Tag: TP-link 4G WiFi router

TP-Link TL-MR6500v 4G LTE Router Test

A few days ago, TP-Link offers a new LTE router TL-MR6500v which has a special feature of the integrated telephone function including the RJ11 interface for an analog telephone. Telephony can be handled either via the SIM card via VoLTE or via classic VoIP. In the test, the TP-Link TL-MR6500v will show how well the router works in practice.

 

The TP-Link TL-MR6500v is packed in an unspectacular box. The labeling is almost entirely in English, and the quick start guide provided explains the commissioning very clearly as well. In addition to the 4G LTE WiFi router itself, the packaging also includes a power supply unit and a short LAN cable. Since the router requires a MicroSIM card, TP-Link has even included an adapter from Nano-SIM to Micro-SIM.

 

First impression of the MR6500v: for a stationary LTE router, the TP-link 4G WiFi Router is quite small and flat. This may also be due to the fact that the cellular antennas have to be screwed externally to the router and are not integrated into the device, as is the case with most other LTE routers. The advantage of the external antennas, however, is that you can also connect your own 4G LTE antennas if necessary, as these are standardized SMA connections.

 

The design of the TP-Link TL-MR6500v is rather unspectacular: There is a glossy black front with some LEDs that indicate the operating status and the reception strength. The underside has plenty of ventilation holes so that no heat can build up. All connections are on the back. There are three RJ45 LAN interfaces, an RJ11 socket, a connection for the power supply unit, a MicroSIM slot and three buttons: Power, WPS / Reset and WLAN On / Off.

 

 

 

LTE modem for up to 150 Mbit/s

TP-Link has installed a comparatively slow LTE Cat4 modem in the TL-MR6500v, which can achieve speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s in the download and up to 50 Mbit/s in the upload. In addition to 4G / LTE, 3G / UMTS is also supported, but the router cannot support 2G/GSM. The following frequency bands can be used:

  • 4G / LTE: B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B38, B40, B41
    • 3G / UMTS: B1, B8

With this frequency band support, the router can be used well and without problems in Asia, Africa and Europe.

In practice, the LTE modem left a mixed picture. The reception quality is decent, the external stub antennas deliver a good performance even with weak reception. The speeds are well below the values ​​that can be measured at the same location with other end devices. An example: where the Huawei B818 router can download around 300 Mbit/s, the TP-Link TL-MR6500v only delivers around 60 Mbit/s. On the one hand, this is due to the weak WLAN and the LAN, which is limited to 100 Mbit/s, on the other hand, the modem cannot bundle frequency bands (carrier aggregation). This means that the router can only use a small part of the capacity made available by the cellular network.

 

The maximum speed in the test was around 90 Mbit/s in the downlink and just under 50 Mbit/s in the uplink in test LTE network. The latency times were pleasantly low at well under 20 milliseconds. In addition to IPv4, the router also supports IPv6; in the test with a SIM card, addresses from both areas were assigned.

In practice, the low maximum speed of the LTE modem is not a problem for most applications. The TL-MR6500v is perfect for surfing and video streams are no problem either. The device may not be ideally suited for very large downloads or for use with many devices at the same time.

Slowly: LAN and WLAN

The TP-Link TL-MR6500v has three RJ45 100 Mbit/s LAN connections on the back, of which LAN3 can also be used as a WAN connection if required. Of course, Gigabit LAN would have been nice, but given the low price, the maximum of 100 Mbit/s is still okay.

 

TP-Link has also made savings in the WLAN with the MR6500v and relies on a radio module that works exclusively in the frequency range around 2.4 GHz. The theoretically maximum possible speed is 300 Mbit/s, but data rates of around 150 Mbit/s were mostly observed in the test.

The WiFi range was completely sufficient for an apartment with about 70 square meters in the test. However, the MR6500v cannot fully supply larger apartments or a single-family house; the use of a WiFi repeater may be advisable here.

 

TP-Link enables the configuration of a WLAN schedule in the settings of the TL-MR6500v in order to automatically switch the WLAN on and off. The schedule can be individually controlled on a daily basis if desired.

If necessary, a WLAN guest network can also be activated in the web interface. This can be provided with a password and, optionally, access to the local network is also possible.

 

Telephony via VoLTE or VoIP

The TP-Link TL-MR6500v is one of the very few LTE router models that offer a telephone function in addition to the Internet. If you have an analog phone connected to the RJ11 connection on the back of the router, you can either make calls via the SIM card and be available (Voice over LTE, VoLTE) or you can store special VoIP access data and make calls via a third-party provider.

In the test, both the telephony via the SIM card in the LTE network with VoLTE and via VoIP with Sipgate worked perfectly. The voice quality was good. Sometimes the call setup and the call signaling took significantly longer than on a cell phone, but the fault here is likely to be with the connected DECT phone. By the way: the MR6500v does not offer a DECT function, so cell phones need a suitable external DECT base.


