It's no secret that the standard firmware of inexpensive home routers often does not meet the requirements of users, or it lacks any features that have become necessary during the development of a home network. This usually refers to support for some other ISP connection options, IPTV technologies, advanced route management, and the like, which are sometimes forgotten to be specified in official specifications.
In this article, we will try to see how suitable a budget router is for firmware from the well-known OpenWRT family. For the first acquaintance, the TP-Link TL-WR741ND model, which has been on the market for a long time, was used. It uses an entry-level platform, does not differ in large amount of flash memory or the presence of a USB port. Interestingly, this device has been slightly updated several times while retaining the name. The manufacturer changed only the version, in this material we worked with v4.20 (you can check it by the sticker on the box or router), which differs in appearance and hardware from the first revisions.
Delivery set and appearance
Mass models of routers have standard delivery kits - a device, an external power supply (this time 9 V 0.6 A), a removable Wi-Fi antenna, a network patch cord, leaflets and a CD with an electronic version of the documentation. Everything you really need is present, and you could refuse a network cable.
The design of the box is also traditional - a photo of the router, use cases, technical specifications. As we said above, not a word about Internet connection modes and compatibility with multicast streams. The site, of course, has more data, but still some questions remain.
In appearance, the router is completely ordinary - a strong matte white plastic case, a group of LEDs on the front of the top cover, five network ports (100 Mbps) on the back, a power supply input with a switch, an antenna connector, reset buttons and quick connection wireless devices.
It is worth noting only indicators that are too close - at a distance it will be difficult to read their status (especially since the color is the same for everyone) and not the best location for the QSS (WPS) button - between the antenna and the WAN port.
At the bottom there are four rubber feet and two holes for wall mounting.
Hardware configuration
To implement such a router configuration, a minimum chipset is usually enough. Version 4.20 of the platform consists of an Atheros AR9331 processor running at 400 MHz, 32 MB of RAM, 4 MB of flash. The radio unit and five-port 100 Mbps switch are built into the processor. Supports 802.11n at 2.4GHz at speeds up to 150Mbps. You can see the second antenna on the printed circuit board, but it is not possible to determine if it is used and for what. There are no heat sinks on the processor and other microcircuits. During testing, even under heavy load, the processor temperature did not differ much from room temperature.
The board has elements for implementing a console connection, so if you have experience with a soldering iron, organizing it will not be a problem.
Capabilities and performance of standard firmware
Official deliveries of this router model to our market have pre-installed Russian firmware, which has full localization and several additional functions (in particular, IPTV support). However, at the moment, only international (English) versions are presented on technical support sites.
As a standard firmware, we used a newer non-localized version 3.12.11 Build 120320 Rel.50684n, released this spring. The possibilities are quite typical for the considered class of models. The web interface of this version is available only in English. You can set restrictions on access to it from the local network segment and the Internet.
To connect to the Internet, fixed and dynamic address, PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP are supported. Moreover, in the latest versions, access to the provider's network is also supported. The built-in DDNS client can help organize remote access. Addresses in the local segment are distributed by the DHCP server, which maintains IP reservations for the desired MACs.
The wireless module can operate in open network mode, WEP and WPA/WPA2 (both with a passphrase and via a RADIUS server). For additional protection, a wireless client MAC address filter is provided.
There is a port translation function, support for DMZ and UPnP. The router has a firewall with programmable rules, can pass PPTP / L2TP / IPSec traffic, implements the passage of FTP, H.263 and RTSP protocols through NAT. It is possible to restrict access to sites by their names.
The traffic control function allows you to prioritize certain clients and services for downloading and sending data. The system options include updating the firmware, working with the configuration, an event log (with the ability to send it to email), setting the internal clock, changing the administrator password, traffic statistics. These features will be enough for the vast majority of users, unless, of course, they have some very specific provider.
Note that changing some options requires rebooting the device, which is quite acceptable in the class under consideration.
