Go to Windows 7 Insider GuideTP-LINK TL-WR941ND Wireless N Router
Manufacturer: TP-LINK Technologies Part number: TL-WR941ND
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless N router is a simple wireless N router with a friendly price. If all you require is a basic network and you have a mix of 802.11N and b/g clients, it does the job for cheap.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
| Directron.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
TP-LINK TL-WR941ND Wireless N Router price range: $47.99 - $55.95
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 07/24/2008
The good: Simple and responsive Web interface; easy setup; good performance and range; supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup; affordable.
The bad: No N-only mode; mediocre feature set; bulky, dated design; no desktop setup application.
The bottom line: The TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless N router is a simple wireless N router with a friendly price. If all you require is a basic network and you have a mix of 802.11N and b/g clients, it does the job for cheap.
The TP-Link TL-WR941ND Wireless N Router is a wireless router that supports the Draft N 2.0 specification and not much else. This means no network storage or dual-band support (the router works only in the 2.4GHz frequency), no print-serving capability, and no Gigabit Ethernet. The router doesn't even offer N-mode-only operation, in which Wireless-N routers can show off their N throughput speed without being interfered with by legacy clients. Instead, the TL-WR941ND works in mixed mode, where it supports both Wireless-N and Wireless-b/g clients. The TP-Link does, however, offer Wi-Fi Protected Setup, long-range, above-average throughput performance, and a stable signal. For about $60, the router is one of the most affordable Wireless-N routers on the market. For another $30 or so, though, we'd recommend the Linksys WRT310N, which has a much longer list of features and a better design.
Design and ease of use
The TL-WR941ND has the typical design of a wireless router from a few years ago; it's a squarish box with three antennae on the back--crowding the network ports--and an array of LED blue indicator lights on the front. In its defense, however, the new, true dual-band D-Link DIR-855 has the same design, but with a slightly smaller footprint. Generally, we prefer a more compact design, with the antennae hidden inside the casing (or at least placed on the side), away from the ports, as with the Linksys WRT310N or the dual-band WRT610N.
The TL-WR941ND doesn't come with much. Inside the box you will find the router itself, a power adapter, a little Quick Installation Guide booklet, and a software CD that contains nothing but manuals of virtually every TP-Link router in PDF format. Nonetheless, it's easy to set it up by following the setup guide, and to configure the router using the Web interface. It took us just a few minutes to get the device up and running. Unlike the D-Link DIR-855 or the Linksys WRT310N, the TP-Link TL-WR941ND doesn't have a desktop setup application, so you'll need to stick with the Web interface.
Features
On the front, near the blue LED lights, the TP-Link TL-WR941ND features a Quick Secure Setup (QSS) button, which is essentially the push button for its Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) feature. By pressing this button, you instigate a window of a few minutes where WPS-compliant clients can join the wireless network without you having to enter the encryption key--a simple, yet secure, method for adding clients to your network.
The TP-Link TL-WR941ND has four LAN ports and one WAN port. None of these ports are a gigabit port, which is disappointing for a Wireless-N router. It doesn't have a USB port, either. This means there are no USB-related features, such as print serving, attached storage, or Windows Connect Now, which would allow you to transfer the wireless encryption from the router to other clients using a USB thumb drive. Most other Wireless-N routers support at least some of these features, for example the D-Link DIR-655.
The router's Web interface is responsive, well-organized, and it somewhat resembles that of routers from Netgear. It could be more intuitive; after changing a setting, for example, a pop-up message appears saying you must restart the router before the change takes effect. The message, however, doesn't tell you what to do to restart the router, and so you will have to dig deeper into the menus to find out.
The TL-WR941ND offers all of the popular encryption methods for wireless routers, including WEP, WPA personal, and WPA enterprise. It also allows for assigning static IP addresses to any computers in the network , and it has a convenient port forwarding mechanism. This is very helpful in case you want to set up a computer in your LAN to host a special Internet service, such as an FTP or Web server.
Performance
We only tested the TP-Link TL-WR941ND on CNET Labs' mixed mode benchmark, and it registered 61.4Mbps--among the top four fastest on our most recent charts. On our long-range test, the router's throughput held up well, posting 56.5Mbps--the second-fastest time we've seen on this test. We wanted to test the router in N-only mode, but the router doesn't support this configuration. Instead, it must run in mixed mode supporting older 820.11b/g clients. Mixed mode is generally slower than N-only mode, though this does depend on the particular router. Still, if you have an older networking device that you don't plan on getting rid of soon, this TP-Link router offers great mixed-mode performance and can be had for a relatively paltry sum.
