Xiaomi Router 3 VS 3C

peuwayaqdq on 20/07/2017 - 17:27
Last edited 20/07/2017 - 19:53 by 1 other user

Hi all, I would like to get some feedback for those who are familiar with Xiaomi Router 3 or 3C.

I bought Xiaomi Router 3c thinking that I bought 3C. It is not too bad but there are some blank spots in the close radius (about 5m with a wall/partition in between). I wonder if Xiaomi Router 3 will definitely give me better speed/coverage given that it operates on AC. I can see it has bigger memory and different processor:

• 3C: MT7628N processor, 16MB NorFlash ROM and 64MB DDR2 RAM
• 3: MT7620A processor, 128MB SLC Nand Flash ROM, 128MB DDR2 RAM

What makes me unsure is that I assume in 3C 4 antennas will be used to serve 2.4GHz connection while in 3, only 2 antennas to serve each band. But I am not sure if it works that way. Any input/opinion will be appreciated. Thanks.

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  scrimshaw on 20/07/2017 - 17:48

  Wifi AC gives you more bandwidth, and more speed, but not necessarily better range. Theoretically speaking, it is worse.

  Wifi AC is 5ghz, and as you might already know higher frequencies have a tougher time penetrating walls so with a partition in between your router and device, you will get less signal. Wifi radio does bounce though, so you just have to position your router in an area where your signal can bounce around corners.

  if you can't move your router then perhaps try powerline kits that offer wifi access point as a feature.
  like http://www.tp-link.com.au/products/details/cat-18_TL-WPA4227…
  or https://www.dlink.com.au/home-solutions/DHP-W313AV-powerline…

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    peuwayaqdq on 20/07/2017 - 17:53

    Hi Scrimshaw, thank you for your response. I have read about AC is less penetrating but if the 2.4GHz part of the router works as good as the 3C wouldn't I get the best of both worlds?

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      scrimshaw on 20/07/2017 - 18:01

      The review of the Xiaomi Mi wifi router 3 was below average when it came to 5ghz performance

      see tests
      https://www.techwalls.com/xiaomi-mi-wifi-router-3-review/

      I would say that the antenna design is not very good

      regarding blackspots, you can't fully eliminate them unless you have a second wifi source. You could probably buy another router and then bridge them together. Or you can buy a powerline+ Wifi access point, like the one I pointed out earlier.

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        peuwayaqdq on 20/07/2017 - 20:10

        Wow thanks for pointing me to that review. Reviews I read so far are mostly positive. Though there is a comment in that review that might point out why the performance of 5GHz band is not as expected, ie due to compatibility with the client.

        Regarding blackspots, I have currently another Mi Router Mini (dual band) which functions as repeater. And that's one of the reasons I was wondering if Router 3 will help because it also works on dual band. The repeater has helped reach far end of the house but even within small radius I still found weak spots (places that are actually closer to the main router than to the repeater).

        I used to use ethernet over powerline. At one point (about 6 months ago) for some reason they stop working. I don't know why because there wasn't any cabling work in the house. But the repeater works even a little bit better so I don't bother to go back to EOP.

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  Do I NeedThis on 14/08/2017 - 02:31

  So which one's better 3 or the 3c