Performance testing was carried out on a special stand using the IxChariot synthetic test. All options for connecting to the Internet were checked, tests were carried out with one / two streams, as well as with simultaneous operation of sixteen streams. The results are presented in the following graph.
As can be seen from the numbers, despite the budget class, TP-Link TL-WR741ND is able to provide 100 Mbps channels with any connection option. This is especially impressive if you remember its hardware configuration. A few years ago, PPTP and L2TP modes on inexpensive routers often could not work at full link speed.
The device supports access to the provider's local network when a VPN connection is established. The second graph shows the results of tests in this mode, while downloading data from the Internet and the provider's network.
It is quite expected that there are no speed limits here either.
The wireless module of the device supports 802.11b / g / n standards, operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and has one antenna and a maximum connection speed of 150 Mbps. In fact, today this figure is only achievable in a private home or in the field, since the latest requirements of the Wi-Fi alliance prohibit devices from using two channels in the 2.4 GHz band in the presence of neighboring networks. So for the test, an Intel 6205 adapter was chosen, which connected at a speed of 72 Mbps, the maximum possible for 802.11n when working with one antenna and one channel. Recall that the adapter itself is dual-band and supports 300 Mbps. Testing was carried out between wireless and connected to the LAN segment clients.
Testing has shown that the actual speed corresponds to the equipment and modes used. It is 40-50 Mbps, and, given the class of the router, these figures can be considered a good result. The access speed of a wireless client to a computer installed in the external network segment practically did not differ from the indicated figures for any type of connection to the Internet.
When the article was already finished and was waiting for its turn to be published, the local office of the manufacturer released a beta version of the firmware (3.12.12 Build 121124 Rel.66062n, you can download it on the technical support forum) with a Russian setup interface and some functions that are relevant for domestic users - IPTV ( in the port allocation mode for a set-top box or multicast, in the second case with Wi-Fi support) and VLAN 802.1Q, which may be of interest for multiservice connections.
Alternative firmware
Despite the fact that the official firmware is quite suitable for implementing the main scenarios for using the router, for various reasons, there may be a desire to improve the software capabilities of the model. Unfortunately, budget devices rarely have a standard option to install additional packages. So the only option might be an alternative firmware. But it should be noted that the TP-Link website indicates that a breakdown in the case of using third-party software is not a warranty case.
For our part, we also note that working with alternative firmware may not be as easy as we would like. Hardware and software versions are constantly changing, and "latest" does not always mean "best". In addition to following the instructions found on the net, it is advisable to use your own head. In some cases, it will be possible to restore the router's performance only with the use of additional equipment. On the other hand, the cost of this particular device is not very high, so it may well be suitable for the first workouts.
It is impossible to describe in detail in the article all the possibilities of alternative versions. Nobody expects detailed information about Windows and all the application programs for it in a laptop review. Luckily, many projects have wikis and forums where you can find the information you need. At the end of the article there are also links to relevant topics in our forum.
One option for the TL-WR741ND model under consideration is the well-known OpenWRT firmware. Getting started with it is quite simple - you need to download the image of the new firmware from the project website and install it via the web interface in the usual way. For a mass user, certain difficulties will be associated with the lack of a familiar web-interface in the basic package. As a solution to this problem, you can use Gargoyle - a modified version that has a built-in add-on for managing firmware options through a browser.
Another way is to install the LuCI package of a similar purpose already inside OpenWRT. In the second case, it is desirable to have access to the Internet from the router for the convenience of installing additional packages.
The capabilities of OpenWRT are noticeably superior to stock firmware, especially if you understand exactly what you need and why, and have at least basic skills in communicating with operating systems of the Linux family. But we must not forget about the limited hardware resources of the device in question, so it should not be loaded with “heavy” tasks.
