Full information about the technical specifications of the entry-level network device from one of the leading manufacturers, its strengths and weaknesses, user opinions and real reviews. TP-Link TL-WR841ND: it is this router that will be examined in detail in this article. It is perfect for creating a small computer network with Internet access and an extended Wi-Fi signal coverage area.
Strengths and weaknesses of this router
Two significant drawbacks of this router are indicated by reviews. TP-Link TL-WR841ND is not equipped with a USB port. Accordingly, it cannot perform the functions of a file server (because of this, you cannot connect an external drive to it), a print server (for this reason, you cannot attach a printer to it and organize documentation output) or provide for the possibility of alternative data exchange with the global web ( it is impossible to install an external modem in it to connect to cellular networks). The second minus is the lack of support for the most advanced information transfer standard - 802.11ac, which allows you to transfer data at speeds above 1 Gb / s.
But if you take into account the positioning of the device and its cost, it becomes obvious that for this niche all the previously mentioned shortcomings are not so relevant. These options are equipped with more expensive routers aimed at creating large wireless networks with an even larger range. Also, a number of advantages of this network device give reviews. TP-Link TL-WR841ND boasts the following strengths:
High transmission speed, which in 802.11n mode can reach 300 Mbps.
The presence of two removable antennas allows you to significantly increase the range of the wireless network. According to the documentation, outdoors it can cover a circle with a diameter of up to 150 meters.
Four RJ-45 ports allow you to organize a wired part of a computer network using a crimped twisted pair cable.
The presence of a special button allows you to deactivate the wired network segment if necessary.
Convenient and intuitive front panel display system.
Technical specifications
TP-Link TL-WR841ND has very good technical specifications. His characteristics in this regard are as follows:
Operating frequency range: 2.4 ÷ 2.4835 GHz.
Support encryption of access code up to 152 bits.
Signal amplification of the wireless network 2x5 dB.
11 possible channels for creating a wireless network.
Wireless data transfer rate up to 300 Mbps.
The increased diameter of the WiFi signal coverage area, which in open areas can reach 150 meters.
The presence of a built-in firewall provides the maximum degree of security for the internal computer network.
Equipment
The TP-Link TL-WR841ND Router is packaged as follows:
Actually a router.
Set of advertising booklets.
2 removable antennas.
Quick guide to quickly configure your router.
Power supply with an output voltage of 9 V and a direct current of 0.6 A.
CD with electronic version of the complete documentation and drivers.
1 m long twisted pair crimped on both sides.
User memo and warranty card.
Timed connection and setup
In this article, it is recommended that you configure TP-Link TL-WR841ND in 2 steps. The setup is greatly simplified, and any owner of such network equipment can do it. First you need to collect a temporary scheme. Moreover, this is best done in relative proximity to a computer or laptop. Also, you will need a free 220 V outlet to connect the power supply of the network device to the AC network. The temporary circuit in this case, with the equipment turned off completely, is assembled as follows:
We install the power supply in the socket. Its wire, in turn, is connected to the corresponding socket on the router.
On one side, twisted pair is connected to any yellow port with a serial number from 1 to 4. The second end is installed in the network card port of a personal computer or laptop.
Check the correctness of the assembled circuit. After that, turn on the Power toggle switch on the back of the router. We also turn on the computer and wait until it finishes loading.
In the future, you must perform the following manipulations with the router software:
We check the network connection settings of the PC at the address "Start" - "Control Panel" - "Network Control Center". Then we select “Adapter Settings” and in the list that appears, we find the wired network card to which the router is connected. In the window we find the item “Internet Protocol v.4” and open it. Then here we set all the checkboxes to automatically obtain IP addresses and DNS addresses. We save the entered parameters and close all previously opened windows.
We launch the browser and go to the "Network Device Settings" panel. To do this, enter tplinklogin.net in the address set line. After that, press the Enter key.
In the next window asking for the username and access code, we type in each of the fields the default keyword is admin. We point the manipulator pointer to the OK button and click on it once.
In the window that opens, select the item "Quick Setup". After that, click "Next"
In the window that opens, select one of the five available methods of connecting to the equipment of your Internet service provider. This information is indicated in the contract for their provision. In an extreme case, you can find out this question in the provider's customer support center.
Depending on the selected method of connecting to the equipment of the Internet service provider, the appearance of the next window will differ significantly.
In PPPoE, PPTP or L2TP modes, you only need to specify a username and twice an Internet access code.
With a static IP address, you must specify the address itself, subnet mask, DNS addresses (primary and alternative) and the gateway address.
With a dynamic IP address, the previous step will be skipped.
After entering the information, click Next again.
In the next window, you need to set the wireless network parameters. This is its name, access code, operating mode, transmission speed, encryption method (WPA2 / PSK is set by default, and it is recommended to leave it alone), and the working channel of the wireless network is from 1 to 11. After making changes, click " Further".
In the next window, to save the entered parameters, click the "Finish" button.
After that, the TP-Link TL-WR841ND is completely ready for use. Its configuration is completed. You need to turn everything off and disassemble the time scheme.
We install the router in place of a permanent deployment. Health Check
Next, install the prepared network device in a permanent place. We connect the power supply. We collect the wired part of the computer network. We apply voltage to the router. After the end of its loading (it takes about 60 seconds), we proceed to check the operability of the equipment. To do this, first on a PC through the wired part of the network we check the availability of access to the global web. We launch the browser and enter the address, for example, “yahoo.com” and press “ENTER”. After that, the start page of the American search engine should open . Then on your smartphone or tablet, turn on the Wi-Fi transmitter and start searching for wireless networks.
After the search is complete, we are connected to the network whose name was chosen at the previous stage. The next step is to enter the password. After that we close all the windows, launch any mobile browser and similarly try to go to the start page of the American search engine. The verification of the TP-Link TL-WR841ND is now complete. The firmware, as a rule, does not need to be updated. Even on not-so-fresh software, this router works fine.
Reviews Summary
This article details the technical parameters of the entry-level router TL-WR841ND from TP-Link, as well as its specifications, specifications and reviews. TP-Link TL-WR841ND is an excellent solution for creating small computer networks with an extended range. It is with this application that he is able to show all his best sides.