Connecting a tp link tl wr841n router. Setting up the TP-Link TL-WR841N router. TP-Link TL-WR841N - firmware

Wireless network technologies Today they are becoming increasingly popular, but it is no wonder. If ten years ago laptops were quite rare among ordinary users, and tablets were unheard of, today both are commonplace. The commonplace idea of ​​connecting to the network with wires is nonsense, because all their mobility is lost. Of course, if you move your laptop exclusively between your desk and the sofa, then you can still put up with the presence of an extra cable, but if you use it throughout the entire apartment, it’s already inconvenient to carry the cable with you, and wiring the network to all rooms is somewhat expensive and impractical.

Concerning small offices, then here too it is often much easier and cheaper to provide a wireless connection than to lay twisted pair cables and install switches. These things are successfully replaced by one multifunction device – Wi-Fi router. Previously, we already told you about the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND model, and today we’ll talk about.

TP-LINK is well known to everyone who deals with networks, both wired and wireless. The equipment produced by this company, as a rule, has quite affordable prices, but functionality not inferior to more expensive products from other companies.

Specifications TP-LINK TL-WR841N

The information presented in the table was collected based on the data provided on the manufacturer’s website, as well as on the actual capabilities of the WEB interface. In general, the capabilities of the router are quite extensive; almost everything that can be configured can be configured.

Package

The device is sold in glossy cardboard box, decorated in traditional TP-LINK white and green colors.

On the front side of the package there is a photograph of the router and a brief description of its key capabilities. Among them:

high performance;

work opportunity wireless channel at speeds up to 300 Mbit/s;

easy installation;

One-click encryption setup.

Below are the logos of the supported network standards and technologies used.

There are quite detailed specifications on the ends of the box, system requirements and installation diagram.

On the back you can find a typical connection diagram, images of devices that can connect to the router, as well as detailed description all ports on the rear panel.

Equipment

The delivery set contains everything necessary for full use of the device immediately after removing it from the box:

power adapter;

patch cord;

CD with documentation;

quick and extended installation guide;

warranty card.

Antennas, which are often found in a box, are in this case already installed on the router. In addition to printed materials containing installation and connection information, the packaging also contained several advertising brochures.

Router TP-LINK TL-WR841N

The body of the device is made of white matte plastic and has a rounded shape. Here and rounded corners, and smooth curves of the edges, and slightly curved top panel. This design makes the TP-LINK TL-WR841N stand out from many other routers that are ordinary rectangular boxes. But it is worth recognizing that there are much more effective solutions.

Along the perimeter of the front panel there are several grooves in which ventilation slots are hidden. The central part is accented with a black glossy stripe with an influx at the front edge. It contains indicators for power, device operation and wireless connection activity, indicators for connections to LAN ports and WAN port activity, as well as a WPS indicator.

This arrangement of indicators can be called successful. They are well readable desktop installation, and when mounting the device on a wall.

In the center of the front panel is the manufacturer's logo, applied in silver paint.

The bottom panel of the router is replete with ventilation slots. It also has four rubber feet for horizontal installation and two lugs for wall mounting. The sticker located in the middle informs about the model name, power adapter parameters, network settings default.

All ports and controls are concentrated on the rear edge. There are two antennas at the edges, and between them there is a power button, a socket for the power supply, WAN port, four LAN ports, a QSS button and a small recessed reset button.

In general, the router body is designed quite well, the indicators are easy to read, and all ports are easily accessible.

WEB interface

Configuration of TP-LINK TL-WR841N is carried out via the WEB interface. Despite its apparent complexity, it is quite easy to learn; all customizable options are described in detail on the right side of the screen.

The first page is “Status”. Here you can see the main parameters.

The next section is “Quick Setup”. It allows you to quickly configure basic parameters, what for home use may be enough. We are asked to select the WAN connection type, specify a login and password, and configure a wireless network.

Available in the "QSS" section quick setup demon wired network Quick Security Setup. After activating QSS, the mechanism for connecting wireless network clients is turned on, and channel encryption is set using an automatically generated password.

The “Network” section has three subsections. In "WAN" you can set the method for obtaining an IP address in external network dynamically via an external DHCP server or in manual mode, and also select the method of connecting via an encrypted channel with the communication provider via standards: PPPoE, L2TP, PPTP, BigPondCable, specify MTU, packet size, connection mode, etc.