The TP-Link TL-MR6500v offers a good and full-fledged telephone system with many important basic functions. This includes, for example, a simple address book, an answering machine, a “do not disturb” function and the ability to block phone numbers.

 

Operation and software

The TP-Link TL-MR6500v router can be easily configured via a web interface in the browser. In the test, the display was clearly structured both on a Windows PC and on the iPad and operation was very easy and clear.

The setting options on the MR6500v are quite extensive. In the network or Internet area, for example, not only the network mode (e.g. 4G preferred) can be set, but the frequency band can also be selected. This can be very helpful, especially when used with an external LTE directional antenna.

 

Further setting options in the Internet area concern, for example, a freely adjustable “data limit” for volume tariffs as well as dynamic DNS or static routing.

In the web interface, the user has the option of sending and receiving SMS. For example, messages can be received from the network operator or, if a corresponding tariff is used, SMS can be sent to top up the prepaid credit.

The LEDs on the front of the TL-MR6500v can be switched off in the web interface at certain times or completely. A firmware update is also possible in the web interface. Other functions in the web interface are, for example, child protection, a content filter, NAT and VPN settings. In addition, bandwidth prioritization of certain services and applications is possible via QoS.

 

 

Conclusion: TP-Link TL-MR6500v LTE router

The TP-Link TL-MR6500v offers an excellent price-performance ratio. If you are looking for an inexpensive LTE router with a telephone function and many setting options, the TL-MR6500v is a very good device. The ability to make calls via VoLTE in the cellular network was particularly popular in the test. The software is also implemented convincingly. There is criticism for the comparatively slow LTE modem as well as the slow LAN and WLAN.

 

TP-Link M7000 4G Mobile WiFi Hotspot Test

The TP-Link M7000 LTE router has been available in Europe since mid-2020 and is the successor to the almost identical TP-Link M7200. The 4G LTE router costs less than 100USD in online shops without a contract and is suitable for all tariffs and SIM cards (no SIM lock).

 

In addition to the router itself, the package content also includes a short USB to micro USB cable. This cable allows the battery to be charged at any USB port, such as an existing USB power supply unit or a computer. There is no power adapter included, which is understandable given the low price.

 

Furthermore, there is a printed user guide included. TP-Link has also included an adapter that enables the use of Nano SIM or Micro SIM cards in the router. In the test, however, a SIM adapter supplied by the network operator also worked without any problems.

If you pick up the TP-Link M7000, you immediately notice the compact dimensions and the low weight of only around 86 grams including the battery. As a result, the TP-Link 4G WiFi router is hardly a problem in a small handbag or in a vest pocket. 3 status LEDs on the front indicate the operating status, there is no display.

TP-Link M7000 LTE Modem

The cellular modem in the TP-Link M7000 Hotspot supports the cellular standards 3G / UMTS and 4G / LTE. 2G/GSM is not supported, which is not tragic in view of the low speeds in the 2G network.

The router can use almost all LTE frequency ranges that are important for Europe: Band 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 20 but without band 28 (700 MHz). Since band 28 is used in particular in rural regions and there mostly in combination with band 20, this is probably only a critical point for a few users.

 

The theoretically maximum possible speed is 150 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to 50 Mbit/s in the uplink. This is a slow LTE modem by today’s standards, but considering the low price, that’s fine. In practice, several devices can be supplied with fast internet without any problems and several parallel video streams were also not a problem in the test.

Unfortunately, the maximum speed is limited by the weak WLAN module. In the test, a maximum of 55 Mbit/s could be measured in the download and up to 45 Mbit/s in the upload via LTE. For comparison: with a current smartphone (Apple iPhone 12 mini), around 300 Mbit/s for download and almost 200 Mbit/s for upload were possible at the same location. If TP-Link had installed a faster WLAN module, at least the maximum speed of the modem would have been possible. Unfortunately, the M7000 cannot be used as a USB modem either, so you only have to rely on WiFi.

 

 

TP-Link M7000: WLAN in the test

The TP-Link M7000 can supply up to 10 devices with a WLAN connection at the same time. The router works exclusively in the WLAN frequency band around 2.4 GHz; a connection with up to 145 Mbit/s could be established in the test. However, this is the gross data rate; in practice – as already described in the modem test – significantly lower bandwidths are achieved. The router does not offer a guest WLAN function.

 

The range is absolutely sufficient for a small apartment, a summer house or a caravan. However, a range of more than 10 meters is hardly possible if there are still obstacles such as a wall between the router and the end device. The WLAN transmission power and thus the range can be reduced in the menu, there are a total of three power levels. There is also the option to automatically switch off the WLAN after 10 minutes if no device is active in the WLAN.

