SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 (SMCWBR14S-N5) router released in 2013. It is powered by Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The N150 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with SMCWBR14S-N5 is 150 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the SMC SMCWBR14S-N5, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The SMCWBR14S-N5 router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It offers decent wireless coverage and works with many devices. SMC has received recognition and awards for their networking products.
SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 specifications
| Brand | SMC |
|---|---|
| Name | SMCWBR14S-N5 |
| Type | SMCWBR14S-N5 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2013 |
Body
| Dimensions | 186.2 x 109.41 x 30.2 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 218 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 4 MB |
| OS | SMC |
| Power supply | 9 V / 0.6 A |
The SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 router has a Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz processor. The 32 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. SMC often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 9 V / 0.6 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The WAN port on the SMCWBR14S-N5 router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet.
Wireless
| Antennas | 1 x 5 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N150 |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 18 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
This router has 1 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) router. Wi-Fi 4 improved the range and coverage compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.. The top speed, 150 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.
WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.
Connectivity
| USB ports | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The SMCWBR14S-N5 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.2.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | smcadmin |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this SMC one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- lightweight
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
- no USB connectivity
SMC SMCWBR14S-N5 photos
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