One of the routers I expected to test is TP-LINK TL-MR3420. Interest primarily is associated with regular use of 3G / 4G modems of Russian cellular operators. Having decided to move away from urban noise, bustle and faceless high-rise buildings, with all the advantages of life in your house I received and minus in the form of a lack of opportunity to connect to the cable operator.

This material is a continuation of familiarity with the company's products, you have previously been able to familiarize yourself with TP-Link TL-WR2543ND, and TP-Link TL-SC4171G.
The use and advantage at home router for distribution 3G / 4G is obvious, this is a versatility in finding the optimal location of the modem, an interference exception and, of course, distribution to several devices immediately. Two years ago, I began to use the solution - Zyxel Keentic 4G, this router is used until today for the organization of the home network. TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Invoiced in turn, more good characteristics at a cost less than almost twice. What can he in practice, let's look at the results of the extended test below.

Availability TP-LINK TL-MR3420

At the time of writing material, the average cost on TP-LINK TL-MR3420 According to Yandex.Market is 1190 rubles. The price is attractive taking into account the fact that the prices of the model provided by operators for distribution of the Wi-Fi mobile Internet are higher.

From competitive solutions, you can note the models: Zyxel Keenetic 4G (1920 rubles), UPVEL UR-344AN4G (1120 rubles), Huawei AF23 (1631 ruble). Judging by current proposals in the Russian market, TP-LINK TL-MR3420 - This is the most affordable Wi-Fi-router with support for 3G / 4G.

Characteristics TP-LINK TL-MR3420

Technologies TP-LINK TL-MR3420

4G / 3G modems - Compatibility with most available modems of Russian cellular operators.

Switching 3G / 4G and WAN - Automatic switching active connection to the Internet, depending on the availability of problems on the channel.

802.11n. - Provides data transfer rate up to 300 Mbps.

Encryption - Support 64/128-bit WEP, WPA / WPA2 and WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK encryption

WPS. - Fast protection of the wireless network with one click.

WDS - Work in a wireless bridge mode.

Parental control Allows parents or administrators to restrict access for children or personnel.

Complete set TP-LINK TL-MR3420

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Comes in the traditional packaging for the company, the main colors are white and green.

On the faces of the package, information about the technical characteristics and the photo of the device is posted.

On the side face there is a list of compatible 3G / 4G modems. It is worth considering that the list is updated with the firmware update.

Inside the package besides TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Two removable antennas, a power supply, a cable patch cord and a set of brochures, instructions and manufacturer's warranty are found.

There is everything you need to start work. The only thing that is not enough - the USB-Host extension cable for fastening the modem is remote from the router. This approach allows you to make the possibility of installing the modem to be more widely, it can be the installation of a glass modem, this will reduce interference from the router itself, as well as improve the level of signal reception.

Design TP-LINK TL-MR3420

Considered TP-LINK TL-MR3420 - The second version of this model. The manufacturer has updated the appearance, added 4G support, partially updated iron.

Externally, the router has become more stylish thanks to smooth forms.

The size of the device is compact, the main material of the housing is white plastic.

The lower part of the router is made of matte gray plastic.

In the place of the joint of two parts there are slots for heat removal during operation.

On the front side TP-LINK TL-MR3420 There is a gray plastic insert. It contains a number of LEDs with green backlight.

These are power indicators, network status, connections activity, modem activity, QSS mode.

On the bottom surface there is an information sticker. It housed the serial number, the MAC address, IP address and data for authorization to the web interface.

There are also two T-shaped cuts for mounting on the wall. In a set of self-sighs.

An antenna, ports 1 XWAN and 4 XLAN ports, power socket, WPS and inclusion can be displayed on the back wall.

USB 2.0 port for connecting modems is removed on the side face. Next to the recessed button resetting the settings.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 filling

For us, internal content is often much more interesting than the appearance. Let's see what is hidden inside TP-LINK TL-MR3420. Broad of two halves are fastened with two screws.

The basis of the router is the fee built on the chip ATHEROS AR9341. (AR7241 was used in the first version).

