About Huawei routers
Huawei products appeared on our market not so long ago. In general, the company has existed for many years, but at first it was engaged in the resale of telecommunications equipment from other manufacturers. Since 1993, Huawei has established its own production and has been creating telecommunications networks for a long time. First in China, and then beyond its borders. Then the company began producing USB modems and Wi-Fi routers. In 2010, Huawei smartphones and tablets appeared on the market.
The main activity of the company is the production of routers, modems and smartphones for telecom operators with their logos . In particular, in Russia MTS is a major customer of such equipment. But there are devices that are not tied to a specific operator and are produced under their own brand.
Most of the range is portable 4G LTE routers. In 2019, the company announced devices with 5G support. Huawei has few stationary models. They differ markedly in hardware configuration and appearance from similar devices from other manufacturers. To understand their capabilities, carefully study the technical description. Pay attention to the connection method, number of ports, and supported communication standards.
Below we will present a short review, which includes both stationary routers and mobile 4G devices.
Huawei corporate routers
Huawei corporate routers are more than routers for the home, and are designed to provide communications in companies. Of course, conventional devices cannot cope with this. You can connect dozens of PCs to such routers and provide them with Internet over long distances.
Such corporate routers from Huawei are represented by the following lines:
- AR. These Huawei routers support the VPR platform, which makes routing, switching, WLAN and 3G available to devices simultaneously.
- ATN. The series is designed for use in packet network configurations with fixed access. Moreover, the devices support operation in 3G and 4G (LTE) networks.
- NetEngine 20E and NetEngine 40E. These are expensive enterprise routers for large companies. The 20E Series provides the highest simultaneous data transfer rates for all devices at the same time. At the same time, thanks to our own developed VRP platform, it will be possible to ensure the functionality of devices at the carrier-class level. The 40E Series will enable the deployment of high performance MAN configurations. Routers of the current 40E line will be able to create leased lines, virtual channels, support a broadband network and optimize the performance of IPTV services.
- AtomEngine. A separate series, which is represented by one router. It has a lot of functionality, which is enough for a not too large enterprise. A separate advantage of the model is its low power consumption.
- NE05E. The series is suitable for small companies that have to work with large amounts of data. The models have good speed characteristics and will ensure uninterrupted operation even in the most extreme conditions.
Review of Huawei routers
Huawei WS318N
A budget router that looks similar to similar devices from competitors. An alternative to inexpensive D-Link and TP-Link routers.
The device supports the 802.11n communication standard and operates at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s in the 2.4 GHz band. Two non-removable antennas with a gain of 5 dBi create a stable coverage area sufficient for a small city apartment.
The Wi-Fi signal is optimized by the router software, which automatically switches to the least busy channel. The special Link + function allows you to connect a second router to the device as a signal amplifier in a minute. In this case, he himself will copy the necessary settings.
It is possible to create a guest network and limit Internet access for children.
You can manage the router through a simple and intuitive web interface or using the HiLink mobile application. Setup is easy even for a novice user.
Thus, in terms of its capabilities, Huawei WS318N surpasses the budget models of many competitors at the same affordable price .
One of the disadvantages is the presence of only two LAN network ports. But most often this is quite enough. LAN and WAN ports operate at speeds of 10/100 Mbit/s. The Internet connection is made via an Ethernet cable.
Huawei WS5200
A stationary router with advanced capabilities in the mid-price range.
The device supports the 802.11ac communication standard and allows you to transfer data over a wireless network at speeds of up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and up to 867 Mbps in the 5 GHz band.
The router is equipped with four 5 dBi antennas and supports MU-MIMO technology. This allows you to effectively work with multiple devices at the same time, provide a larger coverage area and get rid of dead zones.
The RealTek RTL8197FS 1 GHz processor and 128 megabytes of RAM can easily cope with complex tasks and high loads.
The device is equipped with four LAN ports and a WAN port, which operate at a speed of 1000 Mbit/s.
Otherwise, the router’s range of capabilities is no different from its counterparts. A mobile application, easy setup and various useful functions are also present here.
Although the price is noticeably higher than the previous model, it is fully justified by the available advantages: support for the 5GHz band, gigabit ports and MU-MIMO. In general, it is difficult to find a router on the market at this price that supports Multi-User MIMO technology.
