TP-Link TL-MR3420. Router TP-Link TL-MR3420: description

This article will focus on the TL-MR3420 router and its compatibility with USB modems from different operators in Ukraine and Russia. The main problem is that TP-Link TL-MR3420 (like any other router) may not work with all modems and carriers. And before buying this router, be sure to check it for compatibility with your modem. Better yet, choose a modem from the list of compatible modem specifically for this router. (if you are planning to buy it, or have already bought it)... It may turn out that after purchasing, connecting the modem and setting up, the router simply does not see the modem, or it refuses to connect to the Internet.

How to check if the modem is compatible with TP-Link TL-MR3420?

TP-Link's official website has a list of compatible modems specifically for this router. Everything is very confusing there. I will now show you how to view these lists. They are different for Ukraine and Russia.

An important point! If the modem is in the list of compatible, then there is no 100% guarantee that everything will work. I already wrote above that a lot depends on the firmware and hardware version. Yes, and modem firmware can change.

But if the modem is not in the list of compatible, this does not mean that it is not supported by TL-MR3420. It's just that this modem was not tested by TP-Link.

1 As I understand it, to check modems Ukrainian operators you need to follow the link http://www.tp-link.ua/ru/download/TL-MR3420_V2.html#Compatibility, select your hardware version of the router (it is indicated at the bottom of the router itself, if you have not bought it yet, you can check with the sellers which hardware version they have)... Next, on the "Compatibility" tab, click on the link "List of compatible 3G / 3.75G USB modems".

We save the file to the computer, open it via Excel and look for the necessary modem in the list.

2 If you have modem Russian operator , then follow the link http://www.tp-linkru.com/download/TL-MR3420_V2.html#Compatibility. In the same way, having selected the hardware version of the router, on the "Compatibility" tab, follow the link.

A list of compatible modems will open. Where the model of the modem, operator, etc. is indicated. Also carefully read the information that is at the beginning of the page.

What modems exactly does it work with?

Works exactly with Verizon USB720. This is the Ukrainian provider Intertelecom. Should also work with Huawei EC 306.

Models I found in reviews (cannot guarantee compatibility): Verizon UM150-VW, LGVL600, HUAWEI E1550, SIERRA598U, PANTECH UM-185, HUAWEI E352, Novatel U760, Pantech UM190, Pantech UM150.

In fact, TP-Link TL-MR3420 supports a lot of modems.

How to set up TP-Link TL-MR3420 with 3G / 4G USB modem?

Very simple. I wrote about this in the article:. Everything is the same there.

Brief instruction on the example of TL-MR3420:

We turn on the router. We connect a USB modem to it. We connect by network cable, or via WiFi from the device from which we will configure.

We go to. Or according to the instructions.

In the "Network" (WAN) - "3G / 4G" section, we look to see if the router has detected our modem, then select the country, operator and connect to the Internet. If the connection is established, then we save the settings.

If the provider is not in the list, then the number, username and password are set manually.

What if TP-Link TL-MR3420 does not detect the modem and does not connect to the Internet?

There are many options, consider the most popular:

  1. If you connect the modem via a USB extension cable, connect it directly. Without extension cord.
  2. Update the firmware of the TL-MR3420 router. If you have updated, and the modem is not exactly detected, then try installing a different firmware. Even older. This helps a lot.
  3. Write to TP-Link support. Describe everything in detail. Specify the hardware version of the router, modem model, operator. Perhaps they will tell you which firmware to install, or they will send you a bin file for your modem.
  4. If the modem is detected, but there is no Internet connection, then first check if there is a modem connection from the computer. Make sure you have specified the correct parameters in the router settings. And is there coverage of your carrier in the place where the router is installed.

That's all. In the comments, you can ask your questions, and of course shares useful information about this router. Hope you got it set up and everything works great. Best wishes!

First, let's look at the general view of the connection:

1 Connect the Ethernet cable of the provider (if you will use a WAN connection)

2 Connect your computer / laptop to any LAN port (there are 4 of them) using an Ethernet cable (included).

3 Connect a 3G / 4G modem (if you will be using a 3G / 4G connection).

4 Plug the power adapter into the socket of the TL-MR3420.

5 Press the ON / OFF button to turn on the TP-Link MR3220 Router.

Indicator - Power
Does not burn
TP-Link MR3420 is off.
Is burning
Meals included.

Indicator - System

Is burning
The router is loading.
Flashing
The router is in working mode.
Does not burn
The presence of a system error

Indicator - Wireless Wi-Fi
Does not burn
Wi-Fi is off.
Is burning
Wi-Fi is on.

WAN, LAN ports 1-4 Connect to network connectors
Does not burn
The cable is not connected to the corresponding connector of the Keenetic, or network connection not installed.
Lights up or flashes
The network connection has been established, information is being transferred.