 

The WLAN module cannot be used as a repeater or extender. Other mobile LTE routers partially offer this function, so that an existing WLAN network can be used for Internet access. This function, sometimes called “WLAN Offloading”, is useful to save data volume.

Operation via app and web interface

In some places the user has to forego convenience functions with the M7000, which are quite common with more expensive mobile router models such as Huawei E5788, Netgear Nighthawk M1. This definitely does not apply to the software and operation, TP-Link has done a good job here.

 

 

Most users will certainly use the “tpMiFi” app to operate and configure the TP-Link M7000. The app is available for both Android and iOS and provides quick instructions on starting up the router right from the start. The app is very clearly designed and offers all functions that are also available in the browser web interface. This is very commendable, because many other manufacturers only provide a reduced range of functions via their apps.

 

If you don’t want to install an app, you can easily operate the TP-Link M7000 via a browser web interface. The user interface is accessed via the IP address 192.168.0.1. After the first request, a new password must be set, after which you can start. Unfortunately, the web interface of the test device was only available in English.

Various status information is visible on the start page, both in the app and in the web interface. This includes statistics on data consumption, information on the WiFi connection and information on the cellular connection. Separate menus are available for more detailed information and settings.

A wide variety of things can be configured for the Internet connection, for example a data volume limit can be set, after 90% of the data used, a notification is sent and at 100% the data connection is disconnected. Data usage abroad (data roaming) can also be activated and deactivated. The router is set to “4G preferred” at the factory, but can also be set to “4G only” or “3G only” if necessary.

Battery life in the test

The battery on the TP-Link M7000 can be changed without any problems and has a capacity of 2,000 mAh. The manufacturer advertises a battery life of up to 8 hours. In the test, the battery life with activated energy-saving mode and WLAN range “medium” was checked. For the duration of the test, at least 2 devices were connected at the same time and there was a permanent internet radio stream. The battery lasted around 6 hours under these conditions. If the WLAN transmission power is set to “low” and no permanent streaming is used, the specification of TP-Link (8 hours) can even be realistically achieved.


During continuous operation, the TP-Link M7000 became slightly warm, but not hot. This is completely normal for a 4g mobile hotspot and compared to many other devices the hotspot stayed relatively cool.

Other things about the TP-Link M7000

If you are looking for a mobile router with an RJ45 Ethernet LAN connection, you will not be happy with the TP-Link M7000, because the router only has the aforementioned micro-USB connection. The Huawei E5885 may be a good hotspot for you. There are also no connections for an external cellular antenna.

In addition to SMS, USSD codes can also be sent via the web interface or the app. This is useful, for example, to check the credit of a prepaid card or to set the main card for a multi-SIM.

Test conclusion: TP-Link M7000

The TP-Link M7000 is a very inexpensive mobile LTE router, but the device made a good impression in the test. The device is small and compact, the battery life is good and operation is easy thanks to good software. You have to do without comfort features such as a LAN connection or connections for external antennas.

The biggest weak point is certainly the relatively slow WLAN module, which reduces the maximum data rate of the LTE modem from theoretically 150 Mbit/s to around 55 Mbit/s in practice. If you can live with the limitations, the TP-Link M7000 is a good mobile LTE router.

TP-Link Archer MR400 4G WiFi Router Test

More and more 4G LTE WiFi routers are available in the market; we’ve had the opportunity in recent months to talk about some of the best Wi-Fi routers to cover your entire home without a single WiFi empty area (Would it be Google Wi-Fi, Netgear’s Orbi or Deco M5 from TP-Link?). But while summer is here and so is the vacation time, there is the question of connecting wireless network not at home or on the go.

How to solve this problem? Pull miles of Ethernet cable? Of course not. But why not use a 4G Wi-Fi router, which connects to the network with only one SIM card and then redistribute this connection through Wi-Fi? Of course, there are small stand-alone 4G Pocket Wi-Fi routers (with battery) now, but they usually offer a fairly fluctuating coverage, minimal settings, and are more suitable for small trips that to offer you lasting access Internet.

 

For that, we must adopt more complete solutions. That’s why our eyes turn to the TP-Link Archer MR400 AC1350, which seems to have everything from the ideal candidate. But will it be comfortable at the campsite, in your rental, in your country house or even at home? Let’s see the test below.

 

Compact 4G LTE router with antennas

With rather compact dimensions (20.2 x 14.1 x 3.36 cm), the MR400 is a real wireless router, it has four Ethernet ports (including a LAN and WAN, if you want to use it as a conventional Wi-Fi router). This means that it will be possible to connect wired machines as needed. We would like to find a USB port to allow the sharing of a hard disk or a USB key, but it’s a pity the USB port is missing.

