An inexpensive, but highly functional entry-level router is the TP-Link TL-MR3420. In addition to the usual 5 RJ-45 ports for connecting a twisted pair cable , it also has one USB. The latter is universal: it allows you to connect a 4G / 3G – modem, an external storage device or a multifunctional network device to the local computer network . It is the strengths and weaknesses of this network device that will be discussed in detail in this review.
Router features
Let's start with the specifications of this router. The TP-Link router of this model is a fairly functional entry-level device. It is equipped with one input port and 4 output ports to create a wired segment of the home computer network. The maximum information transfer rate for each of them is 100 Mbps. Also, this router is equipped with 2 antennas at once for wireless data transmission using Wai Fai technology. Such a constructive solution allows you to make the coverage area larger and increase the transmission speed in this way by 2 times up to 300 Mbit / s. Another important feature of this router is the presence of a USB port, which, as noted earlier, is universal. You can connect a network external drive, a 4G / 3G – modem, and a multifunction device to it. It is important to consider one point. There are two versions of the router of this model. The first one is in a “rectangular” case and works only with 3rd generation networks, and the second is a stylish, streamlined case and the ability to work in all existing mobile networks today.
Contents of delivery
Compared to competitors, the list of complete documentation for TP-Link TL-MR3420 compares favorably. Reviews highlight the presence of several additional booklets on the network products of this manufacturer, which allow the most optimal selection of equipment for the home network for novice users. In addition to booklets, this list also includes a certificate of conformity, a warranty card and an instruction manual. In addition to the router itself, it comes with 2 bendable antennas, a twisted-pair crimped cord, a power supply and a CD with application software to configure this network device.
Appearance and informational content
TP-Link TL-MR3420 looks very stylish. The bottom cover is made of frosted plastic and has 2 holes for wall mounting. In turn, the upper part of the body is made of plastic, but only with a glossy finish. Not quite the right decision - dust and dirt will collect on it. Also, an LED indication is displayed on the upper edge of the router. In total, there are 10 LEDs on this router. The first of these is an indication of the availability of power. If it is lit, then the power supply is turned on and the POWER button is in the lower position. The second LED is an indication of the operation of the router. If it is lit continuously, the network device is loading.
The next indicator shows the operation of the wireless segment of the computer network (it should constantly blink in the on state). The following four LEDs show the process of exchanging information in a wired network section. They are tied to each port on the back. Then comes the indicator of receiving and transmitting data from the global web. The LED with the inscription "3G / 4G" shows the operation of wireless networks. When the last indicator is turned on, the search for new network devices begins. In this case, the procedure for establishing communication will be performed with a minimum number of manipulations. On the back of the router are four RJ-45 ports that are designed to create a wired segment of a computer network. One blue port is for connecting an input cable from a provider. Along the edges of the back of the router are jacks for installing antennas. Next to the right is the reset button, and on the left is the power supply and a socket for installing a pin from the power supply. The USB port and the button for accelerated connection to the local area network are displayed on the left side.
Provider Data
Next, you need to find out the values that will be set in the TP-Link TL-MR3420. Setting up without these parameters is simply not possible. All necessary information can be found in the contract with the provider. First of all, this is the type of connection. Most often, L2TP or PPPoE is used for these purposes. Also in this document, a login and, of course, a password are required to gain access to the global web. In the case of using a static address, it is also in this contract. In general, all the necessary data is often given in this document and they need to be clarified beforehand so that there are no problems in the setup process.
Scheme for customization
The next step is to assemble a circuit to configure the TP-Link TL-MR3420. A 3G modem, network MFP or drive is connected to the USB port. At the same time, only one device can be connected via this interface. Then we install both complete antennas. Next, install the power supply in the socket, and its cord with a connector to the corresponding port of the router. We install the twisted pair cable that comes with the network device with one connector in the yellow port with the inscription “1”, and its second end into the socket on the network board of the laptop or personal computer. But the wire from the provider there is no need to connect settings to the network device at this stage.
Initial setup
At this point, the TP-Link TL-MR3420 is configured software. To do this, the computer and the router are turned on using the “POWER” button. Then we wait until the loading of both the computer and the router. Then we launch any Internet viewer that is on the PC. In his address bar, then you need to dial 192.168.1.1. Next, a request appears with the fields "Username" and, of course, the password. We take this information from the bottom cover of the router. Usually, the username is admin. The default password is 12345. But it’s better to clarify this information. On the first “Start” window, simply click on the “Next” button. Then you need to select the Internet connection mode: only wires, a 3G modem are used, it is preferable to connect via wires or connect using a 3G modem. We set the corresponding flag and go, click again on "Next". At the next stage, the connection parameters are set. And both using a wireless modem, and using an input twisted pair cable. All necessary logins and passwords are set, as well as the type of connection. If a static IP address is used, then it must be set together with the mask. All this information, as indicated earlier, is in the contract for the provision of services. The user at his discretion can only set the name of the wireless network, password for access to it, the type of encryption and select a channel. In the end, it is imperative to save all the changes made. Turn off all equipment and disassemble the circuit.
We transfer the router to a permanent place and connect
Now we select the place where the router will constantly be located. It should be as close to the center of the apartment or house as possible. This will provide the largest coverage area. Also, lead wires from an Internet service provider should come to this point without problems. Well, in relative proximity, there must be a 220V outlet. Once the place is selected, we begin to connect the router according to the previously described methodology. At the final stage, we install the twisted pair cable from the provider into the blue port of the network device. On this, the switching is completely completed for TP-Link TL-MR3420. The firmware in most cases does not require updating. Therefore, we check the correct connection and apply voltage to the router.
We set the connection parameters for Wi-Fi
This stage is performed on devices running the Android OS. Itself is already configured properly TP-Link TL-MR3420. Setting up a mobile device connection is done like this:
In the status menu, activate the "Wi-Fi" transmitter.
We go into the program menu and find the shortcut “Wifi”. Open this utility.
Next, click the "Search" button. At the end, select the name of our network and connect to it. In this case, you must enter the password that was previously set.
Next, close the window and launch the browser. Enter the address of any search engine and wait for the opening of its start page.
Testing a wired home network segment
Now we check how the TP-Link TL-MR3420 router transmits information on the wired segment of the local area network. To do this, it is enough on any computer connected to the network using a twisted pair cable to launch a browser and enter an address, for example, qip.ru. Then we press "Enter" and the start page of this Internet portal will open.
Wireless test
At the next stage, you need to check the functioning of the wireless segment of the computer network when connecting a PC to it. The TP-Link TL-MR3420 router itself, as noted earlier, is already configured and must be turned on. Next, on a PC with a wireless adapter, go to the network control center. Its label is located in the lower left corner of the screen. In the list that opens, we find our network and connect to it, while remembering to enter the password correctly. Next, close all the windows and start the browser and check according to the previously described methodology the correct operation of “Wi-Fi” when connected from a PC.
Reviews of the owners of the router and the opinion of experts about it
The TP-Link TL-MR3420 is almost perfect. The reviews of the owners suggest that its main drawback is the glossy finish of the top of the device cover. On the one hand, this is a rather controversial decision by designers. But on the other hand - if such a flaw is indicated, then the router really turned out to be practically without flaws. Network experts have a similar opinion - the device is perfectly balanced and is perfect for organizing a small office or home network.
Summary
So TP-Link TL-MR3420 turned out to be very balanced. It has no significant flaws, and its price today is about $ 40. For a network device with a USB port, this is a fairly democratic cost. All in all, this is a great router for small local area networks.