The most popular are budget routers. TP-Link also knows about this, so they released another inexpensive model - TP-Link TL-WR844N. This model is presented as a multi-mode router. This means that in addition to the usual mode of operation as a router, the device supports three more additional modes, which I will discuss in more detail. The router is also equipped with powerful enough antennas.
Let's start with the main thing - with the wireless capabilities of TP-Link TL-WR844N. The router distributes one Wi-Fi network in the 2.4 GHz band. Support for the 802.11n standard. Wireless speed up to 300Mbps. Two antennas with a power of 5 dBi each are responsible for broadcasting the wireless network. There is also support for 2 × 2 MIMO technology. 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports operate at speeds up to 100 Mbps.
TL-WR844N supports 4 operating modes:
- Router - standard mode (set by default), when the Internet is connected to the router via a cable from the provider and it distributes it via Wi-Fi and LAN.
- Access point - allows you to connect TL-WR844N to an existing modem, or another router and configure the distribution of a Wi-Fi network.
- Range extender - in this mode, the router works as an amplifier for the Wi-Fi network signal. Connects to another router via Wi-Fi and extends the range of the wireless network.
- WISP - connecting to an Internet service provider via a wireless network (no cable).
All these modes of operation are perfectly shown in this picture:
Other characteristics and features:
- Supports the latest version of the Internet Protocol IPv6.
- The Smooth HD Streaming function indicates that the router supports IGMP Proxy / Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN. All this is necessary for the stable operation of IPTV.
- There is a parental control function and a guest Wi-Fi network.
- Supports control via the Tether app.
- Wi-Fi Schedule - you can configure automatic shutdown and activation of the Wi-Fi network by time.
- LED control allows you to set the time when the LED indicators on the router will be turned off.
Overview of the appearance of TP-Link TL-WR844N
Supplied in a small box. Its appearance is the same as that of other routers from TP-Link.
The box contains the router itself, the power adapter, the network cable, and a few instructions.
The router case, in general, the case format itself is something new. There were no devices in such a case from TP-Link yet. And despite the fact that this is a budget model, the router looks very cool.
White color, sharp lines, geometric shapes. Stylish and elegant design. Assembled with high quality. Plastic, according to my feelings, is in no way inferior in quality to more expensive models.
The router itself is very compact.
There are three indicators on the front: LAN, Internet (WAN) and Wi-Fi.
4 LAN ports, 1 WAN port, a connector for a power adapter and a WPS / Reset button occupy the entire rear panel.
There are two holes on the bottom of the router. This means that the antenna can be folded and hung on the wall. There is also a sticker with factory information.
The appearance of TP-Link TL-WR844N will definitely not disappoint you. And you don't need much space for it.
The web interface is simple and straightforward. However, so far only in English.
I think that in the next firmware it will be possible to change the language of the web interface. Well, do not forget that you can configure and control this router from your phone, through the Tether application.
I made speed measurements with TL-WR844N. Measured on a laptop, which is installed in another room (one wall of medium thickness). Windows showed the maximum signal level (all divisions).
Very good results, as for the 2.4 GHz band in an apartment, where there are about 10 neighboring Wi-Fi networks in the same range. The maximum speed for the tariff of the Internet provider is up to 100 Mbps.
Didn't find any downsides in this router. The price is excellent, the appearance is excellent, the functionality is excellent too. Attractive looks and price will likely make this model very popular. After all, despite my advice (buying a router with support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi and 802.11ac), many are not ready to spend a lot of money on a router. And in most cases, even a budget router is enough to organize a Wi-Fi network in a small house or apartment, and connect several phones, computers and other devices.
Leave your feedback about TP-Link TL-WR844N!
