TP-Link 4G LTE Cat4 Router, N300Mbps WiFi, Ethernet Port, SIM Slot, Plug & Play

A good item but could be improved by a notification light on the front panel for SMS messages, it would also benefit from the ability to plug in a phone handset. TP-Link are great with routers but when dealing with mobile sim card dependant items they are a little lacking in their design from mobile phone makers as in order to use this properly with multiple wireless devices you need a high rate or unlimited data plan and these come with unlimited call and texts that this device makes hard to use on the SMS side and impossible for the call side. Data only plans I have found to be more expensive than plans including voice and SMS.After 1 month of using this I have had good signal strength throughout my house, the colour is great as it needs to be mounted in a window for best mobile reception and being white in sunlight prevents it from getting too hot, the power cable is not long enough for window mounting so have had to find a way to extend it (it was easier to move a mains extension to the plug than extend the power cable).Having to log on the router home page to check for messages is a pain so you can't really use the message side.Mobile broadband is good for singles or those with lower internet (non gamer and no HD streams) but you can't really plan how much data you will need, for example you tube does let you pick different resolutions but does not specify how much data you will need to watch a video. Not many singles and couples really need fibre band-with.As I am using this with an unlimited internet plan that gives me calls and texts unlimited too I have tried to switch to a Motorola FW410 4G (after only 1 month) which did not provide as good a signal throughout the house but was able to use all 3 parts of my plan - calls, texts and internet. unfortunately the hot-spot side of this item packed up after only 5 days of use, it was a hot-spot not a router.This TP-Link router is a good reliable solution for data only with limited SMS function. If calls are required on top (like with my requirement) you may need 2 sims and 2 devices (and 2 accounts/bills), 1 to handle calls and texts (a basic Nokia 105 mobile will do this for around £20 equipment cost) and this router which gives the added bonus of being able to accept add on aerials which can be either indoor or outdoor mounted further improving mobile reception (did not need these and have not tried these, may need after house move). Most people already own a mobile so should not have this issue, the use of a non smartphone is due to battery life, recharge interval and better reception.My circumstances: due to probate (death of the home owner who paid the broadband bill) I will be leaving this house soon, could not justify a 2 year broadband contract and mess around with number changes when I move. This mobile system means I pay less for phone services (no line rental), get the bandwidth I need, have uninterrupted number portability and choice (albeit limited) of my own equipment. Landlines are lv ike TV licences, a thing of the past that you don't need (if you don't use TV) and there are newer alternatives to consider. This way I only have to inform of number change once which with the house move is required anyway.

This has been out a little while now and I've had my eye on it as an upgrade to my 4G TP-Link Archer MR600 v2. With a 3 sim card, I've been getting a regular 30-50mbps connection. I'm lucky to have direct line of sight to a 5G mast and have been wanting to upgrade but finding a 5G router from a reputable brand is still quite hard to do, not to mention the cost of 5G equipment is still up there compared to 4G. Enter the NX200.First impressions were fine - it feels rather light for the size compared to my MR600 but the build quality is good quality plastics all round. Smart little display on the front. The SIM tray is underneath the unit vs on the back as with most models.Setup was a breeze. If you've used the TP Link Tether app before you'll be familiar with this but for those who are not, there's an instruction card in the box. I did have a slight issue where after setting a login password for the router settings it timed out and had me restart the setup process but this was mostly just hitting next buttons to confirm (again) I'd done certain things like put in a sim card and I was back at the same screen in no time.The bit you probably care about - speeds. Again, bear in mind I've got direct line of sight to a 5G tower on top of a block of flats a quarter mile away and have placed my router facing it at the back of my house so this is all best case (note: there aren't any antennas included in the box, but you can add them; I don't feel I need to as you'll see). Consistently getting a solid 5G connection with around 350mbps down and 65 up. As someone who works from home and games in an evening, and is in an area stuck on copper and not in a fibre rollout area, the speed boost has been a game changer. There are other benefits such as an increased number of devices that can connect but I only need 10 or so which was fine on the MR600.If you have the money, live in an area with good 5G and can score a cheap sim (I use Smarty), this is a no brainer upgrade over any 4G router you currently have. Highly recommended.