While users are making fun of Xiaomi, jokingly asking the authors when their toilet paper or toilet will be reviewed, the company is seriously releasing these products and, to spite the haters, they are even in some demand (mainly in China, of course). And now Xiaomi is giving a worthy answer to customers who complain about prices, commenting with phrases - “Yes, for that price it should make MiNet.” Please! A special MiNet button is in the most visible place.

But seriously, Xiaomi has released a new WiFi router, which I hastened to order to replace my Xiaomi Mini Wifi Router. Xiaomi Mini has worked successfully for more than 2 years and a replacement is due when switching to a new one tariff plan my provider. 200 megabits - that’s exactly how much I received for downloading, but I ran into a 100 megabit WAN port. The review will contain a short comparison of speed, coverage range and characteristics.

I didn’t come to Xiaomi routers right away; before that I used the popularly overrated TP-Link, which is literally nothing in the budget segment. Then there was the terribly buggy Asus, which frayed my nerves for half a year with its constant network failures. In the end, I couldn’t stand it anymore and started looking for a replacement. There was only one requirement - stable operation, ease of setup and the presence of a 5 GHz range. I found all this in Xiaomi Mini, I did not take into account only the moment with 100 megabit ports, because then this speed seemed prohibitive. The router itself can distribute at higher speeds when, for example, it is used as a server (from a flash drive or HDD), but the Internet was limited to 100 megabits, and time does not stand still. In terms of stability, I had no complaints about the Mini - setting it up through the application took 5 minutes, and after 2 years of work I even forgot what the settings interface looked like, because I only went there a couple of times, and then just for the sake of curiosity. There was no drop in speed, accumulation of errors and no need for periodic resets, like with TP-Link. Therefore, it was decided that the next router will also definitely be Xiaomi. The choice fell on a new product, let's look at its main technical characteristics:

Video version of the review

When switching from Mini Wifi Router to Mi Router 4, I won in all areas at once. Therefore, if the question is about replacement, the answer is yes, it’s definitely worth changing. Compared to its predecessor Xiaomi Mi Router 3, there are also quite serious changes. Although they concern most of the performance. I offer a small comparison table; for convenience, I have highlighted changes for the better in bold.

Xiaomi Mini Wifi Router	Xiaomi Mi Router 3	Xiaomi Mi Router 4
	Single-core processor MT7620A with a frequency of 580MHz	CPU dual-core MT7621A with frequency 880MHz
RAM 128 MB DDR2	RAM 128 MB DDR2	RAM 128 MB DDR3
Memory 16MB SPI Flash	Memory 128Mb SLC Nand Flash	Memory 128Mb SLC Nand Flash
	WAN network, 2xLAN - up to 100 Mbit/s	WAN network, 2xLAN - up to 1 Gbit/s
	Antennas: 2.4 Ghz WiFi 2x2 (up to 300 Mbit/s); 5 Ghz WiFi 2x2 (up to 867 Mbit/s)	Antennas: 2.4 Ghz WiFi 2x2 (up to 300 Mbit/s); 5 Ghz WiFi 2x2 (up to 867 Mbit/s)

Those in simple words, Mi Router 4 has become much more powerful and has acquired gigabit ports. Let's take a closer look at the new product. The box is quite massive, on the front there is an image of the model and the name in Chinese.

The main advantages are described on the reverse side, also in Chinese. And of course, special attention was paid to the MiNet button, with which you can connect smart electronics to those controlled by Mi Router 4 home network(including smart home components produced by MIJIA and other Xiaomi sub-brands). Just by pressing one button, without entering a password.

The router is neatly placed in a box and covered with translucent film. Having taken it out, you can find the QR code, clicking on it to download the MiRouter application. This is the easiest and most convenient way to connect and configure the device; in addition, it is possible to configure it via the WEB interface.

The power supply and instructions were placed in a separate niche.

The instructions describe how to connect and configure the router, everything is accompanied by pictures.

The power supply, as in previous models, is 12V\1A, American plug (the store did not forget to include an adapter for a European plug).

