Comparison TP-LINK RE200 vs TP-LINK TL-WA860RE

Wi-Fi standards supported by the equipment. Nowadays, in addition to modern standards Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)(its variation Wi-Fi 6E), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and WiGig (802.11ad), you can meet also support for earlier versions — Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) and even Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b). Here is a more detailed description of each of these versions:

— Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g). An outdated standard, like Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b), which has sunk into oblivion. It was widely used before the advent of Wi-Fi 4, nowadays it is used mainly as an addition to newer versions — in particular, in order to ensure compatibility with outdated and low-cost equipment. Operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the maximum data transfer rate is 54 Mbps.

— Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). The first of the common standards that supports the frequency of 5 GHz; can operate in this range or in the classic 2.4 GHz. It is worth emphasizing that some models of Wi-Fi equipment for this standard use only 5 GHz, which is why they are incompatible with earlier versions of Wi-Fi. The maximum speed for Wi-Fi 4 is 600 Mbps; in modern wireless devices, this standard is very popular, only recently it began to be squeezed into this position by Wi-Fi 5.

— Wi-Fi 5...(802.11ac). The successor to Wi-Fi 4, which finally moved to the 5 GHz band, which had a positive effect on the reliability of the connection and data transfer rate: it is up to 1.69 Gbps per antenna and up to 6.77 Gbps in general. In addition, this is the first version to fully implement Beamforming technology (for more details, see "Functions and Capabilities").

— Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). The development of Wi-Fi 5, which introduced both an increase in speed to 10 Gbps, and a number of important improvements in the format of work. One of the most important innovations is the use of an extensive frequency range — from 1 to 7 GHz; this, in particular, allows you to automatically select the least loaded frequency band, which has a positive effect on the speed and reliability of the connection. At the same time, Wi-Fi 6 devices are capable of operating at classic frequencies of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and a modification of the Wi-Fi 6E standard is capable of operating at frequencies from 5.9 to 7 GHz, it is generally accepted that devices with Wi-Fi 6E support operate on frequency of 6 GHz, while there is full compatibility with earlier standards. In addition, some improvements were introduced in this version regarding the simultaneous operation of several devices on one channel, in particular, we are talking about OFDMA technology. Thanks to this, Wi-Fi 6 gives the smallest of modern standards a drop in speed when the air is loaded, and the modification of Wi-Fi 6E operating at a frequency of 6 GHz has the least amount of interference.

— Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be). This Wi-Fi standard began to be implemented in 2023. Thanks to the use of 4096-QAM modulation, a maximum theoretical data rate of up to 46 Gb / s can be squeezed out of it. Wi-Fi 7 supports three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The maximum bandwidth in the standard has been increased from 160 MHz to 320 MHz - the wider the channel, the more data it can transmit overnight. Among the interesting innovations in Wi-Fi 7, the development of MLO (Multi-Link Operation) is noted - with its help, connected devices exchange data using several channels and frequency bands simultaneously, which is especially important for VR and online games. The Multiple Resource Unit technology is designed to minimize communication delays when there are many connected client devices. The new 16x16 MIMO protocol is also aimed at increasing throughput with a large number of simultaneous connections, doubling the number of spatial streams compared to the previous Wi-Fi 6 standard.

WiGig (802.11ad). Wi-Fi standard using an operating frequency of 60 GHz; data transfer rates can be up to 10 Gbps (depending on the specific version of WiGig). The 60 GHz channel is much less loaded than the more popular 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which has a positive effect on the reliability of data transmission and reduces latency; the latter is especially important in games and some other special tasks. On the other hand, the increase in frequency has significantly reduced the connection range (for more details, see "Frequency range"), so that in fact this standard is only suitable for communication within the same room.

Note that in fact, the data transfer rate is usually much lower than the theoretical maximum — especially when several Wi-Fi devices operate on the same channel. Also note that different standards are backwards compatible with each other (with a speed limit according to the slower one) provided that the frequencies match: for example, 802.11ac can work with 802.11n, but not with 802.11g.

Standard Wi-Fi frequency bands supported by the device.

This parameter is directly related to the Wi-Fi standards (see above) that the equipment complies with. At the same time, there are standards that cover several bands at once (such as Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 6), and not every device compatible with them supports all these bands at once; so in such cases this point should be clarified separately. In addition, the frequencies commonly used nowadays have common features, here they are:

— 2.4 GHz. Classic range: used in the earliest Wi-Fi standards, and supported by many modern versions. Therefore, quite a lot of Wi-Fi equipment still works only at 2.4 GHz(although exceptions are increasingly common). The main advantages of such equipment are simplicity, low cost, and compatibility even with frankly outdated wireless devices. On the other hand, the 2.4 GHz band is extremely busy: in addition to numerous Wi-Fi devices, it is also used by Bluetooth modules and some other types of electronics. This may degrade the quality and speed of the connection.

