TP-Link MR3020 Router Review

morkhans

morkhans

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What is it?
It's a travel router much like the Huawei D105. You plug in your USB 3G modem it manages the connection for you while providing WiFi and Ethernet for you to connect to.

Specifications
Dimensions: (L/W/H): 76mm x 68mm x 21mm
Ethernet: 1 Ports (RJ45) 10/100
USB-A: 1 Port for attaching 3G Modem
Mini USB-B: 1 Port for supplying power
WiFi: 802.11b/g/n (65Mbps)
Light Indicators: Power, Wifi, Ethernet, Internet Connection

Product Page: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=218&model=TL-MR3020

What's in the box?
1 x TL-MR3020 Router
1 x Ethernet Cable (RJ45) ~50cm
1 x 2 Prong Power (Europlug) adapter with a USB-A receptical (Think iPhone charger). Input 100-240V. Output 5.0VDC/1.0A.
1 x Split USB Cable (USB-A to Mini USB-B for power) ~50cm
1 x CD with the User Guide
1 x Quick Start Guide

Software Versions - Shipped
Firmware Version: 3.12.11 Build 111128 Rel.34725n
Hardware Version: MR3020 v1 00000000

Software Versions - Most Recent Update
N/A

Quick Review
The first thing that came to mind when opening this box is they sure did try to take a leaf from Apple's packaging book. The main box slides out from the printed cover presenting the router to you in a padded cushion. Underneath that you find the all the bits and pieces. The second thing I noticed was how incredibly short the USB cable was. If you intend to plug this into a wall socket your options for positioning it will be severly limited. I'll assume then the main idea was to power it from one of the machines connecting to it.

I choose to ignore the quick start guide and wing it. I plugged in my 3G Modem and attached the power to one of my USB ports. I then plugged the ethernet cable in and attached it to my notebook. DHCP delivered an IP address and I connected to the default gateway on 192.168.0.254. Username / Password for the web interface was admin / admin. If you have worked on a TP-Link device before the interface will immediately be fammiliar and I doubt it's any differnet to its bigger brothers the TL-MR3220 and TL-MR3420.

I had a quick poke through all the menu option and then went for Quick Setup. This litterly just asks you for your access method, country so you can select your provider (strangely enough only MTN and Cell C are on the list, but you can also set a custom APN if needed) and finally WiFi setup and security. After a reboot everything came up and the 3G connected shortly after boot.

I did a very basic test of the WiFi range and it's more than adequate for the intended use. I could still connect to it downstairs in the lounge from where it was in the study.

I used my Cell C Huawei E1820 to test and left it connected for 5 hours with no disconnects.

I think overall for the price and the purpose of the device it delivers. I really like the TP Link web interface. The length of the USB cable was the only think I could really fault it on, but I'm sure you could buy a longer one if needed.

Pictures

IMG_6252.JPG

Boxed

IMG_6253.JPG

Router revealed

IMG_6254.JPG

Bits and pieces

IMG_6255-3.JPG

Unboxed

IMG_6256.JPG

MR3020 vs. E272

IMG_62581.JPG

Mode Switch, LAN/WAN port, Power

IMG_6264-1.JPG

MR3020 with E1820 inserted vs. Huawei D105 (no modem)

Last Update: 2012-01-20
 
Last edited:
Any questions let me know and I'll see if I can answer them.

I can't comment on modem compatibility, other than what's on the TP-Link website. My E1820 works. My assumption here is bin files for the other TP Link routers will work with this one.
 
morkhans said:
The length of the USB cable was the only think I could really fault it on, but I'm sure you could buy a longer one if needed.
Click to expand...
I think not a fault, but neccessity due to the small package of the router. It should be added to the review that if longer cable is required, use rather power extension cord, not a longer USB cable to avoid power delivery problems.
Lithium battery inside would allow longer power USB cable. Are you sure WiFi section is only 65Mbps? Then my choice is a different router.
 
sajunky said:
I think not a fault, but neccessity due to the small package of the router. It should be added to the review that if longer cable is required, use rather power extension cord, not a longer USB cable to avoid power delivery problems.
Lithium battery inside would allow longer power USB cable. Are you sure WiFi section is only 65Mbps? Then my choice is a different router.
Click to expand...

I specifically mention the length of the USB cord when using if with the AC adapter, so I don't believe a longer USB cable will be an issue when it's plugged into power.