The design is similar to the models of the third series, but with larger curves of the body. 4 non-removable antennas can be tilted in depth (forward\back) and laterally (left\right). The color has not changed - white. The memory is still fresh of how negatively people reacted to the white casings of the routers of the first Xiaomi models, and only over time many realized that it was really practical. On the white body, dust is not visible and the device always looks neat visually.

Its small size and thickness allow it to be placed on almost any table or shelf. Among the definite disadvantages I would include the lack of wall mounting capability; for Xiaomi routers this is just some kind of disease.

Like everyone else xiaomi products, the router looks truly stylish.

Each antenna is engraved with the MiWiFi logo

On the back wall you can find one WAN port and 2 LAN ports. For home purposes this is enough, for example 1LAN goes to wired connection computer, another LAN for a wired connection to the TV box. The rest is by air. For example, for me, everything is connected only by air. There is a hidden Reset button, but I never used it in the previous model. Even if you need to reset the router, for example, to clean the RAM, it is much easier to do this by turning off the power. Compared to its predecessor Mi Router 3 or my previous Mini Wifi Router, this model has removed the USB connector.

The physical Mi button is located in the center of the body. For those who have not yet understood, the proprietary MiNet technology turned out to be simply an analogue Wi-Fi functions Protected Setup, or simply WPS. Let's say you have a smart lamp from MIJIA (a sub-brand of Xiaomi) and you want to connect it. Activate the network search on the lamp, according to the instructions, then press Mi on the router and wait until the connection occurs. There is no need to enter a password. That's the whole point of the MiNet function, otherwise you're already daydreaming :)

Minor changes affected the LED. If in the Mini Wifi Router it shines directly and in the dark turns into a hellish spotlight, then here the glow is directed at a slight downward angle. The brightness of the LED is slightly lower and now in working condition it is not blue, but light turquoise. In total, the LED can shine in 3 colors - turquoise during operation, orange during loading, and red during critical errors.

Turning the router over reveals many ventilation holes. In the center is a sticker that shows the address for connecting to the Web interface, the name of the default network and other information.

A hidden screw was placed under the sticker. By unscrewing it, you can open the case latches and disassemble the router.

As usual, Xiaomi used black textolite. The central processor and memory are covered with metal screens, which simultaneously serve as radiators. On the reverse side, the board is connected to a metal plate through heat-conducting rubber bands; it plays the main role in heat removal. The manufacturer left a small Easter egg on the board, ARE YOU OK!!! - ARE YOU OKAY!!!

The 2.4G and 5G antenna connectors are connected with the corresponding connectors. 2 antennas for each channel.

back side

Toshiba JV6548 chip, presumably this is memory.

Setup and connection

Everything here is elementary. Scan the QR code from the box\instructions or install the MiRouter application from the market yourself. In the application, setting up connections and managing functions is really very simple and takes no more than a couple of minutes. If you have a Mi account, good, if not, you need to create one. I have already installed the MiRouter application for a long time and it automatically detected that there was a new router, after which it suggested that I set it up as a new device or transfer settings from the previous one. I chose to set up a new one, after which the Internet is checked. Next, come up with a network name and password. That's all the setup.

Now let's look at the most interesting features of the application and what you can do with it. On home page the activity of connected devices is displayed - when it entered the network, how much traffic it used, etc. You can go into each device and limit its speed or block access to the network completely. Next is the settings section - here you can change the password or network name, set speed limits for guest devices, select a region (change the application language), set the time and date, reset the settings to factory settings and update the firmware.

If for some reason the router does not pick up all the network settings automatically, you can enter them manually.

What interesting things can you do through the application? In the WiFi settings, you can configure each network separately (2.4G and 5G), you can adjust the signal strength in each range individually (weak, standard and maximum) or turn off the unused range completely. You can also create black lists of devices that will be denied access to the network, or vice versa - a white list with allowed access. There is a timer to automatically turn on/off at night. When no one needs the Internet, the router will turn off.

There is a whole section with special utilities, for example, in QoS you can manage connection limits, limiting the speed to the desired value for an individual device. By the way, the router supports up to 128 devices simultaneously. We need to give an idea to hotel owners in Turkey, otherwise they always have problems with Internet access in the lobby. Although how many simultaneous connections are there? 20 - 30? Well 50 maximum :) Also with the help additional tools you can create a guest network, configure a VPN, test Internet speed, etc. Some functions will not work, for example Photo Backup, because there is no USB connector for connecting the drive. Another useful little thing for me was the ability to turn off indicator light in the system settings.