The disadvantage is the lack of a USB port, while many models in this price range have one . Therefore, the device is not suitable for those who plan to use USB equipment on the network.
Huawei B310s
Stationary router with 4G LTE support. Strictly speaking, B310s is not a model name, but a line that includes the B310s-927, B310s-518 and B310As-852 models. Externally, the devices look the same, except that they may differ in the color of the plastic. Functionally, they are very similar and have minor differences.
There are two ways to connect your router to the Internet. Using conventional Ethernet cable technology, there is a combined WAN/LAN port of 100 Mbit/s for this purpose. Or using 3G/4G technology by inserting your mobile operator’s card into a special slot. The maximum speed in mobile networks is up to 42 Mbit/s in 3G networks, and in 4G – up to 150 Mbit/s. If you use mobile Internet, then you can connect a desktop computer to the LAN port using a patch cord and distribute the Internet to it.
The device supports 802.11 b/g/n standards and transmits data over Wi-Fi networks at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. Range in open areas up to 100 meters. Indoors up to 20 meters. You can connect 32 client devices at the same time.
The router has a built-in antenna. However, there are connectors for connecting external antennas . External antennas may not be included in the package as they are an optional accessory.
The design feature of the device is the trapezoidal shape and vertical arrangement of the case. On top of it are the POWER and WPS buttons.
Convenient proprietary software and all the software advantages of Huawei routers are present. Functional, high-quality device at an affordable price. It has no significant disadvantages.
Huawei B315s
There are also several models in this line that have minor differences. Externally, the design is the same as that of the B310s line. The basic capabilities of the device in terms of signal reception and distribution are also the same. Only 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz standards are supported. Data transfer in a wireless network is possible at speeds up to 300 Mbit/s.
The router works with any Russian mobile operator. To connect this Huawei router to the Internet, just insert a SIM card into the slot.
The differences between the lines are visible on the rear panel. Firstly, there is not one, but four 10/100 Mbps network ports. One of them can be configured as a WAN to connect to the Internet via cable. Secondly, a USB 2.0 port appeared. So you can connect a printer or flash drive to this router.
In addition, there is also a TEL connector (RJ11) for connecting a telephone line. Please note that this port is not intended for using the Internet using xDSL technology. It is used for voice telephony only.
The antennas are built-in, but there is a connector for connecting external antennas. External antennas may not be included . In this case, if necessary, they can be purchased separately.
The router is easy to use - easy setup and convenient functions that a novice user can easily understand. You can download and install an application to control the router from your smartphone.
Good, stable reception even at a considerable distance from the base station. Therefore, this is a suitable option for those who plan to use the Internet in a village or country house. Indoor range up to 20 meters.
No significant flaws were found in this line.
Huawei B525
Top stationary router with 4G LTE support. Combines the positive qualities of Huawei network equipment and advanced technical characteristics.
The router supports the 802.11ac standard. The data transfer speed in 2.4 GHz networks is 300 Mbit/s, and at a frequency of 5 GHz – 837 Mbit/s. The antennas, like previous models, are built-in. But there are two additional connectors for connecting external LTE antennas.
The device supports LTE Cat.6, so it is capable of downloading data on a mobile network at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s, if your operator allows it. For younger models, the ceiling is 150 Mbit/s.
This router has four gigabit network ports. One of them can be used as a WAN port to connect to the Internet via Ethernet. This Huawei router also has a USB port.
A powerful, high-quality device for connecting to cable and mobile Internet. The best offer on the market – there are practically no models with similar functionality to be found. The only serious disadvantage is the high price .
