TP-Link TL-WR710N travel router review

TP-Link’s TL-WR710N travel router is very similar to Netgear’s PR2000 Trek, but in a slightly smaller form factor. Like the Trek, it can plug straight into an electrical socket, it has a USB 2.0 Type A port for sharing storage, and it has two ethernet ports. Unlike the Trek, it supports only one 150Mbps spatial stream in 802.11n mode (on the 2.4GHz frequency band); and since it doesn’t have a micro USB port, it must be plugged into a wall socket (unless you travel with an extension cord, I suppose).

The TL-WR710N can operate in one of five modes. In wireless router mode, you connect the Pocket Router to a DSL or cable modem and clients connect to the router wirelessly or via an ethernet cable plugged into its LAN port. In wireless access-point mode, the router connects to a hardwired network that has Internet access and creates a wireless network that clients can join to reach the Internet. In this case, the second LAN port can support one hardwired client (or more if you connect an ethernet switch).

"If I had to choose between this and Netgear's Trek, I’d go with the Trek."

In WISP mode, the Pocket Router establishes a wireless connection to a Wi-Fi hotspot and shares that Internet access on its own wireless network (as well as through its LAN port). And in repeater mode, you can use the Pocket Router to extend the range of a wireless network by establishing a wireless connection to another wireless router or wireless access point. It will then rebroadcast that signal.

The TL-WR710N comes with preconfigured security, with its default SSID, wireless password, and admin login and password printed on the side of the device (albeit in itty-bitty print). Like TP-Link’s TL-MR3040, the Pocket Router supports up to WPA/WPA2 security with a RADIUS server. A single unlabeled LED (on the side facing out when the router is plugged into a wall socket report) glows blue when the device is working properly and blinks when the device is booting or when an ethernet cable or USB device is connecting to the router. Not terribly informative. This router doesn’t have a WPS button, either, but it does support the feature in software.

You can share files stored on a USB hard drive by plugging it into the Pocket Router, and TP-Link provides a media server for streaming music, video, and photos (but the server is not DLNA certified). You can also establish user accounts for file sharing, to restrict access and control whether users can read and write files or only read them.

When I measured TCP throughput, the Pocket Router finished last overall. When the wireless client was in the same room as the router, separated by nine feet, I saw TCP throughput of just 15.4Mbps. When I moved the client to the kitchen, 20 feet away with one insulated wall in between, the Pocket Router’s throughput dropped only slightly, to 14.6 Mbps. As with TP-Link's other travel router, the TL-WR710N couldn't reach the MacBook Pro when I placed it in my home office, 65 feet from the router and separated by several insulated walls.

Would I buy one?

The TP-Link TL-MR3040 and the Netgear Trek PR2000 are street-priced about the same. The TP-Link’s user interface exposes more functions than the Netgear’s does, but the Netgear delivers much higher performance.

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Cisco WRVS4400N Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router - VPN v2.0

Highlights

• Secure, high-speed wireless network access for small business
• Gigabit Ethernet connections enable rapid transfer of large files
• Advanced security, including intrusion prevention, helps keep assets safe
• Full IPsec VPN capabilities for up to five remote connections

Features and Benefits

The Cisco WRVS4400N Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router offers:

• High-speed connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet connections on both WAN and LAN ports help you take full advantage of your broadband connections, enabling your employees to send and receive large files quickly and easily.
• Integrated 802.11n wireless access point: A built-in access point enables your employees to connect to the network wirelessly. Support for draft 2.0 of the 802.11n industry standard, along with backward compatibility with 802.11b and g standards, increases wireless speed, throughput, and range, for more efficient wireless coverage of your small office.
• Proven Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall with Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Unlike standard firewalls, which block incoming streams based only on the source or type of data, the intrusion prevention system scans deep, enabling it to detect and block most worms, Trojan horses, and denial-of-service attacks to help keep your business assets safe.
• VPN capabilities: IP Security (IPsec) VPN capabilities built into the WRVS4400N enable your remote employees, whether working from home or on the road, to connect to your office network using nearly any VPN client to access files and transfer data as securely as if they were in the office.
• Optional Cisco ProtectLink Web security service: This optional hosted service adds another layer of protection to your network by blocking malicious websites and controlling web access, without the drain on your office PCs caused by traditional security solutions.
• Flexible segmentation of users: Flexible, built-in support for up to 4 multiple service set identifiers (SSIDs) and up to four 802.1Q virtual LAN (VLAN) connections enables the creation separate virtual networks to allow secure guest access and improve traffic flow (Figure 2). The WRVS4400N can interoperate with other VLAN-capable switches, further enhancing flexibility.
• Limited lifetime warranty.

 Cisco WRVS4400N wireless-N Gigabit Security Router review found on this forum.

Cisco WRVS4400N wireless-N Gigabit Security Routerspecifications and documentation here.

Wireless VPN router

Pros:

I bought two Linksys WRVS4400N routers to manage a business from my office with a site to site VPN connection. I have previously managed a Cisco PIX 515E VPN appliance in a corporate enviornement for 5 years. To begin the install I enabled remote management on the customers existing router and copied the config to the new WRVS. 