What I generally like about routers from Xiaomi is the ease of setup and stability of operation. Craftsmen flash them with modified firmware, for example Padavan. Maybe it adds some features, but I don't need it. Everything you need is on stock, and most importantly it works stably.

By the way, if you want to use the Web interface when setting up the router, then this option is also available here. Enter the address indicated on the sticker from the router into the address bar of your browser. Here, however, everything will be in Chinese, but if you use Chrome, then simply right-click anywhere on the screen and select “translate into Russian,” after which you get a Russian-language site. Surprisingly, the translation is very correct and understanding the settings is not difficult. The main page displays interesting statistics on the load on the network, processor and memory of the router. There are also statistics on the amount of traffic consumed by each device. All information is available online.

By analogy with a mobile application, you can manage connections, adjust Internet speed and limit, block devices, create black and white lists.

Setting up network, password, signal strength, encryption type, etc.

General settings menu

Advanced settings

Now let's run some user tests. The most important question is, of course, increasing the speed of the Internet via WiFi, which is what the router was bought for. IN this moment my main oppo smartphone F7, which on the previous router had the following indicators: in the 2.4 Ghz range, the download speed was 45 - 50 mbps, in the 5 Ghz range - up to 95 mbps. With the new router, the speed at 2.4 Ghz did not increase much; it was already almost at the maximum possible. But on 5 Ghz I have already reached the limit of my tariff plan, having received a maximum of 200 mbps.

Signal quality and coverage range have also changed, especially in the 5Ghz range. Earlier maximum speed I could only receive it in the room with the router or in the next room, and then the signal level dropped and the speed dropped accordingly. For example, in the kitchen I could already get a maximum of 40 Mbps, which actually equalized the speed with the frequency of 2.4 Ghz. Upon entering the entrance, the smartphone lost the network and switched to 2.4G, and the flight below, where there was a smoking area, the 2.4 Ghz band also periodically dropped out. These are the indicators I took using WiFi Analyzer from the previous Mini Wifi Router:

Room with a router

Back room (2 walls)

In the corridor and entrance, 5 Ghz already periodically fell off and the smartphone switched to 2.4 Ghz. And the flight below was already falling off and 2.4 Ghz. On the street I only received 2.4 Ghz and only strictly under the balcony.

And here are the indicators from the new Mi WiFi 4 router: Room with a router

Back room (2 walls)

At this stage, it is clear that the signal level drops slightly and evenly on both ranges. The speed within the apartment is maximum everywhere. But in the entrance it is already falling more strongly, because a load-bearing concrete wall is being added.

Having gone down one flight, the 5 Ghz band is already barely catching. But at 2.4 GHz there is complete order here.

On the street near the entrance (I live on the 8th floor), as well as within 50 meters from it, only 2.4 Ghz can be received. The second range no longer finishes. All tests were carried out with the “standard” signal strength settings. If you don’t go into details, comparing numbers, then even walking through different rooms of the apartment with a detector WiFi signal, you can notice the difference with the naked eye.

To summarize, I would like to note that Xiaomi managed to release another high-quality router, which expanded its already wide range of devices. I got everything I wanted from it in full, I’m 100% happy with the update. Like other brand products, this one is aimed primarily at simplicity and ease of use. Do you know which router is considered good? The answer is the one they forgot where it stands. And this is true - after connecting and setting up the device, all you have to do is remember to periodically wipe it from dust. Everything else can be done directly from your smartphone.

To reduce the cost to $37.99, you can use the coupon MDC5446

I specifically bought a Xiaomi mini WiFi router in order to prepare several detailed instructions for setting up this interesting router. By the way, judging by the reviews and comments in online stores, the router from Xiaomi is very popular. And this is not even strange; for a small amount we get a beautiful, powerful and high-quality router. In addition, the router is dual-band, of course with support for the 802.11ac standard, and even with a USB port. Yes, this is a Chinese router, but Xiaomi is a good company and very popular.