To connect to the Internet, all the same options are provided, which also provide simultaneous access to the provider's local network. However, the limited amount of flash memory on the router does not allow you to install LuCI and L2TP support at the same time with simple commands (direct connection, PPPoE and PPTP do not have this problem). You can, of course, try to select the required set of packages, but we simply abandoned the web interface for testing in this mode. Setting up in the console, of course, is more complicated, but “more correct”, especially if it is not about “just running”, but also “figuring out how it all works”. Instructions in Russian for starting this type of connection are available on the project website.
Given that router firmware can significantly affect not only capabilities, but also performance, we decided to conduct a speed test of this version similar to the one described above. The original firmware had no comments on this parameter, so the test rather answers the question “whether alternative firmware will ruin the speed” than gives a serious reason to choose a version.
As expected, OpenWRT shows almost the same results as the proprietary firmware. The only caveat concerns device reboot in L2TP multithreaded tests. Most likely, this can be fixed with module updates or additional client configuration. This is just one of those cases when you have to deal with the problem yourself, the official technical support of the manufacturer will not help here.
In the material brought to your attention, the budget tp link tl wr741nd router, presented on our market for a long time, will be considered. This device uses an inexpensive platform, the amount of flash memory is not large, in addition, it cannot boast of having a USB port. During the time that this device has been on our market, it has repeatedly undergone minor updates. Our article deals with the tp link router version 4.20.
External and internal view of the router
Traditionally, let's start with the package and the appearance of the tp link tl wr741nd router. The package bundle of the device corresponds to its price segment: a router, a power supply, a connected wi-fi antenna, a patch cord, a user manual and a CD. As you can see, not rich, but there is everything you need.
The appearance of the device wifi router tp link wr741nd is also nothing unusual. The case is made of white matte plastic. On the front panel there are LED indicators, on the reverse side there are 5 network ports, an input for power supply, an antenna connector, keys responsible for resetting and quick wireless connection of devices. There are fasteners that allow you to install the router on the wall. On this, in appearance and equipment, there is nothing more to say.
Hardware configuration of the wr741nd router
In the version of the router presented by us, it is as follows: Atheros AR9331 processor, with an operating frequency of 400 MHz, 32 MB of RAM, 4 MB of flash memory. The radio unit and port switch are built into the processor. There is support for 802.11n, with a maximum speed of 150 Mbps. By the way, there are no cooling radiators on the elements of the printed circuit board and the processor, since they practically do not heat up.
tp link router software
"White" models of the 741 router device have firmware in Russian. The functionality of the firmware is also standard for the budget price category. The web interface is in English. It is possible to set restrictions on access to it from networks.
Internet connection is supported by dynamic and permanent addresses, PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP. Later versions support access to ISP networks. The DHCP server distributes addresses in the local segment, and it also maintains IP reservations for required MAC addresses. The wireless module operates in the following modes: open network, WPA, WPA2, WEP.
The device is equipped with a firewall with programmable rules. You can restrict access to some sites by name. There is a feature that controls traffic, thanks to which certain clients and services receive priority. System options include: the ability to update software, work with configurations, an event log (supports sending to e-mail), time settings, traffic accounting and an administrator password. Changing some of these settings requires a reboot.
Most users have enough of these features when working with a normal provider.
Alternative software for the device router tp link 741
The information contained in this subsection will be useful for users who are eager to expand the software functionality of the device, but do not have knowledge and practical experience in this area. Such a desire appears among the owners of budget segment devices that do not support the installation of additional packages. The only possible solution to this problem will be the installation of an alternative firmware. Do not forget that in this case, you lose the warranty on your device. In addition, please note that subsequent models change their hardware, so no one can guarantee you compatibility with third-party firmware. In the event of an unsuccessful flashing, it may turn out that the router can only be restored with the help of additional equipment available in specialized services. However, the mentioned device is not too expensive, in view of this, it is possible to put an experiment on it, as they say for the sake of experience. We will not consider in detail the versions of alternative software, since they are not the subject of this article. We only mention that they are presented in abundance on the Internet.
