Savvy Duck Reviews: TP-Link TL-WR1043ND Wireless Router

Home and business wireless networks are becoming more commonplace as their technology and reliability improves. The control pont of these networks is usually the wireless router. One of the latest entrants into the consumer wireless router market is the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND, which claims standards-setting power, range, reliability, and features. Some routers have features that become more of a burden than a help while others run smoothly with no troubles whatsoever. Read on to find out how this particular router compares to the rest of the pack. Tweet

Features

The TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND wireless router has a number of advanced features. Here are the specs:

• Dimensions: 7.9" x 5.5" x 1.2"
• Wireless Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
• Wireless Standards: 2.4Ghz radio frequency technology with 33 feet of range.
• Wireless Security: 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
• Wireless Data Rate: Up to 300Mbps
• Wireless Frequency: 2.4GHz - 2.4835GHz
• Wireless Antenna: 3 x 3dBi Detachable Omni Directional
• Transmission Power: < 20dBm
• LAN Ports: 4
• Wired Data Rates: 10/100/1000Mbps
• Access Control: Parental Control, Local Management Control, Host List, Access Schedule, Rule Management

Appearance

The TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND has a glossy white finish with a black display panel on the front. The display LEDs are bright and well-marked, and the ports in the back are color-coded and similarly well-marked. I have no problems with this device's physical appearance.

Ease-of-Use

Though the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is a more advanced router, setting it up is relatively easy even for the novice. The device comes with a setup CD, though I should mention that it is one of those mini CDs that are sometimes hard to use and doesn't fit in some slot-loading CD drives. Once the CD is inserted, the user is taken through a step-by-step setup process with relatively understandable descriptions of each step. The device comes with a sticker covering the LAN ports with scary warnings that you should run the CD first, but the advanced user can completely ignore that. Right out of the box, it is possible to log into the router through a web browser, as you would with most other routers, without bothering to use the CD. The default IP of the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is 192.168.1.1, and the username and password are both 'admin', all lowercase.

The router's setup screens are typical for what you would find in a more advanced consumer device, and all of the typical functions, from wireless security to firmware updates to port forwarding are easy to find and use. The router does not seem to include advanced settings for use as a repeater or various forms of access points, but as it is compatable with the third-party DD-WRT firmware, advanced users can add most of that functionality anyway.


All Set Up
Reliability

I have used this router in a couple of installs through my system setup services (including a multi-device installation at a local auto repair shop) and I must say that in my experience, the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is unmatched in reliability. I have never had an issue with one of these devices failing to function, even in harsh conditions involving high levels of heat and dust. The wireless reliability is also exceptional. I have maintained signal over a surprising distance, even through thick concrete walls. For a high-performing network, I do not intend to recommend another router to my customers anytime soon.

Conclusion

The TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is a truly exceptional device. The one caveat to that is the face that the setup utilities are included on a mini CD that isn't always easy (or possible) for everyone to use. When you ignore that, though, I can find absolutely no major issues with this router. I give it five stars.