Packing:
The unit was clean and stable packaging. The device has had on the surface of a film for peeling in order to protect the smooth surface from scratches. Unfortunately, no recycled paper was used here at least visually. This does not affect the assessment now.
Scope of supply:
Everything you need, I would say, in the package is a guide in it that will help a layman to take the unit first really in operation, that is well so far. A few unshielded patch cable are likewise which are sufficient to connect the router to the modem. Of course, can not miss a 12V power supply. The length of the cable as a whole is sufficient in any case, all you need really rare. There is also a CD case which I did not use.
Processing:
The router is, for his 55 - uro surprisingly well made. I really would not have expected that the device is almost over. It creaks nothing in pressure and the terminals are clean edged into the case. Really good ... there's really nothing to complain about. See also the antennas for antenna really nice out.
What annoys some, the bright LEDs are on the front. I got my router in the glass case are, and because the flashes in front of him ... very annoying, you look at the TV always look because it. Too bad that you can not be dimmed or even shut down the software side. I just got taken ... problem solved some electrical tape. Ah yes, the LEDs light up really GREEN! And not blue, as in the example N600 also what is very pleasing, the device is not on a heater, the unit is therefore a long life before.
Connections:
Cable: 4x 2x RJ45 for the local network 1x RJ45 for Internet USB Hard disk drive / USB stick, etc ...
Wireless: 2x 2.4 GHz antennas in the housing and 3x5 GHz antennas to screw.
What more do you want? The LAN ports could be screened, but in the private sector that is not now as a drama.
Software:
So in advance to the firmware that has been replaced here by many of DD-WRT and God knows ... I've tested it time for fun and I found it totally useless for household use. There are so many features, of which I have heard so far from anything. Sure, everything is going as far as clean with WRT ... but I did it again thrown down ... you need not do it. Who is not sure, should be previously view some videos for this firmware. Who at home simply need internet and via WLAN, it takes just does not.
The current firmware of TP-LINK has a simple design, and everything is sorted by function in a table. Very good, not beautiful, but functional. Especially you really find everything. There is also a simulator at home from TP-LINK. Because the menu you can easily view times. The router is never greased me and carry out its activities with ease.
Was I really liked well, that's one for each wireless frequency, can set up their own access, plus guest access! What's really great if you eg still connects a USB hard drive, you can assign the whole individual folders, or prohibit all access to the local network. A broadband limit, there is also, as a temporal access. So TOP TOP TOP. Really SUPER am very satisfied with the settings.
A USB memory device can be set up as a network drive with the right apps and in Windows (also determined in Mac and Linux). The NAS function of the router is working properly and the use to back up photos and documents. For example, look at the whole digital photos also my wife, since she has only one SSD in notebook, the front and rear space is not enough. Because so is a function on cue!
But what did not, unfortunately, is really great, are the functions for FTP and DLNA, these are limited to a certain number of data. With DLNA are max. 6 folders and maximum of 100 files ... which is not really much indeed. But movies on the TV streaming is working properly. But I use the function is not really ... but because they too limiting a.
So if you want to setup a DLNA server using the router, should rather leave it alone. That's more than NICE TO HAVE to watch.
Speed:
FAST! The LAN connections and wireless connections are pleasingly fast. Although I can exhaust the 450mbit / s in the 5 GHz at all. I have no device there, which can spark so quickly. As a provider I Unitymedia and since when did Speedtest 106 Mbit / s !!! TOP VALUE! That was not possible before. I have for the private sector now not so demanding as in the private sector. The pages are designed to clean tablets and streaming video via YouTube run without interruption. Very satisfactory. Also streams from the USB hard drive on your network to your TV works without objection. But that is also connected via LAN. However, the streaming works on the laptop via WLAN without problems!
WLAN reception:
Many write here about poor reception and measure with measuring software in strange combination of notebook wireless antennas. Sorry, but this is a measure that can do so much wrong .. just silly to rely on something. So please do not take it too seriously these values. I have quite a large apartment with over 100m² and among others bearing walls in the house. I have very good reception everywhere. In addition, the router is still in a cabinet with a glass door in front of it. The illumination is pleasing evenly. And takes only behind thick walls somewhat. But still everything is super stable. The predecessor was there a little weaker on the chest, but not much. But since all tuhen not so much. The transmit power was supposed to remain framework also still acceptable and "healthy". For large areas, there are also separate antennas, one should look at.
Buy recommendation?
Anyway, I can the device Tell, who like me, it can not see to put as much money as other items on the table for a router, is perfectly happy with this device! Offers so many features that are really class and function reliably. Those who want to use alternative software, such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT is here with good repealed because it is really easy to install the new firmware on it.
I can not understand many Rezis, here you have either hoped for too much, or not dealt with the manual. Because he can, the router also makes really good and cutting back. Besides times of DLNA and FTP ... There are so many routers that are simply bad, which are even more expensive. I am happy with the device :)
