Almost everyone who decides to buy a TV with Smart TV, or has already bought it, is wondering what kind of router to buy for Smart TV. To connect your TV to the Internet, and use all the features of a smart TV. For some reason, many people think that a TV needs some kind of special router. Actually, it is not. Now I will explain everything in detail.
It doesn't matter what TV you have: LG (with WebOS), Samsung, Sony, or Philips c (Android TV) - Suitable for any router. Under the TV, you do not need to buy some special router. The TV itself, in terms of connecting to the Internet, is no different from the same laptop or phone. And you can connect Smart TV to the Internet absolutely through any router. By Wi-Fi network, or using a network cable.
Here are instructions for connecting some TVs to the internet:
- and . All this through a router.
- And , and .
If you already have a router at home, it is configured and distributes the Internet, then you can safely buy a TV. Everything will connect and work. Just pay attention, if you want to install a TV far from the router, then it’s better to immediately buy a TV with a built-in Wi-Fi receiver to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi and not lay a network cable.
As for any special router settings for connecting a TV to it, you don’t need to configure anything additionally. We just connect according to the instructions, the links to which I gave above, and you can use it.
I think you will agree with me that the TV is connected to the Internet mainly for watching videos. Personally, I only watch videos on YouTube, and sometimes movies in different services, such as MEGOGO. You can also watch movies through the built-in browser, listen to music, etc. So, to watch online video, you must have a good Internet connection, at a normal speed. If your Internet provider offers a tariff of 100 Mbps, then to watch online video from a TV, it is better to take this tariff. If there is not enough speed, then the video will stop all the time, load, etc.
Let's go back to the router. As I wrote above, anyone, from any manufacturer, will do: Tp-Link, Asus, D-Link, ZyXel, etc. But, if you only plan to buy a router and will connect a TV to it, then I would advise you not to buy cheap models. This is because when you start watching video on your TV, connect a few more devices to the router (phones, tablets, computers), which will also actively use the Internet connection, then with a high probability, the budget router simply will not withstand the load and will stop working. There will be a connection to the router, but there will be no access to the Internet, and it will constantly have to be rebooted.
If you ask which router is better to buy for a TV, I can confidently answer that any, but preferably not the cheapest. So that everything works stably and brings you pleasure.
Hello friends!
Today we will talk about how to connect a TV to the Internet through a WiFi router and how to do it using a cable. I am sure that many of you have a modern LCD TV in your house, but far fewer people know that their similar unit has a built-in ability to access the worldwide web.
TV through a router - connection diagram
First of all, you need to decide how you can connect the TV via the Internet - if we are talking about modern TV, then this is either a built-in WiFi module, or just a cable. There are also models with support for an external wireless USB module, usually from the same manufacturer as the TV itself.
In order not to be unfounded, I will show the entire scheme of connecting TV through a WiFi router using a specific example from Samsung, which is in my apartment. But other manufacturers - the same LG - also have a great variety of models that work with Smart TV. When connected via a cable, the Internet signal will be better and more stable, with a wireless type, interference is possible, but there is no need to pull any wires through the entire apartment. At the same time, TVs with built-in Wi-Fi are most often equipped with an RJ-45 connector for cable connection. The choice is yours!
TV with WiFi module or without?
All TV can be divided into several categories:
How to connect a TV to the Internet through a cable router?
After you have overcome the painful process of choosing a TV, the most difficult part begins - setting up and connecting the TV via WiFi to the Internet. If you have opted for a more stable internet connection via cable, then there are several options.
Connecting a TV from Samsung, LG or any other company to the Internet (models from other manufacturers work with Smart TV in the same way) is also possible with a more complex routing system, for example, when using a shared access device.
With the theory sorted out, let's move on to practice. We stick all the wires, according to the above diagrams. After that, on the remote control, press the "Menu" button.
Select Network > Network Settings and press the Enter button.
It is worth noting here that your router must have support for automatically distributed IP addresses for connected devices on the network or a DCHP server. Otherwise, you will have to enter all the parameters manually. You will also have to enter the IP address, gateway and mask yourself if you inserted the Internet provider's cable directly into the TV set, bypassing the router. To do this, you will have to click the "IP Settings" button.
How to connect TV to router via WiFi?
Now consider setting up TV models with Internet access via wifi. To do this, a router configured in the apartment is required without fail - the scheme will look like this:
A sample is shown with a wifi adapter inserted into a USB port. If it is built-in, then nothing additionally needs to be connected to the TV set.
