When it comes to routers, the first impression in your mind might be WiFi. Routers indeed emit WiFi signals for mobile devices to access the internet. However, besides providing WiFi connectivity, routers have other essential functions that address various needs.
Hardware Functions:
Some routers have a USB port on their back, which might seem small but serves several important purposes, significantly enhancing convenience and efficiency in daily life.
Functions of the USB port:
1. Charging electronic devices like smartphones and tablets through the USB interface.
2. Inserting a USB flash drive or external hard drive into the router's USB port allows you to add download tasks through the router's backend, enabling downloads without the need for a computer.
3. Connecting existing storage devices (such as flash drives or external hard drives) to the router for network sharing, enabling family members to access home data from anywhere with an internet connection and turning the router into a home data center.
4. Connecting a regular printer to the router via the USB interface to create a network printer, enabling wireless printing operations from connected computers.
5. Using the router's USB port to connect a 4G/LTE dongle, transforming the 4G/LTE network into a wireless network for broader wireless coverage.
Differentiating USB ports:
In theory, USB 3.0 has a data transfer speed more than ten times faster than USB 2.0, so being able to distinguish between the two is crucial.
1. Color difference: The middle plastic piece of a USB 3.0 port is blue, while the middle plastic piece of a USB 2.0 port is white, black, or yellow. However, it's worth noting that there might be counterfeit products, so not all blue USB ports are necessarily USB 3.0, but all USB 3.0 ports are indeed blue.
2. Label difference: Some USB ports may have labels or symbols next to them. For instance, "SS+" or "S+" indicates a SuperSpeed USB port, which is USB 3.0, while the absence of such labels indicates a USB 2.0 port. However, not all ports have these markings.
3. Contact difference: If the above methods are inconclusive, you can examine the pins in the USB port. USB 2.0 ports have only four metal pins, while USB 3.0 ports have nine pins, including the standard four and an additional five pins at the rear, which are specific to USB 3.0 devices.
Remember, these functions and distinctions can vary depending on the specific router model and manufacturer. Always refer to the product manual or specifications to ensure accurate information.
-400x400.jpg)
