Xiaomi router models Mi Wi-Fi Mini and Mi Wi-Fi Nano are distinguished by high performance characteristics and allow you to organize reliable and uninterrupted transmission of the Internet signal. The technical capabilities of both devices allow data transfer at speeds of up to 300 MB per second and provide support for two bands. The difference between the two devices lies primarily in the dimensions and amount of RAM.

The filling of the two products is almost identical, therefore they are configured using the same algorithm, which we suggest getting acquainted with.

Instructions for connecting Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Mini

There should be no problems with connecting wires, since everything is simple here: to connect to the Internet, a standard cable is used, which must be inserted into the appropriate WAN port. If you plan to distribute the signal over wires, then two LAN ports are provided for these purposes. When using wireless technology, you can immediately go to the router settings, which are done via Wi-Fi.

The presence of a USB port allows you to connect a hard drive and use it as a media server.

In order to configure the router, you must perform the following steps:

Another connection option is to log in through the official website http://miwifi.com.

Further operations depend on the firmware version - Chinese or international. Let's talk about working with the Chinese version, since the interface in English requires similar steps.

Chinese firmware

If hieroglyphs appear on the screen, then you shouldn’t be afraid, because to get access to the Internet you need to do only a few operations:

Upon completion of all actions, you will also need to update your Wi-Fi connection. To do this, click on the SSID and enter the specified password for the wireless network. The final point is to enter the Mi Wi-Fi Mini settings through the browser, after which the device should start distributing the Internet.

Many modern PC and mobile device users use routers produced under the Xiaomi brand when organizing a home network. What are their main advantages? What are the features of setting up these devices?

What routers does Xiaomi produce?

Xiaomi is best known as a manufacturer of mobile devices. But it also quite actively produces other popular communication devices. In particular, high-tech Wi-Fi routers. The most well-known include the following routers produced by the Xiaomi brand:

• Mini.
• Nano.
• Mi WiFi Router 3.

Let's consider their main features.

Mi and Mini routers from Xiaomi: main characteristics

What is a Xiaomi Mi router? This device is characterized primarily by its small dimensions and at the same time very advanced design. On the one hand, the user can, if desired, place it in a secluded place so that the device is not visible, on the other hand, this may not be necessary: ​​the appearance of the router allows it to be a quite effective decoration for any computer desk.

If we talk about the technological features of this device, we can note that inside it there is a full-fledged hard drive that allows you to store data. In addition, the router differs from many competing solutions by having a built-in NFC module. In terms of the availability of basic communication interfaces, the device is also quite competitive; it has the main popular ports: USB, LAN, Ethernet, WAN. The router does not have external antennas - only internal ones.

What are the features of such a device as the Xiaomi WiFi Mini router? It can be noted that in terms of dimensions it is, in principle, not inferior to the Xiaomi Mi model, despite the fact that the name of the device in question may hint at its small size. In terms of communication capabilities, the Mini device is generally similar to the Mi model. In addition, it has external antennas.

Mi and Mini routers: comparison of characteristics

It will be useful to compare the routers produced by Xiaomi in more detail according to their main characteristics. The devices are completely similar in terms of support:

Basic Wi-Fi standards;

Works in 2 ranges;

Standards that allow you to achieve the maximum network connection speed, which is 867 Mbit/s;

Main wired interfaces;

NAT, virtual networks, DHCP server;

Settings via web interface.

But there are also significant differences between them in terms of characteristics. Thus, the Mi router is capable of connecting via USB printers and 3G modems, while the device in the Mini modification does not have such capabilities. The first device supports SNMP and has a built-in FTP server, the second does not have such functions. Neither device supports SSID or Telnet. The first router has a 1 GHz processor installed. The second has a chip operating at a frequency of about 600 MHz. The Mi router has 256 MB memory, the Mini has half the RAM module.

Functions and settings of the Xiaomi Mi router

Let's study in more detail the main functions, as well as the features of Mi and Mini. The first device is characterized, as is easy to discover by studying the characteristics given above, by the presence of a high-performance processor that operates at a frequency of 1 GHz. The device is also equipped with a 256 MB RAM module. As we noted above, the router has a built-in hard drive. Its volume is quite impressive - 1 TB. At the same time, if necessary, the user can also connect an external drive to the device. The router supports disks formatted in NFTS or FAT32.

Also, the Xiaomi Wi-Fi router in question has 2 radio modules. The first ensures the device operates using the WiFi standard at a frequency of 2.4 GHz with a maximum data transfer rate of 300 Mbit/s. The second is responsible for the operation of the router at a frequency of 5 GHz with a maximum file transfer speed of 867 Mbit/s.