We also go through the remote control to “Menu> Network> Network Settings”. And now we go to the item "Wireless (general)"
A list of discovered networks will open. Choose yours and click "Next"
A window will open with an alphabet for entering a password for connecting to the network. To control the cursor, use the arrows on the remote, or simply connect a regular computer mouse or even a keyboard via USB - it will be much more convenient.
After that, the connection will start. If it didn’t work out, and your router has automatic distribution of IP, go to the IP settings and confirm the “Automatically obtain an IP address” item again. If your router is not equipped with a DCHP server function, or for security reasons the network is built with manual assignment of IP addresses, then assign your address to the TV in the router and then configure it on the TV itself, as shown a little higher.
On this with the settings, almost everything. There is another item in the TV network settings menu - WPS. It is designed to automatically configure communication, if the function is supported by the router - for this, it must have a "WPS" button on it.
If it is, then select the "WPS (PSK)" item on the TV and press this button on the router. Hold it for 10-15 seconds, and this will complete the automatic connection setup.
There is another feature - One Foot Connection. It provides an easy way to connect your Samsung TV to their own router. If you have a router of this particular company, then just go to this menu item and wait for the automatic connection.
Finally, if your TV does not have a built-in wireless network adapter and is not supported by external ones, then you can purchase another special device - an Android TV box with Smart TV and WiFi support, which will take over the functions of receiving files from the device on which the program is installed - server, and a TV connected to it with one of the usual cables, such as HDMI or tulips, will simply act as a screen.
And finally, when all the settings are completed and there is access to the network, go to "Menu> Support> Smart Hub".
Smart Hub is a special service installed on your TV that gives you direct access to useful and entertaining information, applications and services from the Internet. Including here there is a built-in browser through which you can visit sites and watch videos, for example, from YouTube. The keyboard and mouse connected to the TV will facilitate this task.
Well, working with this application is a completely different story ...
Possible problems when connecting TV to the Internet through a WiFi router
During operation, errors may occur when connecting to the network. How to fix them?
- Disconnect TV from the network and turn it on again
- If that doesn't work, reset SmartHub. It is done like this:
- Go to SmartHub
- Press the "Tools" button on the remote control
- Go to "Settings > Reset"
- Enter pin code "0000"
- Wait for the reset, agree to the license agreement and the confidentiality agreement, after which the application will be reinstalled
- If this does not help, then update all the TV software. To do this, go to the chain "Menu button> Support> Software update> Over the network". Wait for the update to complete and enjoy. If you cannot connect to the network at all, then you can update from a USB flash drive, onto which you must first download the latest firmware version for your model from the Internet.
Thank you! Did not help
How to connect a TV through a router?
Today, progress is in leaps and bounds. If earlier TVs could only connect to a satellite dish, today many TVs have built-in Wi-Fi wireless network modules, LAN ports and the ability to connect to the Internet. This gives a huge advantage to the TV's multimedia capabilities. Now you can watch videos not only via satellite TV, but also from the Internet, as well as create a home network for file transfer and streaming video without having to download movies, music and other files.
However, not every Internet and TV user knows how to connect a TV through a router to the Internet. Let's consider this issue together.
How to connect a TV to a router
There are two easy ways to connect a TV through a router to the Internet:
- Over a Wi-Fi network using the built-in or separate Wi-Fi wireless network module.
- By cable connected to the router.
Connection via cable
To connect the TV to the router via a wire, you will need to buy a special UTP cat 5 network patch cord and insert it into a free LAN port in the router, and the other end into the desired port on the TV. If you do not want to pull the wire throughout the room, then you can purchase special PowerLine adapters that will transmit signals over the mains.
To set up the TV and connect to the network, you must:
- Find the "Network" section in the TV settings.
- Click on "Network Settings". In this case, an automatic search should occur for setting up a network to the Internet. It is only important to specify the type of connection. In our case, this is a cable. When setting up the TV, it will receive an IP address from the router.
- Check the connection by opening a browser and going to any site.
Thus, the TV is connected to the router via cable. However, this option is not very convenient due to the need to pull the wire around the room.
Connecting via Wi-Fi
An adapter is required to connect the TV wirelessly. Newer TVs always have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, but if you have an older TV, you will need to buy a Wi-Fi adapter separately. A Wi-Fi access point costs not very much money today, and you can buy it at any computer equipment store.
The range of Wi-Fi routers is increasing every day. If your eyes run wide in the store, and you do not know which model to buy, then this article is especially for you. Below I will tell you how to choose the right router for your apartment for your needs. And also you will find a rating of the best models of 2019.