Characteristics
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CPU: Lingxiao dual-core 1.2GHz CPU RAM / Flash: 128MB / 128MB Wireless rate: dual-band concurrent, 2976 Mbps (2.4GHz: 574Mbps, 5GHz: 2402Mbps) Transmission standard: 802.11ax / ac / n / a 2 * 2 & 802.11ax / n / b / g 2 * 2, MU-MIMO Wireless frequency band: 2.4GHz & 5GHz, support dual frequency optimization Network port: Provide four Ethernet interfaces with 10M / 100 / 1000M adaptive rate, support WAN / LAN adaptive (blind insertion of network port) Network port transmission protocol: 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab Smart device safe, Wi-Fi access authorization, Wi-Fi anti-violent cracking, automatic shielding of crackers; support for the new generation of wireless encryption protocol WPA3; support for firewall, DMZ, DoS attack protection, etc. Operating system: Huawei Hongmeng System Mobile App: Support local / remote management of Huawei Smart Life APP Wi-Fi mode: supports three modes of wall penetration, standard and sleep QoS feature: support device speed limit: limit the bandwidth of the device by MAC address Features: Internet protection for children / elders, mobile game acceleration, online course acceleration, dual-frequency optimization, blind insertion of network ports, timely automatic optimization of channels, Huawei HiLink smart home, 802.11v, IPv4 / IPv6, PPPoE / DHCP / static IP MAC address cloning / Bridge WAN Internet access mode, Wi-Fi relay, Wi-Fi timer switch, guest Wi-Fi, connected device management, MAC address filtering, VPN transparent transmission, DMZ / virtual server and other functions Antenna gain : 4X 5dBi Power specifications: 12 V DC, 1 A Size: 225 mm x 159.2mm x 39.7 mm Weight: 387 g
The chipset is made by Huawei itself, so there will be NO alternative firmware for it. If you like to tinker with the guts, then take Xiaomi.
The most important thing is that it is not written here, but you can understand from the speed that it supports a channel width of 160 MHz and 2x2 MIMO. There are rumors that in fact there is 5 GHz MIMO 4x4, but in this case the channel width will be 80 MHz (which is the same in terms of speed).
There is an analogue without the PRO prefix, it has lower percentages and 2 times less memory.
Other manufacturers have nothing similar for this money. The closest analogue is Xiaomi AX3600, which is 50% more expensive ($100). Besides the price, I didn’t like its shape - triangular.
Huawei mobile routers
Huawei E5573C
This is a portable pocket router designed for country trips and use in places where there is no cable Internet connection. It only works with the mobile operator's network. There are no external ports like LAN or RJ-11 here.
The router weighs only 76 grams. That is, smaller than most modern smartphones. You can put it in your pocket and go to the country or to nature. A 1500 mAh battery will allow you to work autonomously for four hours.
There is no need to configure the device - just insert the SIM card into the slot. All Russian telecom operators operating in the 2G/3G/4G standard are supported. Data download speed – up to 150 Mbit/sec.
Wi-Fi operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and reaches speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
A simple, compact and convenient device at an affordable price. Suitable for occasional use on out-of-town trips.
Disadvantages – small battery capacity, lack of support for the 5 GHz band.
Huawei E5577
A more advanced model of a mobile router. But it also costs more.
On the front side of the device there is a full-fledged display that allows you to monitor the device’s status and change parameters without connecting to the web interface. The router is controlled using the MENU button located on the side of the device.
The router can work up to 6 hours without recharging. Simultaneously serves up to 10 client devices within a radius of 10 meters. The 5 GHz band is supported, which allows for stable coverage and fast data transfer.
You can connect external antennas to the router. There is a slot for a microSD card, so you can turn it into a portable file server .
The advantage of this device is that it can be connected to a computer via a USB port and the Internet can be distributed to the PC.
With all these benefits, this is the best Huawei mobile Wi-Fi router in 2021.
Which Huawei router should you choose?
As you can see, Huawei has three categories of Wi-Fi routers.
Stationary routers, analogues of devices from other manufacturers in the budget and mid-price range . This device is suitable for those who need a regular router for an apartment or office. Stylish design and functional software make these devices competitive in comparison with similar D-Link or TP-Link devices.
Huawei stationary routers with 3G/4G (LTE) support . If you need mobile Internet in a regular full-size router, take Huawei, insert a SIM card and use it. You don’t even have to look for analogues from other companies. It is difficult to compete with Huawei in this segment.
If you only need mobile Internet when traveling or at the dacha, buy a Huawei pocket router . Nothing extra, just mobile Internet, and absolutely autonomous thanks to the rechargeable battery. Can be used anywhere there is coverage from a mobile operator.