Then I placed it on site. The customer was literally off the internet for less the two minutes while I swapped the cables into the new router. I had to flash the BIOS and upgrade the IPS signature files before placing it, this is certainly a inconvience, but that is how networking equipment goes. After returning to my office, I wanted to set up the site to site so I connected remotely to the router on the client side and http'ed to my local router. The documentation for VPN's is ok but could be better. Seems to be written by someone who has not actually set up a site to site, just read about it. I spent a few hours trying to bring up the tunnel with no luck, the name of the tunnel was two words with a space, I removed the space and the tunnel came right up! 

I searched Cisco documentation but if they are aware of the issue they don't report it in any way. The wireless connetion is ok, I find I must disconnect and reconnect the wireless connection is windows if the box has been idle for several hours. For the most part, this is a very good vpn router for a few hundred bucks. I will buy more as I add clients for remote support.

Cons:

The documentation could be better. I could not get the site to site VPN tunnel up so I looked to the advanced tab and they seem to have forgottened to document this area as an afterthough. They should tell you that the advanced area can be left as default only. The problem was a space in the tunnle name, appears to be another undocument Cisco secret.

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PLDT Smart 4G WiMAX MyBro Abot Kaya 499 Promo fixed wireless broadband

One of the hottest 4G WiMAX fixed wireless home broadband today is My Bro Abot Kaya 499 from PLDT and Smart. It’s in line with Smartbro’s products and internet services of WiMAX pocket modem and PLDT’s Home services. For just 499 per month, you can have fast internet browsing and surfing with a speed up to 1Mbps. I made a review about this fresh WiMAX product.

My Bro 499 Wireless Home Broadband Review

When I went to Smart Service Center recently, I noticed a lot of people were inquiring about the new WiMAX pocket modem – My Bro 499. While on queue waiting for my number to be called, I noticed majority of the interested users were kids, grade schoolers, tagged along their moms and dads asking about Mybro 499 abot kaya (affordable in English). I noticed too that after the Smart employee discussed the product’s features, some of the customers ended up with the Plan 999 Smartbro Canopy product. Ironic because I was there to close my contract with that Plan 999 and there were some customers too who were there complaining about the intermittent internet connection of SmartBro Canopy. Hands down with SmartBro Motorola Canopy SM fixed wireless internet broadband, it was really fast especially with my first 2 years of using it. It was strange though it was too slow recently with effect of FUP aka the "fair usage policy" implementation by the telco so I decided to end the deal.

My Bro 499 Promo offers a 4G WiMAX fixed wireless antenna similar to SmartBro Canopy but lower frequency instead of 5.7GHz it uses 2.3GHz outdor CPE built-in modem on it that’s why it’s called wireless home broadband . It means, internet connection is wireless so signal is not so fixed unlike DSL. My Bro also offers up to 1Mbps speed of up without uncapping capacity monthly – meaning it’s unlimited unlike the Plan 499 512kbps WiMAX pocket modem.You can also attached your WiFi router but the bandwidth will also be shared among the devices connected therefore the speed will vary accordingly, for an average user it’s really recommended who research and surf the web, do emails, Facebook, chat and watch online video's but this is not recommended for heavy downloader. If you are a heavy internet user, the Plan 1299 which has up to 2Mbps speed is right for you or go for the faster speed like PLDT Fibr which uses fiber optic network and connection capable of fast and stable internet connection.

This the PLDT Smart myBro 4G WiMAX CPE supplied by GreenPacket Technology Malaysia, there three (3) models for outdoor unit the OX230/250 and the OX330. The fixed wireless broadband modem router is identical to Huawei Technologies that is being supplied to Globe Telecom such as BM622, BM622i, BM622m they are using same license radio frequency but allocated to 2.3GHz while other 2.5GHz.

You can navigate and check your myBro CPE graphical user interface (gui) by pointing your web browser to http://192.168.15.1 if you want to fine tune or configure the setting with the default username and password as "smart" without quote. Take note account for smart username and password has only limited privileged unlike the Administrator you can view everything, portforwarding, QoS setting, signal setting etc. Likewise to get access with the CLI vis telnet same username and password will do except for root.

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TP-Link TL-MR3020 3G/3.75G Wireless N Review

This is just my personal review and hands on to TP-Link TL-MR3020 3G/3.75G Wireless N Review. Recently, I had a situation which I need to solve and that is my mum’s place need internet connection but at the same time, a simple solution is required instead of the big bulky router with cables running all over setup.

My mum is a recently converted internet user. She had no previous computer knowledge thus she went for a basic computer cum internet course as well as the most advance Email communication course at the local community center. As she is still very much a new computer user, all her laptop setup and internet connections is done by yours truly.

But as I am moving out in the next couple of weeks, I am migrating my internet connection and all the infrastructure including my Aztech Homeplugs therefore, I was on the look out for an easy simple solution that still works on Ethernet cable and requires nothing more than 3 steps. With some initial configuration of the device by me, the 3 step usage solution is no longer a dream but a reality.