The Xiaomi router itself is very beautiful, stylish and unusual. I will review this router in a separate article. And in this article I want to describe in detail the process of first setting up the Xiaomi mini WiFi router. I'll show you how to connect a router, set up a Wi-Fi network, and the Internet. In the near future I will prepare instructions for setting up file sharing on USB drive, router firmware, etc.

Control panel in Chinese. What to do, how to change the language?

As for setting up Xiaomi mini WiFi, this is most likely the only point that may disappoint you about this router. The fact is that the router settings are in Chinese. There is no option to choose Russian, or even English. If you want the control panel to be in Russian, you will have to flash the router with third-party firmware (PandoraBox, Padavan). The firmware process itself is complex. Perhaps I’ll write about this in a separate article.

English language can be added. You need to change the region to Europe in the Wi-Fi settings and update the firmware. I will also write about this in a separate article. Well, I advise you not to bother and just set up the Xiaomi mini router according to my instructions. Will anything change if the settings are in English? This is a router, you configure it and forget about this control panel. And everything is exactly what language it is in. The main thing is that the Internet works well and stably.

One more thing, the router can be configured from a smartphone or tablet using the Mi Router application. Application on English language, everything is clear there. We will also consider this option at the end of this article.

This instruction should be suitable not only for the Xiaomi mini model, but also for WiFi MiRouter 3 and Mi WiFi Nano.

Xiaomi Mi Router Mini: setting up Wi-Fi and Internet

First, connect power to the router, and connect the cable from the provider or modem to the “Internet” port.

Next we need to go to the settings of the Xiaomi router. First we will look at the first setup from a computer (laptop). You can connect your computer to the router using a cable (although there is no cable included), and via Wi-Fi. Immediately after turning on, a wireless network with the name “Xiaomi_some numbers” will appear. It is not password protected. Let's connect to it.

If you have access to the Internet right away through your router, then it makes sense to configure it via Chrome browser, or Yandex Browser. They can translate pages on the fly. And the control panel will be more understandable. The translation there is not perfect, but still better than Chinese characters.

1 Open any browser and go to the address miwifi.com (it is listed at the bottom of the router). On the first page we simply click on the big Chinese button. This is something like a license agreement.

2 Next you need to set the Wi-Fi network name and password for it. The password must be at least 8 characters. Since the router is dual-band, the password will be the same for networks on two frequencies. It can be changed later in the control panel. Let's continue with the setup.

3 In the next window, we need to set a password that will protect the router settings. This password will need to be specified when entering the router settings. Enter your password and click on the button to continue. If you want the router password to be the same as the Wi-Fi password, you can simply check the box. But I don't recommend doing that.

4 We see a message that the router will create two Wi-Fi networks at different frequencies, their names will be indicated there. The router will reboot.

After the reboot, a Wi-Fi network will appear with the name we set during the setup process. Connect to this network using the configured password.

5 In the settings window, if you have not closed it yet, you can click on the button and you will see a message asking you to install a proprietary application on your smartphone to control the Xiaomi router. You can install this application in App Store, or Google Play‎if you need it. It's called Mi Router. Below I will show you how to set up a router from your phone using this application.

Important point! If the Internet through the router is already working on your devices, then the setup of the Xiaomi router is complete. If you want, you can go into its settings, I’ll show you how to do it below.

If Internet does not work through the router, then it needs to be configured.

Entering the Xiaomi router settings and setting up a connection to the provider

1 In your browser again, go to miwifi.com. You will be prompted for a password. Enter the password you set during the first setup. This is not a password for Wi-Fi, but rather for a router.

2 To set up the Internet (connections to provider) go to settings to a separate page as shown below. Select your connection type from the list. Most likely you need to select PPPoE. It’s just that if you had a DHCP (Dynamic IP) connection type, then the Internet through the router would work without configuration. You can check your connection type with your provider.

3 After selecting PPPoE, you will need to set the necessary parameters for the connection. These parameters are issued by the Internet provider. Also, they are most likely indicated in the documents that were given to you when you connected to the Internet.

4 If your provider uses MAC address binding, you can change it on the same page, below. Just enter the required MAC. Or ask your provider to write down the MAC address of your router, which is indicated in this field, or on the body of the device itself.