Indicator - USB port

Is burning
3G / 4G USB modem is connected, but data transfer is not in progress.
Flashing
Information is transmitted via 3G / 4G modem.
Does not burn
3G / 4G USB modem is not connected.

Indicator - WPS
Flashing slowly
The wireless device is connecting to the network. This process will take about 2 minutes.
Is burning
The wireless device has been successfully added to the network.
Flashing fast
The device was not connected to the network.
Does not burn
The WPS function is disabled.

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

TP-Link MR3420 firmware update.

For a more stable and safe work the TP-Link MR3420 router, the first step is to update the firmware. To do this, in the Status window, look at the hardware version and the version of the installed firmware.

After that, on a computer / laptop with Internet access, go to the site TP-Link select the hardware version (in this example V2) and download the latest firmware for it.

Attention!!! It is necessary to download the firmware specifically for your hardware version. Incorrectly selected firmware can damage your device.

Unzip the downloaded archive. As a result, you should have a folder with a file with the extension .bin.

Then on the web interface of the router go "System Tools" - "Firmware Update"... Then press the button "Overview", select the folder with the downloaded firmware archive and press "Refresh".

Attention!!! Do not turn off the router or computer / laptop during the firmware update, as this may damage the network device.

In the confirmation window, click "OK".

During the update TP-Link firmware TL-MR3420, the rotor will reboot. After loading, in the status window you will see new version firmware.

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

After updating the firmware, you can start setting up the Internet. To do this, on the web interface in the menu, select "Network" - "Internet access"... Next, you need to decide which of the 4 modes you will use. Choose which mode suits you and press "Save".

If the mode you have chosen implies the presence of a 3G / 4G modem, you need to go to the menu "Network" - "3G / 4G"... Select Region and Mobile Internet Service Provider. Don't forget to press the button " Save".

Then, if you are using an Ethernet connection, go to the menu "Network" - "WAN" in the line "WAN connection type" select the type of connection, you can check it with the provider, then, if necessary, enter the login and password data of the provider. At the end of the settings, click "Save".


Configuring a Wi-Fi network on the TP-Link MR3420 router.

The next step is to proceed to Wi-Fi setup on the TL-MR3420 router. It is worth noting that according to default wifi the network is configured and you can find the login and password for it on a sticker on the router.

If you want to change the network name (SSID) or password, you need to go to the web interface, select "Wireless mode"-" Setting the wireless mode ".. If you want to get a more stable Wi-Fi network, I recommend that you define a free channel and indicate it in the "Channel" line, in more detail how to do this in the article How to select / change the wireless channel on the router / router ... Save your changes.

To change the password from Wi-Fi networks go to "Wireless" - "Wireless Security"... For the safest using Wi-Fi network authentication type I recommend choosing WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK... Next, in the PSK Password line, enter the password for connecting to the Wi-Fi network. I recommend using a complex password - at least 8 characters with letters, numbers and specials. signs (! # $). Save the settings.

Router Tp-Link TL-MR3420 is a router supporting 3G / 4G networks with data transfer rates up to 300 Mbps.

Features of the tp link tl mr3420 router

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

Details of 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 a huge plus at the present time of Internet mobility. A complete list of supported modems is shown in the following illustrations:


Brief overview of the tp link tl mr3420 router

Router TL-MR3420 is equipped with 2 transmit / receive antennas.

On the front side of the case there is an indicator panel, which consists of 10 elements:

  • "Nutrition";
  • "System" - an inactive indicator indicates a possible system failure;
  • "WLAN" - when the indicator blinks, the function wireless transmission data is active;
  • "WAN" and "LAN 1-4" - when the indicator blinks, a device that is active at the moment is connected to the port;
  • "USB" - if the indicator is "on", then the usb modem is connected, but inactive, if it blinks - data is being transferred;
  • "WPS" - informs about the status of devices connected to wireless network via . After successful connection, within 5 minutes, the indicator will turn off.

The rear panel contains connectors and ports for connecting external devices:

  • "Power" - to connect the power supply;
  • "ON / OFF" - a button to enable / disable (reboot) the router;
  • "LAN 4-1" - ports for connecting network devices;
  • "WAN" - port for connecting to the Internet line;
  • "WPS / RESET" - a button to activate "WPS" (just press) and reset the settings to factory settings (press and hold for more than 5 seconds).

The side panel of the router contains:

How to connect tp link tl mr3420 router?

Before proceeding with the installation and connection of the router, make sure that it matches the necessary requirements for the correct operation of the equipment:

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

If the requirements are met, then:

  • install the router in the chosen place, while not connecting it to the mains;
  • connect the provider's cable ("WAN" port) or USB modem and computer ("LAN" port) to it;
  • plug the router into the network and press the "ON / OFF" button.