— 5 GHz. A band introduced to overcome the shortcomings of 2.4 GHz — in particular, to offload communication channels and separate Wi-Fi from other wireless technologies. In addition, increasing the frequency allowed to increase the communication speed. 5 GHz is used as one of the operating frequencies in the Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 6 standards (see above) and as the only one...in Wi-Fi 5. So you can find devices on the market that operate only at 5 GHz, but more widespread received equipment with multiple bands, where this frequency is only one of the supported.

— 6 GHz. An unloaded frequency introduced into use since the Wi-Fi 6E generation. The new range provides the ability to simultaneously operate numerous client devices at high speed with a minimum amount of interference and delays in signal transmission. At the moment, this is the freest, widest and fastest Wi-Fi range. However, in some regions, the 6 GHz frequency remains unavailable due to the occupancy of the band by means of military, fixed or radio relay wireless communications.

— 60 GHz. Range implemented in the WiGig standard; today it is used only in it, and as the only one. A significant increase in frequency compared to the more common 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz options has a positive effect on the quality of communication. So, with the same theoretical maximum as that of Wi-Fi 6 (10 Gbps), the WiGig standard gives a higher actual data exchange rate, as well as fewer delays and lags; this is especially important in games and some specific tasks. The downside of these advantages is a small communication range: even when using Beamforming (see "Functions and Capabilities"), it does not exceed 10 m in open space, and an obstacle like a wall can become insurmountable for a 60 GHz channel. Therefore, in Wi-Fi equipment, this frequency is found mainly among rather specific devices — access points (including directional ones), which are designed to connect individual network segments in bridge mode (see ibid.). It is this mode of use that is one of the most optimal, given the properties of this range. However, 60 GHz support is also increasingly found in consumer gadgets (smartphones, laptops), so routers are also being released for this frequency.

— Natural frequency. In rare cases, the operation of Wi-Fi equipment is possible at natural frequencies that do not fall under the standard generally accepted values. Such devices are mainly used to build point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio bridges. Their advantages include low frequency noise from standard Wi-Fi networks, and, as a result, increased communication range. It is worth noting that it is impossible to connect directly to such devices from a laptop or smartphone. It is also necessary to take into account the legislative aspect, since in each country the use of frequencies is regulated differently.

The number of wireless bands and channels supported by the router. Specified only for models that work with more than one range.

— Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Devices that simultaneously support two popular communication bands — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz — in the "one communication channel per band" format. This ensures compatibility with most Wi-Fi standards (see above), and in some cases also has a positive effect on the quality of communication. For example, a Wi-Fi adapter (see "Device Type") with this feature may provide the ability to evaluate the load on both bands and automatically select the less loaded one.

— Three-channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in 2 channels). An improved version of the dual-band operation format: in the 5 GHz band, communication is carried out on two channels. This allows, for example, to “raise” three wireless connection channels on one router at once (three visible networks in the list of wireless networks) and achieve even higher throughput. The advantages of this format are especially noticeable when the router works simultaneously with several wireless devices.

— Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 60 GHz). The most "omnivorous" type of modern Wi-Fi equipment, compatible with all popular standards — from the outdated 802.11 b / g to the relatively new 802.11 ad. Also, the abundance of ranges contributes to an increase in spee...d, especially when working with multi-range devices.

The maximum speed provided by the device when communicating wirelessly in the 2.4 GHz band.

This range is used in most modern Wi-Fi standards (see above) - as one of the available or even the only one. The theoretical maximum for it is 600 Mbit. In reality, Wi-Fi at a frequency of 2.4 GHz is used by a large number of client devices, from which congestion of data transmission channels emerges. Also, the number of antennas affects the speed performance of the equipment. It is possible to achieve the speed declared in the specification only in an ideal situation. In practice, it can be noticeably smaller (often by several times), especially with an abundance of wireless technology simultaneously connected to the equipment. The maximum speed at 2.4 GHz is specified in the characteristics of specific models to understand the real capabilities of Wi-Fi equipment. As for the numbers, according to the capabilities in the 2.4 GHz band, modern equipment is conditionally divided into models with speeds up to 500 Mbit inclusive and over 500 Mbit.

The maximum speed supported by the device when communicating wirelessly in the 5 GHz band.

This range is used in Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E as one of the available bands, in Wi-Fi 5 as the only one (see "Wi-Fi Standards"). The maximum speed is specified in the specifications in order to indicate the real capabilities of specific equipment - they can be noticeably more modest than the general capabilities of the standard. Also, in fact, it all depends on the generation of Wi-Fi. For example, devices with Wi-Fi 5 support can theoretically deliver up to 6928 Mbit (using eight antennas), with Wi-Fi 6 support up to 9607 Mbit (using the same eight spatial streams). The maximum possible communication speed is achieved under certain conditions, and not every model of Wi-Fi equipment fully satisfies them. Specific figures are conditionally divided into several groups: the value up to 500 Mbit is rather modest, many devices support speeds in the range of 500 - 1000 Mbit, indicators of 1 - 2 Gbps can be attributed to the average, and the most advanced models in class provide a data exchange rate of over 2 Gbps.

