TP-Link TL-WR902AC router review
TP-Link introduced the TL-WR902AC router in 2016. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros QCA9531 @ 560 MHz chipset, 64 MB of RAM, and 8 MB of flash memory.
Interested to see if this TP-Link router is a hit? Stay with us!
Table of Contents
- TP-Link TL-WR902AC specifications
- Body, dimensions, weight
- System, chipset, RAM, flash, power supply
- Network, protocols, WAN and LAN ports
- Wireless, antennas, speed, security
- Connectivity
- Administration, user interface, login information
- Verdict, Pros and Cons
- Photos
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-WR902AC, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The TL-WR902AC is a versatile router that offers more than basic functionality. It has advanced features and capabilities. It provides a reliable, fast network for homes and offices. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. TP-Link is a well-respected manufacturer in the networking industry. They have a reputation for providing a variety of networking devices.
TP-Link TL-WR902AC specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Name | TL-WR902AC |
| Type | TL-WR902AC |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2016 |
Body
| Dimensions | 74 x 67 x 22 mm |
|---|
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros QCA9531 @ 560 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 64 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | TP-Link |
| Power supply | 5 V / 2 A |
The TP-Link TL-WR902AC router has a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9531 @ 560 MHz processor. The 64 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. TP-Link often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 5 V / 2 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | no |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | yes, with USB dongle |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the TP-Link TL-WR902AC supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The WAN port on the TL-WR902AC router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet. The TL-WR902AC router supports 3G or 4G dongles, allowing you to connect to a cellular network.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 2 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC750 |
| Speed | 300 + 433 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 23 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
This router has 2 x 2 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The router supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The 5 GHz band is less crowded. This leads to less interference and a clearer wireless signal. The TL-WR902AC router is 5 GHz capable. The Wi-Fi router offers fast data speeds. They are good for streaming HD video, online gaming, and large file transfers.
The top speed, 300 + 433 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. 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. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.
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 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
- sufficient memory
- 3/4G USB modem capable
- works on 5 GHz band
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
TP-Link TL-WR902AC photos
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