TP Link 3G/3.75G router is really simple to use. Moreover, it has all the features of a full fledged router such as Wireless N, Mac filtering, firewall rules, Ethernet port (only 1) and anything else you could have think of in a normal wireless N broadband ADSL router. Just that this router runs its internet connection via a mobile broadband dongle.

It comes with microUSB (for power via a separate power adapter or USB of the laptop), Ethernet port (for connecting the Ethernet cable to the Laptop/PC if you do not like to use wireless) as well as a USB port (for the connection of USB Broadband Mobile dongle).

Initial configuration

The configuration requires you to plug in the USB mobile broadband dongle and the model will be automatically detected by the router. Thereafter, you need to continue with the set up by choosing the country you are in as well as choosing the service provider such as Vodafone, Singtel, M1, etc. (Remember to choose Connect Automatically option)

After the set up is done, you will notice that the LED light on the dongle should be lighted up in solid colour. And the router’s Internet symbol should be lighted in solid yellowish green color too.

This indicates that the internet connection is establish.

Click on Status page and you will see that the 3G/3.75G signal strength as well as other data such as packet up and packet down.

You can try out the internet connection via your trusty usual browser such as IE, Firefox, Chrome or Safari.

Experience

The experience on setting up, configuring, using and sharing the internet connection is really a breeze. I do not see much of an issue except that it took a couple of mins to detect the model of the USB Mobile broadband dongle.

Even if the USB Mobile broadband dongle that you have is not detected automatically by the router, you could try and download the list via TP-Link website and update your router.

I have done some test on the heat dissipation on this mobile device and found it to be acceptable. Not hot but with a slight warmth (good for a cold winter night) though the mobile broadband dongle is abit more warm than the router but thats quite usual.

During this test, i was using a USB Mobile broadband dongle by Huawei ( Model – XXXXX ).

Overall, the experience on setting this device up was pleasant and simple enough for a layman.

Price and availability

This device cost SGD$49 and it is available at computer stores such as Challenger. You can check with your local distributor for more information.

Suitability of device

There are numerous uses for this device such as an ad-hoc internet connection sharing or even personal home use for those who do not want to have bulky cabling in their rented apartments. I would like to point out that it should not be use for latency critical applications such as online Multi-player games or First Person shooting games.

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TP-Link TL-WDR4300 N750 Router Review

Today we take a look at the new flagship router from TP-Link, a networking company that is trying to make a name for itself by offering quality - but inexpensive - network products. When looking at their catalog you will see they have a full suite of networking equipment for your home or small business.

The thing that sets TP-Link apart from the rest is that their price point for their equipment is significantly lower than their competitors. For example, you can find the TP-Link TL-SG1005D 5-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch for $19.98 from pretty reputable vendors on the internet while searching for a similar Netgear 5-Port Gigabit switch like the GS105 costs $39.99. With this in mind we were very interested in getting our hands-on their newly introduced TP-Link TL-WDR4300 Dual-Band Wireless Router.

TP-LINK's TL-WDR4300 is a performance optimized dual band wireless router which combines the blazing fast speeds of 450Mbps using the next generation Wi-Fi standard 5GHz bandwidth and 300Mbps using the traditional Wi-Fi standard 2.4GHz bandwidth. Users will have a total bandwidth of 750Mbps (thus the "N750" tag) to use for many different applications at the same time. Simple applications such as web browsing and emails can easily be handle by the 2.4GHz bandwidth at 300Mbps, whereas tasks like online gaming or HD video streaming can be process with the 5GHz bandwidth at 450Mbps all at the same time. This can all be done with the simultaneous dual band which is like running two wireless routers in one giving users lighting speed.

Because the TP-Link TL-WDR4300 has five Gigabit ports and 800Mbps+ hardware NAT, wired devices should have lag-free connections and will perform well. Based on these specifications, users should be able to power a fairly robust home media network. As with many new routers and gateways that have recently be released, this router is versatile enough for you to turn it into a media and print server. You can also use the TL-WDR4300's two multi-functional USB 2.0 ports to provide media and document sharing, ftp servers, printers, and flash storage by simply plugging in the device. For $90, this router has all the bells-and-whistles that the 'big boys' have. We are very interested in seeing if the router's performance lives up to the hype.

TP-Link TL-WDR4300 Features:

• Simultaneous 2.4GHz 300Mbps and 5GHz 450Mbps connections for 750Mbps of total available bandwidth
• 2*USB 2.0 port convenient for network-connected users to share files through the device's FTP server
• Built-in media server allows users to share music, video and photos with Windows Media Player, PS3 or X-BOX 360
• The device's built-in print server supports wireless printing from different computers by connecting a USB printer to the router
• Full gigabit ports ensure ultimate transfer speeds
• Achieves blazing WAN to LAN throughput of over 800Mbps with hardware NAT
• Simple wireless security encryption at a push of the WPS button
• WDS wireless bridge provides seamless bridging to expand the wireless network
• IP-based bandwidth control allows administrators to determine how much bandwidth is allotted to each PC
• Live Parental Controls allow parents or administrators to establish restricted access policies for children or staff
  
• External detachable antennas allow for better alignment and stronger antenna upgrades

Here is a quick video overview of TP-LINK's TL-WDR4300 wireless router that was done by TP-Link.

