When wireless devices in large numbers appeared in every home, the airwaves became so clogged that today it is simply impossible to use the Internet normally in an apartment building at 2.4 GHz.
- TP-LINK or D-link Network Cards and Adapters – which is better?
- How long does a wifi router last and how often should it be replaced?
- TP-LINK Archer A9.
- D-Link DIR-615S – quality for an affordable price
- Comparing the popular models TP-Link TL-WR741ND and D-Link DIR 300
- What do customer reviews tell us?
- Compare models
- Conclusion
TP-LINK or D-link Network Cards and Adapters – which is better?
ADSL – is a technology of broadband Internet access through a telephone line. It is much faster and more convenient than a mossy dial-up (and, importantly, it allows you not to occupy the phone line during networking), but of course inferior to dedicated fiber-optic channels on speed and reliability of the connection. However, it is still not uncommon situation where there are no intelligible alternatives to ADSL, such as in old houses, or in areas remote from civilization. That is why I decided to tell you about how to choose an ADSL router and offer my personal independent rating of 4 devices of this type.
- ADSL router: what to look for when choosing
- Top 4 ADSL router Wi-Fi router TP-LINK Archer VR400
- Wi-Fi router Keenetic Duo (KN-2110)
- ASUS DSL-N16 Wi-Fi router
- Wi-Fi router D-link DSL-2740U/RA/V2A
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What is the difference between a router and an ADSL router?
How long does a wifi router last and how often should it be replaced?
A WiFi router is a fairly unpretentious device. And if it is of high quality, it can last a long time. For example, I have a router that was made in 2011. It would be very reliable if it did not break because of a power surge. But there is one thing.
Since technology improves every year, all electronics become obsolete with time. To give a simple example. Ten years ago, in the early days of WiFi, all networking equipment was in the 2.4 GHz band.
When wireless devices appeared in large numbers in every house, the airwaves became so clogged that today it is simply impossible to use the Internet normally in an apartment building on 2.4 GHz.
Accordingly, there is a new working range of 5 GHz, with which the old routers and wireless adapters do not work. What to do? If you are happy with the low speeds, that's fine, go ahead. If you want to keep high speed and stability, watch high quality video, play modern games, then year by year the demand for equipment increases. So you need to periodically change all equipment. Fortunately, not so often – once every 5-7 years will be enough.
TP-LINK Archer A9.
This model has three external antennas and one internal antenna to improve overall signal strength and stability, which will provide better penetration through the walls inside the apartment
This router rarely fails during the 36-month warranty period. According to the DNS service center, the reliability factor of the device is 99.61%
- Characteristic feature
- Average price: 5990 rubles.
- Country: China
- Power and gain: 20 dBm/5 dBi
- Operating speeds at 2.4 and 5.0 GHz (Mbps): 600/1300
- Theoretical speed (maximum, Mbps): 1900
- Number and type of antennas: 3+1/external fixed, internal
- Ports: 4xLAN, USBx1
The average budget model of the Wi-Fi router from TP Link. It is distinguished by the signal stability in the apartment or house in the presence of 2-3 obstacles, the possibility of connecting a wireless modem, the quality work of the parental control function, the convenient application for fine-tuning by phone, although the gadget is already ready to work with the factory settings. At the same time, judging by the reviews, some functions are not easy to set up, but the most complaints are about the router's slow boot time after switching on. The disadvantages include the absence of MESH technology, large size and the use of an outdated type of USB port.
- The ability to connect a 3G/4G modem
- Layout with internal and external antennas
- VPN and IPv6 support
- Convenient mobile software for setup
- Signal stability through 2-3 walls
- Obsolete USB 2.0 port
- No MESH support
- Bulky size
- Slow boot after shutdown
D-Link DIR-615S – quality for an affordable price
Externally the router doesn't differ much from the previous version: the same glossy black case, two antennas with a 5 dBi gain, LEDs on the front panel. The only thing is that the number of lights in the model has increased. Now there are up to 8 of them and they show the correct work of all the devices connected to the model, as well as the internet, Wi-Fi and charging settings.