In the “LAN” subsection you can manually set the IP address and subnet mask.

If the provider identifies by MAC address, the “MAC Clone” subsection will be useful.

In the “Wireless Settings” menu item of the “Wireless” section, you can select a wireless connection standard and set its name. You can select the point line channel number and enable/disable the wireless segment. You can also disable the broadcast SSID (network name and login options).

The “Wireless Security” submenu allows you to select an authorization method and set an encryption algorithm, in addition safe mode Data transfers can be turned off completely.

In the MAC address filtering subsection, you can create black and White list devices that are blocked or allowed to connect to your network. By default this filter is disabled.

Among the advanced settings wireless connection available to select packet size, enable WMM technology (transmission priority streaming video) etc.

There are also statistics on wireless connections.

The “DHCP” section contains DHCP server settings. Here you can reserve a pool of addresses and view information about clients.

The “Forwarding” section is useful for bypassing NAT protocol restrictions. In the “Virtual Servers” subsection you can set IP addresses local machines, to which they will be redirected specific ports from external connection. This allows you to implement any servers on machines local network, which will be open on the specified ports for external traffic and connections.

In the “Port Triggering” menu, you can configure override or substitution of packet direction ports.

In the “DMZ” item, you can specify the IP address of the local station, to which all packets arriving on any port of the router will go. Those. it will be the one that will have an IP address assigned to the WAN interface and will fully respond to requests from an external client.

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) technology allows all devices in the network environment to automatically discover each other.

Security settings include a standard firewall and blocking based on various attacks. It is possible to restrict access by MAC addresses. There are also settings for access from an external network to configure the device.

As you can see, the capabilities of the WEB interface are extensive; TP-LINK TL-WR841N can be configured very flexibly depending on the tasks assigned to it. But this statement is true for almost any wireless router TP-LINK, because the contents of their WEB interface are almost identical. If you open the review of TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND for comparison, you will immediately see the latter’s section for managing devices connected to the USB port. For the remaining points, you can try to find ten differences, and this is unlikely to succeed. In this regard, TP-LINK is pleased: the functionality is even available models almost completely coincides with the functionality of “top” solutions. In any case, this is true in terms of settings; as for speed capabilities, they still differ.

Testing

Let's move on to speed capabilities. Testing is carried out in ideal conditions, the distance between the router and the client is no more than two meters. This is due to the desire to reduce the impact of interference from various equipment on the results: mobile phones, microwave ovens etc. Also numerically measured throughput NAT interface, and for a visual comparison we measure the data transfer speed between the two LAN ports of the device.

Model TP-LINK TL-WR841N tested in our laboratory using network equipment ASUS RT-N66U and ASUS EA-N66 and Gigabit Ethernet Intel 82566MC.

Comparative testing of performance at a connection speed of 300 Mbit/s with line of sight at a distance of two meters using WPA2 encryption.

In both directions

Data flow from access point to client

Client data flow to access point

Comparative testing of the speed of packets passing through the LAN interface for another LAN client in both directions.

In both directions

Data flow in one direction

Comparative testing of the speed of packets passing through the NAT service of this router in both directions.

As you can see, the maximum average data transfer rate that was achieved by wireless interface, is 71 Mbit/s. This result can be called average, but in general it is typical for this class of devices. The speed of packets passing through the NAT interface is not much different from that between the two LAN ports and is close to the limit for them. Interestingly, in the graph of data transfer over a wired network in both directions, we see an average speed even higher than the stated 100 Mbit/s.

conclusions

The wireless router proved to be a well-balanced device. This is not a “top” model in the manufacturer’s line, so it lacks some functionality, for example, the Ethernet ports here operate at a speed of 100 Mbit/s. Wi-Fi specification IEEE 802.11n, like any modern router, is supported, but real speed data transmission over the wireless interface is far from the limit. But, again, this is true for all similar devices.

Once again, we are pleased with the competent implementation of the built-in WEB interface. Despite its apparent complexity, the router is actually quite simple to configure. A a large number of available options allows you to configure the device depending on the tasks assigned to it.

In the design of the case, I liked the well-placed indicators, which remain equally readable both when mounted on a tabletop or when mounted on a wall.