Low heat dissipation of this chip made it possible to get rid of the cooling radiator. And also improved the performance of the router in general. ATHEROS AR9341 includes 500 MHz processor (against 400 in the past assembly) and interfaces, including USB 2.0 with support for external 3G / 4G modems.

The budget value of the model was reflected in the absence of shielding on chips, although in general it is worth noting that at home this is not critical.

RAM is implemented using Zentel A3S56D40FTP, Available 32 MB of RAM.

Flash memory is implemented using the SPANSION chip, 4MB is available.

There is no complaints to the quality of the soldering, made everything neatly and thoughtfully.

Soft TP-LINK TL-MR3420

Web interface management TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Outwardly similar to the previously tested devices, the manufacturer adheres to a single design standard, only a set of functional setting changes.

Main page with general information on the status of the device operation, the status of connections and the volume of transmitted data are displayed.

When you first log, the quick setup wizard offers to configure the system configuration.

The user can independently set the priority of WAN and 3G / 4G 4G networks. You can use the second channel as a backup when the main fall.

One of the main features is, of course, setting up a modem. She simplified, understand it easy. The modem is recognized automatically. All settings and parameters of the operator operator are already driven into the firmware.

Also, among other things, you can configure the local network, prescribing the IP address of the router, change the subnet mask.

Supported operation in the Wi-Fi 802.11b / G / N networks. You can choose both mixed mode and defined. Here you can also change the SSID access points.

Additionally, a simple firewall is available to security features. You can set the access list, as well as a black list of devices. Of the interesting, I can note the presence of a function of changing the width of the channel, you can change the incoming and outgoing speed. And of course, another number of functions already considered by us earlier in other TP-LINK models.

Testing TP-LINK TL-MR3420

As a test configuration, a working machine is protruding from the following components:

Model	Data
Housing	AEROCOOL STRIKE-X Air
Motherboard	ASUS P8Z77-M, Z77, Socket 1155, DDR3, MATX
CPU	Intel Core i5-3470, LGA1155
Cooler for processor	DeepCool Ice Blade Pro V2.0
RAM	GEIL EVO VELOCE DDR3-2400 FROST WHITE 16 GB KIT CL11
Video card	Palit GeForce GTX 670 JetStream 2 GB
HDD	ADATA XPG SX900 256 GB
Hard disk 2.	TP-LINK TL-MR3420. When connecting both modem problems with compatibility, it is not selected, both models have been determined correctly. According to speed measurements using Speedtest, speeding speed is not selected. Transmission data obtained using iPerf (LAN - LAN \u003d 92 MBIT / C; LAN -Wlan \u003d 51 Mbps; WLAN - LAN \u003d 73 Mbps). The copy speed of the file was on average 64 Mbps. These are similar to the synthetic load obtained during the synthetic load. Next, we test the attenuation of the signal depending on the remoteness: (Direct visibility of 7 meters - -49 dB; Two walls of wood - -58 dB; two concrete floors - -72 dB). The quality of the connection is good. When transmitting data through concrete floors, the speed fell by approximately twice as compared to the transmission within the same room. And despite the reduction of data transfer rates, the compound remained stable. In a few days of use TP-LINK TL-MR3420 No serious problems and freezes are noticed. Video Reviews TP-LINK TL-MR3420 TP-LINK TL-MR3420 results TP-LINK TL-MR3420 You can call the acceptable and most affordable solution for organizing a home network with mobile Internet support. Explicit advantages are cost, good filling, easy settings, good characteristics, stable operation. Of the minuses, you can mark outdated LAN ports (Ideally, I would like to see gigabit, like in expensive models), as well as the lack of a USB extension in the kit. Its value in 1000 rubles TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Works out with a margin. The model receives a well-deserved award - "Hit.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 router is a 3G / 4G network support router with data transmission speed up to 300 Mbps.

TP LINK TL MR3420 router characteristics

The technical characteristics of this model relative to its low price - the recommended cost of the router of only 1600 rubles is worthy of praise.

Details with the characteristics of the TP LINK TL MR3420 model can be found in the following illustrations:

In addition, the TL-MR3420 router is compatible with LTE / HSPA + / HSUPA / HSDPA / UMTS / EVDO USB modems, which is at the present internet mobility time - a huge plus. A complete list of supported modems is presented in the following illustrations:

Brief overview of the router TP LINK TL MR3420

The TL-MR3420 router is equipped with 2 receiving / signal transmission antennas.

