I have already written about various routers and other network devices from TP-Link. And today we have another router on review that can work in client mode (WISP). TP-Link TL-WR743ND model. The manufacturer's website says that this is a wireless access point with router and client functions. Now I will explain what this means.
TP-Link TL-WR743ND can be used as a regular router by connecting a cable from your Internet provider. It will distribute the Internet via cable and Wi-Fi network. Also, by switching the operating mode to "WISP Client Router" in the settings of this device, you can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The router will, as a client, connect to the provider's wireless network, and distribute the Internet to your devices via cable and over the air. There is also a Wi-Fi network amplifier mode, and a wireless adapter for a PC, TV, etc.
In terms of other characteristics, TL-WR743ND is an ordinary, inexpensive router that is suitable for a small apartment. Wi-Fi speed up to 150 Mbps. A maximum of 15 Wi-Fi clients can be connected. If your devices will create a large load on the network, simultaneously on several devices you will watch high quality video, play online games, download large files, etc., then it is better to pay attention to more expensive and powerful routers.
The router itself is made in a cool, popular (I would even say legendary) case, like the TP-link TL-WR741ND model. Only the antenna in our case is white and removable. There is also a button to turn off the power and a separate Reset button. Which is very good.
Another plus of this device is that there is support for connecting power over PoE. The set includes a passive PoE adapter, to which we connect an Internet cable and power. At the exit from the adapter, we get only one network cable, which we connect to TP-Link TL-WR743ND. This cable "runs" the Internet and food. Maximum 30 meters. Thanks to this feature, this device can be installed in a place where it is impossible to connect power directly.
Configuring TP-Link TL-WR743ND in Client Mode (WISP)
Connect to the router via cable, or via Wi-Fi. In your browser, go to tplinklogin.net, or to the IP address 192.168.0.1. Enter the factory name and login: admin and admin. If you or someone else did not change them. If the password does not fit, you cannot enter the settings, then do a factory reset. You need to press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds.
In the "Operation Mode" section, select the "Client Router" mode and save the settings.
Go to the "Wireless Settings" section, click on the "Search" button, select the required network from the list, enter the password for it. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network below and select a region. Save your settings.
Also, in the Wireless Security section, do not forget to change the password of your Wi-Fi network.
If you have correctly set the parameters for connecting to the provider's wireless network in WISP mode, then the router will connect to the Internet and distribute it to other devices.
Setting up in the Wi-Fi router mode
We connect, go to the settings at tplinklogin.net (login / password: admin) and select the "Router" mode in the "Operation Mode" section. Save your settings. The router will reboot.
We connect the Internet to the WAN port of TP-Link TL-WR743ND.
We set the settings for connecting to the provider in the WAN section, in the router settings. You also need to set up a Wi-Fi network in the "Wireless Settings" section. I will not describe the setup process in detail. It is practically no different from the TP-Link TL-WR740N setting. You can take a look at the example of this article.
TP-Link TL-WR743ND Firmware
First, you need to determine the hardware version of your device. It is indicated on a sticker on the body of the router itself. For example, I have Ver: 2.0.
Many are looking for Russian firmware for TP-Link TL-WR743ND (so that the settings are in Russian). All versions are in English on the TP-Link website. I have not seen the firmware in Russian. I strongly do not recommend downloading from other sites.
Firmware updates can only be done via a network cable! The router must be connected to the computer via a cable, and Wi-Fi must be turned off.
Further point by point:
That's all. An interesting and multifunctional device. Access point, repeater, router, wireless client. There are not many such devices on the market.
If you have any questions, please write in the comments. I will gladly answer!
