This page will fully focus on TP-Link TL-WR842N Router. I will make a small review of this router, write about its main features, tell who and for what tasks it is suitable, and try to clarify the issue with support for 3G / 4G modems. Let's try to find out which modems the TP-Link TL-WR842N supports, and whether it supports them at all. I decided to single out this issue separately, since there are many incomprehensible points.
If you already own this router, and you have something to share, then please leave your feedback in the comments below. Especially if TL-WR842N works with a 3G / 4G modem. Write the model of the modem and operator. This information will be useful to many.
This model is suitable for those who are looking for an inexpensive router with a USB port and do not want to pay extra for 5GHz Wi-Fi support. I think TL-WR842N can handle online games and video playback on multiple devices at the same time without any problems. If you have a very large house, or apartment, and many devices, among which there are game consoles, TVs with Smart TVs, then it is better to purchase a more expensive router. You can read some tips for choosing a router.
Features and characteristics
TP-Link TL-WR842N, this is almost the same popular TP-Link TL-WR841N router. They are very similar both in appearance and in characteristics. Only our hero already has a USB port, which is of course a big plus in our time. It is the USB port that opens up new possibilities. We can connect printers, or USB drives to share files through a router. This is the most affordable router from TP-Link with a USB port (excluding the TL-WR710N).
- As for Wi-Fi, everything is standard here for this price category. Speed up to 300 Mbps. Two non-detachable antennas, each with a power of 5 dBi. It is possible to launch a guest Wi-Fi network.
- LAN and WAN ports can operate at speeds up to 100 Mbps.
- 1 USB 2.0 port.
- A standard set of technologies and functions that you can familiarize yourself with on the manufacturer's website, or in any online store.
In any case, this router has everything that an ordinary user needs. The main thing is that he knows how to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi and a network cable. This means that you can connect a cable to it from your Internet provider, or modem, and distribute the Internet to many devices. As for the settings, everything is very simple there. If you are configuring, you can see the instructions on the example of configuring the TP-Link TL-WR842ND. Everything is identical there, since the models are almost the same.
TP-Link TL-WR842N and 3G / 4G modems
Everything is complicated here. The fact is that for TP-Link TL-WR842N, support for 3G / 4G modems seems to be declared. When we connect a USB modem to the router, and it distributes the Internet. And this model has become very popular among users who want to use this router to distribute the Internet from a 3G / 4G modem. I don’t know how in Russia, but I looked at the most popular Ukrainian online store, where the support is stated: "WAN port USB 3G, USB 4G". But there are many comments in the comments that the router did not work with different modems from the most popular Ukrainian operator Intertelecom.
Yes, the router may not support all modems. This is normal. To do this, the manufacturer's website has a list of compatible USB modems. And for TP-Link TL-WR842N it is also available at the link http://www.tp-linkru.com/support/3g-comp-list/?model=TL-WR842N. But there are not many modems of Russian operators Beeline, YOTA, MegaFon, MTS. There are no Ukrainian operators there.
Information about support for 3G / 4G modems is available only on the official website athttp://www.tp-linkru.com/products/details/cat-9_TL-WR842N.html#overview... And if you go to the page of this model athttp://www.tp-link.ua/ru/products/details/cat-9_TL-WR842N.html#overview (sort of like the Ukrainian version), then there is no information about the support of USB 3G modems at all.
I have a TL-WR842N router of hardware version V3. And if you look at the firmware on the official website, then the latest version says "Support for the backup function using 3G / 4G modems." From which we can conclude that there is still support for modems. But there is no information on supported models specifically for Ukrainian operators (mainly Intertelecom). Perhaps this list will appear soon.
I saw only one comment that the router worked with the Pantech UML295 modem (Intertelecom). But this is not verified information.
I think you will find the following links helpful:
- How to connect 3G / 4G USB modem to TP-LINK Wi-Fi router. Example of setting TP-LINK TL-MR3220
- How to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from a 3G USB modem? Routers with USB modem support
If you have already bought TP-Link TL-WR842N, and it does not work with your modem, and there is no way to return the router, then consider the option with firmware on OpenWrt. You will lose your warranty, but most likely the router will detect your modem and work.
I will keep an eye on this topic and add new information to the article.
TP-Link TL-WR842N Review
This model is manufactured in a case that everyone probably knows. It's like the calling card of TP-Link. Cool white matte plastic, and very good build. That's all you need to know about the chassis of this router.
On the front panel there are indicators and a company logo. I would also like to draw your attention to the ventilation holes. They are both above and below.
The antennas in this case are in the color of the case, and as I wrote above, they are not removable.
All ports and buttons are on the back. Everything is standard there: 1 WAN, 4 LAN, an On / Off button, a power connector, 1 USB port, a button to turn off Wi-Fi, and a WPS / RESET button.
There are rubber feet, thanks to which the router keeps well on the table. You can also hang the router on the wall. There are necessary holes at the bottom.
Reviews
The router has just recently gone on sale, but it is already very popular among buyers. There are a lot of questions about support for 3G / 4G modems. If there were more information on compatibility, then this model would be very popular with users who connect to the Internet via USB modems. I think that information on compatibility with different models of modems (including with Ukrainian operators) will appear over time. It's just that the router is new, and have not yet managed to form a list of compatible modems. Well, with the release of new versions of the software, this list is likely to grow.
Of course, many are interested in Wi-Fi network coverage. It is very difficult to answer this question, since the range of a Wi-Fi network depends on a large number of external factors. But the antennas are powerful (5 dBi each). So for a large three-room apartment, or a medium-sized house, it should be enough. Much more depends on the location of the router in the house.
Everyone liked the router. Only here is the moment with the support of USB modems a little upset. Most people see the specifications as support for "WAN 3G", and buy a router without understanding the compatibility with their modem. And during the configuration process, the router does not see the modem, or it does, but it does not connect to the Internet. This is, of course, an unpleasant moment. I think TP-Link will finalize this, add more models to the list of compatible ones, and then there will be no price for this router.
And you leave your feedback about TP-Link TL-WR842N. If you bought a router to work with a USB modem, and everything worked, then write the model of the modem in the comments. Let's collect our own list 🙂 All the best!
