TP-Link Archer C6 Router WiFi AC1200Mbps, WiFi Router,Gigabit Ethernet Ports, VPN Router Server, Easy Setup, Internet Booster Routers, WiFi Booster, WPA3, Gaming Xbox PS4 Steam, Easy Setup,EasyMesh

This router is compact and it runs cool. I'm using an Ethernet cable to a desktop PC but WiFi is an option. On inserting the nano SIM and plugging into the mains everything was setup within two minutes without me having to do a thing. Initially speeds were very slow, around the 1 Mbps despite having full signal on Vodafone. On going into the settings, you can manually select from the available bands and this has made a significant difference. I am now getting up to 20 Mbps at night and 5-10 Mbps at peak times. The router wants to latch on to band 20 but by forcing it onto bands 1 or 8, I can get the aforementioned speeds.The TP-Link interface is brilliant, you can send and receive text messages from the SIM/router and customise how the device works, including turning off/on the LEDs, setting up parental controls, wireless options, access to the cloud and more.It's important to remember that this is a category 4 router so it can only access one frequency at a time from your chosen network provider, some other routers combine different bands to improve speeds. That said, having the ability to manually select a band, as this router can, has the potential to boost your bandwidth but 4G does still have its limitations, most notably network congestion at peak times.If you have realistic expectations and don't expect lightening fast speeds, this router is a great option for around the £50 mark. I for one am pleased to be finally free from the shackles of Virgin Media and its 18 month contracts, mediocre performance, inflation-busting annual price rises and negotiations with the retentions team. Check CellMapper and the official coverage maps before taking deciding what network to go for. Speeds on a basic 4G smartphone will be similar to what this router can deliver, so this could be used for testing. I've also found signal strength to be comparable or slightly better on this TL-MR105 model.For web browsing, email, social media and YouTube, this is sufficient for my needs. 5G routers are getting more affordable but for many, this device will deliver a respectable performance for much less.

Had the Vodafone supplied mobile router. Was lucky to get 15-20 Mbps (usually it hovered at 10 or less). Frustratingly slow and clunky.Invested in this and I am now consistently getting 250-300 Mbps. Easy to set up. Compact. Works right out of the box. Cannot fault it at all, just wish I had got one sooner.

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.