X-bit labs

Started by: JFish222 | Date 07/05/07

Comments: 5 | Last Comment:  03/08/08

[1-5]

1. I am curious as to the maximum number of Wan/TCP/UDP connections the unit can handle. For example, most DLink routers crash around 200, Linksys routers can handle much higher numbers but begin to slow after a point.

I would also like to see if this router has rebooting problems when handling a large number of connections. This is very common when running emule / the edonkey network. Worth special consideration: Router reboots are a known problem on Dlink products, which also use Agere chipsets.

In order to test this, use the default settings, run a search on a popular file and select a couple of entries to download. As connections are made to each source to add the client to the server queue the router may be over whelmed. Decreasing the maximum number of active connections to bellow 200, and the max connections per second have been known to help on some units (though again this does not always help on some DLink models).

2. I have not used thier routers but I do use the TL-WA501G access points. I have to say the first ones I used the programming was simple and very straight forward. A snap to get set up and in service. I have two set up as AP's at a hotel that is of mid size. From the front to the back and side to side is 300 feet. These two combined with two of the TP-WA501G's in repeat mode have got this place covered well. Due to a freak thunder storm where it was blowing so hard it rained sideways, I had to replace one of the repeaters. I noticed right off the programming had some major improvements. Now it has more options making the unit even more flexible in how it's set up. It took a little experimenting with the settings to get it how I wanted it but time well spent.
And as for the price, well Linksys must be in love with thier Range Extenders cause for $99.00usd I can't see using them. For the same amount of money you can get two of the TL-WA501G's.
Easy to program, robust signal, and pretty rugged for out door use, you just can't beat this product. And no I don't work for TP-Link. I'm the poor smuck that installed the wifi for the company that owns the hotel I mentioned.
Permission is granted to use this review provided the link to my forum remains intact with it. www.computervitals.com

3. I read your comments with interest.

In China these units RETAIL for the equivalent of GBP8.95, so someone is making a stiff profit somewhere.

Your comments about the interboard wiring is not applicable as ordinary users will not be removing the cases and the method of terminating the cables by solder is a common practice in many electronic units manufactured both in North America and Europe, as well as the Far East. This method will suffice for the limited number of times a unit may require opening for service.

You further commented on the design being based on a manufacturers Application Note. This, to my mind, is good, for instead of trying something new TP-Link uses conservative designs recommended by the chip manufacturers. A wise decision.

Given that TP-Link is banging out around 50-million products a year and occupies the market leader position in the China market they must be doing something right!

I have employed a string of 542 units for a repeater link from the small town my office is located in, in the Central Highlands of VietNam, to my home which is a little bit out in the country.

There have been zero failures so far, notwithstanding the units are simply placed in a plastic box, together with a battery and a small solar cell array for power and mounted on simple poles. Antennae are two 14dB Yagi with opposing polarisation.

I found that upgrading the firmware was a peace of cake and even though, on a couple of occasions, the browser timed out and interrupted the firmware upload - re-starting the process was simple and there were no ill effects sustained.

The software options are good and provide a variety of operating configurations.

I have since employed the 641/642 models in 61 hotels in VietNam and have found that the TP-Link Extended range has effected economies as not so many units are required for the average 16-room hotel installation as was the case using D-Link equipment.

All in all I believe that TP-Link equipment is excellent value for money and the reliability is high, too.

4. i have tp-link tl-wr624g i ned stiing thes one how placei

5. I only saw this article after I have had the router for about a week. Right now I can agree with everything said here and only add that it is truly very stable and reliable indeed. It cost me only about 27 E, and I have experienced DRAMATIC improvement from my old and @#$%^&^@#$@ D-Link 514.

[1-5]