When we open up the TP-Link N750 Box we find a slimmer-than-normal router measuring about 9.6" x 6.4" x 1.3" weighing 2.1 pounds. The router definitely has a unique look finished in glossy piano black with fairly large lights on the front. The TL-WDR4300 actually has 10 different indicator lights on the front and uses 3 external detachable dual band antennas to function. The box also includes the power supply unit, a resource CD and a quick installation guide.

On the back you will find five gigabit ports along with the two multifunctional USB 2.0 ports. The three external detachable antennas screw on to the back of the router and allow you to align each independently. Having a detachable antenna gives you the option of attaching an 'after-market' antenna like the $23.99 TP-Link TL-ANT2409A that extends the 2.4GHz range. Finally, we see a physical button that can turn the TP-Link wireless transmitter on and off.

After opening the TP-Link WDR4300, we see that it is powered by a Qualcomm/Atheros "Hy-Fi" reference design AR9344 system-on-a-chip. This chip is the processing power that allows for the integrated dual-band 802.11n and all of its interfaces. The AR9344 chip supports a second 802.11n radio as well that TP-Link has taken advantage of.

You can also easily see the Group-Tek HST-48002SAR 1000BASE-T Transceivers that power the 4 LAN and 1 WAN Gigabit Ethernet ports. The rest of the PCB is very clean with a neat and uncluttered design. There are no active cooling elements or heatsinks located inside the TP-Link N750 so we really don't expect it the router to run that hot - or use that much power. We'll actually look at the router's power consumption a bit later on.

The TP-Link TL-WDR4300 also features one button security setup located on the back of the router and by pressing the Wi-Fi protected setup button, the router will automatically establish a WPA2 secure connection. The TL-WDR4300 supports IP QoS (Quality of Service), allowing optimum utilization of bandwidth and offering bandwidth control over congestion, preventing bandwidth abuse. This feature allows users who have small networks to receive committed and specific bandwidth which will prevent non-critical applications from degrading network performance. - source

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My Bro 499 Pocket WiMAX Abot Kaya Wireless Home Broadband

The new myBro Plan 499 is offered via a new device: the WiMax Pocket Modem. It’s chic, easy to use, and very easy to install! This the new slogan of myBro once you go the official website of SmartBro.

One of the hottest wireless home broadband today is My Bro Abot Kaya 499 from PLDT and Smart. It’s in line with Smartbro’s products and internet services of WiMAX pocket modem and PLDT’s Home services. For just 499 per month, you can have fast internet browsing and surfing with a speed up to 512kbps. I made a review about this fresh WiMAX product.

My Bro 499 Wireless Home Broadband Review

When I went to Smart Service Center recently, I noticed a lot of people were inquiring about the new WiMAX pocket modem – My Bro 499. While on queue waiting for my number to be called, I noticed majority of the interested users were kids, grade schoolers, tagged along their moms and dads asking about Mybro 499 abot kaya (affordable in English). I noticed too that after the Smart employee discussed the product’s features, some of the customers ended up with the Plan 999 Smartbro Canopy product. Ironic because I was there to close my contract with that Plan 999 and there were some customers too who were there complaining about the intermittent internet connection of Smartbro. Hands down with Smartbro, it was really fast especially with my first 2 years of using it. It was strange though it was too slow recently so I decided to end the deal.

My Bro 499 offers WiMAX wireless indoor modem that’s why it’s called wireless home broadband . It means, internet connection is wireless so signal is not so fixed unlike DSL. My Bro also offers up to 512kbps speed of up to 3GB capacity monthly – meaning it’s not unlimited like the Plan 999 1mbps.You can use WiFi yes but with this kind of speed, it’s really recommended for light internet users who research and surf on the web, do emails, Facebook, chat lightly but this is not recommended for downloading and uploading fast or live streaming videos and downloading music. If you are a heavy internet user, the Plan 999 which has up to 1mbps speed is right for you or go for the faster speed like PLDT Fibr which uses fiber optic network and connection capable of fast and stable internet connection.

My Bro 499 is really abot kaya. But for a wise user, using the unlimited internet product is wiser.

My Bro PLDT Wimax Features:

• Wireless internet connection
• Free installation (around 3 days upon application and payment)
• 2 years contract
• Unlimited internet surfing but with 3GB monthly volume allowance

My Bro 499 Internet Requirements:

• A valid ID
• Proof of billing or latest credit card statement
• Credit Card if you’ll pay via it
• Cash of 499 for the first payment

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Globe Tattoo Huawei HG521 DSL Snap Review

The Huawei Echolife HG521 is a residential DSL modem router with the capability as a wireless access point (WAP) that has built-in internal WiFi antenna for devices conductivities  such as smartphone and Tablet likewise for lappy.