D-Link DIR-615S is compatible with all devices supporting the 802.11b/g/n standard. Among the advantages:
- rubber feet for attaching to the table and the possibility of attaching to the wall;
- The connectors on the back of the enclosure are painted in different colors to avoid confusing the ports;
- 32 MB of RAM are hidden under the router's cover;
- connection to the network is at 300 Mbps;
- quick reset and restart;
- you can activate password protection separately for each user;
Comparing the popular models TP-Link TL-WR741ND and D-Link DIR 300
Let's start with the fact that the TP-Link model has a more powerful detachable antenna, while the other brand's router doesn't have it. The maximum speed of the TP-Link TL-WR741ND is up to 150 Mbps, which is quite enough for home use and for creating a local network. As for D-Link DIR 300, there's a nuance: in an older version the maximum speed is 54 Mbps, while the new version of the model D-Link DIR 300NRU already has speeds up to 150 Mbps.
But the new D-Link configuration is more expensive, and you have to pay attention to this as well. If we talk about the availability of connection protocols, both routers are up to the mark – there are all the necessary formats for connecting to the internet from different providers.
You also don't have to worry about network security: the models provide MAC and IP-address filtering and WPA/WPA2 type of password encryption. However, TP-Link TL-WR741ND has one nice feature – the QSS button that automatically turns on the security within seconds, which is quite convenient for the user.
What, then, are the differences between these models of network equipment? As for D-Link DIR 300, there're a few notes about the firmware: in the upgraded version the interface looks simple and nice, but there's no general window with the data on the current operation. And in all TP-Link devices there's not only a nice interface but also a general status window of the router.
That is, if you want to know about the parameters and look through the data of your connection, with D-Link you will have to look for all the information in different menu items.
Moreover, D-Link has no help with detailed descriptions of how to work in the settings menu. But its competitor, the TP-Link TL-WR741ND, does. This makes a difference when you are not too familiar with some configurations.
What do customer reviews tell us?
First of all, it is worth referring to what reviews can be found online about the use of TP-Link routers. Most of them concern the following:
But are such reviews negative? More likely no than yes. In general, various comments make it clear that TP-Link routers are stable in operation, they are easy to install and configure, and malfunctions and failures are extremely rare in use.
What can be said about D-Link? This company has been on the market for a long time and is known to many who have faced the choice of network equipment. It offers optimal quality and affordable prices for routers. But about using them there are quite a few comments, which relate to the following:
- Unstable firmware. Often routers come with "raw" software. This is one of the reasons why crashes and sometimes "flips" settings often occur.
- Many users have noticed problems with the wireless module.
- Many routers "cut off" the Internet speed. And because of this the user overpays for the connection.
- The settings interface is complicated. Not always in the parameters of the router you can easily and quickly configure, which is especially important for ordinary users who are not versed in network equipment.
- A little overpriced compared to TP-Link with a similar set of features.
Based on the comparison of the two models, we can say that the TP-Link brand is of better quality than D-Link. Therefore, if you need a reliable router for your home, the choice should be made in its favor. If you take into account the reviews of buyers on the net (trust them or not – you decide), then TP-Link routers get a few extra points by outplaying their competitor.
Compare models
The comparison table with prices and main characteristics of each model will help you to choose the right TP-LINK router model. The devices are arranged in ascending order of price.
Price, roubles Number of ports Speed, Mbps Dimensions (W/H/D), mm TP-LINK TL-WR840N 870 4 300 182/35/128 TP-LINK TL-WR841N 980 4 300 173/33/118 TP-LINK TL-WR940N 450M V6 1160 4 450 230/35/144 TP-LINK Archer C20 (RU) 1600 4 733 230/35/144 TP-LINK Archer C6 2500 4 1167 230/35/144 TP-LINK Archer C1200 3500 4 1167 227/33/148 Conclusion
The table above shows that all TP-LINK routers have similar characteristics. The difference is the maximum data transfer speed and the size of the device. Choosing a router, first of all, take into account the area and layout of the room where the equipment will be installed.
For urban apartments suit the inexpensive model TP-LINK TL-WR840N. Data transfer speeds of 300 Mbit are enough for home use. The device has a power of 20 dBi, so the signal will pass well through concrete walls, forming a stable coverage over an area of up to 50 square meters.
Residents of private houses are better to choose a more powerful router TP-LINK Archer C6. It has four external antennas and one internal one. Together with the transmission power of 23 dBi, the wireless signal can be used in any corner of the house.