In addition, the router offered good range. We were able to pick up its signal and maintain a stable connection from around 300 feet away. In our testing environment, which is not range-optimized, Wireless-N routers that can offer 270 or more feet of coverage radius are considered to have very good range. The router also remained very cool during the entire testing process.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Service and support
TP-Link backs the TL-WR941ND with a one-year, parts-and-labor warranty. The company's technical toll-free support phone support can be reached 24-7 at 866-696-3962. At the company's Web site, you can find downloads for firmware and manuals, as well as FAQs on how to operate and configure the router.
User reviews
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Outstanding router in its class.
by Tech4U on August 12, 2008
Pros: Speed and Cost
Cons: No QoS Function
Summary: My 2-years old Belkin Router died on last week and I had to search for a substitution. Instead of continuing support G technology, I wanted to jump into 11N world ...
Summary: My 2-years old Belkin Router died on last week and I had to search for a substitution. Instead of continuing support G technology, I wanted to jump into 11N world for a faster downloading speed. So, I purchased this router from Newegg with a little expectation, since it's the lowest price in its class. It just surprised me with doubling the downloading speed, and more importantly, a smoother web surfing on my laptop while my desktop is downloading at full horsepower. Cheers! The signal strength went from 70%-80% to over 90% on my Intel Wireless Card. I've kept downloading for nonstop 4 days now, there is not even a single crash or slowing down. Now, I am planning to upgrade to 11N adapter and I think I will go with TP-LINK again.
Little disappointed that it does not come with QoS Function, which I could reserve the bandwidth for online-game playing. I hope they can include that feature in the firmware updates some time in the future, if they can hear me.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The CNET reviewer gets a failing grade
by Shawn-California on September 8, 2009
Pros: Great range
Cons: Bad reviewer
Summary: Why do tech reviewers now regularly slam external antennas? They just don?t work as well. I?m tired of the fashionistas downgrading the functionality of our mobile electronics. Manufacturers ...
Summary: Why do tech reviewers now regularly slam external antennas? They just don?t work as well. I?m tired of the fashionistas downgrading the functionality of our mobile electronics. Manufacturers are now afraid to launch a new cell phone with an external antenna, which works a heck of a lot better!
The reviewer, Dong Ngo, rated the TL-WR941ND 3 stars. Users have rated it at 4. Mr. Ngo rated the Netgear WNR854T at 3.5 stars and praised its ?attractive antenna-less design.? The average rating of 48 users is 1 star!
At 200 feet the TL-WR941ND rated throughput of 56.5 Mbps, while the Netgear WNR854T tested at only 26.9 Mbps at 200 feet! That?s half the throughput of the TP-Link at 200 feet. Why is the Netgear omitted from the 200 foot testing charts here? You don?t think an antenna makes a difference for range? CNET needs a new reviewer that places function over form and fashion.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Price for a great product
by dennis_mark on June 22, 2009
Pros: Great price, great performance, easy set-up.
Cons: For those who are not so expert on PCs, there's no CD installer for desktop application but the web based interface is very easy to use. Security firewall is disabled at default, just enable it together with the wireless security during set-up.
Summary: Just got this TP-Link from Newegg and tested this 3 weeks ago. I was a little apprehensive getting this since I am used to known brands like Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, ...
Summary: Just got this TP-Link from Newegg and tested this 3 weeks ago. I was a little apprehensive getting this since I am used to known brands like Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, Belkin and other pricey name brands. But during these times, one has to be resourceful enough to get better bargains and better deals so after thorough research with Google, Tweaktown and of course CNET, I decided to go with TP-Link and I got more than I bargained for.
After a few minutes of set-up, my old wireless adapters were able to connect flawlessly with the TP-Link router with Very Good 48mbps signal - thats coming from my old "G" adapters. After that, I tested it with an expensive D-Link DWA-552 N adapter. A few seconds after enabling the N adapters' Wifi-protected Setup and pushing ON the TP-Link's QSS button, 300mbps CONNECTION was indicated on Windows XP WLAN icon and D-Link's wireless utility indicates 98% quality from the same desktop inside a room at the second floor.
My experience with this router only proves that whats inside the box matters more than brand names and I'm glad that I had the chance to read reviews from this site and the others.
If you are looking for an affordable basic home and small office wireless N upgrade, my opinion is that this is the best option available.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a great product at an affordable price
by wbent1428 on October 5, 2009
Pros: Easy installation, adequate wireless coverage area, secure unit, adequate for home or small business use, prevents intruders from accessing, design and functionality, signal access is fast
Cons: I have not found anything to dislike about this unit
Summary: I find this product to be user friendly, supporting both wireless G & N networks
Summary: I find this product to be user friendly, supporting both wireless G & N networks
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Simply Very Good
by Ibraham509d on August 4, 2009
Pros: friendly, eas to use...
Cons: it is not Gbps :(
Summary: I like it coz its very simple and easy to use, fast to configure...