Huawei HG521: Router Design and Aesthetics

The design of the Huawei HG521 gateway is a commendable aspect. It may not look ultra-modern but its simplicity is the reason why most people are not intimidated to use it. Because it stands vertically, it is easier to find the right spot where the router can be placed. It can be put right beside the desktop computer monitor or in a small corner. Its measurement is only 118.4mm x 90.3mm x 40.4 mm.

The power button is easily accessible too. It is found in the top surface of the router so turning it on and off is quick and easy. The indicator lights are strategically placed on the left side of the router’s interface too.  Hence, a quick glance is enough to see if the connections are working fine.

Attaching the cables to the router is easy too. The left side of the router is where all ports are located so there is no problem about tangled cables.

Huawei HG521: LAN Connection Ports

The Huawei Echolife HG521 modem router is recommended for use in homes because of the limitation in the number of computers which can be connected to it for cabled internet. It has only one ADSL port for the RJ-11. It is geared with one LAN port.

Huawei HG521: Router Performance and Functions

The edge of Huawei HG521 Router over other routers which Globe Tattoo provides to their customers is that this functions for different data link protocol. It is backwards compatible for 802.11b and 802.11g. For people who would like to utilize the latest standard, this router is designed to function even for the latest 802.11n.

Globe Tattoo is known for delivering uninterrupted and strong connection signal. Thus, it is necessary to have a router which would not slow down the impressive services of the company. With the use of this router, there is no need to worry that the service being provided by Globe Tattoo might not be used extensively. Since it functions on 802.11g standard, the connection speed is stable and there are no lags. This router is also good enough for more complex online tasks like downloading, gaming and media streaming.

Huawei HG521: Router Speed

The main reason why Huawei HG521 Router do not cause speed problems is because of its commendable capacity. Of course, the data speed will vary according to the package that the customer availed from Globe Tattoo but this router can reach 24 Mbps as its maximum modem bit rate. The great performance is also attributed to the 300 Mbps data bit rate.

There are two ways on how this router can be used for internet connection—cabled and wireless. Some people are having difficulty in connecting wirelessly after setting up the cabled connection. What they do not realize is that, setting up the wireless connection needs to be done after the cables are all up and running. A separate wireless connection account needs to be created to enable the wifi.

The router initially has the default username and password which will be used before the personal setting preferences of the users can be fixed. Management of the setting and feature changes can be done using the web based configuration.

Since the router has an activated Quick Start feature, users would have a step by step guide on how the connections can be made. No more reading of manuals and hiring professional I.T guys just to create both cabled and wireless connections.

Huawei HG521: Built-in Security

LAN connection does not involve much security issues but wireless connection requires impenetrable block against hackers. The good thing about Huawei HG521 Router is that it is geared with WPA (Wi-Fi Protection Access) support. This is among the latest security features that routers these days have. WPA is pretty much like a password which is required before a computer or gadget is able to tap the wireless connection. So long as the alpha-numeric password is known only by legitimate users, there is no need to worry that someone else who is within the Wi-Fi range can use the signal.

The Globe Tattoo Huawei Echolife HG521 GUI (graphical user interface) can be access via any of your favorite browser such as Chrome, Firefox and IE by pointing on the address bar thru http://192.168.254.254 with the default IP address. Once the login page prompted you may use the default username and password as "user" without the quote.

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TP-Link TL-WA901ND Snap Review

A new batch of TP-Link TL-WA901ND access points (AP) arrived at my office several days ago and I was able to take a unit home for sampling. My current home set up consists of 2 units of D-Link DWL2100AP APs, with a unit acting as a bridge communication access point and the other as a bridge linking to 2 PCs located at my living room. Time has come for me to upgrade to the newer Ns.

A year ago, I was never fond of products from TP-Link. I have had bad experiences with them, the common fault being that their devices need regular rebooting as they occasionally stall or hang and refused to operate. Well, things appeared different now. I have a unit of the new TL-WA901ND already running for more than 24 hours in my office and so far it was glitch-less.

After I opened the wrapped box, what I saw kind of delighted me. The package came with an AP, a DC12V transformer-less adapter, a factory terminated UTPCAT5E patch cord, 3 short antennas and surprisingly a power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adapter. For a mere RM160.00, this is a steal. If you are a network engineer you probably figured why I was so impressed. Yes, the POE adapter.

Not only it came with a PoE adapter, the AP is also designed to be power-fed directly through its RJ45 socket, a feature you would only see in higher end makes of outdoor-class APs, used by professionals. All these for just RM160.00. Oh my, the mainland Chinese really knows how to corner the hardware market by adding in all these goodies almost for nothing.

The TP-Link TL-WA901ND AP spots a traditional “TP-Link” look. There’s a Quick Secure Setup (QSS) button conveniently located at the right side of its front panel, allowing you to do a quick secure configuration on its wireless settings. Honestly I prefer the designs of their wireless N routers, with better gloss appearance, more curved corners and coloured sockets at the back panel.