You need the router to connect to the Internet and start distributing it to your devices.

Setting up a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless network. Changing your Wi-Fi password

If you want to change the name of the Wi-Fi network, password, channel, or for example disable the network at some frequency 5 GHz, or 2.4 GHz, then go to the settings and go to the page as shown below.

If you scroll down the page, you will see the 5G Wi-Fi settings there, as far as I understand the guest network settings and changing the region.

As you can see, nothing complicated. Even though the settings are in Chinese.

First setup of a Xiaomi router from a phone or tablet (Mi Router)

You can configure the router using mobile device. First you need to install the proprietary Mi Router program on your phone. We install it from Google Play or App Store. If you don’t want to install the application, you can configure it through the browser of your mobile device, as I showed above.

Connect your smartphone to the Xiaomi router. The Wi-Fi network will have a standard name and will not be protected by a password. Also, do not forget to connect the Internet to the router.

On my iPhone, immediately after connecting, a window appeared with the router settings. And on Android, in the Mi Router program you need to select the "Set up a new router" item. We indicate the location where the router is installed and click the “Next” button.

The router will check your Internet connection, and if your provider uses a DHCP connection, you will see a message that the Internet is connected. Like in my screenshot below. And if you have PPPoE connection technology, then you will need to set some parameters (login, password).

The last step is to set a password for the Wi-Fi network and change the name of the network. Enter this information and click the "Finish" button.

Please note that the password set on the Wi-Fi network will also be used to access the router settings when logging into the control panel at miwifi.com.

That's all, the router setup is complete. If something does not work out, then go to the settings through the browser and change the necessary parameters.

Even without updating the router's firmware to English or Russian, you can configure it without any problems, and everything will work. Yes, the settings are very difficult to understand in Chinese. Even in English it would be easier. English version original firmware Yes, in a separate article I will show you how to install it.

I really liked the router, both in appearance and in its stable operation. Write your reviews about this model, share tips, and ask questions. Always happy to help with advice!

Xiaomi routers is a budget solution for the most sophisticated Internet and local network users. The Xiaomi Router 3G model will most likely suit you in all respects as an ultra-fast wireless network router.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G review

It looks like a regular enlarged (due to non-removable antennas) packaging.

Xiaomi 3G router: it comes with a power adapter and instructions

The LAN and WAN interfaces are separated from each other by one of the antennas - just like USB port from all Ethernet ports.

Ethernet/USB sockets are located between the router antennas

Like Xiaomi Router 3/Mini, Xiaomi Router 3G has only one blue LED.

One LED is a proprietary feature of the Xiaomi router display

Nothing superfluous: there are no buttons or switches on the side of the Xiaomi 3G router.

There are no physical controls on Router 3G

Taking a closer look: indication of Ethernet traffic exchange on site (a pair of LEDs). There is a reset button (small hole on the left).

The Ethernet indication is more varied than that of the Xiaomi Router 3

Ventilation in Xiaomi Router 3G, like its counterparts, is almost ideal: the lower surface of the case is a sieve with long holes.

The Xiaomi 3G router is well ventilated during operation

The adapter is standard - for American sockets. An adapter for European sockets is purchased separately.

Adapter for router plug is not included

Externally, the Xiaomi 3(G) routers are indistinguishable: they only show the number of Ethernet ports (Router 3 has two) and the color of the USB port.

The differences are only visible when viewed from behind.

General indication of the operation of Ethernet ports on the Xiaomi 3 and the presence of an indication of traffic exchange via Ethernet on the Xiaomi 3G.

The differences are also visible on the LAN/WAN display of both routers

Xiaomi Router 3G is slightly more compact than Router 3. It is also easy to hang on the wall by drilling a couple of elongated holes in order to install the case on pre-fixed screws (there is more than enough space inside). Printed circuit board with a radiator it is located as compactly as possible, leaving room for cooling the device during operation.

The radiator is massive and dissipates heat well

Under the radiator there is a processor, RAM, a Wi-Fi radio subsystem (excluding output stages for amplifying the signal to the antenna) and flash memory. Ethernet chips do not require additional cooling. It is possible to install a pair of miniature fans from a non-working PC or laptop inside.

