Choosing a router

If you plan to use a local server, then any router that can fix a permanent IP address for connected controllers within your local network will suit you. However, if you decide to use a cloud server, then you will need a special router with a VPN client function. We will consider how to choose it below.

It is advisable to choose a router that is powerful enough for good and stable operation of the entire local network. In addition, a smart home router should provide for various emergency scenarios for all sorts of failures.

The router we will recommend is quite cheap !
For example, if you take the Mikrotik RB941-2nD model, its recommended price is $24.95 .

The first option for connecting the router

This option is recommended as the simplest if you are just starting to create your smart home. In this case, you do not risk spoiling any settings of your current router to which various equipment is already connected.

Your new Mikrotik router will simply need to be connected to the main router via a network cable, as if you were connecting any other device, such as a computer. As a result, two WiFi networks will operate in the house. One old one - for equipment and the other new one - for a smart home. The main thing is to connect the routers correctly. For the main one, the network cable must be connected to one of the connectors named LAN, and for the gateway router, the cable will need to be connected to the WAN or Internet connector.

Second option for connecting the router

This is a more advanced option, where you create your own network of routers in different parts of the house.

Look at the diagram. In its center there is a router from Mikrotik . The minimum model is RB941-2nD , or if you want to connect to the Internet via a USB modem, then you need to use RB951-2nD . This will be the central router connecting your local network to the global Internet. And then, it is recommended to connect other routers to this central router as needed to expand the network when you have a large building or separate buildings.

Thus, your old router can be connected to the central router (best via cable) and located in another room or another building, such as a garage. In this case, it acts as a repeater. Thanks to this, you get several WiFi networks, which undoubtedly increases the stability of the smart home and improves the speed of home appliances - TV, phone, laptop, which are located in different rooms.

The main principle : it is better to use several low-power routers in different rooms than one super-powerful and expensive one for all devices, which should penetrate “as far as possible”.

Now that you have decided on the router, you can proceed to the general settings of the Mikrotik router for a smart home .