Let's move on to the "urgent": connecting and configuring the tl wr741nd router
The complexity of this operation will directly depend on the type of connection provided by your provider. The easiest way is to set up a connection with a dynamic IP address. In this case, the computer, immediately when turned on, connects to the Internet, and no additional connection is required.
Let's leave theory aside. Let's start by considering the question - how to connect a tl wr741nd router? the order is as follows:
We connect the router to the network card of the computer with a cable that comes as standard. To do this, it is permissible to use any of the four LAN ports of the router.
We connect the power to the router, after which we turn on the device and the PC itself.
Open a browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar.
On the page that appears, set your username and password.
Next, configure the MAC address of the device router tl wr741nd
Some providers recognize their users using the MAC address of the network card. The router will have a different address. For this reason, it needs to be aligned as follows:
go to the "Network" tab;
select "Clone MAC address"
WAN setup
Select an option according to the type of connection.
- PPPoE connection:
- – RussiaPPPo/PPPoE
- - enter login and password
- - set a dynamic address for the local network
- - turn on automatic connection
- - save and connect.
- VPN connection:
- - enter login and password
- - enter the IP address
- - enter the server name
- - turn on automatic connection.
dynamic address. All that is required is to click "Save".
How to set up a tl wr741nd router? Setting up the LAN
If your plans do not include assigning a non-standard address to the router, then you do not need to change anything.
Configuring the wireless connection of the 741 router:
enter the SSID (any name for your network);
choose a region;
select the channel, leave the parameters by default (produced in the presence of interference from neighboring devices);
put a tick in the wi-fi enable tab;
check the box to hide the network (if you want to protect the network from unauthorized connections);
Finally, a few words regarding the security of your wireless network. If your network is not hidden, third-party users can connect to it, and as we know, the connection speed and data acquisition speed, respectively, depend on the number of users. But this is not the most dangerous. The danger is that any actions of "free" users will be addressed by your IP address. To prevent all this from happening, it is enough to install encryption. In addition, the tp link wr741nd wifi router has a QSS function that allows you to quickly set the security settings. All that needs to be done in this case is to try to connect from the client device to the router. A window will appear in which you enter your username and password. By pressing the QSS button on the router, the client device will be saved as trusted.
In conclusion, about the tp-link router
The considered device is a good choice in the budget segment. Performance allows you to work comfortably with any type of connection. The wireless antenna is sized to give a stable signal within the apartment. The advantages include a platform that allows you to install third-party software, but unfortunately these possibilities are limited due to the small flash memory and the lack of a USB port.
In order to get into the web interface of the router, you need to open your Internet browser and type 192. 168.1.1 in the address bar, Username - admin, Password – admin(provided that the router has factory settings and its IP has not changed).
Change factory password
So that no one except you can enter the router settings, you need to change the password to enter the settings.
To do this, select from the menu on the left System tools(System Tools) - Password(Password) and enter the settings:
- Previous username: old username, enter admin
- Previous password: old password, enter admin
- New username: enter a new username, you can leave admin
- New Password: enter a new password
- Confirm new password: confirm new password
Internet connection setup
In the interface of the router, you need to go to the tab Net(Network), menu WAN(Here you can add, edit and delete connections).
Setting up a PPPoE connection
- In field WAN connection type: select PPPoE/Russia PPPoE
- Username: your contract login
- Password and Password confirmation: your contract password
- Auxiliary connection: Disabled
- WAN connection mode: Automatic connection
- Save. Internet is set.
Setting up an L2TP connection
- Type of WAN connections: select L2TP/Russia L2TP
- Username: your contract login
- Password and Password confirmation: your contract password
- Putting a dot on Dynamic IP
- IP address/Server name
- Expand MTU
- WAN connection mode- Connect automatically
- After entering the above settings, press Save. Internet is set.
Setting up PPtP (VPN) when automatically obtaining a local IP address (DHCP)
- Type of WAN connections: select L2TP/Russia L2TP
- Username: your contract login
- Password and Password confirmation: your contract password
- Putting a dot on Dynamic IP
- IP address/Server name- server address or name (specified in the contract)
- Expand MTU- change the value to 1450 or less
- WAN connection mode- Connect automatically
- After entering the above settings, press Save. Internet is set.