Leading Xiaomi 3G chips are hidden under the heatsink

The MediaTek-7621AT processor will “pull” up to 4 LAN ports - but this is already the prerogative of Xiaomi Router Pro (in the future - and higher models, when they are released).

Before the MT-7621AT processor reaches its end of life - before the MediaTek-7621x CPU series (MT-76xx processor family) is updated - new versions of the Xiaomi Router will still prove themselves.

Table: characteristics of the Xiaomi Router 3G router

Parameter or characteristic	Value (tolerance)
CPU	SoC MediaTek MT7621AT (MIPS32 1004K, 2*880 MHz)
RAM	256 MB (DDR-2)
Flash drive	128 MB (SLC)
Standard, Wi-Fi range	2.4 and 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11ac
Antenna parameters	4, omnidirectional, non-removable
Number of LAN/WAN ports	2 LAN ports, WAN port
File sharing speed on LAN between PC and gadgets	up to 1 Gbit/s
Speed local network WiFi	up to 1167 Mbit/s
Protocols for encrypted access to the Network via WAN/LAN	PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP, IPSec
USB ports	one, 3.0
Local servers	DHCP
Encryption, protection Wi-Fi networks	from Open to WPA-2
Additional functionality	DMZ, NAT, firewall, SPI, Firewall
Device operating modes	access point, repeater mode

Using third-party firmware (modified firmware from Asus, TP-Link, ZyXEL, free software OpenWRT/DD-WRT/Padavan), previously unavailable functions are implemented, such as: repeater and (hybrid) bridge modes, WiFi2LAN client mode, additional guest networks and etc.

Video: Xiaomi 3G router review

Setting up a Xiaomi 3G router using the MiWiFi program

Beginners generally start setting up Xiaomi Router 3G not with third-party firmware Padavan or DD-WRT ( full version OpenWRT), namely from the MiWiFi application.

Setting up routers Xiaomi lines Router simplified: Router 3G is not much different from its predecessors - Mini models and 3. For the convenience of users, all commands in the instructions are translated from Chinese into English/Russian.

Connecting to a Xiaomi 3G router from a PC or laptop

After turning on for the first time (or resetting the settings), the Xiaomi 3G router will enable open wireless network"Xiaomi_(device_labeling)." Connect to it from a PC, laptop or tablet, type mifiwi.com in address bar your browser.

Select Xiaomi 3G network

Now do the following.

1. Accept the agreement with Xiaomi and click “Next”.

   Confirm that you agree with Xiaomi's PM

2. Secure your Wi-Fi network by entering a new name (you don't have to change it) and a WPA-2 password.

   Set a strong, hack-proof wireless password

3. For maximum protection, enter a different password for the router's web interface.
4. Wait for the Wi-Fi networks on your Xiaomi 3G router to restart.

   Wait, the router will now restart

The router is ready for further configuration.

Connect to the router with a new Wi-Fi password

Reconnect to the Xiaomi Router 3G network with a new password.

Changing the firmware language of the Xiaomi 3G router

In some cases, when connecting the provider cable, Internet access may already be turned on, so you can use Google translator to make settings easier.

1. Go back to miwifi.com and enter the router settings.

   Enter your Admin password

2. Go to the "Routing Status" tab.

   Xiaomi Router 3G operating status

3. Give the command “General settings - System status”. Download English version Xiaomi Router 3G software.

   You can easily change the Chinese Xiaomi version 3G to English

4. Click the gray button - “Update manually”. Select a folder on your PC to save the file Xiaomi firmware 3G, please wait while this update downloads.
5. Select English in the Xiaomi Router 3G software settings.

   To begin, select English

6. Log in again to the router settings (using your login and password) and give the command “Status - Connected devices”.

   The router also reports available Wi-Fi devices 5GHz

7. Give the command “Internet” - “Test (more)”. Internet speed will be checked.

   The router will report Internet speed and IP connection settings

8. Write down (or take a screenshot of) all IP addresses. They will come in handy when reconfiguring the router.

Advanced Wi-Fi settings for Xiaomi Router 3G

Do the following.

Setting up a local network Xiaomi Router 3G

General configuration of the local router is performed only when the Internet is turned off. If the router automatically connects to the Internet, temporarily disconnect the provider's cable.

