Upvel is a little-known brand in the Russian network equipment market. Its products are positioned as budget. That is, inexpensive and unpretentious routers for the home and small wireless networks. In this article, several samples of devices from the company will be considered, instructions on how to configure Upvel routers and the main points when using them.
Upvel Routers
Upvel has a solid list of routers for home and industrial use. As always, the design of such devices does not have special ornate elements. Everything that is placed on the case for decoration purposes, minimally and harmoniously fits into the design.
Although the settings of many routers are not much different, but still have some features, the description of the process, as well as the appearance and capabilities of specific models from Upvel will go on.
Configuring Upvel 315BN Router
This router is a classic device for creating small networks and connecting to the Internet using a wireless connection. The most budget option from the entire line of network devices of the manufacturer. Its cost does not exceed 1100 rubles., Depending on the store and the region. Upvel UR 315BN has the appearance of a conventional router, in a simple way - black boxes with an antenna and a number of LEDs and ports.
On the front panel there is a standard series of indicators that inform about the current status of the device and possible problems. 4 LAN LEDs, one per WAN and WLAN, status and power indicators.
The rear panel is also not unusual - 4 LAN ports, for creating a wired LAN, one for the provider's cable, a reset button, and it is also WPS activation. Power Connector and On / Off Status Switch
Cable Connection and Setup
Configuring the Upvel 315BN router begins by connecting all the necessary cables to their corresponding connectors. There is an opening marked as DC for the power cord. The WAN port is used to connect the provider's cable, and one of the LAN connectors will be needed for the initial configuration of the router.
An interesting feature is the bundled disk with the Upvel router setup program, which greatly simplifies the first acquaintance with the device. After inserting the CD into the drive, the application should automatically load. Here you need to select the setup wizard, which will lead you step by step through all the configuration steps. Next, you need to set the language. The fact that there is support for the Russian is encouraging. After the greeting, click "Configure Router".
The window that appears shows in detail and with pictures how and what to connect. After execution, the “Next” button is clicked, and the next page will notify that the router is connected. Another transition to a new window will show the settings options. Among the available ones, you need to select WAN / Ethernet, since this model cannot be connected in another way.
A new window will prompt you to specify the type of connection. Most modern companies that provide access to the Web use PPPoE technology, so most likely you need it. Here you will need the data from the contract with the provider. In particular, the username and password for access. After entering them and clicking on the “Next” button, the router will configure the connection, which will be notified in the last window. At this stage, the Internet setup in the Upvel UR 315BN router can be considered completed. It remains to configure its wireless distribution.
Wifi
To go to Wi-Fi settings, you need to click on the corresponding large orange button in the main panel. In the window that opens, several fields that need to be filled are presented. A Network Name or SSID is what appears as a name when scanning available connections. You can enter any. The type of encryption is better to choose the most reliable - WPA2. Well, there remains the network key, that is, the password, after entering which it will be possible to connect.
Actually, this is where the router’s settings for distributing the Internet through the air end. Their set is enough to create a connection in a simple home network. But how to enter the settings of the Upvel router at any time, for example, to change the password? Everything is very simple - just enter the IP address in the browser - 192.168.10.1. Thus, the user will have access to the web interface of the router. The authorization page contains two fields: login and password. By default, the manufacturer set admin values in both cases. It is recommended to change them immediately after entering the admin panel.
Router 344AN4G
The Upvel UR 344AN4G router has richer features and capabilities compared to the previous model. In particular, it supports connecting 3G / 4G modems, external drives, connecting via DSL and Ethernet. Its body is slightly larger than its younger brother and carries an expanded set of indicators on the front panel:
- Power - continuously on.
- DSL - informs that a cable is inserted in the DSL connector and there is a connection.
- Internet - indicates that there is access to an external network. Blinking means traffic is being transmitted.
- LAN ports 1 to 4. It is noteworthy that in this model LAN1 can be used as a WAN when an Ethernet connection is created. The rest are used to physically connect devices using RJ-45 connectors.
- WLAN - The wireless access point is turned on. Blinking notifies about traffic activity at the moment.
- WPS - can only blink for two minutes, which signals the waiting for the device to connect via WPS.
- USB Constantly lit - the device is connected, blinking - it is transmitting data.
The back panel is also much richer than other models, and this is understandable, the Upvel UR 344AN4G router is positioned as a universal tool for creating a variety of networks and services.
Of the distinguishing features, it is worth noting the USB connector and RJ-11 for connecting a cable in order to use DSL technology. There is also a physical button to activate wireless data transfer. It is not so common on modern routers.
Connection and setup
This router can connect to the Internet in three ways:
- ADSL;
- 3G / 4G modem;
- Ethernet
Each type has its own connectors, so it will be quite difficult to make a mistake. For the modem - USB, a telephone cable - RJ-11, and for Ethernet - LAN1.
Setting up this model is no different from the method described above. There is a slight difference in how to connect the modem and ADSL, but the wizard presented on the disk easily solves this problem by stepping through all the steps.
Router 825AC
The Upvel UR 825AC router is a universal combine with a declared data transfer rate of 1200 Mbps. Manufacturers moved away from the canons of design of such devices and introduced a bit of futurism. This image is complemented by two antennas that can work with frequencies of 5 GHz. Of the indicators on the front panel, it is worth highlighting two different LEDs for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which light up depending on the frequency used.
On the rear panel there are USB ports, 4 LAN, 1 WAN and a power button. It is worth noting that on the side of the device there is another USB-connector for convenient connection of modems.
Customization
As usual, Upvel UR 825AC is equipped with a CD-ROM, with which you can perform basic connection settings, without delving into all the details of the configuration. When it starts, there is a separate item "Quick Setup". With the help of a step-by-step wizard, the program will guide the user through all stages, up to the final result and a fully configured device.
Finer settings can be changed by logging in directly through the web interface. If this happens at the initial stage, then you need the computer to be connected to the router using a patch cord. In those cases when the connection has already been established, you just need to enter the IP address 192.168.10.1 in the browser address bar. The system will ask you to specify a username and password, the default value of which is admin.
There are a lot of settings, and they allow you to configure the device for almost any need.
Some tips and tricks
The article described the process of setting up the Upvel router using several models as an example. Now it’s worth talking about how to increase wireless network performance. This will be relevant not only for WiFi Upvel, but also for other models of routers.
- There should be as few physical barriers as possible between clients and the router — partitions, walls, and more. Ideally, line of sight.
- Radio interference from other devices in the room can cause delays in data transfer, which will affect performance. Therefore, place the router away from such devices.
- The frequency of 2.4 GHz is very popular among routers and Bluetooth adapters. Therefore, the presence of interference and failures when working on it is a common problem. It is better to use a frequency of 5 GHz, since fewer devices work on it.
- Also, the power of the device can be changed in the advanced settings by going to the administrative panel via the web interface.
Conclusion
Apparently, Upvel is just starting to develop the Russian market. It is worth noting that it does this quite effectively. A wide range of available routers will allow you to choose the right one for a specific task. Setting up the Upvel router does not cause problems even for inexperienced users, thanks to the program that comes with the kit. The cost of budget versions is also not high and is available for creating simple home networks.
In addition to routers, the company also sells other types of equipment. Smart TV set-top boxes, wireless network adapters, switches, and various accessories for them.