 

At the back of the case, there are two 4G antennas of good size and removable, to avoid damage during transportation or to put larger, which are used to capture the 4G signal. Then what about the Wi-Fi antennas? There are three of them and more classically integrated in the body of the router. They do a pretty good job because the coverage offered very satisfactory in an environment consisting of many very thick load-bearing walls.

TP-Link MR400 WiFi Features

The TP-Link router WiFi is dual band based on its know-how. That is, it produces two networks (802.11ac or n), one that uses a 2.4 GHz frequency field, the other one in 5 GHz. Do not complain that it is not tri-band, in this price range and this kind of products are very rare or nonexistent.

 

Does it matter if the router is dual band? The answer Yes! A choice will have to be made manually because the connection to each of the two networks is not automatic. If the signal range in 2.4 GHz is better, its bit rate is lower: 450 Mbit/s. While the 5 GHz network carries less but it is more resistant to interference and provides above all a much better theoretical bandwidth at 857 Mbit/s. This allows the MR400 to proudly wear the AC1350 designation, a rate that you will never get but which places the device in a family of rather honest routers.

Then let’s talk about the performance for internet connection. It is futile to strive to measure them on a 3G/4G network because everything will depend on the proximity of an antenna, your operator, etc. If the signal received is strong, your flow will approach (more or less) the theoretical maximum, that’s what to keep in mind.

 

To give you an idea of the reality of these speeds, we took advantage of the conventional router mode, which sees it being connected to a conventional fiber box, to measure the speeds offered in Wi-Fi (802.11ac, 5GHz). Whether the distance between the measurement points does not seem important, remember that the test environment is quite hostile to Wi-Fi with a large number of very thick walls.

TP-Link Archer MR400 Speed Test

It shows that the connection is stable and ensures equivalent or similar flows in both directions of use. This is at least the case when one is in the relative vicinity of the router. With 100 Mbit/s measured, the result is obviously much worse than that of mesh routers, in particular, tested by us, the 4G speed flows encountered oscillating generally between 10 and 80 Mbit/s.

 

To continue with this exercise, logically, the further you get from the router, the weaker the signal and the bit rates. However, in this case, the MR400 is doing quite well. Despite the context of our tests, an apartment and a house with thick walls in brick or freestone, the flow provided between 10 and 15 meters remains quite honorable. We get the speeds enough to watch videos or TV streaming in HD and Full HD – forget the 4K. To give an overview of what gives the connection in 4G/Wi-Fi, during our tests, while the reception oscillated between average and bad enough, we measured bit rates of just over 15 Mbit/s in download and just over 3 Mbit/s upload. This is not a good result, but keep in mind that these figures could be much better in an optimal situation.

 

 

Archer MR400 – Easy to install and setup

Then let’s check the Archer MR400 installation and configuration. TP-Link had a good idea to provide SIM adapters for those who use a micro or NANO SIM, the two most common formats at the moment.

 

Once the MR400 router plugged into the sector (it has no battery and need an external power supply), the configuration can be done by a browser or iOS/Android application. We preferred the first option. The first thing to do is to change the login password. Then we navigate in a clear and detailed interface. As always, it is possible to access a more advanced interface to access more advanced settings. In normal mode, you may decide to choose a different SSID for each network. Guest networks can also be activated, which will be opened by default. Remember to immediately protect access with a password.

 

If we look a little further, we will discover the possibility of setting up a parental control. It is based on a system of white and black lists, which is drawn up oneself. Filtering is then done through keywords. Finally, we choose which devices will be subject to this control. It’s simple and efficient.

 

4G Data is still a rare and expensive commodity, so it will be good to focus on limiting its consumption. This starts with restricting bandwidth limitation on some devices. This will prevent a user from consuming all the flow without leaving it to others. More interesting is the setting up of a monthly cap of megabytes allocated. We will set this maximum and set an alert, for example, 80 or 90% of this total data plan to avoid being out of frame or without connection. Multi SIM data plans are usually rich in gigabytes but 30 GB or 40 GB can evaporate very quickly with YouTube video or application download.

 

 

Summary for TP-link Archer MR400 Test

 

Archer MR400 Advantage:

  • Removable 4G antenna to ensure good reception
  • Dual-band WiFi for fast WiFi speed up to 1350Mbps
  • Compatible with different SIM formats

 

 

Disadvantage:

  • No USB port
  • WiFi frequency management is not automatically

 

To sum up, TP-link Archer MR400 is a good 4G WiFi router for home, office, or even cap if it can get the power supply. The powerful WiFi feature would provide a reliable wireless internet connection for multiple users. The rich settings in the web interface would provide many useful functions. If you are looking for a reliable WiFi router, TP-link Archer MR400 is considerable. But if you want to check more TP-link 4G WiFi routers, click here: https://www.4gltemall.com/4g-wireless-router/tp-link.html