To further configure the router follows.

How do I set up an internet connection?

To enter the web interface of the TL-MR3420 router, use the address 192.168.0.1, which must be entered in the address bar of any Internet browser (by default, the login and password will be “admin”).

To set up an Internet connection, you will need the authorization data specified by the provider in the agreement for the provision of Internet access.

The web interface consists of 15 main sections.

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

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

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

"3G / 4G"

  • upon successful connection and definition usb modem the first line will show "Successfully defined";
    then select the region and service provider;
  • choose one of three connection modes;
  • Select Authentication Type Auto (unless operator requires PAP or CHAP).

Now click on the button " Additional settings»

  • if you know the dial-up number, apn, username and password - specify them in the fields of the same name;
  • if necessary, you can specify the preferred "DNS" servers.

If the modem is not identified, then you will first need to download a file with the extension .bin (you can find it on the website http://www.tp-link.com in the "Support" section).

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

Then restart the router and check the status of the modem definition.

"WAN"

In the first line "Connection type" select one of the options according to the agreement with the provider:

"Dynamic IP"

"Static IP address"

Here you will need to specify the "IP address", "Subnet mask" and "Default gateway".

"PPPoE / PPPoE Russia"

Enter the "Username" and twice the "Password".

If it is possible to implement "Dual Access", select "Dynamic ip" or "Static ip". Specify one of the connection options (the default is "Connect automatically").

To select your preferred "DNS" servers, click "Advanced settings" and enter the required addresses.

"BigPond cable"

In addition to the username and password, specify the "Authentication Server" and "Authentication Domain".

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


Setting up wifi on a tp link mr3420 router

To configure the wireless network, open the "Wireless mode" section and specify the "Wireless network name" (the rest of the parameters can be left as default).

Go to the "Wireless Security" menu

and select one of the proposed protection modes:

1 "WEP" - you will need to fill in the "Key" line.

2 “WPA WPA2 - Enterprise” - enter “Radius IP address” and “Radius server password”.

3 "WPA-Personal / WPA2-Personal" - enter the password in the line of the same name.

Setting up IpTV

Configuring the operation of a router with a set-top box is carried out in the section "IPTV:

  • "Automatic" - using "IGMP Proxy", LAN ports work unchanged, which provides access to viewing through a wireless and wired connection;
  • "Bridge" - you will need to specify the port number to which the set-top box was connected;
  • 802.1Q Tag VLAN - Specify the VLAN Tag ID and configure port trunking (if required by your service provider).

Additional router features

As additional opportunities it is worth considering the "WDS" setting, i.e. transformation of "TL-MR3420" into:

  • to enable this function, you must put a check mark in the "WDS" line in the "Wireless settings" section;
  • specify "SSID" - this is the name of the access point,;
  • "BSSID" is (or just click on the "Search" button and select an access point from the list);
  • select "Key type" and enter the password by analogy with the existing access point.

Summing up, it is worth saying that "TL-MR3420" is a solid, high-quality router for creating home network with a simple intuitive interface and decent technical characteristics.

One of the routers that I was expecting for the test is TP-LINK TL-MR3420... The interest is primarily associated with the regular use of 3G / 4G modems from Russian cellular operators... Having made the decision to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city and faceless high-rise buildings, with all the advantages of living in my house, I also received a minus in the form of the inability to connect to a cable operator.

This material is a continuation of acquaintance with the company's products, previously you could already familiarize yourself with TP-LINK TL-WR2543ND, and TP-LINK TL-SC4171G.
The use and advantage of a router for distributing 3G / 4G at home is obvious, this is the versatility in finding the optimal location for the modem, eliminating interference and, of course, distributing to several devices at once. About two years ago, I started using the solution - Zyxel Keentic 4G, this router is still used today to organize a home network. TP-LINK TL-MR3420 interested, in turn, with better characteristics at a cost that is almost half less. What he can actually offer, let's see the results of the extended test below.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Availability

At the time of this writing, the average cost per TP-LINK TL-MR3420 according to Yandex.Market, it is 1190 rubles. The price is attractive considering that the prices for the distribution models offered by the operators mobile internet Wi-Fi, above.

Among the competitive solutions, the following models can be noted: ZyXEL Keenetic 4G (1920 rubles), Upvel UR-344AN4G (1120 rubles), Huawei AF23 (1631 rubles). Judging by the current offers on the Russian market, TP-LINK TL-MR3420 is the most affordable 3G / 4G Wi-Fi router.

Specifications TP-LINK TL-MR3420

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Technologies

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

3G / 4G and WAN switchingautomatic switching active connection to the Internet, depending on the presence of problems on the channel.

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

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

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

WDS- work in the wireless bridge mode.

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

Package contents TP-LINK TL-MR3420

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

On the edges of the packaging there is information about technical characteristics and a photograph of the device.

