Tenda F3 router review
Tenda introduced the F3 router in 2015. It is powered by Broadcom BCM5357C0 @ 300 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM, and 1 MB of flash memory.
Keen to discover if this Tenda router lives up to the hype? Keep going!
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Tenda F3, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The F3 has a user-friendly interface. It is accessible to users with varying levels of expertise. Tenda provides good customer support services through their website.
Tenda F3 specifications
| Brand | Tenda |
|---|---|
| Name | F3 |
| Type | F3 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2015 |
Body
| Dimensions | 127.4 x 90.5 x 26 mm |
|---|
If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM5357C0 @ 300 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 1 MB |
| OS | Tenda |
| Power supply | 9 V / 0.6 A |
The Broadcom BCM5357C0 @ 300 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the F3 router. The 32 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface. The Tenda packages the F3 router with 9 V / 0.6 A PSU.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 3 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the Tenda F3 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The F3 features a Fast Ethernet WAN port that has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.
Wireless
| Antennas | 3 x 5 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N300 |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | no |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. This is a Wi-Fi 4 router, with slower data transfer speeds. This can result in slower downloads, video buffering, and reduced performance. The top speed, 300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.
The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The F3 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.0.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | admin |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Tenda one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- WPS friendly
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
- no USB connectivity
Tenda F3 photos
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