Choosing a router on the wireless network equipment market is quite simple. In most cases, buyers give preference to budget representatives who have a large selection of useful functions. But not every router owner is able to take advantage of a wide range of services. From this article the reader will learn how the TP-Link TL-WR841N is produced, because this particular model is considered the best computer market according to the “price-quality” criterion. Accordingly, users have the highest interest in this wireless device.

Preparing the computer and connecting

How to physically connect the router to a personal computer or laptop is written in the first chapter of the instructions supplied in the kit. As the professionals assure, all you need is a patch cable and the ability to distinguish colors. But on program level"make friends" TP-Link router TL-WR841N is not easy to use with a computer, especially in cases with individual settings networks from the provider. It's quite easy to check:

• connect the provider cable to the WAN connector (blue);
• connect one connector of the patchcord cable to network input computer (RJ-45), and the second - to any LAN port of the router (yellow).

If you have access to the Internet on your PC, then you can safely start setting up wireless device. Otherwise you will have to work with your hands. It is immediately recommended to prepare a ballpoint pen and a sheet of paper, and also find a provider agreement for Internet services (it specifies the settings of the network equipment).

Forced connection of PC to router

If TP-Link TL-WR841N is not possible due to the fact that the computer does not see the device, then owner intervention is required. After opening the “Computer Control Panel”, you need to select “Network and Sharing Center”. The item “Change adapter parameters” will lead the user to a list of all network devices existing on PC. The required interface will be highlighted yellow exclamation mark. You need to install it on it and press the right key of the manipulator. By selecting “Properties”, the user will be taken to the network component management menu. In the list you need to find the “TCP/IPv4” field, place the cursor on it and click the “Properties” button.

The manually entered parameters need to be copied onto a piece of paper: IP address, mask, gateway and DNS. After which you can safely set 2 selection buttons opposite the “Receive automatically” fields, click the “Ok” button, and close all working windows. It is worth noting that after such manipulations with the network settings, in the list of network devices, on the right adapter will disappear yellow indicator and the message “Connected without access to the Internet” will appear.

Launching the router control panel

Before you configure the TP-Link TL-WR841N, you need to run this. This is done in any browser (IE, Opera, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox). You must specify the router IP. By the way, network address router, login and password for authorization are written on a sticker that is attached to the bottom of the device. In most cases, the IP is “192.168.1.1”, and the default login and password are “admin”.

The connection procedure is quite simple, the main thing is not to rush, because all data must be entered only using English layout, and use the letters themselves only in lower case (not capitalized). A successful connection will be completed by the user going to the main window of the router control panel.

Internet connection

Fine tuning TP-Link router The TL-WR841N is not recommended by experts unless the device is connected to the Internet. If with access full order, then you can move on to the next section, but in other cases you will have to spend a few minutes entering network data. By default, the router offers to use the services after the first start virtual assistant, which, with the help of a couple of questions, will independently configure the network. There is no need to refuse, because intelligent system can save a lot of time.

The setup is simple: if you have registered it in your computer static address, then you need to select the appropriate parameter and register the IP, mask, gateway and DNS. Otherwise, you need to use the data from the contract in which the provider indicated own settings to connect to the Internet. After entering the data, you must save the information and confirm the reboot of the device. After 15-30 seconds, access to the Internet should appear.

Alternative option with provider settings

All domestic providers that use their own settings create specialized firmware that is compatible with most equipment on the market. This was done primarily for the convenience of users, because download software and installing it on the router is much more convenient than entering data manually. You can find the firmware for the TP-Link TL-WR841N router on the provider’s official website.

Having saved the file on your computer, you need to unzip it and place it on any disk (it is advisable that the storage folder have an English name). By going to the router control panel, you need to select “System Tools”. In the “Firmware” field, you need to specify the path to the unpacked file and click the “Burn” button. It is not recommended to interrupt the operation, as this may damage the device. After flashing the firmware, the router will reboot on its own.

Trouble Waiting

By installing the provider's firmware, you can lose access rights to the control panel of the TP-Link TL-WR841N router. Negative reviews are often found on this issue in the media. mass media. Change standard passwords providers are very fond of providing parallel services mobile communications. Here it is up to the user to decide what to do correctly - configure the router yourself, entrust management of the router to the provider, or change the Internet service provider altogether.