On the front side of the housing there is an indicator panel that consists of 10 elements:

• "Food";
• "System" - an inactive indicator indicates a possible system failure;
• "WLAN" - when flashing the indicator, the function of the wireless data transmission is active;
• "WAN" and "LAN 1-4" - when flashing the indicator, the device is connected to the port, active at the moment;
• "USB" - if the "burns" indicator, then the USB modem is connected, but is inactive if the data is blinking - data transmission is carried out;
• "WPS" - informs about the status of connecting devices to a wireless network using. After a successful connection within 5 minutes the indicator will go out.

On the rear panel there are connectors and ports for connecting external devices:

• "POWER" - to connect the power supply;
• "ON / OFF" - a button for switching on / off (reloading) of the mahruutizer;
• "LAN 4-1" - ports for connecting network devices;
• "WAN" - port for connecting to the Internet line;
• "WPS / Reset" is a button to activate "WPS" (just click) and reset the settings to the factory (press and retain more than 5 seconds).

On the side panel of the router are:

• "WiFi" button;
• USB port - to connect USB modems.

How to connect the TP LINK TL MR3420 router?

Before starting to install and connect the router, make sure that it meets the necessary requirements for the correct operation of the equipment:

• in the immediate vicinity of the router there should be no heating elements;
• maximum possible electromagnetic interference should be minimized;
• air humidity within 10% ~ 90%.

If the requirements are executed, then:

• install the router in the selected location until connecting it to the power grid;
• connect the provider cable to it (WAN port) or USB modem and computer (port "LAN");
• turn on the router to the network and press the "ON / OFF" button.

For further adjustment of the router follows.

How to configure an Internet connection?

To enter the TL-MR3420 web interface, use the address 192.168.0.1, which you want to enter any Internet browser in the address bar (default and login and password will be "admin").

To configure the Internet connection, authorization data specified by the provider in the contract for providing Internet access is required.

Web interface consists of 15 major sections.

To create a new connection, open the "Network" next menu "Internet access" and select here one of the options:

• "Only 3G / 4G";
• "Preferably 3G / 4G";
• "Preferably WAN";
• "WAN only."

Depending on the specified connection type, select one of the menu items "3G / 4G" or "WAN":

"3G / 4G"

• when successfully connecting and defining a USB modem in the first line, "successfully defined" will appear;
  Next, select the region and service provider;
• select one of the three connection modes;
• "Authentication Type" Select "AUTO" (if the operator does not require "PAP" or "CHAP").

Now click on the "Advanced Settings" button

• if the dial number is known, APN, username and password - specify them in the same fields;
• if necessary, you can specify the preferred "DNS" server.

If the modem has not been determined, then you will need to download the file with the extension. BIN (you can find it on the site http://www.tp-link.com in the section "Support").

Click "Overview", select the downloaded file and click "Download".

After that restart the router and check the modem definition status.

"WAN"

In the first line "Connection Type", select one of the options according to the contract with the provider:

"Dynamic IP"

Static IP Address

Here you will need to specify the "IP address", the "subnet mask" and "main gateway".

"PPPOE / PPPoe Russia"

Specify the "username" and twice the "password".

If you can enjoy "Dual Access", select "Dynamic IP" or "Statistical IP". Specify one of the connectivity options (by default, "Connect automatically").

To select preferred "DNS" servers, click "Advanced Settings" and enter the necessary addresses.

"Bigpond cable"

In addition to the username and password, specify "authentication server" and "Domain of authentication".

"L2TP / L2TP Russia" or "PPTP / PPTP Russia"

WiFi Setup on TP Link MR3420 Router

To configure the wireless network, open the "Wireless Mode" section and specify the "Wireless Network Name" (the remaining parameters can be left by default).

Go to the "Protection of Wireless Mode" menu

and select one of the proposed protection modes:

1 "WEP" - you will need to fill in the "key" string.

2 "WPA WPA2 - Enterprise" - specify the "RADIUS IP address" and "RADIUS server password".

3 "WPA-Personal / Wpa2-Personal" - enter the password to the same string.