65Mbps is what Windows reported the speed at. Spec sheet says up to 150Mbps, maybe it's just the WiFi card in my notebook or I need to force the channel width to 40? I will check that one evening and report back.
 
morkhans said:
I specifically mention the length of the USB cord when using if with the AC adapter, so I don't believe a longer USB cable will be an issue when it's plugged into power.
Click to expand...
There are the same problems typical to USB 3G modems. They don't save money with short USB power cable.
morkhans said:
65Mbps is what Windows reported the speed at. Spec sheet says up to 150Mbps, maybe it's just the WiFi card in my notebook or I need to force the channel width to 40? I will check that one evening and report back.
Click to expand...
There are compatibility problems amoung various WiFi chipsets, forcing lower speed, this is normal. What worries me is that initial (maximum) negotiated speed is downgraded.
 
Repeat Post :

OK, I have tested my new MR3020 modem on the E367 (firmware flashed 8ta version) and E372 (firmware flashed K4605).

It seems to work well on both of those, which immediately makes it much better than the MR3420, as this modem does not properly support either of those.

But I haven't tested the range of the MR3020, this might be lacking, will report back.

The MR3420 should get an urgent firmware upgrade, or be recalled if the problems are a hardware issue.

Actually, I may use the MR3020 as a 3G router, and the MR3420 as an Access Point, that should solve all the problems.
 
Also, just a comment on the USB port :

The MR3020 does not have a micro USB port, which is very unfortunate, as this has become the new standard and is nowadays used on most electronic devices (eg phones, routers, tablets, headphones, Kindle, etc, etc, etc).

In fact it uses the now obsolete mini USB port, as was common on many devices some years ago. This means that you will always need to take an additional older cable along just for the MR3020.

Edit : However, for the price this seems to be a worthwhile piece of equipment and will be useful for travel purposes.
 
Last edited:
I've got the MR3220 and can also only get a max handshake of 72Mbps. Did you manage to up your connection speed?
 
Jola said:
Also, just a comment on the USB port :

The MR3020 does not have a micro USB port, which is very unfortunate, as this has become the new standard and is nowadays used on most electronic devices (eg phones, routers, tablets, headphones, Kindle, etc, etc, etc).

In fact it uses the now obsolete mini USB port, as was common on many devices some years ago. This means that you will always need to take an additional older cable along just for the MR3020.
Click to expand...
What, have you never had a 2.5" external drive, whether prepackaged or in kit form? That are still pretty much as common as mud? And for which mini-USB cables are approaching negligible in cost? Even (web) retail is pretty damn cheap ..and readily available, so on what you base 'obsolete' is beyond me. And is it REALLY such an ordeal to carry, say, a 50cm USB cable???
 
bdt said:
What, have you never had a 2.5" external drive, whether prepackaged or in kit form? That are still pretty much as common as mud? And for which mini-USB cables are approaching negligible in cost? Even (web) retail is pretty damn cheap ..and readily available, so on what you base 'obsolete' is beyond me. And is it REALLY such an ordeal to carry, say, a 50cm USB cable???
Click to expand...

I used to buy the WD ones and they came with micro USB connections.

The last two were USB3, and that has a different connection.

So no mini USB, that is now obsolete, along with the old serial and parallel connectors.
 
Jola said:
So no mini USB, that is now obsolete, along with the old serial and parallel connectors.
Click to expand...
While I agree micro USB is becoming more popular, many new devices still come with mini USB, so I wouldn't call it obsolete just yet.
 
Micro USB is an internationally agreed standard for mobile phones, that is why ALL of the new phones have this (excluding Apple who don't adhere to standards anyway).

So it would only make sense to follow this.

My little Asus travel router (ASUS WL-330N3G) similar to MR3020, uses micro USB.
 
Last edited:
morkhans said:
Any questions let me know and I'll see if I can answer them.

I can't comment on modem compatibility, other than what's on the TP-Link website. My E1820 works. My assumption here is bin files for the other TP Link routers will work with this one.
Click to expand...

Will a tablet like a acer iconia A500 be able to power the device through its usb?
 
Possibly depends on the output.

Might be worth looking at the battery powered MR3040.
 
Is UniTerm still offering discounted price if you are myBB member?
What would be the price incl VAT?
 
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