The second trouble that can await the owner is the creation of public logins and passwords for both router management and wireless networks. After all, the installation of TP-Link TL-WR841N is carried out by thousands of users, who theoretically can have the same provider. Same firmware - same settings and passwords. Accordingly, the owner should take care of safety.

Simplicity and convenience

Regarding the settings of wireless connections with the TP-Link TL-WR841N router, reviews in the media are only positive:

• the control panel is Russified;
• in the right area of ​​the screen, opposite each menu item there is a detailed description in Russian;
• the setup is convenient, since all the necessary items are collected in one menu, and not scattered across different categories;
• It is possible to save configuration files on local computer, which is quite convenient when using the router in several places.

You don't have to be an IT guru to set up Wi-Fi network. First you need to decide on the type of encryption. The default is WPA Personal/WPA2 if the router is used at home. All that remains is to set the access password and visible name Wi-Fi network and you can safely save the settings, reboot the equipment and get on with your business.

Finally

As practice shows, setting up the TP-Link TL-WR841N router does not contain any pitfalls. Eat detailed instructions, supplied in the kit, which describes physical connection devices with the provider and personal computer. If, after connecting the equipment with a cable, the Internet does not appear, you need to use this article or contact your provider. Set it up wireless connection and other equipment functionality will be helped by the same instructions and many tips that abound in the router’s control panel.

Score 4

Advantages: The speed on the wafer is the provider’s (90-95 Mbit), it’s easy to set up, you don’t have to deal with the torrent load.

Disadvantages: Not suitable for networks with a VPN connection. When using iptv it freezes once every couple of days (can be cured by rebooting)

Comment: I installed about fifty of these routers in different networks. It holds all connections and does not fall under load. This router is an excellent choice for networks with connection types DHCP, Static IP, PPPOE. Difficulties may arise with VPN-type connections. In L2TP you cannot register IPsec, in PPTP you cannot enable MPPE (on native firmware, on ddvrt you can, but it will significantly slow down the connection speed). Now about IPTV. Suitable for wired IPTV use, but will freeze every couple of days. For Wi-Fi IPTV is suitable for SD channels, everything in HD starts to scatter the picture (tested on several DUNE HD models). The power of the antennas is average, I didn’t see anything outstanding, it’s suitable for a two-room apartment, but I wouldn’t put it in a three-room apartment. The speed remains normal, 100 MB with a normal receiver it will be easy. From the conclusions: An excellent router for a small apartment, it performs its functions with a bang, if you need a VPN network and/or you need IPTV via wafer, take a closer look at the 842 model, there are more settings and it holds the IPTV load much better.

Beglarian Gosha May 23, 2014, St. Petersburg

Rating 5

Advantages: Convenient setup, Not bad signal, the speed is high. Pulls 5 different devices, at different ends of the house, no problem.

Disadvantages: Sometimes after turning on it does not immediately see the network.

Comment: I bought it under New Year. Connected quickly, perfect speed, ping before speed test 29-35, connected LG TV with SMART TV, iPhone4, Samsung Galaxy Ace, Asus laptop and a PC is connected through the 1st port. It has been working for more than a month, the TV is located in the opposite part of the apartment. But it works great. It even pulls at the entrance to the entrance, and this is on the opposite wall of the house, it’s worth considering that I live on the 2nd floor. I will update the review as I use it.

Pershin Nikolay February 01, 2014, Nizhny Novgorod \Using experience: several months

Rating 5

Advantages: price

Disadvantages: cuts speed in the upward direction (Upload)

Comment: from wifi problems there wasn’t, it gives quite reliable reception in the apartment (50 m2), the neighbor below also connects without problems. At the same time, there are no problems when connecting any devices: 2 laptops, a tablet, 2 mobile phones - there have never been any problems.
[no problems now - see below]
Problems with the fact that the speed is reduced upwards (via WAN). Connection 40Mbps. for uploading it consistently gives these 40, for uploading - the pipe, even uploading a 1MB image to email is a problem. At the same time, having connected the computer directly without a router, I received my 40 Mbit/s in both directions. it feels like there's a problem with Ethernet controller: by kicking the router, sometimes it is possible to switch it to 10 Mbit/s mode for Ethernet - then 10 will appear both up and down.
As a result, I buy Kinetic...