Access to the web interface

Setting up the Xiaomi router in this modification is quite simple - via the web interface.

First you need to connect your device to your computer, then open your browser and enter miwifi.com into its address bar. You will then need to follow the on-screen instructions. It is desirable, of course, that the firmware installed on a router released by the Xiaomi brand be Russified. You can find out whether it is installed on your device directly from the consultants of the store where you purchased the router.

Later in the article we will look at the features of settings via the web interface, but for now we will discuss what functionality the Xiaomi Mi Mini router has, and also dwell on the question of what are the features of its configuration.

Functionality and configuration features of the Mini router

The device, unlike the model we studied above, does not have a built-in hard drive. However, you can connect an external drive. It can also be formatted in NTFS or FAT32. It has a significantly smaller RAM module - 128 MB. The frequency of the processor installed in the router is also inferior to that of the chip installed in the Mi modification; it is about 600 MHz.

In terms of settings, the router in question also has its own features. On the one hand, it can be done via the web interface, as in the case of the Mi router, on the other hand, by using additional software modules. The latter are implemented in the format of a special application that needs to be downloaded from the official website of the router manufacturer. This software is adapted for major mobile platforms, as well as for OS X and Windows operating systems.

At the same time, modifications of the application for Android and iOS devices are more functional. In fact, the program in the PC version is intended mainly for viewing files located on an external drive connected to the router. In turn, the capabilities of the Android version allow you to configure various parameters of the Wi-Fi network, control the speed of the device and carry out other actions as part of optimizing the operation of the router.

Performance of Mi and Mini devices

How productive are the Mi and Mini routers produced under the Xiaomi brand? Their assessment in this aspect depends primarily on the specifics of the tasks assigned to them. If we talk about the main area of ​​application of the devices - ensuring the functioning of a home network - then both devices show a very good level of performance.

Routers provide a fairly strong signal level, as well as a fairly high file exchange speed. If the signal strength to use a higher-speed channel at a frequency of 5 GHz is not enough due to the presence of large obstacles between the router and the device connected to it (for example, in the form of thick reinforced concrete walls), you can always use an alternative channel with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. It provides stronger signal penetration.

Nano router: main features

There is another modification of routers from Xiaomi - Nano. In principle, this device is a Xiaomi Mini router in a somewhat simplified configuration, as well as with smaller dimensions. The main characteristics in terms of hardware of these 2 devices are also generally the same. The Nano has the same processor and the same amount of RAM. But there are differences between it and the Mini in terms of NAT support, as well as the characteristics of the wireless modules. The device has the same communication capabilities.

As for performance, the router in question is not inferior to devices such as the Xiaomi Mi router, WiFi Mini. However, in terms of customization - if you delve into the subtleties - it is characterized by a number of remarkable features. Later in the article we will consider them in the context of working with the interfaces of the corresponding modifications of routers. But for now, let’s study what another popular modification of routers from Xiaomi is - the Mi WiFi Router 3 device.

Mi WiFi Router 3: main features

The Xiaomi 3 router (sometimes its abbreviated name is found) has a “classic” format and quite large dimensions. It has 4 antennas. The design is also made at the highest level, which allows you to place the router on a computer desk so that it becomes an effective element of its arrangement - there is absolutely no need to hide the device.

The processor in the device in question is installed the same as in the Mini router - with a frequency of 600 MHz. The amount of RAM is similar - it is 128 MB. At the same time, the same amount of memory is reserved in the device for storing internal settings and software. The Xiaomi WiFi router in this modification also supports 2 WiFi communication channels - 2.4 and 5 GHz, which differ in connection speed. In this case, 2 independent antennas are allocated for each range.

The router supports connections via the same wired ports as the other devices discussed above. The router can be configured using both the web interface and the mobile application. It will be useful to consider what are the features of setting various parameters on each of the devices considered when using certain interfaces. First of all, we will study the specifics of the “classic” software for setting up devices from Xiaomi, which is accessed through a browser.

Configuring Xiaomi routers via web interfaces

So, routers produced by the Xiaomi brand can be configured using the classic scheme - gaining access to certain device parameters through the web interface. Almost any browser can be used for this. You need to open it and enter 192.168.31.1 into the address bar. After which the router menu will open.

