TP-Link TL-WR842ND: Review, Characteristics

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I had a chance to familiarize myself with TP-LINK TL-WR842ND router. I have already managed to configure it, test it in work, and understand what kind of router it is and what tasks it is suitable for.

Right away I can say that TL-WR842ND is just a great inexpensive router for home. It really has everything you need. In terms of features, this router is practically no different from the popular TP-LINK TL-WR841ND. As far as I know, they are built on the same processor and wireless controller. And they are very similar in appearance. Only TL-WR842ND has white-colored antennas, and I liked them better than black ones.

One of the main advantages of TP-LINK TL-WR842ND is a USB connector. If you need an inexpensive router with a USB connector, you can safely buy this model. You can connect a USB-drive or an external hard drive to the USB slot and organize file sharing (FTP or DLNA server). Also, you can connect a printer and set up a print server.

The second hardware version of TL-WR842ND V2 router also supports 3G/4G modems. If you’re looking for a router for distributing Internet from a USB modem, you can safely consider this router (only the second hardware version V2). But, the router does not support all modems. You can see the list of compatible modems on the official website: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/3g-comp-list/?model=TL-WR842ND.

And also, we have instructions on how to configure 3G/4G modems on TP-LINK routers.

A small review of TL-WR842ND

I won’t write much here. The router is made of white, matte plastic, on which neither prints nor scratches remain. The router case itself is familiar I think to many people, there are several models in this case, and for a very long time. To the case itself, personally, I have no complaints, I liked everything. Well, as I wrote above, white antennas in the color of the case look much better than black.

On the front side are located as usual indicators that glow or blink when a certain function or connection. On the bottom side of the router you can see a sticker with very useful information. It contains MAC-address, address for entering router settings, factory username and password, model and hardware version of the device. If you are going to configure TL-WR842ND on your own, you will definitely have to look there.

On the back side of the device there are two antennas (removable), 4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, and 1 USB 2.0 port. There is a separate button to enable/disable Wi-Fi network, and a WPS/RESET button to activate the WPS function and reset the settings (if you hold the button for about 10 seconds). But there is no button to turn off the power, and it certainly would not be superfluous.

The router can be hung on the wall. The antennas are foldable, there are necessary holes.

TL-WR842ND main features

• Wi-Fi speed up to 300 Mbps.
• 1 WAN port – Ethernet. Speed 10/100Mbps.
• 4 LAN ports with maximum speed up to 100Mbps.
• 1 USB 2.0 connector.
• Two removable antennas with a power of 5dbi.
• There is support for guest Wi-Fi network (in hardware version V 2.0). See instructions on how to set up a guest network on TP-LINK.

These are the main features. For more information about TP-LINK TL-WR842ND, please visit the official website: https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/wifi-router/tl-wr841nd/.

I like the router very much. I think that TL-WR842ND is a perfect router for home. And if you don’t need a USB connector, you can save money and buy TL-WR841ND. But I would still advise you to buy a router with a USB connector. Today you don’t need it, but tomorrow you will want to organize DLNA-server, for example. Here it is up to you to decide, of course.

Leave your reviews about TP-LINK TL-WR842ND in the comments. If you use this router, I think you have something to write about it.

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Ramón

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