For example, the main IP is 192.168.0.1 and the DHCP range is 192.168.0.(100–200).

Setting up network sharing for Xiaomi Router 3G

Do the following.

Fine-tuning the security of Xiaomi Router 3G

If malware has entered your router or your passwords have become known to everyone around you, change them.

Reset, restore settings and update Xiaomi Router 3G

Resetting the settings may reset the web interface to its language Chinese version. Use Xiaomi 3G reset in case of emergency.

Working with disks and modems on a Xiaomi 3G router

The Xiaomi Router 3 USB port supports USB drives and 3G/4G modems. By replacing the firmware with freely distributed software, universal for routers of many brands and models (OpenWRT Pro and its analogues), you may get the functionality of printers, scanners, copiers and other office equipment, controlled via USB.

Of particular interest is the operation of the router as a separate gadget/router with USB-RS485, C2000-USB interface converters and other microcontrollers - over a local network, for example, controlling a fire alarm or main entrance turnstiles in a protected area. The last of the above may require programming skills - at least minimal - to change the part program code Xiaomi routers (before updating). You may also need to reprogram (or at least update the firmware) of the USB converter itself.

Do the following.

1. Connect external drive, for example, an SSD drive, give the command “Storage”.

   You can download the apps directly from here

2. Download from Google Play app MiWiFi.

   Open MiWiFi app after downloading

3. Register on miwifi.com and launch the MiWiFi application. Click the “Set up a new router” button.

   Opening the vault will take you to the contents of the flash drive or SSD drive

The “Arrange”, “Unload”, “Download”, “Mark” and “Back” buttons are the main actions with files when managing them from the Xiaomi Router 3G device. When you select a file (a group of files, a folder or a group of folders), the functions “Copy”, “Delete”, “Rename”, “Move” and “Remove selection” are activated.

Alternative firmware options

Third-party firmware is free software “OpenWRT”, “Padavan”, as well as firmware from Asus, ZyXEL, D-Link, TP-Link, Tenda and other routers, edited through special compiler applications. Free software is extensively tested for compatibility with routers, both well-known and recently launched on the market network equipment manufacturers.

Setting up Xiaomi 3G to work with a USB modem in Padavan software

Before working with Padavan firmware, you need to install it instead of the proprietary “stripped-down” DD-WRT (or “native” from Xiaomi).

Xiaomi 3G firmware using Prometheus utility

Prometheus is available at prometheus.freize.net.

1. Launch the Prometheus application and select the Mi-R3G router (follow the instructions command console Prometheus).

   If you make a mistake with the config file, only the service center or Xiaomi representatives will help

   Before starting the firmware, the software must be processed Xiaomi code 3G

Initiate step 4 (router firmware). Xiaomi Router 3G will be updated and restarted.

Padavan settings are all in Russian and even more diverse than in MiRouter

New IP - 192.168.1.1 (Asus-RT program settings).

3G/4G settings in Padavan Asus-RT on Xiaomi 3G routers

Setting up a 4G modem in the Xiaomi-Asus-RT (Padavan) firmware is not much different from similar actions in the “clean” Asus firmware. In fact, Padavan is a transplant of the Asus web interface onto the source code of Xiaomi routers.

The Xiaomi 3G router will restart. You can configure Wi-Fi and LAN routing - it is similarly configured in Asus-RT routers (refer to the manual for any of the models in this line) - and use the Internet from your cellular provider.

Xiaomi routers are easy to set up. This ease of operation has not bypassed the ultra-modern Xiaomi 3G model. With Xiaomi 3G routers, you will have access to almost any of the currently known tariffs from any of the providers. Have excellent Internet speed - and comfortable work!

http 192.168.31.1 and miwifi.com are the addresses used to enter the settings of the Xiaomi Mi WiFi 3 router, as well as its brothers, the cheaper 3C and the top-end 3G. For many who like to order equipment from China, IP 192.168.31.1 has become quite familiar. After all, it is under it that the entrance to the administrator panel of Mi WiFi routers, as well as other network equipment of this company, is hidden. Today we will talk about how to set up Xiaomi Mi Router 3, but the instructions are also relevant for other models - Xiaomi Router 3G, 3C and earlier or, which have already been discussed on our website.