It is likely that the user will be asked to specify the name of the network, as well as set a system password. But first of all, you need to activate the desired operating mode of the device. In general, it will correspond to the functionality of a router, while the alternative will be a repeater mode. If you activate the first option, you will need, as we noted above, to indicate the name of the network and set a password.

To make the necessary Wi-Fi settings, you need to go to the appropriate menu item. It is noteworthy that the web interface of Xiaomi routers allows you to separately set parameters for channels at 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies.

In many cases, the correct settings for connecting to the Internet are set automatically by the provider via the DHCP interface. If this is the case, then no changes to the router parameters are required. But if the provider does not use such services, then they can be accessed through the appropriate menu items that allow you to adjust the LAN and DHCP parameters. If necessary, you can use additional settings - for example, in terms of setting DNS parameters.

It is possible that all the information that is required in order to set up a Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi router (or another that is configured via the web interface) will have to be requested directly from the provider’s support service. The user must therefore have the contact details of the Internet service provider.

It can be noted that through the web interface you can quickly configure the router in the Mi modification. In turn, when working with other versions of the router, many users prefer to use alternative interfaces. Let's consider their specifics in the context of the capabilities of the software that is supplied for the Mino, Nano and Mi Router 3 routers in more detail.

Mini: nuances

The main feature of the Mini router, as we noted above, is the ability to control the device through a mobile application. At the same time, there are other noteworthy characteristics of the software supplied with the router in question. So, using it, you can:

Exchange files;

Back up data and move it between different drives;

Use Home Server technology, which allows you to organize shared access to various types of multimedia content.

From the point of view of setting the WiFi connection settings, there should not be any particular difficulties in working with a device such as the Xiaomi WiFi router in the Mini modification. The main nuance here is to make sure that the latest firmware is installed in the device. To verify this and, if necessary, install new software, you can use the web interface. For example, on a computer.

In order to solve the problem under consideration, and it is very important - the firmware installed on a Xiaomi router must be fresh to ensure stable operation of the device - you can use, for example, the Google Chrome browser installed on a PC. It is necessary, using this browser, to enter the router management interface and enter the password set for the device.

Afterwards you need to look at the section with general settings, which also contains a tab with the current system parameters. It reflects what firmware version is installed on the device and whether there are updates for it. If the router software is not the latest, it makes sense to update it manually. You need to click on the corresponding button in the interface menu, then select the file with the required firmware on your PC. Then you need to download it through the router management interface into the update window.

After this, the installation of the new firmware will begin. How it goes can be monitored by observing the LED light that is present on the router body. If the update is in progress, the orange light blinks. If the installation of the new firmware is completed, the corresponding light is on without blinking. If the blue indicator lights up, this means that the router is functioning normally. After the orange indicator lights up, you can see on the device configuration page whether the firmware is updated.

The Xiaomi Nano Wi-Fi router is also characterized by certain nuances, in terms of configuration. Let's study them in more detail.

Setting up a Nano router: nuances

As is the case with other devices discussed above, in particular Xiaomi, Mi, Mini, the router in the Nano modification can be configured by using 2 interfaces - a classic one, which involves gaining access to the device’s parameters through a browser, or a mobile one, through a special application. Let's study in more detail the advantages of just 2 options.

You can download the application to configure the device in question in the main online stores of the corresponding solutions - AppStore and Google Play. It is noteworthy that the Android version has a Russian interface.

To use the application for setting up Xiaomi routers, you need to create an account on the server of the manufacturer of the corresponding devices. This procedure is mandatory from the point of view of ensuring the correct setting of the necessary parameters in the settings interfaces. After the user account is registered on the Xiaomi server, you can work with the router through the application.

You will need to set the following settings:

In terms of network access, this may, as we noted above, require data from the provider,

Regarding the security of the Wi-Fi connection.

From the point of view of solving both problems, the application interfaces from Xiaomi can be considered the most optimal: the user can find almost any required parameter very quickly. Usually, there are no problems with solving the question of how to configure a Xiaomi router in the context of the tasks noted. In many cases, as we already know, the necessary network parameters are set by the provider itself.

But if we talk about the unusual capabilities of the software for configuring the routers in question, then you can pay attention to the following options:

Reboot the device according to time;

Channel speed control;

Setting rights to use the router for certain users;

Interface for testing the network for interference.

Thus, the application interfaces for setting up the device allow you to set not only basic parameters, but also optimize the device’s performance using various tools.

