The TP-LINK Archer MR500 router is designed for users who need a reliable internet connection and live or work in areas without access to cable or DSL internet. It is ideal for use in areas with low mobile phone signal, as it can create a stable internet connection via 4G/3G. Additionally, it can be used as a central router in small offices or homes, as it has multiple features and functions that cater to their needs.
Fast Wi-Fi where you need it
Looking for a stable and flexible network connection? The Archer MR500 provides both as a 4G+ LTE WiFi router. Compared to traditional WiFi routers, it integrates 4G+ and WiFi technology, which means the MR500 works like a phone and only needs a Nano SIM card to access the internet. Enjoy stable WiFi and share it with your family and friends wherever you are.
Boost your broadband speeds with stable 4G+ Internet
Whether you are watching HD movies, downloading entire data libraries, or playing online games, the MR500's increased download speeds of 300 Mbps meet the needs of your devices. Such fast broadband and reliable internet access is due to the 4G+ Carrier Aggregation technology, which combines signals from different carriers for even faster bandwidth.
Share the powerful dual-band WiFi with everyone
The MR500 creates a reliable and ultra-fast network powered by Wi-Fi 802.11ac technology. The 2.4 GHz band provides speeds of up to 300 Mbps for everyday tasks such as sending emails and browsing the internet, while the 5 GHz band offers speeds of up to 867 Mbps - ideal for HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming.
Huge WiFi coverage throughout your home
Connect to the internet in every room with extended and powerful AC1200 dual-band WiFi. The MR500's Beamforming focuses signals towards your connected devices. The power amplifier and low-noise amplifier also enhance sending and receiving capabilities, which boost signal coverage.
More data streams with MU-MIMO technology
The MU-MIMO technology allows multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously, reducing wait time, increasing WiFi performance for each device, and enhancing the efficiency of each data stream. With MU-MIMO support, the Archer MR500 provides users with a faster network, fewer interferences, and lower latency.
Seamless Roaming with TP-Link OneMesh™
Enjoy a stable home WiFi connection, even when moving around your house. The MR500 works with TP-Link OneMesh products to create a seamless network with a single Wi-Fi name.
Full Gigabit Ports for Fast Connections
The full Gigabit Ethernet ports provide reliable warp-speed connections for high-intensity wired devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, NAS, and more. The MR500 also features a WAN port compatible with cable, fiber, and DSL modems. When configured as a wireless router, the 3G/4G connection serves as a backup to provide you with a stable internet connection.
Easy setup and management
Set up the Archer MR600 in minutes thanks to the intuitive web interface and the powerful Tether app. Tether also allows you to manage network settings from any Android or iOS device, including parental controls and access control.
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can
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From the first day, it had the known issue with disconnections. You lose the signal and that's it. It doesn't reconnect again. 5 times in 4 days. It went for a return.
Very good! I have been using it for a week now in my country house and it works flawlessly. The speeds it reaches are better than my mobile, which I didn't expect. I don't know if I did the right thing by paying extra to get the 4G+ instead of the cheaper 4G, but for now, I am completely satisfied. I use a SIM Nova and consistently get 25-30mbps download and 10-15mbps upload. I should note that I got the v1 version as it was cheaper than the newer versions, probably without any significant benefit. Also, surprisingly, the MR500 v1 is a later model than the MR600. Only the MR600 v3 is from around the same year (2022). Anyway, get whichever you find cheaper as they are exactly the same for the average user.
The router, in general, is good.
Don't expect crazy download and upload speeds. They are simply satisfactory.
In the OOCLA speed test, it gives similar speeds to a decent smartphone.
What is important is that the internet connection is stable, unlike the disease called VDSL. The response during browsing is instantaneous.
The WiFi is very satisfactory.
I am considering canceling the VDSL and getting a subscription with a SIM card, with unlimited data.
To have a comparison:
Current VDSL line:
Nominal speed 100 Mbps
Actual speed 80 Mbps (speedtest) (1)
Real perceived speed 40-45 Mbps (1)
Frequent interruptions, to an annoying degree. I can't watch online TV because the interruptions drive me crazy.
Response during browsing is so-so.
Cost 26 euros/month (1)
TP-LINK MR500
Actual speed 70-80 Mbps Down 24 Mbps Up (speedtest - I have reached up to 140 Down and 46 Up during late hours) (1) (2)
Real perceived speed 70-80 Mbps (1) (2)
Response during browsing: Instantaneous (2)
Cost 37 euros/month (SIM with unlimited data) (1)
Personally, I am thrilled.
The evaluation refers to the TP-LINK ARCHER MR500 V1.
Comments:
(1) I do not mention the names of telecommunications providers because I do not wish to advertise or defame anyone.
(2) The speeds of the MR500 depend, naturally, on the location of the house, the walls, the distance from the mobile phone antennas, the time of day, the weather conditions, etc. Even within the same space, placing it in different positions gives different speeds.
Before purchasing, test the speeds in your area with a mobile phone. The MR-500 will give you a speed that is 10-15% lower compared to a mid-range priced smartphone.
After the first week of operation, it disconnects from the internet and requires a restart. Then, it needs to be restarted every two days. The replacement product presented the same issue. The above concerns product version 1.