Automatic Classification

This option is enabled by default so that your router will automatically determine which programs should have network priority.

Dynamic Fragmentation

This option should be enabled when you have a slow Internet uplink. It helps to reduce the impact that large low priority network packets can have on more urgent ones by breaking the large packets into several smaller packets.

Automatic Uplink Speed

When enabled, this option causes the router to automatically measure the useful uplink bandwidth each time the WAN interface is re-established (after a reboot, for example).

Measured Uplink Speed

This is the uplink speed measured when the WAN interface was last re-established. The value may be lower than that reported by your ISP as it does not include all of the network protocol overheads associated with your ISP's network. Typically, this figure will be between 87% and 91% of the stated uplink speed for xDSL connections and around 5 kbps lower for cable network connections.

Manual Uplink Speed

If Automatic Uplink Speed is disabled, this options allows you to set the uplink speed manually. Uplink speed is the speed at which data can be transferred from the router to your ISP. This is determined by your ISP. ISPs often specify speed as a downlink/uplink pair; for example, 1.5Mbps/284kbps. For this example, you would enter "284". Alternatively you can test your uplink speed with a service such as www.dslreports.com. Note however that sites such as DSL Reports, because they do not consider as many network protocol overheads, will generally note speeds slightly lower than the Measured Uplink Speed or the ISP rated speed.

Connection Type

By default, the router automatically determines whether the underlying connection is an xDSL/Frame-relay network or some other connection type (such as cable modem or Ethernet), and it displays the result as Detected xDSL or Frame Relay Network. If you have an unusual network connection in which you are actually connected via xDSL but for which you configure either "Static" or "DHCP" in the WAN settings, setting this option to xDSL or Other Frame Relay Network ensures that the router will recognize that it needs to shape traffic slightly differently in order to give the best performance. Choosing xDSL or Other Frame Relay Network causes the measured uplink speed to be reported slightly lower than before on such connections, but gives much better results.

Detected xDSL or Frame Relay Network

When Connection Type is set to Auto-detect, the automatically detected connection type is displayed here.

StreamEngine Rules

A StreamEngine Rule identifies a specific message flow and assigns a priority to that flow. For most applications, automatic classification will be adequate, and specific StreamEngine Rules will not be required.

Conflicting rules are not permitted. Conflicting rules are those that share any combination of source address/port, destination address/port, and protocol. Rejecting conflicting rules ensures

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SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N Automatic Classification, Dynamic Fragmentation, Automatic Uplink Speed, Measured Uplink Speed
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SMCWBR14-N specifications

The SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N is a wireless router that has established itself as a reliable choice for both home and small office environments. This device is renowned for its balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular option among budget-conscious consumers looking for stable connectivity.

One of the primary features of the SMCWBR14-N is its compliance with the IEEE 802.11n wireless standard. This technology allows it to deliver significantly higher data rates than older standards like 802.11g, making it ideal for tasks such as streaming video, online gaming, and large file transfers. It operates on both the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which provides extensive coverage range, and it can reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps. This dual-band functionality ensures that multiple devices can connect simultaneously without significant interference.

The router comes equipped with four 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, enabling wired connections for devices such as gaming consoles, desktop computers, and smart TVs. The data transfer rates over wired connections are stable, ensuring low latency and reliable performance, which is essential for users engaged in intensive online activities.

A notable feature of the SMCWBR14-N is its built-in firewall and various security options. This includes Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) encryption, which significantly enhances the security of the wireless network. The router also supports MAC address filtering, which allows users to define which devices can connect to the network, adding an additional layer of security.

Configuration and management of the SMCWBR14-N are user-friendly, thanks to its web-based interface. Users can easily access the settings via any web browser, allowing for quick adjustments and monitoring of the network. The router supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, enabling users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications, thus ensuring a smooth operation for real-time activities like VoIP calls and video conferencing.

Furthermore, the SMCWBR14-N supports various advanced features such as DHCP server functionality and dynamic DNS, making it suitable for users who desire a more hands-on approach to their networking setup.

In summary, the SMC Networks SMCWBR14-N wireless router is an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses seeking a robust and versatile networking solution. Its blend of high-speed wireless connectivity, comprehensive security options, and easy management makes it a compelling option for navigating the demands of modern internet usage.
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