The rear panel is straightforward, with 3 gold plated sockets for attaching the external antennas, a DC power socket, a pin hole reset button and a single RJ45 socket for your LAN cable. There’s no on/off button and this means the TP-Link TL-WA901ND is designed to be permanently switched on.

There are very good reasons why I prefer to use wireless APs rather than wireless routers. These boxes are like tiny computers, with its tiny processors and RAMs built onto its printed circuit board internally. Therefore if you compare having a 4 in 1 box against 4 boxes of separate router, switch, wireless AP and ADSL modem, it is like comparing the performance of 1 PC against 4.

Here's the TP-Link TL-WA901ND Unboxing Demo Via YouTube.

Heavy broadband users, especially those who frequent torrent downloads or are into online gaming, will often find that the 4 in 1 devices are unreliable. This is because the heavy loading on its internal processor, doing all 4 tasks concurrently, means the delicate processors overheat and becomes damaged easily under extreme usage conditions. Hence, I choose 4 boxes instead of a 4 in 1 box, because they are more stable and data packets move back and forth more consistently.

Towards the next few days, I shall be publishing a short post on how to set up a wireless LAN at home and by then I will post details on the set up procedures of the TP-Link TL-WA901ND and the outcome of my experience with it.

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DualWAN WR-500V Snap Review

More than a dozen years ago, in a wireless card also seventy-eight one thousand times, because the demand for internal assessment, I was able to long-term play. I remember that COMPAQ PCMCIA card, because it was not easy to get a wireless router, only through WINGATE software to a network share, but also very happy to experience the fun of wireless Internet.

For a wireless router, in this forum, I can not be called professional, but the kind of person who likes to share inexplicable taste appealing to me. The hands of the router, as long as the brush, and never let go.

Because at any time with an idle laptop when HTPC, taking into account 24 hours a day, of course, the way When the download, NAS uses. Community network or the WIMAX merge bandwidth (WIMAX concession period after play download, DualWAN very practical, this allows me around the house in Cable Internet (50M / 5M), not renewal), and make full use of the resources.

Beginning to recognize DualWAN, get their hand easily achieved router to test ASUS WL-520GU LINKSYS the WRT54GS machine tried to use although the effect can be, but always think it is flawed, really encountered a small problem when, too embarrassed to ask too much. After all, this is a free firmware release, developers zd under no obligation to support not paid subscribers.

Forbearance for a year, a lot of exclusive features see DualWAN WR-500V own models really get antsy, and finally take the initiative to contact with zd a few weeks ago, originally hoped to buy a WR-500V returned to Taiwan to play later heart read temporary turn, why not buy a few, when a small agent?

With zd discussion, basic maintenance protection generally no problem, because of cross-strait transportation, this is often do things my own company. Zd more concerns, will not cause the price steady growth? I'd not worried because I was originally a fun starting point, as long as the basic freight, customs clearance fees play level, that's no problem.

Much gossip, WR-500V hand has been a period of time, zd simple English version of firmware installed, I posted the first photo, and come back slowly added!

The packaging of these things, the machine body, detachable antenna, network cable and power supply. (Can be used directly in the Taiwan voltage)

Manual yes, but in fact, this product, because the firmware update function is also very complex, so it's really familiar, still have regular official website implementation.

DualWAN, the name suggests, the most important function of course, is the dual WAN port load balancing. A similar machine, I used CISCO RV042, D-LINK LB604, but the two are wired models, the price is too high, if not professional purposes (company MIS), most people just want to play, or less cost-effective.

The DualWAN WR-500V 150M 802.11N wireless transmission capacity is more than enough in everyday applications, Cable used in my 50M/5M, basically can ran at full speed on the test.

I think the fun is the so-called single-line double-dial function, the WAN port can be an entity, continuous dial, made two different IP on the line, superimposed bandwidth purposes. Of course, the same ISP account after continuous dialing is not able to achieve the purpose of bandwidth doubling eventually look at your ISP lock bandwidth.

My side Cable MODEM Internet is automatically assigned an IP automatically obtain the two-wire connection.

WR-500V hardware specifications

System Name DualWAN
Machine Model DualWAN WR-500V
CPU Model Ralink SoC
CPU frequency 320MHz
Flash capacity 8MB
RAM: SDRAM 32M
Wireless: 802.11n 150Mbps
Antenna: detachable SMA 3db
Power: DC 12V
Packing: color box packaging
NAT performance: 94.4Mbits / s

Observed lock bandwidth, not superimposed, but there is an unexpected discovery. I used to use the Next TV TV box, whether it is bandwidth how much, whether it is connected directly to the SWITCH or share HD High Definition channels is very easy to get stuck. But through after WR-500V (single two dial), turned out to be very smooth, a little unexpected.