Setup IPTV.

Configuring the running of the router with a TV console is carried out in the "IPTV:

• "Automatically" - using "IGMP Proxy", LAN ports work unchanged, which provides access to view through a wireless and wired connection;
• "Bridge" - you will need to specify the port number to which the TV prefix is \u200b\u200bconnected;
• "802.1Q TAG VLAN" - specify "VLAN TAG ID" and adjust the port grouping (if required by the service provider).

Additional features of the router

As additional features it is worth considering the "WDS" setting, i.e. Turning "TL-MR3420" in:

• to enable this feature, you must check the checkbox in the WDS string in the "Wireless Settings" section;
• specify the "SSID" - it is the name of the access point ,;
• "BSSID" is (or just click on the "Search" button and select Access Point from the list);
• select "key type" and enter the password by analogy with an existing access point.

Summing up some outcome, it is worth saying that "TL-MR3420" is a good, high-quality router to create a home network with a simple intuitive interface and decent technical characteristics.

In the modern world, the use of a home router is ordinary and convenient. Universal location and minimum occupied space make them indispensable in public Internet, especially if necessary, use the network on multiple devices simultaneously.

However, there is one small difficulty. After purchasing the device, it is not always convenient to hire a professional for its configuration. Below, the above material will tell you how to set up TP-LINK TL-MR3420 yourself, as well as about its characteristics.

Characteristics

Before you configure the TP-LINK router TL-MR3420 models, read its characteristics.

This router is available at a budget price and has all the advantages of modern routers. With a speed of up to 300 MB / C, you can fully comfortably view movies in the maximum resolution, download large files to several gigabytes. At the same time, the mobile Internet will also be always at hand. For those who need more specific numbers, the table will be below.

Description of the device

Router looks stylish thanks to smooth forms. The main material of the housing is white plastic. The lower part of the router is made of matte gray plastic. LEDs on the front side standard, with green illumination. On the bottom surface there are two T-shaped cuts for mounting on the wall.

In the box with the device are attached: switching cord, software CD, power supply, 2 removable Wi-Fi antennas.

TP LINK TL MR3420 has five ports that are located on the back side, 4 lan-port and 1 van port, the reset button and the power connector.

And the USB port, to connect a USB mode.

Technical equipment

The device operates at the ATHEROS AR7241 series chip, as well as on the central processor with a capacity of 400-megahertz. There is a cooling system. The microcircuit of the company of the same name belongs to the fourth generation of XPAN, includes two radio paint.

Setting

Let us turn to the detailed instructions for setting up the device:

1. Service provider cable Set to the "Internet" port.
   
2. Connect two antennas.
   
3. Connect the power supply to the device and network.
4. Enable the router with the "POWER" button and wait a few seconds.
5. Open any browser convenient for you and independently drive the address 192.168.0.1
6. Enter the word "admin" and "password" graphs "Admin", as shown in the screenshot.
7. This item may need firmware update. Look at the label hardware version of the equipment, and then read the firmware version. This information will appear when you enter your username and password. In case the version is obsolete, on the official website of the TP-Link, you need to download the latest firmware version. Then open the "System Tools" on the router page and go to "Update the built-in software", and open the desired file previously saved on the computer.
   Video with detailed instructions how to flash router:
   
8. Tab "Network" - go to "Internet access". Choose the item - "only WAN". Do not forget to click "Save".
   
9. Go to the "WAN" tab. In the Count "Connection Type", set the value corresponding to yours. It can be clarified on the official website of the provider or in your contract. It can be a dynamic IP address, static IP address, L2TP, PPTP or PPPOE. For the first three types, the remaining items are not required to fill out, you will need to enter a login and password from the contract, and the PPTP connection will require an indication of the IP address, the DNS server addresses, the subnet gateway, and the subnet mask, as written in the contract.
   
10. Go to the "Wireless Mode" tab. In the "Name Name" column, we enter the name you enjoy. It is it that you will see in the available connections via the Wi-Fi network.
    
    The "Wireless Protection" tab allows us to come up with a password. Take care to be reliable. But first select the WPA2 / PSK version.
11. You can clone your MAC address. This is useful in changing network equipment not to call and save your time. Just go to the "Cloning MAC Address" tab, click the same button and save.
    

