By Ki Grinsing
Overview
With ADSL connectivity, TP-Link TD-W8961ND is one of my preference ADSL modem routers for creating simple and affordable wireless network in homes. It provides solid wireless connectivity through walls of my kid’s rooms. I cannot find a good location that is close to my desk to place the router, so I mounted on the wall with two antennas in upright position. It is not in an ideal position actually since the signal must propagate through several walls not in perpendicular position but makes some ten or fifteen degrees to the clients. Ideally you should place the router in the perpendicular position with the walls for optimum signal propagation to the clients which are located behind the walls (rooms). Fortunately all the laptops can receive strong signal – solid wireless connection to the network.
New TD-W8961ND
TP-Link TD-W8961ND is not embedded with the USB port which you can use to attach a printer or storage for sharing across the network. TP-Link adds another line of ADSL modem router products which is designed differently than the previous models. TD-W8968 ADSL wireless modem router is a multifunction modem router to meet all of possible connectivity you may face.
Highlights
- All-in-one Wireless N300 ADSL modem router, with 2x3dBi external antennas
- Includes one USB port for sharing printer, storage with FTP and media server support
- Includes EWAN
- IP-based QoS
It includes one USB port the previous models do not support. This will eliminate the hassle of sharing a printer or storage. With the attached external USB storage, it can function as the FTP server and media server to let you easily and seamlessly connect to other media.
Click here for TD-W8968 Spec details.
W8961 Vs W8968
What other differences between the TD-W8968 and TD-W8961ND? TD-W8968 supports EWAN (Ethernet WAN) which lets you connect to Cable modem, VDSL or fiber modems instead of just ADSL line port so you don’t need to worry if someday you should change connectivity to other than ADSL line. This feature is not new actually; the Netgear DGND3700 and Linksys X2000 are two ADSL modem router models which include EWAN port too.
Wireless and power on-off buttons
Unlike the previous models, TD-W8968 supports wireless on-off button. This feature is not available in the TD-W8961ND model. I like this feature since I frequently work late at night and very early in the morning, nobody else on the network but me with wired connection. So I turn the wireless signal off. This will reduce the energy consumption off course, helps you save the power.
Networking diagram
As general, the Adsl modem router networking diagram can be shown in the following figure where TD-W8968ND becomes the center of the network, a new Canon color printer is attached to the USB port and a smart TV connects to the network by adding an Apple TV.
IP-based QoS
Unlike other wireless routers which support traditional QoS (Quality of Services), the TD-W8968 supports IP QoS which helps you control the bandwidth usage based on the clients IP addresses. I frequently feel upset when the kids hog the bandwidth by downloading their favorite movies and games while at the same time I have to update the websites online, or uploading the databases. With this IP QoS feature you can control which clients require high priority internet connectivity and which one doesn’t.
By Ki Grinsing
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what chipset does this one use? is it broadcom based?
have no idea!
it uses Trend, not Broadcom.