With all the advantages of this manufacturer, it has one significant drawback, which is typical for devices that have only recently entered the market and are not adapted for foreign users - if you go into its settings, the entire interface will first be dotted with spider hieroglyphs in Chinese, so for a beginner, If you have just purchased this router, you may experience problems when connecting for the first time. We tried to show as clearly as possible step by step and in pictures the entire process of setting up the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 3, 3G and 3C router.

How to connect Xiaomi Mi WiFi 3 router to a computer?

I think it makes no sense to say that the first thing you need to do is connect the Xioami Router via a power adapter to the mains - it’s understandable.

After that, it will immediately start distributing password-free WiFi “Xiaomi” - you can connect either via cable or wirelessly. If you are not connecting via WiFi, connect an Internet cable from your provider to the blue WAN port, and an Ethernet cable to your computer to the LAN.

Also make sure that in the "Local Area Connections" or " Wireless connection» in the «Network and Sharing Center» shared access"Windows is installed on the computer itself automatic receipt IP addresses and DNS - this is the only way to get into the admin panel at the same time using the IP address 192.168.31.1 and the miwifi.com web address.

To be on the safe side, if you got the Xiaomi Router in your hands, you can do full reset everyone previous settings- to do this, use a pin to press the Reset button on the switched on router, which is recessed into the case.

192.168.31.1 - enter the settings of the Xiaomi router - miwifi.com

The router will automatically detect your type of Internet connection and in the next step we will only have to enter the required parameters for access - for me it is PPPoE, where you need to enter your login and password.

If the type of connection to the Internet is from a DHCP provider (that is, when you don’t need to configure anything on your computer or router to access the Internet), then to select this type, click on the item of the same name in the lower menu.

On the next page, set a password to log into the admin area and click the confirm button.

We are waiting for the settings to be applied and the router to reboot - pay attention to the QR code, it contains an encrypted download link mobile application.

How to configure Xiaomi Mi 3 WiFi Router?

After this, the Internet will work on our computer and all devices that will be connected to the created WiFi networks. Let's go back to the admin panel. Everything here is in Chinese, but using one of the browser extensions (in Google Chrome it is already built-in), all the text is miraculously Russified. To do this, in Chrome, right-click on the page and select “Translate to Russian”

Notice how cool the admin panel is. The main page displays summary current information about the network - which devices are connected, how much traffic they use, what is the memory load and central processor. No other competitor from budget class I've never seen anything like it.

The “Equipment” menu displays a list of connected devices - right there, without unnecessary hassles, you can use switches to cut off the Internet for each of them.

IN " General settings» all basic network functions. For example, you can make a separate guest network without access to internal resources local.

“Internet Settings” - in addition to configuring the connection to the provider, you can choose to limit the speed of the WAN port, clone the MAC address and switch to Wi-Fi repeater mode.

In “Advanced settings” there are more detailed things, such as port forwarding, manually registering static IPs, DDNS services (there is support for free No-IP), UPnP, etc.

It is also possible to connect to the Xiaomi router from a smartphone.

Setting up the Internet on the Xiaomi Mi WiFi 3 router

I set up the Internet through a Xiaomi router more than once and I can say that, although rarely, there are errors in determining the connection type - remember I said that it is detected automatically? So, to change it manually, you need to select your type of connection to the provider from the drop-down list in “Settings” in the “Internet” section. Three options available

• PPPoE
• DHCP (dynamic IP)
• Static IP

Setting up Xiaomi Router 3 for BeeLine (L2TP)

Unfortunately, in stock firmware there is no support for the L2TP and PPTP protocols, which means that it is not possible to connect the router to the Internet from the Beeline provider. Another option is to install an intermediate cable router and connect Xiaomi to it.

If you have a PPPoE connection, then enter your login and password in the fields indicated in the image below.

If the provider has configured mandatory binding by the MAC address of the computer, then below on the page in the same section there is an opportunity to clone it from the main computer. MAC computer will be determined automatically - all we have to do is click on left button to use this function.

That's all - after this the Internet will start working. Well, I’ll tell you how to go into the settings of a Xiaomi router with in a separate article.