Exclusive first test of JiRoute SOHO: Is the simple and crude WIFI enhancement solution useful?

Under the concept of "more is better" among most people, the number of antennas is always an important criterion for measuring a router. Whether it is the best-selling TP-Link on JD.com, or the Netgear "Nighthawk" loved by enthusiasts, making a router like an octopus is the most effective way for router manufacturers to enhance WIFI performance and please consumers.

Of course, for better WIFI effect, you may also try using more routers.

The JiRoute SOHO wireless set is positioned as an exclusive smart router for small and micro enterprises. Being labeled "enterprise" naturally means that the router needs to be connected to more devices and have a larger signal coverage area. JiRoute's solution this time is also simple and crude: three routers together.

These three poles are routed a little differently

Well, no matter how big the packaging is, the moment you open the Jilu Router SOHO wireless set, it still feels like the scene of "Double Eleven special offer, I bought three Jilu Routers on a whim".

The JiRoute SOHO wireless kit uses three terminal devices to implement a combination of one AC host + two AP slaves. The AC host interface configuration with three external antennas is close to that of the ordinary JiRoute, and even retains a USB interface on the side.

The AP slave unit is small in size and equipped with two antennas. It is quite special in that it has only one POE interface, namely Power Over Ethernet, on the back. It can be powered by the network cable alone when connected to the POE interface of the AC host, saving space for two sockets. For most offices, socket resources are still quite precious.

It is obvious that if you want to cover a larger area, you need to use longer network cables to distribute the AC host and AP slaves in the Jilu Router SOHO wireless set in different locations that are far apart. Taking the product in our hands as an example, there is not a single network cable included in the package. Perhaps, when it comes to such a large space as an "enterprise", the network cable is also a considerable cost.

Familiar operation method, stronger signal than TP

As a member of the Jio Router family, the management method of the Jio Router SOHO wireless kit is exactly the same as that of the ordinary Jio Router. Through the Web interface, you can see that the AP slave is regarded as two external network devices connected to the AC host.

The mobile APP is also applicable to the Jilu Router SOHO wireless kit. It is quite convenient to use the plug-in to achieve scientific Internet access for the entire company. The working mode of the mobile display device is similar to that of an ordinary recorder after being hung on a Jilu satellite. The connection mode of the AP sub-machine is limited to the extension mode.

Finally, the situation is set, and the quality of the signal is what users care about. It is worth noting that although the Jilu Router SOHO wireless set supports dual-band, the 5Ghz frequency WIFI is only provided by the AC host, and the AP sub-unit used to expand the area is only equipped with 2.4Ghz frequency WIFI. From the perspective that 2.4G is more capable of penetrating walls than 5G, there is obviously no problem with doing this. The 5G WIFI with less interference may only be enjoyed by the boss and his secretary who are close to the AC host.

In terms of signal strength, compared with the TP-Link WDR7500 currently used in the office, the router is in the same position and within a distance of five meters, the performance of the Jio Router SOHO Wireless Kit is very outstanding. The WIFI channels of the two AP sub-machines are different from those of the AC host, but fortunately the signal strength is at a comparable level.

In the wall penetration test at a distance of ten meters, the 2.4G frequency band Jilu Router SOHO wireless kit is still leading. It can only rely on the AC host to transmit the 5G frequency band, which is not stable. Therefore, the Jilu Router SOHO wireless kit is still a network solution based on 2.4G WIFI. Enterprises with special requirements for 5G networks need to consider this more.

Jilu Router SOHO: It seems to be just a question about the socket

Strong signal, convenient management, and even outstanding metal body craftsmanship, these inherent characteristics of the Jilu Router have always been reflected in the Jilu Router SOHO wireless set. However, on the other hand, the Jilu Router SOHO, which costs over a thousand yuan, does not really exceed people's expectations. There is no obvious difference between the connection method of AC host + AP slave and the actual effect of connecting three ordinary Jilu Routers with an Ethernet cable. The more special POE seems to have only practical significance in saving space for two sockets.

It seems that it is more cost-effective to buy three Ji Routers and two power strips for less than 1,000 yuan, or to buy the Ji Router SOHO Wireless Kit for 1,299 yuan.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.