Summary: I like it coz its very simple and easy to use, fast to configure...
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Absolutely Superb
by bulbulahamadnz on July 1, 2009
Pros: Well I couldn't believe that the performance lived up to my expectation since its really cheap so I had a doubt. But the range is absolutely amazing even though I am on 802.11 g adapter but still it serves me beyond expectation. 5 star from me.
Cons: well I don't see any technical problem i just wised it had a print server built in.
Summary: Bottom line is its really easy and simple to setup for any kind of connection, no hassle. Way to go TP-Link. I keep wondering what would be range if I ...
Summary: Bottom line is its really easy and simple to setup for any kind of connection, no hassle. Way to go TP-Link. I keep wondering what would be range if I was using an N wireless adapter.
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great price and signal range to a n router
by d8848017 on July 29, 2008
Pros: fast, price, easy to set up
Cons: too simple, no desktop application
Summary: I just bought from Newegg because my girl like white stuff. I did not take too much expection because it is really cheap.
However, it just beyond my expection.I ...Summary: I just bought from Newegg because my girl like white stuff. I did not take too much expection because it is really cheap.
However, it just beyond my expection.I help set up a media center for her iMAC(VISTA installed)with my ps3 to let her watch her movie download from expensive itune.The result is great because we never meet interruption during the movie.We can even watch the movie by laptop near our from pool(280 feet away)It's nice. -
I found this router slow and it blocked my home page
by Philsa32 on August 14, 2009
Pros: I liked the price.
Cons: The router was slow.
it doesn't recognize daylight savings time.
It blocked my home page.Summary: I found it to be slow but there were other reasons for my low rating. Firstly it doesn't recognize daylight savings time. But the worst reason was that it ...
Summary: I found it to be slow but there were other reasons for my low rating. Firstly it doesn't recognize daylight savings time. But the worst reason was that it blocked my home site, which happens to be the Environment Canada weather forecast site for my home city. I could not find a setting that would allow me to access this site. I exchanged it and upgraded to a Linksys.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TP-LINK Technologies
- Part number: TL-WR941ND
- Description: The TL-WR941ND Wireless N Router is a combined wired/wireless network connection device designed specifically for small business, office, and home office networking requirements. It complies with the IEEE 802.11n standard with wireless transmission speeds of up to 300M. The router features 4 10/100Mbps ports to achieve the most effective data transmission. It adopts MIMO as well as SST technologies, has three detachable Omni directional antennas providing even better wireless performance, transmission rates, stability and coverage. CCA technology automatically avoids channel conflicts using its channel selection feature. It also works well with other 11g and 11n protocol wireless products. The TL-WR941ND provides multiple security measures; supporting SSID broadcast control, MAC address access control, WEP encryption, WPA/WPA2, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK authentication. At the same time QSS (Quick Secure Setup) complies with WPS allowing for worry-free wireless security configuration. These combined security features will guard against intruders using stronger, safer protection. The TL-WR941ND allows companies, offices, and homes to share one Internet connection with more computers. Apart from its wireless function, the TL-WR941ND also features 4 interior interchangeable ports allowing you to conveniently connect up to 4 computers directly to the router. Apart from this product's simple setup and more common broadband router functions, it also supports priority of service where applications using a lot of bandwidth that are sensitive to interruptions such as voice and video are given priority in order to assure quality. The router also supports on-demand dialing, online access management, Automatic virus isolation, UPnP, DDNS, advanced system security record, friendly user interface with simple and easy configuration allowing all users to comfortably configure the router. This is a fashionable product with superior performance and should be your first choice when setting up a network.
General
- Device Type Wireless router
- Form Factor External
- Width 7.9 in
- Depth 5.5 in
- Height 1.1 in
Networking
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Line Coding Format CCK, OFDM, DBPSK, DQPSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol PPPoE, TCP/IP, ICMP/IP
- Routing Protocol Static IP routing
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Features DMZ port, DHCP server, NAT support, URL filtering, MIMO technology, VPN passthrough, Dynamic DNS server, Firewall protection, IP address filtering, MAC address filtering, Virtual server support, Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
Antenna
- Antenna External detachable
- Antenna Qty 3
- Directivity Omni-directional
- Gain Level 2 dBi
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 ( WAN ), 1 x Network - Radio-Ethernet
- Compatible Slots None
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm AES, WPA, TKIP, WPA2, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, 152-bit WEP
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- CNET Labs long-range tests (in Mbps) 56.47
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and draft N, MIMO clients (at 15 feet, in Mbps) 61.42
Manufacturer info
- TP-LINK Technologies
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse TP-LINK Technologies products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.tp-link.com/
- Address:
South Building, No.5 Keyuan Road, Shenzhen 518057 - Phone: 1-888-696-3962