Popular manufacturers of Wi-Fi routers
There are many popular, and not so popular, router manufacturing companies. We will not list them all here, but we will single out only the main manufacturers that consistently release new models for our market.
It is immediately worth noting that each manufacturer produces models in a different price category. Therefore, first you need to decide on a budget, and only then choose a device.
1.TP-LINK
A popular manufacturer of computer and telecommunications equipment. In our market, they are very popular due to the relatively low price, good build quality and materials. Personally, I recommend choosing a router from the assortment of this brand. As a rule, they serve for quite a long time (I served more than 3 years) without breakdowns and failures.
2.ASUS
Company for the production of computer equipment and its components. The routers of this company are distinguished by their high price and corresponding quality. Cheap models can be counted on the fingers, but they also have mostly positive customer reviews.
3.D-LINK
Popular manufacturer of network equipment. The range has a large number of routers of various price categories. The company specializes exclusively in network technologies, therefore it produces only a high-quality product in its segment.
4. ZyXEL
A major Taiwanese network equipment company. The production of routers is one of the main directions of the company. The prices for equipment from the company vary markedly. There are models for budget buyers, and there are models for people with an unlimited budget.
5.Huawei
A rapidly growing Chinese company that occupies one of the leading positions in its industry. Now the company is actively developing the production of network equipment. Customer reviews of products are mostly positive.
We will not linger for a long time on the choice of the manufacturer. In any case, arguing which brand is better is pointless. You need to choose among specific models that are suitable for your budget and characteristics. You can compare the best router models in the table below.
Choosing a router for the home. What you should pay attention to?
Each device is designed for specific purposes and tasks. If you are buying a router for the first time, it is important to correctly evaluate the characteristics of the device so that they match your requirements. Below we will write a specific list of characteristics that will help you choose the best router for your home or office.
Wan port type
The most basic is the WAN ports. This characteristic is indicated on all models. It depends on your Internet, so it is important not to make a mistake with the choice of this option, otherwise the router simply will not suit you. There are three main types:
- ethernet- This is a standard connection type that is available on almost all modern Wi-Fi routers. If the Internet in your house is connected via a network cable (not via a telephone), then this type of connection suits you.
- ADSL modem- These are routers that connect to a telephone cable. note: if you already have a regular ADSL modem at home, then you can buy a standard router that is equipped with an Ethernet port (it can be connected via an old modem).
- 3G/4G routers- provide Wi-Fi signal distribution from a USB modem. If you need a modem with support for this function, look for the inscription in the port characteristics: USB 3G / 4G.
WiFi signal speed
This is one of the most important characteristics that you need to pay attention to in the first place. As a rule, most cheap routers (under 1000 rubles) will be able to provide speeds up to 150 Mbps. If you expect to use Wi-Fi on 1-2 devices, then this speed will be enough.
I recommend paying attention to models in the price category from 1500 rubles and above. Such devices will give Wi-Fi speed >300 Mbps. You can connect several devices at the same time, and the connection will not be interrupted or freeze.
Wireless capabilities also play an important role. Depending on the price category of models, we recommend choosing the following standards:
- 802.11n- if the router is in the price category up to 2000r.
- 802.11ac- if the router is of average price or higher.
Wi-Fi Frequency
Most modern routers support two signal frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Due to the rapid spread of Wi-Fi in all apartments and offices, the 2.4 GHz frequency band quickly filled up, so the signal transmission speed may suffer.
The newer 5 GHz band provided the owners of new routers with a free frequency, and as a result, fast Internet without interference. Therefore, if you have the funds to buy a router with a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, we recommend that you stop at this option.
There are also dual-band routers that support two frequencies at the same time. But these models tend to be a bit more expensive.
Router power and range
This is also quite an important question, especially if you have a large apartment or a country house.
As a rule, the range of the router model is not indicated in the characteristics. And this is understandable, because this characteristic is influenced by a large number of external factors that differ for each buyer (wall thickness, wall type, frequency band congestion and other interference).
But how then to choose a Wi-Fi router for a large room?
- Number of antennas. As a rule, the presence of two or three antennas greatly enhances the signal and increases the range of the router. On expensive models, the presence of 3 or more antennas affects the signal transmission rate more than the radius.
- Antenna power. We recommend choosing models that have antennas with a power of 5dBi or more.
- User Reviews. Most often, users give real examples in the comments. You can compare them with your room, and choose the right model.
If you still couldn’t cover the whole room with one router, then it’s better to buy an additional one.
