TP-Link TL-WR842N: Review and Reviews. Is the Any Support for 3G/4G Modems

This page will be fully dedicated to TP-Link TL-WR842N router. I’ll make a small review of this router, write about its main features, tell you who and for what tasks it is suitable, and try to clarify the issue with 3G/4G modems support. Let’s try to find out what modems TP-Link TL-WR842N supports and whether it supports them at all. I decided to single out this question separately, as there are a lot of unclear points.

If you already own this router and you have something to share, please leave a review in the comments below. Especially if you have TL-WR842N with 3G/4G modem. Write down the modem model and operator. This information will be useful for many people.

TP-Link TL-WR842N and 3G/4G modem support

This model will suit those who are looking for an inexpensive router with USB port and don’t want to overpay for 5GHz Wi-Fi support. I think the TL-WR842N will have no problem with online gaming and playing video simultaneously on multiple devices. If you have a very large house or apartment, and a lot of devices, including game consoles, TVs with Smart TV, it is better to buy a more expensive router. You can read tips on choosing a router.

Features and characteristics

TP-Link TL-WR842N, it is almost the same popular router TP-Link TL-WR841N. They are very similar both externally and in characteristics. Only our hero has a USB-port, which is of course a big plus nowadays. It is the USB-port that opens new possibilities. We can connect printers or USB-drives to share files through the router. This is the most affordable router from TP-Link with a USB port (unless you count the TL-WR710N).

As for wi-fi, everything is standard for this price category. The speed is up to 300 Mbps. Two non-removable antennas, each with 5 dBi capacity. It is possible to launch a guest Wi-Fi network.
LAN and WAN ports can operate at speeds up to 100 Mbps.
1 USB-port standard 2.0.
A standard set of technologies and features, with which you can familiarize yourself on the manufacturer’s website, or in any online store.

In any case, this router has everything an ordinary user needs. Most importantly, it is able to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi and network cable. This means that you can connect a cable from your Internet provider or modem to it and distribute the Internet to many devices. As for the setup, it’s very simple. If you are going to configure it, you can watch the instructions on the example of configuring TP-Link TL-WR842ND. Everything is identical there, as the models are practically the same.

TP-Link TL-WR842N and 3G/4G modems

Everything is complicated here. The thing is that the TP-Link TL-WR842N is sort of declared to support 3G/4G modems. When we connect a USB modem to the router, and it gives out the Internet. And this model has become very popular among users who want to use this router for 3G/4G modem internet distribution.

Yes, the router may not support all modems. This is normal. For this purpose, there is a list of compatible USB modems on the manufacturer’s website. And for TP-Link TL-WR842N it is also available at https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/3g-comp-list/?model=TL-WR842N.

I have a TL-WR842N router of hardware version V3. And if you look at the firmware on the official site, the latest version says “Support for backup function with 3G/4G modems”. From which we can conclude that there is support for modems after all.

I saw only one comment that the router worked with Pantech UML295 modem. But this is not verified information.

I think you will find the following links useful:

If you have already bought a TP-Link TL-WR842N and it doesn’t work with your modem, and there is no possibility to return the router, then consider the option with OpenWrt firmware. You will lose your warranty, but most likely the router will detect your modem and work.

I will keep an eye on this topic and add new information to the article.

TP-Link TL-WR842N review

This model is manufactured in a case that everyone knows. It’s like a trademark of TP-Link. Cool white matte plastic, and a very good build. This is all you need to know about the housing of this router.

Photo TP-Link TL-WR842N

On the front panel there are indicators, and the company logo. I would like to draw your attention to the ventilation holes. They are both at the top and at the bottom.

Antennas in this case are in the color of the case, and as I wrote above – non-removable.

TP-Link TL-WR842N Overview

All ports and buttons are located at the back. Everything is standard: 1 WAN, 4 LAN, On/Off button, power connector, 1 USB-port, button for disabling wi-fi, and WPS/RESET button.

TL-WR842N Router Ports and Buttons

There are rubber feet, so that the router is well kept on the table. Also the router can be hung on the wall. At the bottom there are necessary holes.

Reviews

The router has only recently gone on sale, but is already very popular among buyers. There are a lot of questions about 3G/4G modem support. If there was more information on compatibility, this model would be very popular with users who connect to the Internet via USB modems. I think information on compatibility with different modem models will come out over time. It’s just that the router is new, and they haven’t had time to form a list of compatible modems yet. And with the release of new versions of software, this list is likely to be replenished.

Many people are certainly interested in Wi-Fi network coverage. It is very difficult to answer this question, as the range of Wi-Fi network depends on a large number of external factors. But the antennas here are installed powerful (5 dBi each). So for a large three-room apartment, or a medium-sized house, it should be enough. Much more depends on the location of the router in the house.

I liked the router with everything. Except that I was a little upset about the USB modem support. Most people see in the specifications support “WAN 3G”, and buy the router without understanding the compatibility with their modem. And in the process of setting up the router does not see the modem, or sees, but does not connect to the Internet. This is certainly an unpleasant moment. I think TP-Link will finalize this, put more models in the list of compatible models, and then this router will not be worth the price.

And you leave your reviews about TP-Link TL-WR842N. If you bought the router to work with a USB modem, and everything worked, then write in the comments the model of the modem. We will collect our list 🙂 All the best!