Setting up PPtP (VPN) with a static local IP address
- Type of WAN connections: select L2TP/Russia L2TP
- Username: your contract login
- Password and Password confirmation: your contract password
- Putting a dot on Static IP
- IP address/Server name, IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, DNS- check this data with your provider
- Expand MTU- change the value to 1450 or less
- WAN connection mode- Connect automatically
- After entering the above settings, press Save. Internet is set.
NAT when automatically obtaining an IP address (DHCP)
- In field WAN connection type: select Dynamic IP
- Click Save. Internet is set.
Setting up Wi-Fi on the router
Set up Wi-Fi connection. In the side menu, go to Wireless (Wireless mode). In the window that opens, enter the following settings:
- Network name - the name of your wireless network
- Region- You can put Russia, or you can choose nothing. It's not critical.
Set up Wi-Fi encryption. In the side menu, go to Wireless Security (Wireless Protection):
- Choose the type of encryption WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- PSK Password (PSK password): enter the password for the Wi-Fi network. Password must not be less than 8 characters
- Click the Save button at the bottom. After saving the settings, you will be prompted to reboot the router, ignore this requirement (red inscription at the bottom).
- 4xLan 100Mbit/s
- WiFi 11bgn 150Mbps
Training:
1) We connect one end of the patch cord to any yellow port, the other end to a laptop;
PPPoE setup
- 1) On the left menu, select Network (Network) -\u003e WAN
- PPPoE/Russia PPPoE
- 3) Recruit login and password from your provider
- 4) Secondary connection: Dynamic IP (Dynamic IP)
- 5) Connection mode: connect automatically
- 6) Press Save
PPtP setup
- 1) On the left menu, select Network (Network) -\u003e WAN
- 2) WAN connection type: PPtP/Russia PPtP
- 3) Recruit login and password from your provider
- 4) Dynamic IP (Dynamic IP) and fill Server IP(issued by provider)
- 5) Connection mode: connect automatically
- 6) Press Save
The connection is ready to use.
WiFi setup
- 1) Left select Wireless mode
- 2) Fill in the field Network name (Wireless Network Name). Latin! This will be the name of your Wi-Fi network
- 3) We save. Ignore the reboot suggestion for now.
- 4) On the left, select Wireless Security
- 5) Choose WPA/WPA2-Personal
- 6) Set a password, at least 8 characters
- 7) Save
- 8) Reboot router for the changes to take effect.
Port forwarding
If you want to access a specific device from the Internet, a server on your local network needs to set up port forwarding (port forwarding). Ports are forwarded to a specific IP, i.e. You must first set a static IP address for the device. And for this you need the MAC address of the device. So.
- Launching the command line
- Recruiting a team ipconfig /all and press Enter
- We need physical adress. This is the MAC address of the network adapter.
- We go into the settings of the router, on the left item DHCP –> Address Reservation
- We press the button Add new
- Paste MAC address and fill IP address
- Save
Now the router will always issue a static IP address to a device with this MAC.
Set up port forwarding:
Important! If you want to set up port 80 forwarding, you must first change the router interface control port:
- Select a section on the left Security
- Subsection Remote Management
- Set another port
- Save
- Reload router
Actually port forwarding:
- Select a section on the left Forwarding
- Click Add (Add new)
- Specify ports and indicate IP address computer
- Save
Firmware update
No matter how loud the word “firmware” sounds, the process of flashing a router is very simple. First you need to download the firmware file to your computer (we recommend downloading from official sites).
Important! There is a possibility that the router will stop working (the probability is very small, but there is)
- On the left, select System Tools
- Sub-item Firmware Upgrade
- Click the Select file button
- Specify the path to the firmware file
- Click Update
Reset
- Left select System tools
- Choose Factory Defaults
- We press the button Restore
