TP Link TL-WR1043ND

My folks were complaining that they didn't have enough wireless coverage in their house, so I decided to pick up a repeater. I picked up a repeater from TP-Link since it was the only one at the store, and figured I'd upgrade them from B/G to B/G/N+, so I decided to pair the TP-Link repeater with the WR1043ND. The router was only $69.99 CAD, so I figured even if it didn't work out, it wasn't exactly breaking the bank to get it. I set it up for my folks in a matter of minutes, and was pleasantly surprised by the number of features that were available right out of the box. I thought I'd have to put DD-WRT on the device, but no need! In fact, once I set up the router, I found that the gain on the stock antennae were strong enough that I no longer needed to add in the repeater.

The device has very strong signal strength, covering their 4000+sq.ft. home with ease (split over two floors). It was easy to set up, following their quick setup, although their plethora of options can be a bit daunting for newbies, which got my dad a bit freaked out - he'd never set up a wireless router before and so finds it a bit daunting if he ever has to go in for changes (such as changing his pwd on a regular schedule). But everything worked as advertised, and after about 4 months of operation, my folks are happy as freshly-fed puppies. They never have to worry about their network, and aside from changing their password (which I try and get them to do at least once a year) they never really have to think about the device.

Features: 4.5/5 (IMHO, it's only missing enterprise WPA2-Enterprise and the ability to create a separate guest SSID)

Ease of Setup: 4.5/5 (quick setup is a breeze - more advanced setup can have some interesting trip-ups due to language, etc., but it's still pretty easy-peasy)

Build Quality: 4/5 (it looks like cheap plastic, but when you actually take it out of its packaging, it's actually a decently solid build - kids and pets aren't going to take it out all that easily, if it's placed in an area that's accessible)

Range: 5/5

Speed: 5/5

Reliability: 5/5

Adding devices: 5/5

Administration: 4.5/5

Flexibility: 5/5 (DD-WRT is supported for this device, and can give you all the other features I mentioned above, and their support team even mentioned that they don't mind people flashing the device in such a manner, as they're more happy that it's being used to its full potential)

Support: 4/5 (there are some language barrier issues at times, but the service was prompt, responsive, friendly, and helpful - I had to call support in regards to the repeater, but not the router, which was very basic...and the support call was really based on my own boneheadedness, forgetting the default IP for the repeater was no .1 but instead .254...d-uh!)

Overall Value: 5/5 (This is definitely the best router I've picked up, yet, in this price range, in terms of flexibility, usability, effectiveness and price)

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to others. Jury's still out on the repeater product, but this router is a solid buy.

Have read good reviews for this router, I bought one last week. The setup was relatively easy like many other brands. The router worked and then after the firmware was updated, the wireless could not connect even the signal is excellent. Returned that router and bought another one and also updated the firmware. It did not work! Rolled back to the old firmware and it worked but the laptops should be no farther than 5m! 24/7 telephone support does not exist as stated in the manual.The second one was also returned.

I bought the Linksys E2000. All problems and stresses are gone and I am a happy duck!

Don't waste your health & time with this TP-Link TL-WR1043ND!!!!!

(wzg8s7)

After a poor experience with other networking products, I was pleasantly surprised with the good performance of this great value unit. I was dubious of the brand as I hadn't heard of them, but a friend of mine raved about his, so I bought one for only $109 and it is great! Setup took less than 3 minutes, wireless browsing was available immediately and the USB port worked fine to share a drive across the network. Great stuff.