TP-Link TL-WR720N router review
The TP-Link TL-WR720N (TL-WR720N) router released in 2012. It is powered by Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz chipset, 16 MB of RAM and 2 MB of flash. The N150 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with TL-WR720N is 150 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 2 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.
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 TP-Link TL-WR720N, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
This router is basic 2.4 GHz router. It provides reliable for small networks. TP-Link provides affordable networking solutions. They are accessible to many users.
TP-Link TL-WR720N specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | TL-WR720N |
| Type | TL-WR720N |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2012 |
Body
| Dimensions | 158 x 122 x 32 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 272 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 16 MB |
| Flash | 2 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Alternative OS | OpenWRT |
| Power supply | 5 V / 0.6 A |
The Atheros AR9331 @ 400 MHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. Some router features and software need a certain amount of RAM. They need it to work well. More storage space comes from a larger flash memory. It can accommodate future firmware upgrades. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. It depends on your router model and hardware. Using a different OS may make it more stable and faster.
OpenWrt offers many customization options. They let users modify and tailor their router's function to their needs. The TP-Link provides the right power supply. It is 5 V / 0.6 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 2 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The TL-WR720N router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. Wired connections may bottleneck due to the limits of Fast Ethernet ports.
Wireless
| Antennas | 1 x 5 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N150 |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 20 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
The 1 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they are less suitable for larger homes or offices. Real-world TL-WR720N router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed.
WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.
Connectivity
| USB ports | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The TL-WR720N router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | admin |
If you can't log in to your TP-Link router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your TL-WR720N router. Do this after the initial setup.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this TP-Link 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
- lightweight
- OpenWrt compatible
Cons
- insufficient memory
- 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
- missing WPS support
- no USB connectivity
TP-Link TL-WR720N photos
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