By Ki Grinsing

Overview

For a long time I used a wired modem gateway with subscription to ADSL service with limited bandwidth only up to 384Kbps connected to a single desktop computer that is on the table together with the modem. One UTP cable passed through the long side of the door to share the internet connection with my son’s laptop on his desk.

This configuration lasted long time until my younger son finally got a birthday gift from his mom a laptop. You would have guessed that he also needs an internet connection on the laptop and thus should be from inside his room.

Distance of the modem to his room is not too far just about 20 meters away when a straight line with a modem. However, I have to pull the network cable from the modem gateway to his room, because it must pass through two thick walls and must pass the ceiling for not drilling the walls, it would really so hassle.

TP-link 8961 is the choice

Finally I decided to buy DSL modem wireless Gateway and my choice was affordable TP-link TD-W8961ND. And finally this TPlink 8961 becomes the center of my wifi network in home without any significant problems so far, and it last for about 2 years up to now (Jan 2013).

What this product does

When I bought this model it is a square box blend of white on the surface and black color on the left and right side of the device. The latest model comes with a very attractive blue color with a pattern on the surface and the model with an elegant curve.

Equipped with two external antenna adds sturdy appearance of this product. I mount this TP-link 8961 on the wall above my desk and facing my son’s room. Now everybody is happy with the wireless connection, my little girl is happy with her Android busy with social networking on her spare time after school. And the other two boys are also happy with their laptops, no hassle of moving the laptop without wired connection.

Main features

• Based on high speed N300 wifi technology (802.11n)
• High speed up to 24Mbps to the ISP
• Four-port fast-Ethernet switch with autosensing
• WPS feature with advanced security

Just a little problem with my son’s laptop Dell Inspiron in a month or so have failed to connect when out of wifi connection at school. And one solution is to restart the laptop and the problem is completed. You may also like to know the comparison between TP-link 8960 and 8961. And you may also consider the newer version – TP-link 8968.

Networking diagram

How to configure?

Configuration is easy, as long as you have the user-name and password provided by the ISP with you (or probably you have changed the password). Generally each ISP has its own configuration procedure; therefore one phone call to the ISP will help you complete the installation easily.

Since the DHCP server is enabled by default, you can connect your computer using the UTP cable. Connect one end of the cable to the NIC adapter of your computer and another end to one of the router Ethernet ports. Configure your computer TCP/IP property to obtain the IP address automatically to allow it receives the IP address automatically from the router’s DHCP. Default IP address is 192.168.1.1, user-name and password is the same “admin”. You can type in the address from your browser: http://192.168.1.1, you can start the configuration wizard easily.

Please note:

In updating the firmware, you should know the hardware version of your device. How to know your hardware version? Typically it is printed on the back of your device. Follow this link to see the firmware update.

TD-W8961ND ADSL Modem Wireless Router a single device for all the requirements you need for high-speed wireless network in homes or small offices without any hassle.