3: nuances

Let's now study how the Xiaomi 3 router is configured. As many users note, those interfaces of the proprietary application, through which parameters are supposed to be set in the corresponding device, can be considered the most convenient. They have 4 main tabs. Among the most notable options that can be accessed when using them is viewing the devices that have ever connected to the router.

The interfaces of the software for setting up the router in question contain options for viewing traffic, as well as optimizing channel speed - just like in the software for setting the parameters of the previous router. As with previous devices, in order to set up the Xiaomi Mi 3 router, you need to register an account on the manufacturer’s servers.

If we talk about other notable options of the application for configuring the router in question, it can be noted that using the tabs present in the software interface supplied for the Xiaomi Mi 3 device, you can view files located on external drives and download videos.

Of course, the standard network options are also located quite conveniently here. Using them you can:

Set the name of the Wi-Fi network and password for it;

Update the firmware;

Activate guest network;

Set up a timed router reboot;

Disable or activate the LED.

Many users note the effectiveness of options designed to optimize Wi-Fi, distribute tasks, and manage traffic. The first option activates software algorithms, according to which the router analyzes the signal on the network, determines which devices are connected to it, and sets the optimal settings from the point of view of ensuring the functioning of the network. The second option - task manager - allows you to manage built-in download scripts and servers. The third allows you to manage the bandwidth of a Wi-Fi network and set priorities in the use of traffic for certain devices.

If necessary, the Xiaomi Mi WiFi 3 router, like other devices we discussed above, can be configured using the web interface. To do this, you also need to open any browser and enter 192.168.31.1 into its address bar.

Routers from Xiaomi: reviews

What do users say about their experience of using the capabilities that the Xiaomi Mini, Mi, Nano, Router 3 router has?

First of all, the design of the device is highly appreciated - it is stylish and modern. Users also note the low power consumption of the device and at the same time the fairly high signal strength of the router. If its level is good, it is quite possible, according to users, to achieve data transfer rates close to those declared by the manufacturer.

The convenience of the router configuration interfaces, the variety of corresponding software, and the presence of a large number of functions in it are noted. In general, routers from Xiaomi, despite the fact that they are considered budget in terms of price classification, are rated by users as convenient, stylish and productive devices.

If a few years ago the size of the router directly told us about the technical characteristics of its filling, today this is no longer such a determining indicator. Technologies are improving and today you can fit very productive hardware into a small box. A striking example of this is the Xiaomi WiFi router - the official name is XiaoMi Mi Router Youth Edition, but it can also be called Xiaomi Nano WiFi Router.

This is a junior model from the line of routers from this manufacturer, which, despite its modest size, has very good characteristics and is suitable for creating a wireless network in the home. For $20 we get a WiFi router equipped with:

• Processor MTK 7628N, 580MHz
• ROM 16M
• RAM 64MB DDR2
• 2 antennas
• 2 LAN ports and WAN port - up to 100 Mbit/s

The router provides speeds of up to 300Mbps at a frequency of 2.4GHz (wifi b,g,n), which is quite enough for home use. Also, it doesn’t bother me at all that there are only 2 sockets for connecting computers via cable - remember how many devices you have in your home connected this way. I am 99% sure that this is 1 desktop PC, and the rest are laptops, tablets and smartphones via WiFi. There is also a mode of operation as a wireless signal repeater from another access point.

The box is made in a signature minimalist style - there is only the Xiaomi logo on it and the main technical characteristics are indicated on the side in small print.

The delivery set is also minimal - the router itself, an adapter and power cable, and instructions in Chinese. The adapter has an American plug, so to use it you will need to purchase an adapter. Moreover, it is removable, so that if necessary, you can also charge your phone.

Xiaomi Mi Nano router speed tests

We also have separate articles devoted to detailed information, but here we will check its speed capabilities. To test the quality of communication that the router provides over the local network, speed measurements were taken in various connection modes.

Equipment:

• WiFi adapter TP-LINK Archer T4U (speed up to 300Mb/s at 2.4GHz, USB 3.0)
• Gigabit network card ASUS NX1101
• Two PCs with Windows 7 64x
• AIDA32 Network Benchmark program

In all tests, we see the same picture - with a wireless connection, the speed naturally drops, but only slightly compared to cable, which is very pleasing, since we can say that the router does not slow down the speed.

What do you imagine when faced with information about a newly released router model or simply hearing the model name of this device? Most likely, what will appear before the eyes of many people is an impressively sized plastic “box” with a pair of protruding antennas and many connectors on the back. Complete with flashing lights that indicate the viability of the device. Standard picture, but not always.