On this, the main setting of your router is complete. Detailed setting is better not to do and call a specialist.

Changing the factory password

In order to protect your internet connection, namely, protect your settings from other users, it is worth changing the standard password.

• We open the tab - "System Tools", go to the "Password" tab.
• In the "previous" field name fields and password enter "Admin".
• In the "New" name of the user, enter any name you like.
• Change the "new" password at your discretion: try to choose something easily memorable, but at the same time complex for the selection.
• In confirmation, duplicate your password.

Attention: If you forget a new password, to return to this menu you will need to reset the router to the factory settings.

Checking performance

When you are already familiar with how to configure your router, you should check its functioning. Here is the easiest way to analyze the wireless network on your personal computer or laptop:

1. Enter the "Network Management Center", right-click on the monitor icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
2. In the menu that opens, select the network you created and connect, entering the invented password.
3. Then open the browser and go to the page of any authoritative search engine (they have the minimum probability of servers failure). If the search engine opened - everything works.

Conclusion

For a total mass of feedback on the MR3420 model, it can be concluded that this is the most acceptable and affordable option for the home wireless network with the support of the mobile Internet.

The advantages of this model are the cost, pleasant characteristics and ease of configuration. The model also guarantees stable operation, which will allow you to continuously enjoy your Wi-Fi connection. The only minus can be the lack of a USB extension card in the kit: you should remember this feature and buy it immediately, if there is a need.

Additional video on the TP-LINK TL-MR3420 router settings:

We hope that the router setting has passed for you as easily and painlessly, enjoy the Internet surfing.

To begin with, consider a general connection type:

1 Connect the Ethernet Cable Provider (if you use WAN connection)

2 Connect the computer / laptop to the port to any LAN port (them 4) using an Ethernet cable (it comes in the kit).

3 Connect the 3G / 4G modem (if you use 3G / 4G connection).

4 Connect the power adapter in the TL-MR3420 router connector.

5 Press the ON / OFF button to turn on the TP-LINK MR3220 router.

Indicator - nutrition
Does not burn
TP-LINK MR3420 is turned off.
Burning
Power included.

Indicator - System

Burning
The router is loaded.
Flashing
Router in operating mode.
Does not burn
The presence of a system error

Indicator Wireless Wi-Fi Network
Does not burn
Wi-Fi network is turned off.
Burning
The Wi-Fi network is turned on.

WAN, LAN ports 1-4 Connecting to network connectors
Does not burn
The cable is not connected to the corresponding Internet center connector, or the network connection is not installed.
Light or flashes
Network connection is established, information is transferred.

USB port indicator

Burning
3G / 4G USB modem is connected, but data transmission is not performed.
Flashing
Through 3G / 4G modem information is transmitted.
Does not burn
3G / 4G USB modem is not connected.

Indicator- WPS.
Slow flashes
The wireless device is connected to the network. This process will take about 2 minutes.
Burning
The wireless device was successfully added to the network.
Quickly flashes
The device was not connected to the network.
Does not burn
The WPS function is disabled.

In order to configure TL-MR3420, you need to change network settings on the computer / laptop automatic receipt of network settings . After that, on the computer / laptop, open any browser (IE, Chrome, Firefox, Opera) and enter the address of the router in the address bar 192.168.0.1 . Next, you need to enter a login and password, by default login- admin, password- admin.

TP-LINK MR3420 firmware update.

For a more stable and secure operation of the TP-LINK MR3420 router, the first thing is necessary to update the firmware. To do this, we see the version of the equipment and the version of the installed firmware in the state window.

After that, on the computer / laptop having access to the Internet go to the site TP-LINK. Select the version of the equipment (in this example v2) and download the last firmware for it.

Attention!!! Download the firmware you need for your hardware version. Incorrectly selected firmware can damage your device.

Unzip the downloaded archive. As a result, you must have a folder with the file expansion. .bin..

Then on the web interface of the router go "System Tools" - "Updating Built-in By". Next Press the button "Overview", Select the folder with the downloaded firmware archive and click "Refresh".

