TP-Link MR200 is an LTE modem router, unlike your usual wireless router. With the rise of unlimited internet plans in Malaysia such as the recent Umobile unlimited LTE plan, there may be more and more users looking for such routers, especially in those areas where Unifi is still not available. If you stay at a location without wired internet coverage, this LTE wireless router is a good choice for you.
On the back, it has 2 removable LTE antennas. One of the ports is able to function as a WAN port. I like the fact that TP-Link included some MicroSIM and NanoSIM card adapters in the box.
Where To Buy TP Link Archer MR200 Router:
TP-Link Archer MR200 Review: Firmware
I love the firmware on the TP-Link Archer MR200, it is a simple device to operate. Once you insert your SIM card and turn on the device, it will guide you through a step-by-step guide to set up internet connection. You do not need to manually configure the LTE profile as the router will sort everything out itself. You just need to set up the name and password of the new wireless network and you are good to go. I tested it with Celcom and Digi and it detects them automatically without having me to key in manually.
Feature wise, the offerings is much more than other LTE modem routers in the market. Of course, like all LTE routers, the SMS feature is available. One thing to note, the router doesn’t support phone call.
The router come with Native IPV6 support. Moving on, if you no longer use LTE, this router can also function like a usual wireless router as one of the LAN ports is able to function as a WAN port.
TP-Link Archer MR200 Review: LTE Performance
TP-Link MR200 come with a Category 3 Qualcomm-based LTE modem which is capable of throughput as high as 150Mbps download and 50Mbps upload. I will start from the signal reception. I find it to be fine, on par with other devices I have. However, as both of the LTE antennas are removable, you can use it with an external antenna to improve the signal if you stay at some isolated location. But, you will not be able to adjust the band, unlike some Huawei routers. I find that the signal stability of the TP-Link Archer MR200 is good and do not fluctuate a lot.
Performance-wise, it is alright for a Category 3 LTE router. The place I am testing the router have good signal strength and I have a direct view of the LTE base station. It may not be as fast as a Category 6 LTE modem router but it wasn’t far behind.
TP-Link Archer MR200 Review: Wireless Performance
TP-Link MR200 come with Wireless AC750 ability. Wireless AC is future proof and it performs much better than Wireless N. Besides, being a Wireless AC router, it is dual band capable so you will have less interference when using the 5Ghz band. If you do not need Wireless AC, there’s another model, the TP-LINK MR6400 with exactly the same specification but just Wireless N.
Wireless signal wise, it is decent enough to be able to enjoy full house coverage with decent performance. The wireless antennas are built-in as the external antennas are used purely for LTE/3G connectivity. Wireless performance wise, I do not have an issue with it. I can get the decent speed with the wireless on an LTE connection. I do not feel a difference in internet speed when connecting to the router either via wireless or Ethernet LAN.
TP-Link Archer MR200 Review: The Verdict
There isn’t many LTE modem router available in the Malaysian market. TP-Link MR200 is one of the more decent ones. It comes will decent warranty and offers a great value. It is priced at RM450 at the time of this article. Besides, the frequency is compatible with Malaysian LTE operators. Not to mention that the features it offers is great as well. With more and more people using LTE as their main internet, I find this router to be a good candidate for that. As a full fledge router, it performs better than a portable MiFi as it doesn’t shut and overheat down. Besides, the signal reception is stronger thanks to the external LTE antennas. One thing to note is I hope it comes with Gigabit Ethernet ports.
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