4G LTE connections have also become fast and convenient for some time and many users choose this type of connection, especially in areas poorly served by ADSL, often the only alternative to have access to the best possible performance to surf at maximum speed.
The manufacturers of routers and the like have adapted and the offer is wide in this sector. Among the latest proposals of Tp-link there is the 4G LTE TL-MR100 router, device that offers download speeds up to 150Mbps: you insert a SIM Card (Micro Sim) in the dedicated slot and you are immediately ready to navigate. Features and functions are detailed below.
Package contents
Inside the package we find the actual router (a box that fits in one hand), the power supply, two antennas, an ethernet cable and the adapter for the SIM. In the rear part of the router we have: the unions that allow you to screw two removable antennas (one on the right and one on the left), the input for the power supply, a LAN port, a LAN / WAN port, the WPS button (to establish a secure and encrypted connection between the router and a Wi-Fi device that you want to pair quickly and easily), the slot for inserting the SIM.
To begin, simply position the antennas vertically, insert the SIM in the slot located in the back of the router, turn on the router and wait for the internet LED on the latter to be lit and fixed. That's all: at this point it is already possible to connect any device (wired or wireless) using the default SSID and password printed on the label under the router.
Package contents TP-Link TL-MR100
Customize 4G LTE router
After selecting (from a computer, smartphone or tablet) the WiFi connection (by default called “TP-Link_701E”) and typing the password (the default one is shown under the router), you can customize the device in various ways. . Just type (in a browser) the address http://192.168.1.1 and access the management login page using admin as the default username and password.
The main page of the web-server integrated in the router allows you to complete the configuration (Quick Setup); this is similar to that already seen for other devices of the same manufacturer and the more experienced can call up the “Basic” and “Advanced” sections to modify settings of various kinds.
Advanced mode is where the more experienced will find the features of greatest interest. You can choose the operation mode (3G / 4G router or wireless router) according to the network conditions by providing internet with a WAN connection when 3G / 4G internet is not available. You can modify an infinite number of parameters related to the network, set a dynamic DNS, static routing, configure the IPv6 Tunnel settings, read any incoming messages on the SIM and much more.
As for the wireless network, it is possible to set name, security, encryption, activate connection scheduling, show statistics on packets sent / received. There is also the possibility of creating a dedicated network for guests: a separate wireless network with different network names (SSID) and passwords and which guests can use to access the Internet. Other advanced features concern NAT forwarding, useful for using applications with multiple data connections and control behind NAT (Network Address Translation) traversal for FTP., TFTP, etc.
Also convenient are the parental control functions that allow or block specific websites and limit access to specific times of the day (for example Facebook or YouTube during working hours); you can specify individual devices and restrict access to specific websites using keywords and domain names (clients subject to Parental Control will be able or not to access certain websites based on the restriction policy selected by the administrator).
On the security side, the SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) Firewall prevents attacks and validates the traffic passing through the router based on the protocol (function enabled by default).
The system tools allow you to set date and time, enable or disable status LEDs, run diagnostic tools, update firmware, backup and restore configurations, reboot the router, change administration passwords, access system logs.
Conclusions
It is an easy to use, comfortable and complete device. Now that the holiday season begins, it could be perfect for many families, especially those who go on vacation to a second home and want to spread the connection across multiple devices. It is convenient for anyone who is always on the move and needs to connect notebooks, smartphones, tablets, etc. It is a small product and can be easily carried in a bag.
It can be convenient for the whole family on car journeys, to use as a multimedia hub, video streaming, navigator and more, but also a fixed wireless solution for the home to surf the Internet or stream your favorite shows, a 'fast home broadband alternative, without compromising speed.
In the workplace it is possible to have an always active connection that you can rely on that you can share with other WiFi devices while on the move, to allow colleagues to always be connected.
From the tests we carried out, the signal was always excellent and stable (a lot obviously depends on the area you are in, on the operator chosen for the data SIM and other factors). It can cover a small apartment without problems.
Retail price
The list price is 79.00 euros, very affordable for all budgets; in any case it should be possible to save something as soon as it becomes available on Amazon and other online stores. The MR200 model is currently available which has similar features at the same price.
