Mi Router 3 vs 3c– which router is the better option
Identifying the best router to cater to all your home or office needs is an important factor when it comes to its performance and productivity. You need a stable and high connection to get things done in this age with new versions in technology upgraded automatically and seamlessly.
These two routers by Xiaomi have a focus on signal strength and technology adaptation. One supports dual-band connections and the other has a single dedicated bandwidth.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between Mi route 3 and 3C?
Mi Router 3 |
Mi Router 3C |
|
Antenna |
4 oscillator antennae |
4 oscillator antennae |
ROM |
128 MB |
16 MB |
Wireless |
Dual-frequency 2.4 and 5 GHz |
Single-frequency at 2.4GHz |
Interface |
1 WAN, 2 LAN, 1 USB |
1 WAN, 2 LAN |
OS |
Custom MIWIFI System |
Custom MIWIFI System |
USB Port |
Yes |
No |
Mi router 3 vs 3C – how do they compare
Design
Both these routers have a glossy white finish with four antennas, the difference is that the Mi 3 has a USB port with rounded antennas and the 3C has a square-shaped antenna with no USB port. Lights on a router are signals of information and it is the same for these two routers.
When the light is blue, your router is working optimally and the connection is steady. If the light is blinking yellow, it is running some updates and if it’s a steady yellow, then it is restarting. If it blinks red, it is in safe mode and if the red is steady, there is an error you must attend to.
Thankfully Xiaomi included a tiny FAQ section to help their users out in troubleshooting and solving common router errors.
Performance
The Mi 3 can access both 2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds at any given time but the 3C can only support 2.4GHz. with the Mi 3, users can download movies and other media and stream them on their devices through the use of the USB port.
However, this is not similarly true for the 3C router which is bound to encounter slow speeds with multiple users. With 5dBi that runs up to 6dBi, the signal reach is further than with the 3c router runs on the 802.11ac network connection reaching speeds of up to 867 Mbps because it is 5G enabled.
Wirelessly, the Mi 3 router boasts of the ability to connect over 120 devices at a go while maintaining a steady connection. This is made possible by the 128MB ROM which can handle several operations and the oscillator antennae that further stabilizes the connection. The 2.0 USB port supports external devices such as printers and webcams allowing users on the network to remotely access their services.
Technology
Both Mi 3 and 3C are fitted with the MIWIFI App and can be managed and monitored from a mobile phone or computer with the installed App. The 3 however, lacks the beamforming technology that stands out with Mi 3.
The Mi 3 router continues to prove its superiority in being technologically ahead of the rest with the inclusion of its high-level, seven directional protection. The firewall keeps the connection safe from crackers, hijackers, malicious websites, data leakages, fraudulent operations, viruses, and freeloaders.
That not being all, the router has been fitted with MU MIMO technology which simply translates to Multi-User Multi Input Multi Output technology that communicates directly with each connected device and works to minimize buffering or delayed response. This is also known as beamforming and is a classic characteristic of a great router.
The Mi 3C router also has access to the mobile application MIWIFI from which you can monitor your router’s performance in terms of speeds, upgrades, and any notifications from your Internet Service Provider. During set up, this app makes everything so much easier.
With its 16MB worth of storage, the Mi 3C is capable of downloads and these can then be projected onto full screens of the devices that are connected to it. Also, the Mi 3C just like Mi 3 allows you to back up and quickly recall your files and images through the MIWIFI App.
Installation
Owing to the fact that they are from the same manufacturer, the Mi 3 and Mi 3C routers have a similar process of installation. Installation follows a simple three-step process that has been further simplified by the use of the MIWIFI App. First, you need to connect the power cable to the router jack and then to the power source.
Then ensure that the WAN has a cable running from it to a modem or network switch as the source from which you are granted internet access. Proceed on to connect to your router’s WIFI signal showing the two channels of connection that are possible and labeled Xiaomi_XXXX for the Mi 3C and Xiaomi_XXX_5G for the Mi 3. you have the choice to connect to either.
The packaging has a QR code giving direct access to the MIWIFI App and this is your third and last step in the router configuration. Through the App, you can manage your profile and its security such as passwords.
Mi router 3 vs 3C – A comparison overview
Mi Router 3 – Overview
No products found.
This is a sleek router with a white glossy cover. It comes with 4 antennae that are Omni-directional with multi oscillators for high gain and an even stronger signal.
This network allows for dual connections on 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies enabling the router to create a dedicated line channeling 5GHz towards applications like gaming and video streaming. It features 2-LAN ports, one WAN port, and a USB extension interface.
The two LAN ports give 2 ethernet devices a cabled connection for even better performance. The WAN port is what you use to connect an internet cable to the source of the internet which the router then disseminates within a given range.
To operate hands-free on an interface, Xiaomi Mi 3 router gives you access to the mobile application MIWIFI from which you can monitor your router’s performance in terms of speeds, upgrades, and any notifications from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Even while you are away from home, the router is still accessible via the mobile app and it can inform you about who is at home and using the service.
This helps you keep track of usage and even helps you manage and track your household members. During set up, this app makes everything so much easier. This technology-savvy device allows for movie downloads with its 128MB and these can then be projected onto full screens of the devices that are connected to it. Also, the Mi 3 allows you to back up and quickly recall your files and images through the MIWIFI App.
What We Like
- Beamforming technologies
- Mobilize App for control
- Dual connection
- USB port
What We don’t like
- Low signal with more distance
Mi Router 3C – Overview
No products found.
There is not much difference between the Mi 3 and Mi 3C Xiaomi routers. The mi 3C is also a sleek router with a white glossy cover. It also comes with 4 antennae that are Omni-directional with multi oscillators for high gain and an even stronger signal. It runs on the 802.11n network connection reaching speeds of up to 300 Mbps allowing for connections on 2.4GHz frequency. It features 2-LAN ports and one WAN port.
The two LAN ports give 2 ethernet devices a cabled connection for even better performance. The WAN port is what you use to connect an internet cable to the source of internet which the router then disseminates within a given range.
Wirelessly, this router boasts of the ability to connect multiple devices at a go while maintaining a steady connection. This is made possible by the 64MB processor and its 16MB ROM which can handle several operations and the oscillator antennae that further stabilizes the connection. Mi 3C lacks a USB port.
While you are away from home, the router is still accessible via the mobile app and it can inform you about who is at home and using the service. This helps you keep track of usage and even helps you manage and track your household members
What we like;
- Sleek and affordable router
- Decent performance
- Can be used as a range extender
What we don’t like;
- 4GHz is not a great speed
Conclusion
Mi 3C router is a modest choice for any users of the internet with less to do and more time on their hands. For this group, it will work wonders. Unfortunately for the fast-paced and demanding larger population of internet users, the 3C will be more a source of frustration than satisfaction. It is for this majority that the Mi 3 router was designed.
Verdict: Which router is on the cutting edge?
Based on its many advantageous properties, the Mi 3 is arguably the savviest router fit for all your home and office needs. With the two possible frequencies and the beamforming technology for dedicated channels, it is ideal for medium-sized families and organizations. In the present day, people need a router than can do more than transmit internet signals. The Mi 3 shows us exactly what users get excited about beyond the internet.
FAQs
-
What do I do to clear the red signal and restart my Mi 3 router?
If the router is blinking red, it means your router couldn’t start and it went into safe mode. While in safe mode, all your data is protected. You may have to flash it by use of USB to restore your data or you can call for customer support. If the light is a steady red, it means that it completely could not start and you need direct technical assistance from your internet service provider if not from Mi Home customer support.
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How many devices can be connected to Mi router 3C?
Mi router 3C can accommodate up to 64 networking devices.