The total number of antennas (of all types — see below) provided in the design of the device.

In modern Wi-Fi equipment, this indicator can be different: in addition to the simplest devices with 1 antenna, there are models where this number is 2, 3, 4 and even more. The point of using multiple antennas is twofold. Firstly, if there are several external devices per antenna, they have to share the bandwidth among themselves, and the actual communication speed for each subscriber drops accordingly. Secondly, such a design may also be required when communicating with one external device — to work with MU-MIMO technology (see below), which allows you to fully realize the capabilities of modern Wi-Fi standards.

Anyway, more antennas, usually, means a more advanced and functional device. On the other hand, this parameter significantly affects the cost; so specifically looking for equipment with numerous antennas makes sense mainly when the speed and stability of communication are critical.

Note that antennas intended for mobile communications may also be considered in this clause. So when choosing a model with support for mobile networks, it's ok to clarify this point.

— External. Outdoor antennas tend to be larger than indoor antennas, and they usually have swivel mounts that allow the rod to be placed in the optimal position, regardless of the position of the device itself. All this has a positive effect on signal strength. In addition, there are removable external antennas — if desired, they can be replaced with more powerful ones. The main disadvantage of this option can be called bulkiness.

— Internal. Antennas located inside the case are considered less advanced than external ones. In most cases, they are smaller, and the performance depends on the position of the device (although many manufacturers use technologies to compensate for this effect). At the same time, equipment with internal antennas has a neat appearance without unnecessary protruding parts.

— External / internal. The presence in the device at once of both types of antennas described above (in this case, there may be more than one of those and others). The presence of several antennas improves the quality of communication, but if they are all external, the device may turn out to be too bulky. Therefore, in some models of routers, a compromise is used: part of the antennas is hidden in the case, which has a positive effect on compactness and appearance.

The total number of antennas in the router that are responsible for communication in the 5 GHz band. For details about the number of antennas, see "Total antennas", about the range — "Frequency range".

Additional features (mostly software) supported by the device. These may include DHCP server, FTP server, Web server, file server, media server (DLNA), print server, torrent client, VPN support, DDNS support, and DMZ support, among others. Here is a more detailed description of these functions:

— DHCP server. A function that simplifies the distribution of IP addresses connected to the router (or other network equipment) to subscriber devices. Assigning an IP address is necessary for correct operation in TCP / IP networks (and this is the entire Internet and the vast majority of modern “locals”). In the presence of DHCP, this process can be carried out completely automatically, which greatly simplifies the life of both users and administrators. However, the administrator can also set additional DHCP options — for example, specify a range of available IP addresses (to prevent errors) or limit the time of using one address. If necessary, you can even manually enter a specific address for each device on the network, without automatically adding new devices — DHCP also simplifies this procedure, as it allows you to carry out all operations o...n the router without delving into the settings of each subscriber device.

— FTP server. A feature that allows you to use a Wi-Fi device to store files and access them via FTP. This protocol is widely used to transfer individual files both in local networks and over the Internet. Actually, one of the main differences between this function and the file server (see below) is, first of all, the ability to work via the Internet without much difficulty. In addition, FTP is a common standard protocol and is supported by almost any PC, while a file server can use specialized standards. So if you plan to organize file storage with the simplest and most convenient access, you should choose a device with this function. At the same time, we note that “simple” does not mean “uncontrolled”: FTP allows you to set a login and password for accessing files, as well as encrypt transmitted data. The files themselves can be stored both on the built-in storage of a network device, and on a drive connected to it, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.

— Web server. The ability to use the router as a web server — storage that hosts ("hosts") a website. Note that this can be both an Internet site and an internal resource of the local network, strictly for personal or official use. Placing the site on your own equipment allows you to do without the services of hosting providers and maintain maximum control over the data on the site and its technical base. On the other hand, this feature significantly affects the cost of equipment, and in terms of memory and processing power, Wi-Fi devices are often inferior to dedicated servers, even based on conventional PCs and laptops (although in some models the memory can be expanded with an external drive). So in this case, the web server mode should be considered mainly as an additional option for relatively simple tasks that are not associated with high loads.

— File server. The ability to use a Wi-Fi device as a server for storing files. This function differs from the FTP server described above in the data transfer protocols used; in other words, a "file server" in this case is a network file storage based on any protocols other than FTP. A specific set of such protocols and, accordingly, the functionality of a Wi-Fi device should be specified separately; we only note that most often we are talking about accessing files over a local network (FTP is traditionally used for Internet access), and the files themselves can be stored both in the router’s own memory, and on a flash drive or external hard drive.