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Zyxel N4100 Wireless Hotspot Gateway with SP300E Ticket Printer review

Zyxel's N4100 is an Ethernet WAN router, with four 10/100Mbit/s LAN ports and 2.4GHz 300Mbit/s 802.11b/g/n wireless. It comes with a LAN-connected ticket printer and a web interface that makes it easy to configure the printer to generate tickets of different pre-set durations at the touch of the button.

For each issued ticket, it’ll create a new user with time-limited internet access privileges on its internal database. Up to ten printers can be connected to the N4100 via an Ethernet switch. Up to 100 users can be connected at the same time, although this can be boosted to 200 via a paid-for software upgrade but this adds hundreds of pounds more to the cost.

The router is designed to make it virtually impossible for devices connected via wireless to access anything connected to the LAN ports, which adds an extra layer of security. In any case, the router should ideally have a dedicated internet connection instead of sharing the same internet connection as the rest of your business.

All the configuration tools you'll need to set up the N4100 are built into its web interface. As well as guiding you through standard options like setting up a wireless password, it'll also help you through selecting what rights your users will have, such as using your SMTP server for their outgoing mail and whether they'll have to use their entire purchased usage time in one go or not.

Both of these are particularly useful yet uncommon options for a ticketing system. You can also decide whether you want to use Zyxel's own printer to produce access codes or generate them using a web interface and print them out on a different printer, which is an unexpected but useful option.

The Advanced menu is a bit more daunting, but contains a wealth of powerful and flexible options for everything from taking payment to directing users to a custom portal page and defining their maximum available upstream and downstream bandwidth. Unfortunately, although it has plenty of features, the router's interface is ugly and unwieldy; the advanced settings menu lists all the various options without any apparent logical order, which makes it frustratingly time consuming to navigate.

The many options include configuring credit card payment processing directly from your gateway portal using Authorize.net, iValidate.net, Secure Pay, WorldPay or PayPal. One can also create a "walled garden" of sites that users will be able to access without having to log in - handing for linking to your advertising affiliates or just providing a useful news portal for your guests. Up to three different pricing plans can be configured to suit your needs.

Naturally, one can block undesirable websites by IP address or URL. There's no keyword blocking, though, so you can't implement any blanket policies to prevent users from accessing porn, hacking tools or other dubious content.

Once set up, the whole system worked reasonably well and produced some impressive data transfer speeds at short-to-mid range, although these started to drop off noticeably at greater distances. We saw throughput of 35Mbit/s at 1m, 34Mbit/s at 10m and 10Mbit/s at 20m. You’ll probably want to invest in multiple wireless repeaters if you’re going to use the system over large areas anyway.

Verdict:

Overall, Zyxel's WiFi ticketing system didn’t impress us. Aside from the N4100's confusing and poorly laid out menu system, the printer itself, with its white body and big blue buttons, feels flimsy and looks like something made by Fischer-Price. The system works well enough, but there’s no reason to buy it when you can get easier-to-configure hotspot ticketing systems that also cost less.

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SmartBro: MyBro Green Packet OX-230 Personal Experience

Recently we have just subscribed the new SmartBro wireless broadband a.k.a. MyBro 4G WiMAX wireless broadband the new replacement of the old legacy SmartBro Motorola Canopy antenna fixed wireless internet broadband ODU (out-door-unit).

The Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX is using an ODU from Green Packet Technology Malaysia model OX-230 is an all-in-one device its a modem wireless built-in antenna internally that uses 2.3GHz at the same time a router or a gateway likewise for short a CPE. This CPE is likely behave similar to SmartBro Motorola Canopy antenna except the frequency is 5.7GHz and the power supply is 24Volt DC PoE (power-over-ethernet).

The OX-230 4G WiMAX CPE out-door-unit  has limited Cat5e LAN cable from 10 to 15 meters, white conduit is being placed out side wall mounted for the cable extension of the PoE if the location of the antenna signal gain is very weak. As you can see from this screenshot there are three (3) cable, black cable is from the ODU antenna, yellow-green cable is for the lightning arrester incase there is thunder storm to protect the CPE, while the gray cable is coming from the Power-over-Ethernet for the power supply of the Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU model OX-230.

This is the PoE adapter model MPSE-4803 from MOA Telecom the input is auto volt range from 100-240V that gives a regulated DC output of 48V 320mA. Its a made in China product.

The PoE adapter model MPSE-4803 of Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU from Green Packet Technology Malaysia model OX-230 have two RJ45 ports, one is going to the white conduit or can be directly plug to the out-door-unit CPE, the other port is for the PC/Laptop likewise can be also be plug to wireless access point a.k.a WiFi hotspot.

An additional, the GUI (graphical user interface) of the MyBro 4G WiMAX review can be read here.

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D-Link DIR-510L Wi-Fi AC750 Travel Router Review

The DIR-510L is a marvelous device that's capable of running on AC power using the provided adapter, or it can run on its own internal 4000mAh battery. And it has three USB ports, so it can share files stored on a USB hard drive and run on AC power at the same time. The router must be put into charging mode to charge anything (the USB port delivers up to one amp of power to an attached device).

