Mi Router 3Gvs 3 – Which router is the better option

Gaming is a budding and highly profitable industry in the recent century and we are witnessing an increase in the player numbers and the gaming options. The drawback to gaming is the high energy levels required and a constant and reliable internet connection and that’s why you need a router.

As technology evolves the internet user demands continue to grow and tech companies are constantly trying to outdo each other in a bid to satisfy these needs. Xiaomi is one such company that has over the years provided advanced options at affordable prices. The Mi router 3G is an upgraded version of the Mi router 3. Between the two, one is more ideal for gaming. Which is it?

What is the difference between Mi router 3G and Mi router 3?

	Mi Router 3G (Winner)	Mi Router 3
Antenna	4 oscillator antennae	4 oscillator antennae
ROM	256 MB	128 MB
Wireless	Dual-frequency 2.4 and 5 GHz	Dual-frequency 2.4 and 5 GHz
Speeds	Up to 1167 Mbps	Up to 1167 Mbps
Interface	Gigabit WAN, 2 Gigabit LAN	1 WAN, 2 LAN
OS	Custom MIWIFI System	Custom MIWIFI System
USB Port	Yes 3.0	Yes 2.0
	See Price	See Price

Mi router 3G and Mi router 3 – how they compare

Design

Both these routers like the others in their range, share the same general features on the outside. They both have white covers with multiple ports and 4 oscillator antennae. The only difference this time is that the 3G is an upgrade and thus its ports have been technically altered to give a faster performance. The USB 2.0 port in Mi 3 is upgraded to USB 3.0 and the LAN and WAN ports are now Gigabyte enabled meaning they transmit data 100 times faster than the previous versions.

Mi 3G 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 router, which then disseminates within a given range. Wirelessly, this router boasts of the ability to connect over 120 devices at a go while maintaining a steady connection.

Performance

The bandwidth range and speeds between the two routers is pretty much the same. They could be altered by the use of USB 3.0 which may slightly slow the operational speed at 2.4GHz for LAN transmissions. Acceleration of these speeds could be possible in some regions through use of the broadband acceleration feature in the mobile WIFI App. Regardless; both routers perform quite similarly in terms of bandwidth. With 5dBi that runs up to 6dbi, the signal reach is further than with the 3G router.

Video streaming and gaming 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. 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).

Technology

Notably, the 3G lacks the cutting-edge technology that most manufacturers and users have warmed up to. This is the MU-MIMO technology option that is available in the Mi 3 router. This technology employs beamforming which is a function enabled in a router that empowers it to create and manage different channels of dedicated bandwidth towards a specific device. This works to stabilize connections maintaining a consistent and adequate flow of the internet. Beamforming also schedules tasks as they come in and keep working to ensure that everyone is served in good time and with less delay. For the Mi 3G router to lack this technology, it puts a dent on its desirability.

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.

Installation

Installing both the Mi 3 and 3G router 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 and Xiaomi_XXX_5G. you have the choice to connect to either. Their packaging has a QR code giving direct access to the MIWIFI App and this is your third and last step in router configuration. Through the App, you can manage your profile and its security such as passwords.

Mi router 3Gvs 3 – A comparison overview

Mi router 3G – Overview

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As an upgrade from the Mi 3 router, the 3G is a dual-gigabit router that possesses similar design features to the Mi 3 but much higher performance quality in terms of speeds. Much like the Mi 3, the 3G can support internet frequencies at 2.4 GHz and 5GHz. It supports the WIFI protocol 802.11ac which is compatible backward meaning that it can access all previous levels of 5G frequency. Expect speeds of up to 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and speeds of up to 867Mbps on the 5G bandwidth. As a gigabit router, all the ports have been upgraded from the Mi 3 and this supports faster and stronger connections. The USB 3.0 port which must be manually activated via the MIWIFI App, allows for file transfers at 4.8 Gb as compared to 480 Mbps that Mi 3 is capable of. Mi 3Gs processor is the dual-core MediaTek MT7621A which effectively speeds up data transmissions and minimizes network delays.

As opposed to Mi 3s 128 MB RAM, the 3G has a 256 MB RAM making for great download qualities and speeds and more storage capacity. Much like its predecessor, the 3G also supports security features that protect your data and internet connection from malicious activities and firmware. The Xiaomi MIWIFI App is perfect for quick router set up and is equipped with plugins that suggest downloads to improve your router’s performance. These are such as adblockers or firewall plugins.

Pros

• Dual-core gigabit router
• USB 3.0 compatible
• More storage and download space

Cons

• Lack of MU-MIMO technology
• No wall mounting

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Mi Router 3 – Overview

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Mi router 3 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. It runs on the 802.11ac network connection reaching speeds of up to 867 Mbps because it is 5G enabled. 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.

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.

Lights on a router are signals of information and the Mi 3 is no different. 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.

Pros

• Beamforming technologies
• Mobile App for control
• Dual connection
• USB port

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Conclusion

Gaming routers need to operate on high upload and download speeds, you also need a router with enough ROM to avoid congestion and encourage throughput. Data hiccups can be annoying, so to avoid this headbanging scenario best you invest in a gaming router with enough ROM and one that can offer high speeds.

Verdict; so, which is best? Mi router 3G or Mi 3?

Although the two routers may not differ much in terms of what they have to offer, the upgraded ports of the Mi router 3G offer the best solution between the two options when it comes to gaming. As gaming requires large amounts of data transmissions, the Mi router 3G is capable of meeting these expectations with no delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if the reset doesn’t work on Mi router 3G?

You will have to flash the router and ensure that the light is blue before you can proceed

2. Why is Mi router 3 Wi-Fi too slow?

Your Wi-Fi becomes slow if more than two people are using the net and are also engaging the bandwidth-intensive applications.