TP-Link TL-MR3420. TP-Link TL-MR3420 router: description

An inexpensive, but very functional router of entry level is the TP-Link TL-MR3420. In addition to the usual 5 RJ-45 ports for connecting a twisted pair , it also has one USB. The latter is universal: it allows you to connect to the local area network 4G / 3G-modem, external drive or network multifunction device. It is the strengths and weaknesses of this network device and will be discussed in detail in this review.

Features of the router

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 for creating 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 transmission of information using the "Wai Fay" technology. Such a constructive solution allows to make the coverage area larger and to increase the transmission speed by this method 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.

Contents of delivery

The list of complete documentation from TP-Link TL-MR3420 is advantageous against the background of competitors. Reviews highlight the presence of several additional booklets on the network products of this manufacturer, which allow the most optimal selection of equipment for the 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 compressed twisted pair cord, a power supply and a CD with application software for configuring this network device come with it.

Appearance and informativeness

TP-Link TL-MR3420 looks very stylish. The bottom cover is made of opaque 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 glows continuously, then the network device is being booted.

The next indicator shows the operation of the wireless segment of the computer network (it should 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, four RJ-45 ports are output, 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 are the jacks 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.

Provider data

Next, you need to find out the values that will be set in the TP-Link TL-MR3420. Setting without these parameters is simply impossible. 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 need to be clarified beforehand so that there are no problems in the configuration process.

Scheme for customization

The next step is to assemble the circuit for configuring the TP-Link TL-MR3420. 3G-modem, network MFP or drive is connected to the YUSB port. In this case, only one device can be connected with this interface. Then we 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.

Initial setting

At this stage, TP-Link TL-MR3420 software configuration is performed. To do this, the computer and the router are turned on using 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, it is then 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 select the mode of Internet connection: only wires, 3G-modem are used, it is preferable to connect via wires or connect using 3G-modem. 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 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.

We transfer the router to a constant place and connect

Now choose the place where the router will be permanently located. 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, without any problems, the input wires from the Internet service provider should be suitable. Well, in the relative proximity must necessarily be an outlet for 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 TP-Link TL-MR3420. Firmware in most cases, the update does not require. Therefore, we check the correctness of the connection and apply voltage to the router.

Set the connection parameters for "Wai-Fay"

This step 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.

Checking the wired segment of a home network

Now we check how the router TP-Link TL-MR3420 transmits information on the wired segment of the local area network. 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 press "Enter" and the starting page of this Internet portal should open.

Wireless Network Test

The next step is to check the functioning 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.

Feedback from the owners of the router and the opinion of specialists about it

TP-Link TL-MR3420 was almost perfect. Reviews of the owners say that its main drawback is the glossy coating of the device cover. On the one hand - this is a fairly controversial decision of designers. But on the other hand - if such a drawback is indicated, then the router actually turned out to be practically without flaws. A similar opinion among network experts - the device is perfectly balanced and perfectly suited for the organization of a small office or home network.

Results

That's a very well-balanced TP-Link TL-MR3420. It does not have significant shortcomings, and its price for 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.