Comprehensive review of TP-Link ER605 VPN Router with Gigabit Ethernet ports

Description

Design and Build Quality

The TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router has a compact and sturdy design that fits seamlessly into any workspace or home setup. Weighing only 12.6 ounces and with dimensions of 6.22 x 3.94 x 1 inches, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to place anywhere. I found its minimalist black body with subtle branding to be both professional and unobtrusive. The metal casing offers durability and aids in heat dissipation, which is crucial for devices that run continuously. It also includes lightning protection, a feature I didn’t think I needed until a recent storm reminded me otherwise.

The port arrangement is intuitive, with five Gigabit Ethernet ports clearly labeled for easy setup. The addition of one USB WAN port for mobile broadband functionality is a nice touch, making the device versatile for various network configurations.

Performance and Speed

Once I set up the Gigabit WAN and LAN ports, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in network speed and efficiency. The router supports up to three WAN ports, which can be configured for load balancing. This feature optimizes bandwidth usage and ensures seamless connectivity, even during heavy usage. I tested this with multiple devices streaming and downloading simultaneously, and the performance remained consistent without any noticeable lag.

The highly secure VPN capabilities stood out, offering up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16 OpenVPN, 16 L2TP, and 16 PPTP connections. As someone who occasionally works remotely, these VPN options came in handy for accessing sensitive data securely. The SPI Firewall and DoS defense features, alongside IP/MAC/URL filtering, provided an extra layer of security, which is critical for both small businesses and tech-savvy households.

Setup and User Experience

Setting up this Omada SDN Integrated Router was a breeze. The Omada app made it incredibly straightforward, guiding me through every step with clear instructions. I appreciated the centralized cloud management feature, as it allowed me to monitor and control the network from anywhere. This was particularly useful when I needed to troubleshoot a connection issue while being away from home.

One feature that caught my attention was the speed test functionality directly integrated into the router. Running diagnostics right from the device saved me time and provided accurate results about the network’s performance.

Key Benefits

Here are some of the winning points I found while using this device:

• Multiple WAN Ports: The ability to optimize bandwidth usage across up to three WAN ports is a game-changer for multitasking.
• Comprehensive Security Features: Advanced firewall policies and VPN options ensure data safety.
• User-Friendly Interface: The Omada SDN integration makes management effortless.
• Mobile Broadband Support: The USB WAN port supports 4G/3G modems for backup, making it versatile.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many advantages, there are a few adverse aspects worth noting:

• Limited USB Modem Compatibility: While the USB WAN feature is excellent, the list of supported 4G/3G modems could be more extensive.
• No Wi-Fi Capability: This is strictly a wired router, which might limit its appeal to households reliant on wireless connections.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some of the advanced settings may feel overwhelming to non-tech-savvy users.

Product Competitors

Comparing this to similar options like the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X and Cisco RV340, the TP-Link ER605 V2 holds its ground firmly. While the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X offers robust performance, it lacks the same level of user-friendly setup and centralized cloud management that TP-Link provides. On the other hand, the Cisco RV340 is feature-rich but comes at a higher price point, making the TP-Link router a more affordable yet reliable alternative.

However, the lack of wireless capability might push some users toward routers like the Asus RT-AC68U, which combines both wired and wireless functionalities. Still, for those focused on wired performance and VPN security, the TP-Link router is hard to beat.

Affordable Quality

Considering the range of features, the price-to-quality ratio of this router is excellent. It’s designed for both small businesses and advanced home users, offering a level of performance usually found in more expensive models. I found the load balancing, security features, and VPN capabilities to justify the investment, especially given its ability to handle high-speed connections efficiently.

Additional information