Long Preamble or Short Preamble — Which One is the Best?
You will find the “Preamble” option in almost all advanced wireless routers. But, do you know what is the function of this feature? Well, the preamble allows the users to boost the dual-band router’s Wi-Fi speed and performance.
Most manufacturers set the router’s preamble type as “long”. However, you can change its type from “long” to “short” from the device’s web GUI. But, router users must first acknowledge the difference between long and short preamble. Otherwise, you may experience network issues while accessing the internet.
Short and long preambles serve different purposes. A router’s “Long” preamble settings improve the transmission if the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Whereas, a short preamble helps the users to increase the router’s efficiency.
Now, let’s get to know what a wireless router’s “Preamble” mode is and when to use its “short” and “long” type.
Preamble Mode — What is it & How does it Work?
The preamble is the signal in the network equipment that is transmitted to the receiver. Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) ensures the data is transferred without any hassle. It consists of two parts – Sync and Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD). This allows the receiver to synchronise data with the transmitter.
Moreover, most router users confuse “preamble” with “header”. However, these are two different router options and work differently. The preamble stores the data transmission rate details. Additionally, it also checks the time it takes to transmit the data to the receiver. However, the “header” contains the modulation scheme and related data.
Long Preamble vs Short Preamble – Which One Should You Use?
There are two types of preambles, and users can choose according to their preferences – short preamble and long preamble These can be configured from router settings.
Long preambles have a sync of 128 bits, and short preambles have a sync of 56 bits. But, both these preambles have the same Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD) of 16 bits.
Now, let’s find out which preamble is better for wireless connectivity.
Long Preamble – What does it Mean?
A wireless router’s long preamble mode uses a longer data string. This indicates the device takes more time to transmit data to the receiver in this setting. Moreover, longer preambles can help you to improve your capability for detecting errors. This preamble takes 192 sec to transmit data, which is higher than the short preamble.
Most high-end routers have a long permeable by default to offer fast Wi-Fi connection. Besides, this preamble also allows the users to extend the network range. You will even find the long preamble in the old dual-band routers. The long preamble offers a stable and reliable internet connection to the users.
Do you want to connect multiple devices to the wireless router? Consider choosing a “long preamble” over a “short preamble”. This preamble increases the transmission speed even when the Wi-Fi signal is weak.
Why Should You Use the Wireless Router’s Long Preamble Mode?
The advanced router’s long preamble offers several benefits to the users. You can connect almost every Wi-Fi-enabled device in this mode. Moreover, users won’t experience lagging issues even when many devices are connected to the router. You can perform low-high bandwidth activities without network interference.
Moreover, the long preamble is compatible with legacy IEEE 802.11 systems that run at 1 Mbps. Do you use a wireless device that supports 2mbps internet speed? Using a long preamble will help you to increase the Wi-Fi speed. Besides, you can improve the signal strength in the larger geographical area in this mode.
The long preamble helps to transfer data from one wireless device to another without any hassle. Thus, a long preamble will be the best option for large office spaces.
What is the Drawback of the Dual-band Router’s Long Preamble Mode?
Despite all these benefits, the long preamble also has certain limitations. Its Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PCLP) can only transmit at 1Mbps. This indicates you can’t further increase the data transmission rate in a long preamble. You must use a “short preamble” if you want to improve the router’s PCLP.
Short Preamble — What Does it Mean?
When compared to the long preamble, the short preamble is more advanced. This technology is only compatible with the latest wireless devices. You can’t connect the Windows 7 or 8 devices to the router when a short preamble is on. Thus, you must change the mode to “long preamble” while connecting the older devices.
Router users must use a “short preamble” to enhance the router’s network efficiency. Along with improving the Wi-Fi speed, it increases network stability. Moreover, you can quickly transfer the large 1TB files when the “short preamble” is on. It works best for users with wireless devices and routers in the same room.
Why Should You Use the Wireless Router’s Short Preamble Mode?
A short preamble ensures faster data transmission speed than a long preamble. It has a data transfer length of 96 microseconds. This router mode can help you to reduce the time for error checking.
Users can connect advanced mobile devices to routers using the “short preamble” mode. Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PCLP) is transmitted at 2 Mbps in “short preamble”. It can also help you to perform high-bandwidth activities without network issues.
Downsides of the Dual-band Router’s “Short Preamble” Feature
Besides all the advantages, the short preamble has certain unavoidable shortcomings. It is incompatible with legacy 802.11 devices which run at 1 and 2 Mbps. Additionally, you can often experience connectivity issues after enabling the short preamble mode.
The Wi-Fi signal might drop if you move the computer to another room. Besides, users can’t extend the network coverage while using short preamble mode. It is only suitable for the smaller network range. Thus, you can’t use this router mode for a large workspace.
How to enable the Wireless Router’s Long or Short Preamble Mode?
It is pretty easy to enable the dual-band router’s “long” or “short preamble mode. All you need to do is find the device’s IP address and login details. Access the router’s web interface to optimise the preamble type once you get that.
Here are the steps to change the preamble mode:
- Get the Wi-Fi Router’s Default IP Address
The wireless router’s default gateway IP will vary from one model to another. Thus, you must first check the IP address before login into the router. Most manufacturers include the gateway IP in the product label. Check the sticker at the device’s backside to get the default IP address.
You can also find the router’s gateway IP in the user manual. Could not find this router detail there? Press the Windows PC’s “Windows” and “X” keys together and choose “Run”. Write “cmd” when the dialogue box pops up on the screen and press “Enter”.
Type “ipconfig/all” and hit the “Enter” button. Head toward “Default Gateway” to check the router’s IP address. Do you want to check the router’s IP address from the Mac device? Access the Apple menu, tap on “System Preferences”, and opt for “Network”.
Choose the correct wireless network name from the list and click “Advanced”. Move towards “TCP/IP” and search for the router model. Here, you can find the wireless router’s IP address.
- Check the Router’s Login Credentials
You can find the username and password in the wireless router’s manual. Do you use the latest dual-band or tri-band router? Check the sticker located on the device’s back to get the login details. Besides, you can get the username and password by accessing the router’s admin panel.
- Login to the Wireless Router
Open a web browser, go to the URL bar and write the router’s default IP address. Hit the “Enter” button to open its login page. Provide the login information and click “Login” afterwards.
Did you get the “site can’t be reached” message after entering the username and password? You might be using incorrect login details. Recheck the username and password to avoid this router login process.
- Enable Long or Short Preamble
The router’s web interface will open if you enter the correct login information. Afterwards, go to “Wireless Configuration” and head toward “Advanced”. Search for “Preamble” and set it to “long” or “short” as per your preference.
The steps to enable long or short preamble might vary depending on the type of router you use. Thus, contact router experts if you don’t find it in the “Advanced” tab. These professionals will help you to enable or disable the preamble mode.
Long Preamble vs Short Preamble – Which One Provides Faster Connection?
A short preamble offers a faster Wi-Fi connection than a long preamble. However, you might not be able to connect all the devices when a short preamble is on. Thus, we recommend using “long preamble” as the default router mode. You can also access the internet without data security threats in this mode. So, use a long preamble over a short preamble for a safe browsing experience.