Rating of the best routers for 2019
| Category | Name | Rating (according to user reviews) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best cheap routers | 4.6 / 5 | 1 200 ₽ | |
| 4.6 / 5 | 1 050 ₽ | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | 1 080 ₽ | ||
| 4.6 / 5 | 1 080 ₽ | ||
| The best routers at an average price | 4.5 / 5 | 1 750 ₽ | |
| 4.9 / 5 | 4 650 ₽ | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | 3 130 ₽ | ||
| The best premium routers | 4.5 / 5 | 15 590 ₽ | |
| 4.6 / 5 | 7 580 ₽ | ||
| 4.9 / 5 | 6 050 ₽ |
The best routers according to user reviews
ASUS RT-N12
This router belongs to the line of "affordable" models from Asus. Designed for use in an apartment (2 or 3 rooms) or a small office. Thanks to two powerful external antennas, it provides high data transfer speed. ASUS RT-N12 will be enough if you are a fan of watching movies and videos in high quality, or sit for online games.
The router setup takes a few minutes. After completing all the steps in the "setup wizard", the router will be ready to distribute a Wi-Fi signal. The total signal transmission rate can reach 300Mbps.
Advantages of the router according to user reviews :
- Installation and setup is pretty easy.
- Two powerful adjustable antennas that provide good signal coverage.
- Maximum signal transfer rate: 300 Mbps.
Flaws :
- Not found.
TP link TL-WR841N
A reliable device for creating networks of wired and wireless connections in an apartment or small office. Excellent signal transmission quality is provided by two external antennas. The data transfer speed reaches 300 Mbps.
The router complies with the 802.11n standard, but at the same time, it is backward compatible with devices with 802.11b/g standards. The functions of parental control, virtual server and quick protection will allow you to expand the boundaries of using the Internet.
Advantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :
- Strong signal. Two powerful antennas can transmit data over a distance of more than 100m.
- Quick setup with Easy Setup Assistant.
- Beautiful, streamlined body shape.
Disadvantages of TP-link TL-WR841N :
- Not found.
Zyxel Keenetic Start
The Zyxel Keenetic Start wireless router is a great option for creating a network in an apartment or office. With it, you can connect all your devices (tablet, laptop, phone) to your home network. The maximum data transfer rate is 150 Mbps. This will be enough for watching movies, downloading large files and sitting in online games.
This router allows you to create guest networks. Therefore, you do not need to give your network login and password to friends and acquaintances every time. Due to its compactness, the device can be placed anywhere in the apartment.
Router Pros :
- Reliable and stable router that works for a long time without interruption.
- Convenient control, quick setup.
- Compact dimensions.
Minuses :
- One external antenna, which is why the signal is not strong enough.
D-link DIR-615
A simple router that provides wireless connection speeds up to 300 Mbps. Installation and configuration of the router is carried out in minutes, thanks to the built-in setup wizard. The software is updated automatically from the D-Link update server.
The device allows you to create a guest network in which you can limit the speed of Wi-Fi, and access to your home network. D-link DIR-615 is also equipped with a dedicated button to turn the router on/off. Now, when leaving home, you will not need to unplug the device from the outlet.
pros :
- Wi-Fi speed up to 300 Mbps.
- Wireless capabilities 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b.
- Quick installation, easy setup.
- There is an on/off button.
Minuses :
- It gets hot during long work.
TP link TL-MR3420
The router allows you to set up a high-speed Wi-Fi network connection with the touch of a button. Two powerful external antennas provide a stable signal, the speed of which is 300 Mbps.
This router is compatible with 3G modems. Now you can connect to Wi-Fi in places where 3G/3.75G networks are available.
:
- You can connect a USB modem.
- Long range due to powerful antennas (more than 100 meters).
- Fast installation and connection.
- Doesn't cut speed.
- Good quality.
Flaws :
- Not found.
Mikrotik RB951G-2HnD
Powerful wireless router with built-in antenna. The maximum data transfer rate is 300 Mbps. If the Wi-Fi signal is direct, then the speed of the RB951G-2HnD practically does not cut. The device is equipped with 5 Ethernet and 1 USB ports.
MikroTik RB951G-2HnD allows the user to connect several providers at the same time, restrict Internet access by IP address, organize an access point and much more. Setup and installation is very simple, you can configure through the web interface or the Winbox program.
Advantages according to user reviews :
- The built-in antenna has a long range.
- Practically does not cut speed.
- Quick setup via Web-interface or using the program.
- Wi-Fi signal speed up to 300 Mbps
- High build quality.
Flaws .