P.S. the problem resolved itself - everything is OK with the router. Just in case, I decided to re-crimp the cable - it turned out that the cable was crimped poorly when laying the line into the apartment. like this...

Rating 5

Pros: Reliable
Lots of settings
A little warm
Probably the cheapest

Disadvantages: Didn't find any

Comment: In terms of price-quality ratio, it can’t be better, DLNA, WI-FI, everything works at the same time, I REALLY enjoyed using it, not a single comment about the work. I’ve been using it for a month, everything is fine, it doesn’t freeze, the speed is the same as with a direct (plug into the computer) connection. Of course I recommend!!!

Pichugin Alexey August 04, 2013, Yaroslavl \Using experience: several months

Rating 5

Pros: Quality of work.
Of course the price (750 rubles).
On/off toggle switch for wi-fi (when you are not using the network, you can turn it off, and there is less radiation for the body, and you do not interfere with neighbors’ networks).
Antenna range.

Disadvantages: As a nitpick - non-removable antennas (for some this might be a disadvantage, but it doesn’t matter to me).
I couldn’t find any more for that kind of money))

Comment: Now to the point. The device was purchased 3 days ago. Immediately after purchase, I uploaded the latest firmware (on current date) 3.14.19 Build 130122 Rel.43330n, from the official website.
Router v8.3, Beeline provider, L2TP, speed 40/80 (day/night).
I don't use IPTV.
The settings took about 10-15 minutes. I entered my logins and passwords, cloned the MAC and everything worked right away. The interface is completely in Russian, with detailed explanations for each item for beginners. Everything is on a green background, pleasing to the eyes. Feature: the most correct setting would be through IE (this is true), this is the browser recommended by the manufacturer.
In the air the speed does not cut. Everything is according to the tariff (of course, in the direct line of sight of the router, i.e. in the same room with it, through 2 walls the speed will naturally be lower - physics is physics).
The antenna power was set to average - the signal throughout the entire apartment was at least 2 bars out of 4. The standard is only N - there are simply no other adapters at home.
I connect 2 smartphones, 1 tablet and a player via Wi-Fi at the same time - no one feels any discomfort. The router is a little warm. We don't indulge in torrents.
Conclusion - as a workhorse for ordinary needs such as online video and web surfing, it’s just right. I simply didn’t check it in other conditions because there was no need.

Tretyakova Anastasia June 11, 2013, Ekaterinburg \Using experience: less than a month

Rating 5

Advantages: 1. Very inexpensive
2. Interface in Russian (after flashing)
3. Doesn’t slow down the speed (even with a VPN connection, the speed easily reaches 85 megabits), I compare it with DIR-615
4. Has wifi signal strength setting
5. Allows you to quickly configure the issuance of specific IP addresses with DHCP by mac address
6. Has the function of accessing settings from the Internet
7. If necessary, allows you to control the channel width for each user
8. The light bulbs are not halogen; their blinking does not disturb sleep at night (which cannot be said about DIR-615)

Disadvantages: 1. Cannot automatically check/install firmware updates
2. Does not have a "port forwarding" system... you can of course use " virtual servers" or DMZ, but this does not give desired effect(you can specify a range, but you cannot specify a collection of ranges and individual ports separated by commas)
3. There is no built-in detection function correct size MTU, but due to an incorrect MTU values, issued by default, with my provider initially all owners of such routers have problems
4. It is impossible (or very difficult) to determine whether the VPN connection is working by the lights on the router (on the DIR-615, when the VPN connection was lost, the orange light was on instead of the green one)

Comment: A very decent router for the price of 700 rubles. I don't know if it's true old router I was losing packets somewhere, which caused the session to be torn in online games, but with this router, such strangeness seems to no longer exist.

Rating 5

Pros: Great router! Easy to set up, has everything you need for home network functional. There is no need to change the firmware, and the standard one can be updated in two clicks. WITH wireless network there were no problems. Not a single glitch the entire time. There are no problems when downloading torrents at ~10 MB/s.
Externally nice, fits perfectly into the design.
And it’s inexpensive, which is the most important thing.

Disadvantages: There are none.
It’s even strange: this is the first device about which I have absolutely no complaints.