The DIR-510L is the first 802.11ac travel router.

Most travel routers trail the market, supporting older standards and offering limited features. Few would say that about D-Link’s DIR-510L (or the Wi-Fi AC750, depending on which name you find easier to remember). This is the first travel router to support the 802.11ac standard, and it’s loaded with features.

In case you’re wondering what AC750 means, it’s the industry’s fuzzy-math marketing speak for informing buyers that a router supports two 150Mbps spatial streams using the 802.11n standard, and one 433Mbps spatial stream using the 802.11ac standard (never mind that 150 + 150 + 433 add up to only 733).

The DIR-510L is a dual-band router capable of running on the 2.4GHz frequency band in 802.11b/g/n mode, or on the 5GHz frequency band in 802.11a or 802.11ac mode. It has only one Ethernet port, so it can’t support a wired network, but it can operate as a wireless router connected to either a wired broadband connection, or as a wireless hotspot connected to a wireless broadband connection. Alternatively, you can share a 3G, 4G, or LTE wireless broadband connection with a wireless USB adapter and whichever cellular service you subscribe to.

It has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, which makes connecting clients super-easy (there’s no need to write down the SSID or WPA password). You should be aware, however, that the DIR-510L doesn’t come with any preset security. Don’t get in a hurry and forget to set that up, or anyone will be able to jump on your network. The DIR-510L supports guest networks on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, enabling you to share Internet access with others without granting them access to the computers on your network.

While feature-rich, the DIR-510L was not the fastest travel router I tested—at least not when I tested it with a Mac server and a Mac client. Netgear's 2.4GHz 802.11n router was faster than the D-Link both when the D-Link was operating as a 2.4GHz 802.11n router and when it was operating in 802.11ac mode on the 5GHz frequency band.

When operating as an 802.11ac router, the D-Link DIR-510L delivered throughput of 59.8Mbps when the client was in the same room as the router, nine feet away. Throughput dropped marginally to 48.5Mbps when I moved the router into my kitchen, 20 feet from the router with one insulated wall in between. The D-Link couldn't connect to the MacBook Pro at all when I moved it to my home office, 65 feet away and separated by several insulated walls. Distance typically isn't a big problem with travel routers, unless you're trying to support several colleagues in adjacent hotel rooms.

As you can see from the benchmark chart, the client had no problem connecting to the DIR-510L's 2.4GHz 802.11n network when the client was in my home office. I measured TCP throughput of 29.5Mbps in that scenario. At closer range, the D-Link delivered throughput of 42.3- and 43.1Mbps when the client was in the bedroom and kitchen respectively. But that's a far cry from the Netgear Trek's performance of 87.7-, 89.2-, and 76.3Mbps in the bedroom, kitchen, and home office respectively.

The DIR-510L has an onboard DLNA media server for streaming music, photos, and video from an attached USB hard drive. D-Link’s SharePort app supports most of the typical file formats: bmp, jpg, and png for photos; mp3, wav, and m4a for audio; mp4, mov, and m4v for video; as well as PDF and Microsoft Office document formats. Sadly, however, it does not support flac audio files. If you’re using a Mac, you can use D-Link’s SharePort Web Access to view directories of files on an attached drive. D-Link also offers SharePort apps for iOS and Android devices.

The D-Link DIR-510L has nearly all the features you could want in a compact router, but it's not the top performer—at least not when paired with a MacBook. That title belongs to Negear's Trek PR2000. When I tested these routers with a Windows laptop, the results were just the opposite.

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MyBro 4G WiMAX SmartBro Review 2013

I just wanted to share this personal experienced on my new wireless broadband internet connection from SmartBro MyBro 4G WiMAX. It has been four (4) months from now been using this 4G WiMAX wireless broadband. A review to the hardware such as the wireless modem router, conduit cables and the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

This is Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU (out-door-unit) CPE wireless broadband modem router antenna from Green Packet Technology Malaysia model OX230 being installed on the roof top.

The physical Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU CPE Green Packet model OX230.

The internal and physical outlook of white conduit of the Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU CPE Green Packet model OX230 Power-over-Etherner extension.

Physical PoE (power-over-ethernet) of Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU CPE.

Smart MyBro 4G WiMAX ODU CPE Green Packet model OX230 GUI (graphical user interface).

My speed test to Springfield ISP U.S. server, DL=0.95Mbps & UL=0.19Mbps

My speed test to Smart Telecom ISP local server at Makati, DL=1.90Mbps & UL=0.27Mbps

This is the actual test to ZORIN OS server, I am downloading an ISO file of Zorin OS 7 Core32 its about 1.4GB that will last on about 5hours and 6 minutes to completely download the this file.

In conclusion, the Smart MyBro Plan999 1Mbps is good only for average user who is not hungry for more bandwidth. If you plan to share this 4G WiMAX broadband internet in your home via WiFi or hotspot for your smartphone and Tabs I may advice that this is not advisable you will be experiencing a slow browsing and buffered video while watching stream video online.

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