The line of TP-Link routers already has several models with support for SIM cards (with a built-in 3G / 4G LTE modem). This is not counting mobile routers. Model TL-MR6400 which I already wrote about, Archer MR400 which will be discussed in this article and Archer MR200. All these routers are almost identical in appearance, but slightly differ in their characteristics and capabilities. Their common and main feature is a built-in 3G / 4G LTE modem and, accordingly, a slot for a SIM card.
We take TP-Link Archer MR400, insert a SIM card of any operator into it, plug the router into an outlet and in a minute we get access to the Internet on all our devices. Despite the fact that the internet connection is wireless, the speed is quite decent. Of course, the speed mainly depends on the signal strength of the 3G / 4G network and the workload of the operator's base station. But this speed is quite enough for comfortable work on the Internet on several devices at the same time. And even for comfortable viewing of online videos. Of course, it makes sense to install and use the TP-Link Archer MR400 router in those places where there is no wired Internet connection. These are not only villages (where most often there is no wired Internet), but also suburban private houses, summer cottages (where it usually makes no sense to conduct cable Internet, even if there is such an opportunity), some small enterprises, warehouses, production facilities, etc. For example, for organizing video surveillance at objects where there is no possibility to run a cable.
Archer MR400 can also be connected to cable Internet. It can work not only with a SIM card. After switching the router to the "Wireless Router Mode", the port that is signed as LAN / WAN works as a WAN port, to which you can connect a cable from your provider or a modem. I recommend buying the Archer MR400 only for connecting to the Internet via a 3G / 4G wireless network. Or in the case when you know that the ability to connect a SIM card may come in handy in the future. It's just that for the same money there are many options for other routers, more powerful and functional. Of course, without a built-in modem and support for SIM-cards.
TP-Link Archer MR400 Specifications
2.4GHz wireless speed up to 300Mbps. In the 5 GHz range up to 867 Mbps. Archer MR400 V2 (second hardware version) has two external Wi-Fi antennas. They are not removable. And two internal 4G LTE antennas. And if I'm not mistaken, then in the Archer MR400 V1 (the first hardware version) 4G antennas were external and removable, and Wi-Fi antennas were built into the router case. This is even better (I mean the first hardware version), since it is possible to connect an external antenna to enhance the reception of the mobile network signal. This router claims to support 3G / 4G networks of different types.
The WAN and LAN ports in this router are not gigabit. Maximum port speed up to 100 Mbps. The router has three LAN and one LAN / WAN port. There is no USB port. But there is 1 slot for a Micro SIM-card, which not many routers can boast of.
Other characteristics and features:
- Separate buttons for turning on and off the power of the router, Wi-Fi network and a WPS / Reset button.
- Two working modes: 3G / 4G router and wireless router.
- Bandwidth control (QoS) function.
- IPv4 and IPv6 support.
- Guest network (one in the 2.4 GHz band and one in the 5 GHz band).
- Compatible with Tether app. The Archer MR400 can be configured and controlled via the app from a mobile device.
- Parental control.
- Viewing and sending SMS messages and USSD commands.
The router has all the necessary functions. Setting up and managing your router is easy. A simple and intuitive web interface, plus you can access the main settings through the proprietary Tether app. And to connect to the Internet, you just need to insert the SIM card into the slot on the router. He himself will perform the necessary settings and start distributing the Internet.
Appearance
TP-Link Archer MR400 comes in updated packaging. The box itself contains information about the router. True, in English.
The package is standard. The only thing is that in addition to the router itself, the power adapter, the network cable and instructions, there is also an adapter from Nano SIM to Micro SIM in the kit.
The router itself is small. Completely black. The front panel is made of glossy plastic. With glossy plastic, the situation is standard - beautiful but not practical. The body is covered with fingerprints, dust, and later also scratches. The lower part of the body and the antenna are made of matte plastic.
The front panel is diluted with the TP-Link company logo and indicators that can be seen only when the router is turned on.
The back panel of the router is completely occupied by buttons and ports. In addition to the usual power connector, there are 4 LAN ports (one of them is combined with a WAN port) and a slot for a Micro SIM card. In addition, there is a button to disable and enable the Wi-Fi network and a WPS / Reset button. Well, the Power On / Off button.
There are small holes on the bottom and on the blocks for cooling the router board. There are also holes where you can hang the router on the wall. Well, a sticker with the necessary factory information. Including with the address of the web interface, the factory name of the Wi-Fi network and the password.
In the interior:
Appearance, assembly, arrangement of controls - everything is fine in this regard. The router is beautiful and modern. True, it is better not to touch the glossy front panel again.
Internet connection speed via 3G / 4G network
I made measurements of the speed of Internet connection via a mobile network. The measurements were made when connecting to the Internet via 3G and 4G networks (I manually selected the network in the router settings). But the speed with such a connection depends more on the operator itself (the workload of the base station, etc.) and the level of reception of the mobile network than on the router.
On a 3G network, my signal level in the web interface was 100%. On the router itself, there were three divisions.
3G connection speed:
At the same time, the iPhone has about the same speed indicators (the same provider and in the same place). And also via 3G, since I have not changed the SIM card yet.
Through the 4G network, the speed turned out to be higher, even though my signal strength is much worse (25% in the web interface) compared to the 3G network. Only one division of the network was burning on the router. And this is in the center of a big city. Kyivstar, what's up?
Connection speed:
These are the results. I repeat that the speed of the Internet connection is highly dependent on the operator itself and the signal strength of the mobile network. Of course, if there is 4G coverage, then it is better to use this network. Since even with a weaker signal level, the speed is several times higher.
TP-Link Archer MR400 copes with its tasks completely. Just an ideal router for organizing Internet access in those places where there is no possibility of cable Internet. You only need power and mobile 3G / 4G coverage. Very easy setup. You don't even have to go into the router settings. It starts distributing the Internet immediately after connecting the SIM card.