— Media server (DLNA). The ability to create a media library using an external USB drive and transfer content from it to other devices on your home network via cable or Wi-Fi. The function is most in demand for broadcasting video, audio files and images to smart TVs and set-top boxes. In general, the technology was conceived in order to be able to combine different devices into a single network and easily share content within this network, regardless of the model and manufacturer of individual devices. Many modern smartphones and tablets, smart home ecosystem devices, etc. have DLNA support.

— Print server. The ability of the device to work as a print server — a computer that controls the printer. This feature allows you to turn a regular printer into a network printer: all network users will be able to send print jobs through a print server, while such a server will also provide a number of additional features. So, sent jobs will be stored on it until they are executed or canceled, regardless of whether the computer from which they were sent is turned on; remote control of the print queue, etc. may be provided. And the use of a router (or other similar device) in this role is convenient because the router is usually turned on and available all the time.

— Torrent client. The presence in the device of its own torrent client or other data exchange protocol (HTTP, FTP, etc.). This feature allows you to work with file-sharing networks, which are built on the principle of "everyone's own server": the downloaded information is not on a separate computer on the network, but on the computers of the same users. At the same time, the same file can be opened for download in several places and the torrent client simultaneously downloads different parts of it from different sources - this significantly increases the speed. Using a torrent client on a device is convenient in two ways. Firstly, it allows you to offload the main computers of users - an important advantage, given that the torrent client can consume a lot of resources, especially with an abundance of simultaneous downloads / distributions. Secondly, network equipment tends to stay on at all times, allowing downloads and uploads to continue even when users' PCs and laptops are turned off. However, it should be taken into account that despite the presence of such functionality in devices, the open placement of content in torrent networks can violate copyrights. Therefore, use torrent clients in compliance with legal regulations.

— VPN (Virtual Private Network) support. Initially, VPN is a function that allows you to combine devices that are physically located in different networks into a single virtual network. The connection is via the Internet, but the data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access to it. However, routers, access points and MESH equipment (see "Device Type") more often use a slightly different format of work: connecting to the Internet through a separate VPN server, so that all external traffic from the network served by the router goes through this server. Such a connection has a number of advantages. Firstly, additional traffic encryption increases the security of work. Secondly, “outside” in such cases, it is not the real IP address of the user that is visible, but the address of the VPN server, and in the settings you can set the address related to almost any country in the world. This also has a positive effect on security, and also makes it possible to bypass regional restrictions on visiting individual sites and accessing services.
Note that the VPN can also be “raised” on individual devices on the network (for example, through tools in some Internet browsers); however, a VPN router allows all network devices to work in this format, regardless of whether they support VPN or not. This is particularly useful on smart TVs (to access certain video services like Netflix) and on PS and Xbox (to bypass region restrictions on certain games). On the other hand, note that setting up such a connection on a router can be quite difficult, the connection speed can noticeably drop when working through a VPN, and enabling and disabling this feature on a router is usually more difficult than on user devices.

— DDNS. The device supports the DDNS function — assigning a permanent domain name to a device with a changing (dynamic) IP address. For network electronics, the IP address is of key importance, it is he who allows the equipment to send data packets to the right device. However, such addresses are sequences of numbers that are poorly remembered by a person. Therefore, domain names appeared — on the Internet these are web addresses (for example, ek.ua or e-katalog.ru), on the local network — the names of individual devices (for example, "Work laptop" or "Sergey's Computer"). Both on the Internet and in local networks, the connection between a domain name and an IP address is responsible for the so-called DNS servers: for each domain in the database of such a server, its own IP is registered. However, for technical reasons, situations often arise when the router has to use a dynamic (changeable) IP; accordingly, in order for information to be constantly available on the same domain name, it is necessary to update the data on the DNS server with each IP change. It is this update that the DDNS function provides.

— DMZ. Initially, DMZ is a function that allows you to create a segment on the local network with free access from the outside. From the rest of the network, this segment (it is called the DMZ — “demilitarized zone”) is separated by a firewall that allows only specially permitted external traffic to pass through. This provides additional protection against external attacks: in such cases, the DMZ suffers first of all, and access to other network resources is much more difficult for an attacker. One of the most popular ways to use this feature is to provide access to Internet services, the servers of which are physically located in the company's public local area network. However, it is worth noting that in some inexpensive routers, DMZ may mean the DMZ-host mode, which does not provide any additional protection and is used for completely different purposes (mainly to translate all ports to another network device). So the specific format of DMZ operation needs to be specified separately, especially if you are purchasing a low-cost category device.