Let's take a closer look at the categories of network devices that are designed to improve the quality of life. Xiaomi has been developing a line of router models for several years. Today, this list includes both large and compact devices with various functionality. All of them have an important distinguishing feature in the form of intuitive and simple setup. Today we will look at the most compact router model, namely the new Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Nano, which was first presented on August 13, 2015.

Let's start with the technical specifications

Essentially, Mi Nano is a somewhat simplified version of Mini, only in a more compact body. On the official website, the manufacturer himself provides a comparison table - here it is.

The difference is still noticeable, despite the fact that the CPU remains the same - MTK7628N, and with it the DRAM controller, DDR1/DDR2 memory. Note that the Switch and SDR have already been simplified, HW_NAT has been cut out, a different wireless module has been used and UPHY has been replaced with USB2 and EPHY (on all 5 ports with new variations with reduced power consumption).

Above and below you can only see a reference to the official website and the Mi logo. At the ends there are two small stickers with a barcode, which provide technical and legal information in Chinese.

Opening the box, you realize that literally all the usable space inside has been used. The router, along with the accessories inside, is packed very tightly. It's not even that easy to pull it out ☺.

However, what else is needed? Perhaps the most interesting thing is that the router can be charged from any other mains charger, but with suitable technical characteristics for a standard charger, for example, from a smartphone. The charging socket uses the proven, universal and widespread Micro USB format. This is the first time I have seen it used in the production of devices in this segment. Also, the manufacturer claims that the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Nano is capable of operating for just over a day (30 hours) on a proprietary Mi portable 10,400 mAh battery. Agree, this is a good bid for true portability. The question is, is it needed for everyday use?.. Only if you need to move with a router or if you have problems with constant power supply, this feature will definitely not be superfluous.

The router itself has a rather neat and stylish design, and the white plastic matte case gives the device a touch of modernity - it looks impressive. However, externally the device resembles the no less famous external touchpad of the famous Apple brand, and, of course, the older version of Mini. Although, unlike its older brother, the younger Nano will not be offered in classic “color” colors.

The material used is very pleasant to the touch. It’s immediately obvious that they didn’t skimp on plastic. Initially, the case assumes only horizontal installation, but there were cases online when the device was almost glued to the wall with double-sided tape. However, the dimensions clearly contributed to this decision. The dimensions of the device are 95.32 × 91 × 19.2 mm and the weight is only 100 grams.

There are no functional elements at the ends of the router, only decorative metal inserts with a circular relief. On the front side there is the Mi logo, just below, on the end there is a notification, rectangular LED indicator. It is slightly recessed into the body. As for the antennas, they rotate almost 180 degrees, which is a good indicator for a router.

There is perforation at the bottom along the entire perimeter to cool the “filling” of the device. By the way, it is cooled passively, in this regard, silent operation is another plus. The “Reset” key is hidden under one of the holes. Small rubber ridges help prevent slipping on the surface.

You can also configure the router from a mobile device running Android and iOS. For this, the proprietary Mi (Wi-Fi) Router application is used, and the router also sees the Mi Home application. In the case of Android, there are “custom” versions of voiced applications translated into Russian. The iOS version has an English and Chinese interface, and the application itself is available in the App Store. You will also need an account in the Xiaomi system, as this will make it possible to link the router, since without it nothing will work anyway. This needs to be taken into account, but I think avid Xiaomi fans are already aware of this feature of the company’s products. There is also nothing wrong with registration; it takes no more than 10 minutes.

Setting up the router is step-by-step and won’t take much time. In general, everything can be reduced to a standard connection of the router to power and the Internet, installing software, searching for a router, setting up network access and setting up an access point. In the case of a connection via PPOE, a dialog box will be displayed to enter the required data. After these steps, the user finds himself on the “main” page of the application and is given the full range of actions available to the router. You can also combine several linked routers in one application.

In the case of Xiaomi Mi Nano, the available functionality is not the widest. Among the interesting pre-installed features, what stands out is that you can configure the router to reboot by time, disable and enable the Wi-Fi access point. While studying the menu, the item for speed control especially caught my eye. I thought that in this menu you can distribute the maximum permissible network speed for any individual device. But it's not that simple. When I go into the menu and turn on this add-on, absolutely nothing happens. Ultimately, I was unable to figure out the reason. But such a function exists, and some users leave positive reviews online about using the “feature.” I would also like to add the item “Internet optimization” to the section of obscurities - its purpose is more or less clear from the name, but it is not at all clear how to implement its functionality in practice...