TP-Link TL-WR743ND-Review, Configuration, Firmware

I have already written about different routers and other networking devices from TP-Link. And today we have another router that can work in client mode (WISP). The model is TP-Link TL-WR743ND. The manufacturer’s website says that this is a wireless access point with the function of a router and a client. Now let me explain what it means.

TP-Link TL-WR743ND can be used as an ordinary router by connecting a cable from an Internet provider to it. It will distribute Internet via cable and Wi-Fi network. Also, by switching the mode of operation to “WISP Client Router” in the settings of this device, you can connect to the Internet via wi-fi. The router will connect as a client to the wireless network of the provider, and distribute the Internet to your devices via cable and over the air. There is also a mode of Wi-Fi network amplifier, and wireless adapter for PC, TV, etc.

According to other characteristics, TL-WR743ND is an ordinary, inexpensive router, which is suitable for a small apartment. Wi-Fi speed is up to 150 Mbps. You can connect a maximum of 15 Wi-Fi clients. If you have devices will create a large load on the network, simultaneously on several devices will watch video in high quality, play onaline games, download large files, etc., it is better to pay attention to more expensive and powerful routers.

The router itself is made in a cool, popular (I would even say legendary) case, the same as the TP-link TL-WR741ND model. Only the antenna in our case is white and removable. There is also a button for power disconnection and a separate Reset button. Which is very good.

Another plus of this device is that it supports PoE power connection. The kit comes with a passive PoE adapter, to which we connect the Internet cable and power. At the output of the adapter we get only one network cable, which we connect to TP-Link TL-WR743ND. Internet and power supply “goes” through this cable. Maximum 30 meters. Thanks to this feature, this device can be installed in a place where it is not possible to connect power directly.

Configuring TP-Link TL-WR743ND in client mode (WISP)

Connect to the router via cable or wi-fi. In your browser, go to tplinklogin.net, or IP address 192.168.0.1. Enter the factory name and login: admin and admin. Unless you or someone else has changed them. If the password does not fit, can not enter the settings, then do a factory reset. Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds.

In the “Operation Mode” section, select the “Client Router” mode and save the settings.

Go to the “Wireless Settings” section, click on the “Search” button, select the necessary network from the list, specify its password. Below specify the name of your Wi-Fi network and select the region. Save the settings.

Also in the Wireless Security section don’t forget to change the password of your Wi-Fi network.

If you have correctly set the parameters for connecting to the provider’s wireless network in WISP mode, the router will connect to the Internet and will distribute it to other devices.

Setting up the router in Wi-Fi mode

Connect, go to the settings at tplinklogin.net (login/password: admin) and under “Operation Mode” select “Router” mode. Save the settings. The router will reboot.

Connect the Internet to the TP-Link TL-WR743ND WAN port.

Set the settings for connecting to the provider in the WAN section of the router settings. You should also configure Wi-Fi network in the “Wireless Settings” section. I won’t describe the process of configuration in detail. It is practically no different from TP-Link TL-WR740N. You can see it on the example of this article.

Flashing TP-Link TL-WR743ND

First you need to determine the hardware version of your device. It is indicated on the sticker on the router’s case. For example, I have Ver: 2.0.

Further on, point by point:

• Go to https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/download/tl-wr743nd/. In the drop-down menu select your hardware version and go to the “Firmware” tab.
  
• Download the new firmware.
  Save the archive to your computer. Extract the firmware file from the archive. A file with a name like this: “wr743ndv2_en_3_17_0_up_boot(131129).bin”.
• In the TL-WR743ND settings, go to “System Tools” – “Firmware Upgrade”. Click on the “Select file” button to select the firmware and click on the “Upgrade” button.
  
• It remains to wait for the upgrade process to finish. Do not close or disconnect anything!

That’s all. An interesting and multifunctional device. Access point, repeater, router, wireless client. There are not many such devices on the market.

If you have any questions, write in the comments. I will be happy to answer!

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Ramón

TP-Link