Known widely for its networking peripherals, TP-LINK branded routers are one of the most ubiquitous all over the world and also known for the enhanced features it uses. Having reviewed its impressive TP-LINK AC3200 Wireless Router recently, it is time for yours truly to take a look the more affordable alternatives likely to find itself on the shopping list of the average consumer.
Where To Buy TP Link TL-WR841HP Router:
TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router Review: Design
Like most other TP-LINK products, or just about any networking peripheral to-date recently, the TP-LINK TL-WR841HP 300Mbps High Power Wireless N, from now on just known as the TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router, uses a chassis design that leaves much to be desired; this generic looking black box won’t look too out of place in any office setting.
Individually, its glossy black top does give it some character. The twin 5dBi antennas on the back are made to be pretty long and, if anything, are intended to provide superior network transmission (more on this later).
There are two mounting screw slots at the bottom so you can mount this on a wall to save space. As for the back of the router, it is mostly dominated with a row of Gigabit Ethernet ports that should be sufficient for most households, though thinking about its wireless prowess, it’s unlikely that all four available LAN ports would be used up.
TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router Review: Assembly
The packaging of the TP-LINK TL-WR841HP is what one would expect from the long-time networking vendor. Using its usual green corporate hues and large splash image of the device is per the norm, while the innards within are somewhat simple as the router comes along with a couple of manuals, the warranty paperwork, and the basic mix of assorted power and network cables. All of that are, of course, packed into a properly segmented cardboard carton tray.
Setting up the device can be done by connecting directly through LAN and accessing the admin panel using the standard 192.168.0.1 IP address on any Web browser. It is here that users can engage the usual suspects that router device management would sport, such as parental control, forwarding and security options. All that permits deep customisation, including managing enhanced security controls that TP-LINK has packed into the system.
The TP-Link interface isn’t the most elegant on the market, but it handles the job well; it even describes the functionality of each option on the right most segment, a feature that most first time owners will definitely appreciate.
Having the latter is very nifty as it eliminates the need to fumble through thick manuals. Not that I wouldn’t recommend skimming through one anyhow as that is an essential must-do when installing and using any new devices. No arguments there, please.
300Mbps Kablosuz N Router TL-WR841N
TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router Review: Performance
When it comes to the super long antennas– does this router perform well enough to justify having two 5 dBi antennas? For smaller to medium houses, the answer is a resounding yes; on a TM UniFi connection of 30Mb/s, I had been able to average 29.8 Mb/s at short distances (5m or less from the router), with steady throughput and no dropped connections whatsoever.
Moving to every corner of an average double storey terrace house, I had been still able to receive a reliable connection, meaning to say that there is essentially no dead zones whatsoever.
For me, this is mighty impressive for a router at this price point.
Still, one thing to keep in mind, this is a router positioned for home owners– it isn’t designed to handle network congestion, so always to take note and strike it out if there will be more than 10 concurrent users together with sustained network usage.
Doing this, likely, will compromise the long-range and seamless throughput that this TP-LINK router is specifically designed to offer.
There is really no point to over-work this router, even though it could go beyond its theoretical capabilities and sport the advanced security features that TP-LINK is renowned for.
If anything, it’s better to prep it for use at home or in a micro-office space that doesn’t have more than 10 wireless connections at any one time.
TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router Review: Wireless
Knowing that it has superb wireless capabilities, I felt it is only right that I properly describe how the entire experience is like when using the TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router.
Moving between rooms is simple enough and so is navigating up and down the double-storey house I live in. At all times, the wireless link did not break or drop. Actually, the connection remained constant and I had no issues streaming YouTube or Twitch over the Wi-Fi.
When moving to a measured greater distances of up to 15m, including several walls and doors getting in the way, I still had been able to receive a steady 23.4 Mb/s. If anything, this is an amazing feat for this particular TP-LINK as there are routers that cost 10 times more but can only achieve half the performance delivery for Wi-Fi. Suffice to say, streaming on YouTube or even TwitchTV have become a fuss-free affair.
When I stepped out to the front-porch of the house and moved to the front gate, the only time the wireless for the TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router disconnected is. That is when the Wi-Fi dropped and started showing signs of slow connectivity. This is to be expected.
Conclusion: Worthy Networking Platform
TP-LINK TL-WR841HP Router is a truly admirable router, providing competitive speeds with excellent range. Having the extra-long wireless connection capability does give it a massive plus as well.
On the flip side, it doesn’t offer the wireless-ac standard like some of its rivals and the lack of additional features like a USB port, is a little irking and a bit of a letdown. Still, if you’re in need of a router which won’t break the bank, this is definitely one of the best on the market today. Its extended range more than makes up for the lack of these enhancements.
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