel web interface:

  • Turn on your personal Computer or the laptop to which you previously connected the cable from the router.
  • Open any available browser (this can be Opera, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox) - which one does not matter in principle.
  • in the address bar above enter: http://192.168.1.1, as shown in the photo:

  • enter a username, set a password, click "OK"
  • log in with the previously specified username and password
  • when you enter, you will see the following picture (pay attention to the upper right corner - there should be Russian language, if you have a different language - click on the language icon - see fig. 13, and select Russian):

Setting up Internet access

  • start configuring the network - press the network button where it is shown in the figure below:

  • select iPoE tab

  • select iSP option

  • the following window will open, in which it is necessary to set the following parameters: 1.configuration of IP parameters: “Automatic”; 2.MAC address: “ Take from your pc”.
  • click the "Apply" button.

That's all - this completes the setup of the Internet connection via the cable.

Setting up Internet access via Wi-Fi wireless network

  • follow the 7 previous paragraphs from the text above (column “ Login to the Zyxel web interface”)
  • select the Wi-Fi network icon, it is circled in red in the photo:

  • a new window will open. It will contain several graphs. Check the box next to "Enable"
  • The name of the network (SSID) you give any you want. It will be visible to people trying to connect Wi-Fi. Use Latin or numbers.
  • Below the Network protection field - select.
  • create a password and enter it in the “ Security key”. Write down and save your password in a secluded place.

  • click the "Apply" button

All - you have completed the configuration of your Wi-Fi wireless network and can enjoy the vastness of the Internet and surfing the network.

Testing

When verifying the router, tests were used to assess the throughput of routing with a wired connection, as well as the speed of operation wireless interface and NAS functionality.

According to the test results, the ZyXEL Keenetic Giga II turned out to be much more productive than its predecessor, especially in tasks that heavily load the processor.

Also, the speed of reading and writing connected via USB has increased to 15 MB / s - from the outside it can be said - a modest value, but let's not forget that the main purpose of the router is to route packets, and not at all to perform the NAS function, where work with disks is carried out at the hardware level. To the note, let's say that the devices have previous generation this figure was at the level of 3-5 MB / s. And the performance of the BitTorrent-client Transmission, built into the default firmware, is about 5 MB / s, which allows you to download a movie in 1080p resolution in about half an hour.

Also other important changes in NDMS 2.0 - full-featured NAT support is implemented here (it is possible to use several external ones), it supports multiple PPP tunnels and the supply of additional physical WAN interfaces to the ports of the built-in switch.

If we try to explain this in simple terms, this determines the possibility of "hot backup" of the Internet connection, and the possibility of switching to another option if the main provider malfunctions.

Very useful new ability to use the interface command line - this helps, by connecting to the router using the Telnet program, to perform various fine tuning (and the main ones too) equipment that are not available in the shell of the web interface, and it is easy to save and restore them through a text file.

In using the Zyxel keenetic giga II, it differs little from similar devices, and its connection and configuration is usually not difficult. press the "reset" button, and then use the standard login and password (admin / 1234 - it fits any Zyxel products).

You just need to make sure that the range of IP addresses network card computer and router are on the same subnet.

The Keenetic Giga II was also tested in conjunction with a laptop (we used an HP TX2-1210er laptop and a miniPCI-Express adapter Broadcom BCM94322MC, IxChariot testing program).

The mentioned program was chosen as an unofficial measurement standard of this kind.

During testing, both were first in the same room in close proximity to each other, and then were referred to different corners of the rooms, between them there was a wall of a standard panel building.

Also, which is typical for a megalopolis, signals from other sources and base stations, which created a level of average noise.

Briefly, the test results are visible on the table:

Comparison with other models

This router was compared with three random routers of one price categoryavailable for purchase in the online store.

Three routers operating in the same frequency range were selected.

See their photos in the picture above.

  • Upvel UR-515D4G
  • MikroTik RB941-2nD-TC
  • ZyXel Keenetic Giga II

As can be seen from Fig. 22, the keenetic giga II model we are considering in the article, which came out a few years ago, retains its advantages over modern routers:

  • there are 4 LAN ports (one more than in MikroTik RB941-2nD-TC) - this number of ports is used by manufacturers in routers on average;
  • high speed (1Gbit / s - more than the other two models under consideration);
  • 2 USB connectors (there is only one in the Upvel UR-515D4G model, and none of the MikroTik RB941-2nD-TC);
  • there are also external detachable antennas for signal amplification;
  • complies with four security standards (802.1x security standard is present only in keenetic giga II).

  • Upvel UR-515D4G has a Web server and, otherwise, the characteristics of Upvel UR-515D4G and ZyXel Keenetic Giga II are identical in functionality. ZyXel Keenetic Giga II supports CLI (Telnet) function. The MikroTik RB941-2nD-TC router is far behind the other two in its functionality.
  • the dimensions of the devices under consideration are practically the same.

Pros and cons

  • guaranteed stable internet, good signal,
  • the presence of external removable antennas that amplify the signal if necessary,
  • excellent functionality of the device,
  • ergonomic design,
  • intuitive interface, availability of customization in Russian and ease of customization,
  • responsible and really helpful customer support and free technical assistance online,
  • a company with a positive reputation in the past,
  • the device is beautiful in performance and design,
  • fully pays for the money spent on it.
  • some users mention that the power of the Internet is not enough for a multi-room apartment - but we believe that this is the subjective opinion of some users,
  • the position of the mounting tabs on the back of the device allows you to mount it in only one position,
  • only available in black,
  • the grooved corrugated top cover can collect dust.