TP-Link OnHub AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Router - Google

Setup is extremely simple, but you have to have an android or iphone device. You can configure and troubleshoot the device through the connected phone/google account, but there's not a lot of configuration you can do. Most notably is the fact that you can't set the DHCP address assignment range, but it is on a different subnet (192.168.86.*) from most routers anyway. You can technically connect it to an existing wired router, but it might cause conflicts if the addresses overlap. The signal strength is very high throughout the house compared to the linksys router we were using. It uses 2.4ghz and 5.ghz bands, but the SSID is the same so you can't tell which one your devices it is connecting to. Itt claims it will switch channels automatically based on congestion and apparently doing this might cause the connection to drop briefly, but we don't have enough overlapping network traffic here to see that. I used a wifi analyzer on my phone to see the channels and signal strength to verify this. You can only change some of the settings on it when the device is not connected to the internet, which increases security (because you have to physically unplug it and be near it with your phone). To attach the phone to it initially, the phone app listens to an audio signal from the device to authenticate. It seems very responsive in comparison to my old router, but I haven't had the occasion to transfer any huge files over my wireless network. Streaming high quality video is well within its capabilities. It doesn't have any wired ports, so you'd still need a wired switch on your network if you want to attach non-wireless computers. Overall, as a tech savvy person, I highly recommend this router.

When UPS brought this package to my door and it was a delightful surprise. This On Hub Router is something I have never seen before. It's very attractive and you can proudly display it because it looks like a nice room accessory. But does it work better than a regular router? Well, I was almost hesitant to open the box because it’s something so new to me. I have installed routers before, but nothing like this and nothing so attractive. Even the box it comes in looks very classy – it’s a smooth, aqua box and it has as ribbon tab with which to open it, something like a big jewelry box. The On-Hub is very elegant and pleasing to the eye. The outer skin has a velvety texture, only not as plush and the top of it looks like something which would play music, but it doesn’t. The cover comes off by twisting then pulling it off the router. In the box there are also two Ethernet cables, a rather large adapter, and a card which explains the colors that appear as a light on the outer rim of the router when it’s operational. First I pugged in the Ethernet cable to the router which plugs into the modem, and then plugged in the adapter. When everything was set up, I downloaded the Google App from the Play Store. This is a free app available for either an Android phone or an I-phone. The app downloaded to my Android phone just fine. As soon as it was downloaded, it started searching for the On-Hub router. It walks you through the set-up. Keep the phone close to the router during this process so they can communicate with each other. Set up was easy and the On-Hub router lets you know what is happening with it with the lights on the rim. For instance, if there is an amber light on, that means something is wrong and to retry the last action. When the phone and the router are in sync, the router makes musical noises as it goes through its processes, which I thought was very interesting. I felt as if I were working with a futuristic piece of equipment. Now, as far as the word "Wireless" in the name, there is no difference is between the On-Hub Wireless router and other routers because the On-Hub requires an Ethernet cable and an adapter with plug in, so that does not make the router wireless. But just like other routers, it doesn’t require any other connection, for instance, with a Wi-Fi equipped computer or smart phone. So the term “Wireless” is just part of the name. How powerful is it? Does it project a strong signal? The answer to that is that it works like a good router for my purposes. I was curious if it would transmit a signal to my RV which is parked next to my house so I took my laptop out there. I was so thrilled when the On-Hub router actually sent a signal through several rooms, the wall of the house and into my fiberglass –walled RV. That took a pretty strong signal and it worked very well. This router can do more and is supposed to be stronger than the usual router and it has automatic updates. Its round design can reach more devices as it sends signals in a circular pattern. The app keeps track of how many devices are on-line. I'm sure there are other features for this router which will become evident with use, and I believe they will add more features to it in the future. This is not only a sophisticated looking piece of equipment, it works very well for a router. It’s almost too easy to set up and install thanks to the app. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good-looking, differently shaped router.