ZyXel Keenetic DSL is a simple and reliable router with which you can quickly connect your home to the Internet. He, like many devices of his class, has the opportunity to distribute a wireless network simultaneously to many devices.
Description
The main purpose of the device is to provide access to the Internet. This happens with the help of a dedicated ADSL line, Ethernet through providers that implement various types of connections, such as PPPoE, VPN, ip4 or ip6, as well as 3G / 4G modems.
Appearance
Looks ZyXel Keenetic DSL as the most common representative of the class. A rectangular box with control elements and connectors applied to it. In the front panel there are a number of LED indicators. With their help, the ZyXEL Keenetic DSL router is monitored.
The very first in a row is the power-on indicator. It can be in 4 different states, depending on the processes occurring in it. If the lamp does not light, then the device is turned off. If the LED blinks slowly, it means that the router is preparing for its work and there are processes of network initialization and other tasks necessary to start. With frequent blinking in the bowels of the device, the firmware is updated. Well, if the light is just on, it means that the ZyXel Keenetic DSL is operating normally.
Next to the power indicator are LEDs with numbered ports. During the operation of the device, they can blink or burn constantly, which indicates the port is currently working.
The Wi-Fi indicator also has four states. Two of them are classic - on or off. About others you need to tell in more detail. If the LED blinks frequently, it means that data is currently being transmitted over the network. If the blinking is slow, it means that at the moment the device is trying to configure the connection using WPS technology.
The DSL indicator simply displays the fact whether a connection currently exists or not. Accordingly, the LED will either light up or not.
The globe icon indicates a connection to the Internet, in fact, to the provider.
The two remaining indicators are the USB connectors. The ZyXel Keenetic DSL Router has two USB ports. Here you can observe 3 different scenarios. The state when the indicator is off, may mean that the device is either not yet detected by the system, or for some reason cannot be recognized. A steady state means that the connected USB device is ready for use. If the LED blinks, it means that the system wants to notify the user that the USB drive can be safely disconnected.
Backside
Like all similar devices, the ZyXel Keenetic DSL router has connectors and device controls. The first thing that catches your eye is, of course, two antennas. Then there are two USB ports. One is located at the back, the second on the side of the router. The power connector is standard, next to it is a power off / on button. They are followed by the FN button, which is a kind of novelty in such devices. The fact is that in the equipment settings you can assign a specific function. For example, by default it is set to disable USB drives in safe mode.
4 LAN ports are used to create a wired connection to the router. Moreover, one of them can be used to access the external Internet, that is, to the provider. You can reassign them in the settings. Well, the last remaining connector is DSL. It is a standard RJ-11 input for connecting to a telephone line.
Preparing to Connect
Before you begin to configure ZyXel Keenetic DSL, you need to remember a number of simple recommendations and tips.
Place the device in a dry and ventilated place. This is due to the fact that the router can heat up during its operation, so it needs enough air to cool. To provide power, you need to use only the adapter from the kit, since it is he who has the necessary characteristics.
Internet connection scripts
Using this router, you can connect to the Internet in three ways:
It is worth examining each of them in more detail and performing the initial configuration of the router.
First connection
In order to access the device, you must first configure it a bit. For this, a special Ethernet cable is supplied. With it, you need to connect the router to the computer.
After that, a local connection will be created between the two devices. In order to get into the configurator, you must use the computer’s web browser. In the address bar, type the address my.keenetic.net or 192.168.1.1.
The browser should respond with the start page of the router configurator. It contains only 2 buttons - "Web Configurator" and "Quick Setup". It is better to go directly to the configurator in order to change the default password to your own.
To configure the connection using ADSL technology, select the appropriate tab on the top panel of the configurator. A list of connections opens, among which you need to click on the interface. In the window that opens, in the "IP Settings" field, specify "without an IP address". Then you need to save the changes and go to the PPPoE tab. It will need to add a new connection. Here the field “Connect via” is of interest. Next, you need to specify the interface that was selected in the previous step. In the "Username" and "Password" fields, the data provided by the provider is indicated. After applying the saved changes, the Internet configuration can be considered complete.
To configure the usual cable PPPoE connection, which is available in many cities, it is better to use the quick setup in the initial menu of the configurator. It will guide you through all the steps of network configuration to the final result.
Internet connection using 3G or 4G
Before inserting the USB modem into the router, you need to make sure that the PIN code input function is disabled in the SIM card. You can do this by temporarily inserting it into any phone.
After connecting the modem to the router, after a few moments, the USB indicator should light up. He will notify that he is ready to work with an external device. As a rule, the 4G modem in ZyXel Keenetic DSL does not require any special configuration, the Internet should appear automatically. As for 3G, for its configuration you need to go to the 3G / 4G tab in the "Internet" menu. The whole setting will be to activate the checkboxes next to the "Enable Modem" and "Use to access the Internet." You may have to select a mobile operator, and then click on the "Apply" button. You can always check the network status in the system monitor of the web configurator.
Wi-Fi setup
Setting up a wireless connection in the ADSL2 ZyXel Keenetic DSL router is not much different from other devices. Initially, the device already contains the default network. Its data can be found in the sticker on the bottom of the router. You can change them using the web configurator by going to the "Access Point" tab in the "Wi-Fi Network" menu. In this window, you can change the network name by specifying it in the corresponding field. You can apply a new password, the “Network Key” field is responsible for this. All other settings can be left as is and click the "Apply" button.
It is worth noting that this router has the ability to use a guest network. It serves to temporarily connect strangers to the Internet. As a limitation, they won’t be able to access local wireless network resources. To enable this feature, you need to select the “Guest Network” tab in the configurator’s menu and check the box “Allow guest access”.
ZyXel Keenetic DSL Plus
This device is purchased separately and gives the Keenetic DSL Internet Center additional features. In particular, it allows you to connect to the Internet using ADSL2 + technology. It is equipped with its own operating system, and its configuration does not cause any problems. You can use it as the main or as an additional way to connect to the Internet.
Reviews
As for the reviews about this model, almost all of them are positive. Basically, the wide functionality of the device, various connection options, reliability and fast speed of operation are noted. Many users also appreciated the simplicity of its configuration. The pluses include excellent manufacturer support. On the official website you can always find both current firmware, and many different manuals and instructions.
Conclusion
The average cost of a router is within 5000 rubles. For this price, the user will receive a multifunctional device that can be used both at home and in small offices. You can configure it for almost any need, for example, such as a file server, access point, switch, and many other useful "roles."