REVIEW: ZT196 Router combines low price with high coverage

the router ZT196 is the result of a partnership between multilaser and ZTE, which brings modern connection technologies to an environment with many devices requesting the internet signal at the same time, and can be used to create a network mesh between routers or simply amplify the quality of the signal your modem receives. Check below the review full of showmetech sobre or ZT196 router.

design and installation

In the words of the manufacturer, this router follows a design “clean and modern” and with the product in hand, I guarantee to be what we have here. Its shape would be that of a cube, if it didn't have two of its circular ends instead of straight, giving it a movement and an air of sophistication. With a fully matte finish, the curved sides are even more charming. On the front, only the name “ZTE” is in small letters aligned to the center, while below, there is only a blue button, with an LED that flashes red or green when pairing.

On the back, we have the power cable entry, a “WAN” port, two “LAN” ports and a power button. Reset. Below is product information including a welcome QR Code, which serves to ease the router installation process — we'll get to that soon. A great detail is the low amount of cables needed to make the system work. The router only comes with an Ethernet cable and a power cable, making it easier to organize it next to the modem.

The installation is designed to make the user's life easier. That's because we can easily install it through the available smartphone application “ZLife Lite”, connecting the router to it as in other smart product applications. The step-by-step is super simple and just follow what the app asks you to do.

In the app "ZLife Lite”, you can still configure the signal of all devices connected to Wi-Fi, set parental controls and block access, giving you very complete and fast control of your network directly on the smartphone.

Technologies and coverage

O ZT196 router integrates the NetSphere™, which supports modern technology EasyMesh. It still has a processor Dual Core 1GHz, technologies MU-MIMO e beamforming, which, together, help up to 32 devices to be connected at the same time — and this is certainly an amount above the common in a private environment.

In our tests, in a 60 m² apartment, with a contracted service of 50 MB of fiber optics, with 12 devices connected to the Wi-Fi signal (1 smart TV, 3 smartphones, 1 tablet, 2 notebooks, 1 console and 4 smart lamps), signal oscillations are relatively common in places farthest from the modem — which is in the living room — such as in the furthest bedroom and in the service area. Using the router ZT196, the difference is quickly noticed, as the way he distributed the equipment — relieving the modem — made all the devices able to stay connected with Full HD videos passing without any problem.

In addition, at points further away from the modem, where the signal suffered a lot, it was common for the speed test to hit only 25 Mbps for download and 14 Mbps for upload. Using the router, I got the same performance as the living room at the most distant points, recording 59 Mbs of download and 29.9 Mbps of upload. It is important to point out that I used only one router, since in my apartment there is no need for a second router, but if you have a larger home or work space, just add one more router to the system for the signal to propagate to you. give 100% coverage.

Mesh System

The platform Mesh operates with a unified network dual band, which means you will only need one network, instead of multiple. This is very convenient, as very large work environments and homes with 2 or 3 network names are common. As ZT196 router, you will not have to worry about which network you will be connected to, as it will be up to you to put you with the best signal. That's because you can buy an additional router — or even buy them together — to take it to a room far away from the modem that suffers from signal and walk away without worries, while the routers guarantee to always leave you under the best signal.

Another facility that happens “under the hood” is the arrangement of devices connected to the network. If there are multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi, the system Mesh avoids leaving any router overloaded, distributing the devices so that everyone has a good quality signal.

Mesh system or repeaters?

It is possible that you confuse system mesh with the popular repeaters, but they are different technologies, the system being mesh superior and more modern.

In addition to multiple repeaters not offering the option of maintaining a single-name network in the house, communication between them is unidirectional. Let's assume that in a house you need three repeaters to provide complete coverage. All repeaters will only get the signal from your provider's modem, so you should place it as best you can in the center of the scheme.

If one repeater is close to another, but too far from the modem, the signal it will receive will be very low, and this is where the system Mesh differs. Communication is multidirectional, that is, each router will seek the signal from the router closest to it, so the position of your modem matters less, and performance is optimized.

Conclusion

At a price of R$ 426 reais, the router ZT196 proves to be a solid and reliable option for you to expand the quality of coverage and make the most of the service you have contracted for. And if you need larger environments, you can find them on the company's website. multilaser a set that already has two routers. If you are interested in a modern and cost-effective device, this router will certainly not disappoint you.

Availability price

You can find the EasyMesh Router AC1200 ZT 196 for R$ 426 reais at the Multilaser store.

Technical Specifications - ZT196 Router

Also read about the other routers that make up the line in our full article.