On the side there is a list of compatible 3G / 4G modems. It should be noted that the list is updated with firmware updates.

Inside the package except for the TP-LINK TL-MR3420 found two detachable antennas, a power supply, a patch cord and a set of brochures, instructions and manufacturer's warranties.

There is everything you need to get started. The only thing missing is a USB-HOST extension cable for attaching the modem remotely from the router. This approach makes it possible to make the installation possibilities of the modem wider, it may be optimal to install the modem on glass, this will reduce interference from the router itself, as well as improve the signal reception level.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 design

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

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

The dimensions of the device are compact, the main body material is white plastic.

The bottom of the router is made of matte gray plastic.

There are slots at the junction of the two parts for heat dissipation during operation.

On the front side TP-LINK TL-MR3420 there is a gray plastic insert. It houses a row of green backlit LEDs.

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

There is an information decal on the bottom surface. It housed serial number, MAC address, IP address and data for authorization to the web interface.

There are also two T-cutouts for wall mounting. There are no self-tapping screws in the kit.

On the back wall there are: antenna jacks, 1 x WAN and 4 xLAN ports, a power socket, a WPS activation and power button.

A USB 2.0 port for connecting modems is brought out to the side. Next to it is a recessed reset button.

Filling TP-LINK TL-MR3420

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

The basis of the router is a board built on a chip Atheros AR9341(the first version used AR7241).

The low heat dissipation of this chip made it possible to get rid of the cooling heatsink. And also improved the overall performance of the router. Atheros AR9341 includes 500 MHz processor(against 400 in the previous build) and interfaces, including USB 2.0 with support for external 3G / 4G modems.

The budget of the model is reflected in the lack of shielding on the microcircuits, although in general it should be noted right away that this is not critical at home.

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

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

There are no complaints about the quality of soldering, everything was done carefully and thoughtfully.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 software

Web-based management interface TP-LINK TL-MR3420 outwardly similar to previously tested devices, the manufacturer adheres to uniform standard design, only the set of customization functionality changes.

On the home page withdrawn general information the status of the device's activity, the status of connections and the amount of data transferred.

On first login, the wizard quick setup suggests setting up 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 one falls.

One of the main features is, of course, the modem configuration. It is simplified and easy to understand. The modem is recognized automatically. All settings and parameters of the operator of the operators are already hammered into the firmware.

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

Networking supported Wi-Fi standard 802.11b / g / n. You can choose both mixed mode and specific. Here you can change the SSID of the access point.

In addition to security features, a simple firewall is available. You can set an access list, as well as a black list of devices. Of the interesting things, I can note the presence of a function for changing the channel width, you can change the incoming and outgoing speed. And of course, there is a whole range of functions that we have already discussed in other TP-LINK models.

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 Testing

As test configuration the working machine protrudes from the following components:
ModelData
FrameAerocool Strike-X Air
MotherboardASUS P8Z77-M, Z77, Socket 1155, DDR3, mATX
CPUIntel Core i5-3470, LGA1155
Cooler for processorDeepCool Ice Blade Pro v2.0
RAMGeIL EVO Veloce DDR3-2400 Frost White 16GB Kit CL11
Video cardPalit GeForce GTX 670 JetStream 2 GB
HDDADATA XPG SX900 256GB
Hard Drive 2TP-LINK TL-MR3420.

When connecting both modems, compatibility problems were not noticed, both models were identified correctly. According to the speed measurements with the Speedtest, there was no drop in speed.

Transmission data received with Iperf

(LAN - LAN = 92 Mbit / s; LAN - WLAN = 51 Mbit / s; WLAN - LAN = 73 Mbit / s).

The file copy speed averaged 64 Mbps. The data are similar to those obtained during the synthetic load. Next, we test the attenuation of the signal depending on the distance:

(Line of sight 7 meters - -49 dB; Two walls made of wood - -58 dB; Two concrete floors - -72 dB).

The connection quality is good. When transferring data through concrete floors, the speed dropped by about half compared to transferring within one room. And despite the slowdowns in data transfer rates, the connection remained stable.

In a few days of use TP-LINK TL-MR3420 no serious problems and freezes were noticed.

Video reviews TP-LINK TL-MR3420

Results for TP-LINK TL-MR3420

TP-LINK TL-MR3420 can be called an acceptable and most affordable solution for organizing a home network with support for mobile Internet. The obvious advantages are the cost, good filling, ease of customization, good characteristics, stable work.

Of the minuses, outdated LAN ports can be noted (ideally, I would like to see gigabit ports, as in expensive models), as well as the lack of a USB extension cable included. Its cost is 1000 rubles TP-LINK TL-MR3420 fulfills with a margin.

The model receives a well-deserved award - "Hit.