In the network equipment market, there is one interesting router model that attracts attention - TP-Link 841. The fact is that the router has two modifications that are in different price segments. In this article, the reader will get acquainted with two devices that have the same labeling. Description of characteristics, ease of setup and owner reviews will allow you to choose a decent network equipment for home use.
Budget representative
The TP-Link 841 ND-labeled router is the first representative of an expensive segment. The fact is that its cost (1,200 - 1,500 rubles) positions the device in the initial segment of network equipment, and the functionality ensures a presence in business class.
- Dual mode of operation: access point and router. True, when switching the settings are not saved and they need to be re-entered (we are talking about routing).
- Support for all existing Wi-Fi 802.11bgn standards. The maximum speed inside the wireless connection is 300 Mb / s, but in practice this figure is 2 times less.
- A standard 4-port switch for all budget devices, WPS and two antennas for signal amplification are also present.
Acquaintance with an inexpensive device
The large bleached box is quite informative: there is a description of the characteristics and a color image of the TP-Link 841 router. How to connect the router will tell you the detailed instructions that come with the kit. Also in the box, the user will find a power supply, software discs, a patch cord and several color brochures with advertising content.
The assembly and connection to the Internet does not require special knowledge in communications - all the elements on the router panel have color differences that help the owner cope with the task. Only the cooling system causes complaints - the manufacturer made vents only on the bottom of the device. Small rubberized legs do not allow the internal components to cool adequately, therefore, the router may overheat due to prolonged operation.
Configure and manage a budget device
The operation manual, as well as the control panel interface, are Russified, so it will not be difficult for the owner to configure the TP-Link 841 router. However, as users say in their reviews, the menu is too large - there are many items whose functionality is unclear even with the instructions at hand. In fact, the manufacturer has installed an interface similar to business devices, focusing not only on home users, but also on small enterprises.
When you first enter the control panel, the assistant does not appear. You need to run it yourself through the "Quick Setup" menu. There is nothing complicated in the setup:
- if the line is dedicated, then the router itself performs routing, otherwise, it displays a window with parameters for setting up the network (VPN, PPPoE and the like);
- The Wireless Networks menu suggests creating a Wi-Fi network (an example of settings is in the user manual);
- Additional parameters The owner already installs TP-Link 841 independently (firewall, port forwarding, demilitarized zone, and the like).
Strange features of the TP-Link 841 ND router
After creating a connection, a wireless network and setting the necessary parameters, the router requires a reboot to save the settings. At this stage, a manufacturer’s defect is manifested - the router suddenly discovers that the official website has a new firmware for TP-Link 841. Naturally, the user must download and install the updated software. All settings are overwritten, and the owner must re-register the parameters of the router.
Another negative that the user will have to face is device freezing when transmitting streaming video or torrent wirelessly. This happens due to overheating of the internal components of the router. The problem is solved by installing a cooling system under the device. Many owners in their reviews recommend using an inexpensive stand for blowing laptops for this.
Representative of an expensive segment
But a business-class router will be of interest to users who wish to set up the device once and never return to this issue. About the advanced TP-Link 841 router, reviews in the media describe only the advantages. In addition to all the necessary technical characteristics (support for Wi-Fi standards, speed, ease of setup and the like), the router provides the ability to administer the corporate segment.
First of all, we are talking about the possibility of traffic management - you can set priorities for each connected device, block or restrict access to the Internet by MAC address or address range, create service channels and much more that is no less interesting for the system administrator.
Real router
The standard equipment of the device is unlikely to please the buyer with anything, except that the appearance of the router itself attracts attention. Taking the TP-Link 841 HP router in hand, the owner will immediately realize that he is not faced with another plastic toy, but with real network equipment (even a lot of weight indicates this). The owner will also like amplification antennas - they really increase the transmission of a high-quality signal, and are not just another props (a Wi-Fi signal easily breaks through several concrete walls - this is a worthy indicator).
The manufacturer also solved the problem with cooling - the case is perfectly blown from all sides. Many owners in their reviews claim that with the long use of the TP-Link 841 router (2 - 3 years), the device never hung. Even the heavy dustiness of the router standing on the cabinet does not interfere with full-featured operation.
Features of setting up an advanced router
Owners will not have problems connecting and managing the router. Unless some users may not like the English interface. It is embarrassing that a device worth 4-5 thousand rubles is not provided with a language pack. By the way, firmware can fix the situation, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website.
For the ordinary owner, who looked after the TP-Link 841 router for their needs, the setup will not be difficult. There is an assistant that starts when you first enter the setup menu, there is a step-by-step instruction in Russian, supplied in the kit. Everything is done for the convenience of the end user.
Disadvantages dear representative
But it is no coincidence that the TP-Link 841 router is positioned in the business class segment. Configuring security in a local and wireless network is its main criterion in the market of network devices. Having limited this functionality, the manufacturer forgot about ordinary users. The router does not have a USB port. Accordingly, neither the printer, nor the USB flash drive, nor the hard drive, can be connected to the router. This is a serious flaw that could cost TP-Link the loss of customers.
There are oddities in signal amplification. Interestingly enough, the manufacturer has implemented a power setting. For example, when setting the “US” location and downloading the firmware for this country, the Wi-Fi signal doubles (several independent IT experts confirm this fact). Is the Russian-speaking population worse than the Americans?
Finally
As a result of the review, it remains to draw conclusions on two completely different routers with the same marking. The budget representative of TP-Link 841 will interest undemanding buyers, for whom the cost of the device is a priority. When buying a cheap router, the user agrees to "dancing with a tambourine" around a representative of a cheap segment (talking about freezes).
A business class router provides some advantages - high stability, many settings, decent security. But again, for the home user, the lack of a conventional USB interface nullifies all the amenities. In any case, the buyer should decide what is more important for him: reliability or functionality, because TP-Link is not provided for the middle ground by the manufacturer.