Attention!!! During the firmware update, you should not turn off the router or computer / laptop, as this can output the network device.

In a confirming window, click "OK".

While updating the firmware TP-LINK TL-MR3420, Rotter will reboot. After downloading in the Layer window, you will see a new firmware version.

Configuring the Internet on the TP-LINK TL-MR3420 router.

After updating the firmware, you can start configuring the Internet. To do this, on the web interface in the menu, select "Network" - "Internet access". Next you need to determine what of the 4 modes you will use. Choose which mode you fits and click "Save".

If the mode you selected implies the presence of a 3G / 4G modem, you must go to the menu "Network" - "3G / 4G". Choose a region and a mobile Internet service provider. Do not forget to click " Save".

Then, if you use an Ethernet connection, go to the menu. "Network" - "WAN" In the WAN Connection Type line, select the connection type, it can be clarified by the provider, then if necessary, enter the login and password data by the provider. At the end of the settings, click "Save".

Setting up a Wi-Fi network on the TP-LINK MR3420 router.

The next step can be proceedable to configure Wi-Fi on the TL-MR3420 router. It costs to notice that the default Wi-Fi network is configured and login and password from it you can detect on the sticker on the router.

If you want to change the network name (SSID) or password, you must go to the web interface, select "Wireless Mode" - "Configuring Wireless Mode".. if you want to get a more stable Wi-Fi network, I recommend to determine the free channel and specify it in the channel "channel", in more detail how to do this in the article How to select / Change Wireless Channel on Router / Router . Save the changes.

What to change the password from the Wi-Fi network go to "Wireless Mode" - "Protection of Wireless Mode". For the most secure use of Wi-Fi network authentication type I recommend choose WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK. Next in the PSK password line, enter the password to connect to the Wi-Fi network. I recommend using a complex password-not less than 8 characters with letters, numbers and specials. signs (! # $). Save the settings.

Due to the high speed (300 mbit / c) TP LINK TL data transmission, it allows you to successfully watch high-resolution films via WiFi connection on the local network. The router is compatible with YUSB modems. The TL MR3420 router can provide sharing the mobile Internet using the Wi-Fi network.

Below, the presented material is an instruction on setting up the TP Link router using each TL MR3420 owner by the Wireless Internet Access Point of Mobile Internet.

Description of the device TP Link TL MR3420

Despite the budget value of TP Link TL MR3420 has a significant functionality and signal power. It is equipped with standard five ports, as well as a USB, through which 4G / 3G modem can be connected or a flash drive.

In addition to the router itself in the box, the user will find: patch cord, CD with software, two antennas and power supply.

A back of the device is located 5 ordinary ports (1 - Internet and 4 - LAN), power connector, as well as the reset key to the factory settings.

Side is a SB connector.

Setting

You must perform the following sequence of actions:

After the completion of the procedure, you need to immediately begin to configure the wi fi connection. To do this, do the following steps:

Settings to change the factory password

In order to secure the user and its information data, it is recommended to change the access code to the router settings, since the default "admin" is no longer a secret.

To adjust the entry password in the TL MR3420 settings, you will need to make several following actions:

Check functioning

Now the TP LINK TL MR3420 router is connected and configured. Next, to analyze the wireless network in a computer or laptop (the main thing is to have a good wireless adapter) to perform the following sequential steps:

1. Log in to the "center of UPR.set";
2. Then, in the displayed window, click on the created network and connect. It will be necessary to remember and enter the user-invented by recently a complex access code;
3. After that, close the open menu and open the browser;
4. In case of proper and attentive execution of all items of the above, the user will be available to the implementation of long-awaited Internet surfing.

Conclusion

In accordance with numerous positive reviews of users of the TP LINK TL MR3420, the TP LINK TL MR3420 brand name can be made the main conclusion about the excellent functioning of the device. Mainly, in negative reviews, complaints about the glossy coating of the device, i.e., at the view of the experts, the router almost does not have functional flaws, except for the outer cover.

It should be noted the big advantage over similar models in terms of the relatively low cost of the router, which rarely exceed $ 40.

Usually, such devices equipped with a USB port have a price significantly exceeding the specified value. The router copes perfectly with local computing networks in small offices and at home.