The Internet has closely entered the life of modern man. Neither children nor those people who are rather cool about modern technology can do without it. Each of them has to look for some information or just chat with friends and relatives living, for example, in another country. And it is precisely in such situations that the Internet comes to the rescue. To provide access to it, it is enough to conclude a contract with the provider. However, many of them extend a cable that can be connected to only one device, for example, a laptop or computer. What, then, is a family of two or more? Goes to the Internet in turn? But this is not the most suitable option. The problem is solved quite easily - by installing special equipment called a router. A good device is able to provide uninterrupted communication and, most importantly, allows you to create a home wireless network, to which you can connect multiple gadgets via Wi-Fi simultaneously.
Now most providers offer to rent a router. Definitely, it is very convenient. However, as usual, it cannot do without a specific “but”. What is the catch? Such devices are intended only for work with a certain operator, for example, Dom.ru. Developers install special firmware that blocks access to the factory settings, and instead redirects the user to the company interface page. It is by this principle that the ZXHN H118N router works. It is impossible to purchase this model with the original (factory) firmware in Russia, but the most advanced users have already learned how to bypass the provider’s lock. One of the ways to do this will be described in the article, however, whether or not to follow it, each person must decide for himself, as there are risks to turn the working device into a "brick".
So, let's take a closer look at the features of this model of the router, consider its characteristics, and also understand the intricacies of the settings.
A few words about the manufacturer
The ZXHN H118N router is manufactured by the well-known Russian company ZTE in Russia. A domestic buyer may not know about belonging to this brand, since providers, when purchasing devices for rental to the end user, stick their logos. For example, Dom.ru badges flaunt both on the box and on the router case. But, no doubt, you need to know at least basic information about the manufacturer.
ZTE was founded in 1985. It is engaged in the production of various types of communication devices (telephones, tablets, modems, routers, etc.). The controlling stake is not owned by a private person, but by the state. The products of this brand, in particular, routers occupy a leading position in the budget segment. According to experts and users, the balance of price and quality is optimally maintained in them.
Packaging and equipment
As mentioned above, the ZXHN H118N model is distributed in Russia only by providers. Depending on which ones, the design of the box will change. Let's look at the packaging design of the router, which is offered by Dom.ru. It is decorated in yellow and red colors. On the front panel there is an image of the device. The provider logo is printed in the upper left corner, and the Wi-Fi icon is on the opposite side. Between these designations is information about the device: type - wireless router, and model name - ZXHN H118N Wireless N300. The “Brand of the Year 2011" badge is presented at the bottom of the box. The back panel contains information about the warranty, features, system requirements, standards and equipment. As for the latter, in addition to the device, the box also contains an Internet cable, a power supply, documentation, a special wall mount.
Appearance Features
What can be clearly attributed to the benefits of the ZXHN H118N is its design. In this matter, the manufacturer tried his best. Against the background of most faceless models, this router looks spectacular. Non-standard design solutions were used for the case. In appearance, it can be compared with a small pillow, which is mounted on a stand. Unlike other devices, this router is installed in an upright position, which can be attributed to the advantages, since air access to the ventilation openings always remains open.
The case is made of simple plastic. The color of the device is white. Dimensions: width - 110 mm, height - 50 mm, depth - 125 mm. Weight - 145 g. On the front panel in the upper part nine indicators are displayed. Near them there are corresponding designations. There is a USB connector on the side, but it does not work with firmware from Dom.ru. On the rear panel there are holes for wall mounting, a little below them are the control buttons and ports, which we will consider later. Here you can see the trellis opening for ventilation.
Now look at the bottom of the stand ZXHN H118N. Password, MAC and IP addresses, firmware version, country of manufacture and other information are indicated here. It is recommended to pay attention to these stickers, as some of the items listed will be needed to configure the device. Also in the stand are hidden bolts that hold the case together.
Description of connectors
Important elements of any router, not an exception and the ZXHN H118N model, are ports. The first is WAN. This connector is used to connect the Internet cable provider. The device is also equipped with LAN communication ports. Through them, a local connection is created. An interface cord is used for these purposes. This model has a USB connector. Through it, you can connect not only devices such as a laptop or PC, but also modems. And the last socket, round, is designed for the power supply. It is designated as PWR.
Now we will understand the purpose of the buttons located on the control panel. There are four of them.
- ON / OFF - used to turn on the device, when pressed again, the router turns off.
- Wi-Fi - activation / deactivation of the function.
- Reset - reset the router software to the factory settings. To press a hidden button, you need to use, for example, a paper clip. To reboot, you will need to hold it pressed for three seconds. As soon as the indicators turn off and start to turn on again, the button is released.
- WPS - the switch is used to activate / deactivate the option.
Brief characteristics
Let's get acquainted with the main characteristics of the ZXHN H118N model:
- Type of router - access point.
- Wireless network: 802.11n standard.
- The frequency range is 2.4 GHz.
- Speed: maximum for a wireless network - 300 Mbps, for a wired network - 100 Mbps.
- Security Protocols: WPA, WPA2.
ZXHN H118N: setup
In order to configure the device and gain access to the Global Web, you will need to do simple manipulations:
- First step. Open a browser on the PC. Enter the IP address. It is indicated on the case of the router. After which a window should appear with the text "Preflight preparation is underway!". If the connection was correct, then this message will change after a few minutes with the approximate content “Your router is configuring”.
- Second step. User authorization is carried out in the portal at ya.ru. Here you will need to indicate the data provided by the provider in the contract, for example, number, city, login. It is also allowed to change the name and password of the wireless network created in the menu of the ZXHN H118N router. Wi-Fi setup can be done without entering user data. In this case, the parameters set by the developers by default will be used.
- Third step. Save the information and restart the router. After that, it remains only to check the Internet signal.
ZXHN H118N Firmware - Easy Way
Those users who need to return the device to the factory firmware will need to do the following:
- Download the file Patched__ZXHN H118NV2.0.1d_E04_OV.zip to your PC and unzip it.
- In the address bar, enter the IP router. In the window that opens, click on any symbol, after which the menu should open.
- Find item Management. In it, go to the Firmware Upgrade tab.
- Perform firmware ZXHN H118N using the file DOMRU__ZXHN + H118NV2.0.1d_E04_OV.img. After that, you can enter the web interface only through TELNET.
- Hold down the Reset key for a few seconds.
- Go to the router menu using the standard username and password (admin).
- Flash the system with the file ZXHN + H118NV2.0.1d_E04_OV.img. As soon as the device restarts, repeat steps 5 and 6.