Inexpensive, but very functionalThe entry-level router is TP-Link TL-MR3420. In addition to the usual 5 RJ-45 ports for connecting a twisted pair, there is also one USB in it. The latter is universal: it allows you to connect to a local area network 4G / 3G-modem, external drive or network multifunction device. It is the strengths and weaknesses of this network device that will be discussed in detail in this review.
Let's start with the specifications of this router.The TP-Link router of this model is a fairly functional entry-level device. It has one input port and four output ports to create a wired segment of the home network. The maximum data transfer speed for each of them is 100 Mbit / s. Also this router is equipped with 2 antennas for wireless information transfer using the "Wai Fai" technology. Such a design solution allows us to make the coverage area larger and increase the transmission speed by this method by 2 times to 300 Mbit / s. Another important feature of this router is the presence of the YUSB port, which, as noted earlier, is universal. It can connect and network external storage, and 4G / 3G-modem, and multifunction device. It is important to consider one point. There are two versions of the router of this model. The first of them goes in a "rectangular" package and works only with 3rd generation networks, and the second one is a stylish, sleek enclosure and the ability to work in all existing mobile networks to date.
Advantageously different against the background of competitors listcomplete documentation from TP-Link TL-MR3420. Reviews highlight the presence of several additional booklets on the network products of this manufacturer, which allow the most optimal selection of equipment for a home network to novice users. In addition to the booklets, this list also includes a certificate of conformity, a warranty card and a manual for use. In addition to the router itself, 2 bending antennas, a twisted pair twisted pair, a power supply and a CD with application software for configuring this network device come with it.
TP-Link TL-MR3420 looks very stylish.The bottom cover is made of matte plastic and it has 2 holes for wall mounting. In turn, the upper part of the body is made of plastic, but only with a glossy finish. Not quite the right decision - dust and dirt on it will be collected. The LED indicator is also displayed on the top of the router. In total, there are 10 LEDs on this router. The first of these is an indication of the availability of food. If it is lit, the power supply is turned on and the "POWER" button is in the lower position. The second LED is an indication of the operation of the router. If it is continuously lit, then the network device is being booted.
The next indicator shows the workwireless segment of the computer network (it must constantly flash when it is on). The next four LEDs show the process of information exchange in the wired area of the network. They are tied to each port on the back. Then comes the indicator of receiving and transmitting data from the global web. The LED with the inscription "3G / 4G" shows the operation of wireless networks. When the last indicator is turned on, the search for new network devices begins. In this case, the communication procedure will be performed with a minimum number of manipulations. On the back of the router are four RJ-45 ports, which are designed to create a wired segment of the computer network. The same blue port is designed to connect the input cable from the provider. On the edges of the back of the router there are nests for installing antennas. Next to the right there is a reset button, and on the left there is a power supply and a jack for installing the pin from the power supply. The port of YUSB and the button of the accelerated connection to the local computer network are displayed on the left side.
Next, you need to find out the values that will beare specified in TP-Link TL-MR3420. The setting without these parameters is simply not possible. All the necessary information can be found in the contract with the provider. First of all, this is the type of connection. The most common use for these purposes is L2TP or PPPoE. Also, this document must include the login and, of course, the password for accessing the global web. If you use a static address, it is also in this contract. In general, all the necessary data are often given in this document and they must be clarified beforehand so that there are no problems in the configuration process.
The next step is to collect aTP-Link TL-MR3420 settings. 3G-modem, network MFP or drive is connected to the YUSB port. At the same time, only one device can be connected with this interface. Then install both complete antennas. Next, install the power supply in the socket, and its cord with the connector to the corresponding port of the router. The twisted pair, which is bundled with the network device, with one connector is installed in the yellow port with the inscription "1", and its second end into the socket of the network card of the laptop or personal computer. But the wire from the provider does not need to be connected to the network device at this stage of the configuration.
At this stage, the softwareconfiguration of TP-Link TL-MR3420. To do this, the computer and the router are turned on with the POWER button. Then we wait until the end of the loading of both the computer and the router. Then run any Internet viewer that is on the PC. In its address bar, then it is necessary to type 192.168.1.1. Next, a query appears with the fields "Username" and, of course, the password. We take this information from the bottom cover of the router. Typically, the "Username" is "admin". The default password is 12345. But it's better to clarify this information after all. On the first window "Start" simply click on the "Next" button. Then you need to choose the mode of Internet connection: only wires, 3G-modem are used, connection by wire or connection using 3G-modem is preferable. Set the corresponding checkbox and go, click again on "Next". The next step is to set the connection parameters. And both with the use of a wireless modem, and with the use of an input twisted pair. All necessary logins and passwords are set, as well as the type of connection. If you are using a static IP address, you need to specify it together with the mask. All this information, as was indicated earlier, is in the contract for the provision of services. The user at his own discretion can only set the name of the wireless network, the password for access to it, the type of encryption and select the channel. In the end, you need to save all the changes you made. Turn off all equipment and disassemble the circuit.
Now choose a place where there will always beto be a router. It should be located as close to the center of the apartment or house. This will ensure the largest coverage area. Also, to this point, the input wires from the Internet service provider should be suitable. Well, in the relative proximity must necessarily be an outlet on the 220V. Once the location is selected, we begin to connect the router according to the previously mentioned method. At the final stage, the twisted pair from the provider is installed in the blue port of the network device. This completes the switch for the TP-Link TL-MR3420. Firmware in most cases, the update does not require. Therefore, we check the correctness of the connection and send the voltage to the router.
This stage is performed on devices running the OS "Android". The TP-Link TL-MR3420 has already been configured properly. Setting up the connection of the mobile device is done like this:
In the status menu, activate the "Wai-Fay" transmitter.
We go to the program menu and find the shortcut "Wai-Fay". Open this utility.
Then click the "Search" button. When finished, select the name of our network and connect to it. In this case, you must enter the password that was previously set.
Next, close the window and start the browser. Enter the address of any search engine and wait for the opening of its start page.
Now we check how the information onwire segment of the local area network TP-Link TL-MR3420. To do this, just on any computer connected to the network with a twisted pair, start the browser and enter the address, for example, qip.ru. Then we press "Enter" and the starting page of this Internet portal should open.
The next step is to checkfunctioning of the wireless segment of the computer network when the PC is connected to it. The TP-Link TL-MR3420 router itself, as noted earlier, is already configured and should be enabled. Next, on a PC with a wireless adapter, go to the network management center. Its label is in the lower left corner of the screen. In the opened list we find our network and connect to it, but do not forget to enter the password correctly. Next, close all the windows and start the browser and check on the previously stated method of correct operation of "Vai-Fay" when connecting from a PC.
Almost perfect was the TP-Link TL-MR3420.Reviews of the owners say that its main drawback is a glossy covering of the device cover. On the one hand - this is a fairly controversial decision of designers. But on the other hand - if such a shortcoming is indicated, the router actually turned out to be practically without flaws. A similar opinion and network experts - the device is perfectly balanced and perfectly suited for the organization of a small office or home network.
That's a very balanced turned TP-Link TL-MR3420. It does not have significant shortcomings, and its pricefor today is about 40 dollars. For a network device with a YUSB port, this is a fairly democratic cost. In general, this is an excellent router for small local area networks.
