Travel Technology - World's Smallest Wireless Router for Hotel Rooms

Hi,

Here's a solution to share one Internet connection in a hotel room with multiple devices (laptop, iPad, smartphone, etc), or to create a wireless connection in older hotels that still only offer fixed Internet, with what was billed as the "world's smallest wireless router".

ABC World News covered it in their "Best Travel Gadgets of the Spring", here's the video clip": http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/spring-2012-best-travel-gadgets/story?id=15970223

and the description: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/spring-2012-best-travel-gadgets/story?id=15970223&page=2

And the description on the company page: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-WR700N

Price is about $28 on Amazon.com or NewEgg.com.

Full disclosure, I help this company do PR, but it's gotten enough praises during the CES show that I thought it worthy to share with the community.

Seems like more than a few negative reviews due to Chinese language firmware. Has that been fixed in what is shipping now?

Seems like more than a few negative reviews due to Chinese language firmware. Has that been fixed in what is shipping now?

Not sure, but I will check on that. What, you aren't fluent in Mandarin, j/k? :D

There is an interesting D-Link in Office Depot that isn't much bigger than an iPad charger that can double as USB charger or a method of accessing or USB data on an iPad. I thought about it, but decided to give it some thought.

TL-WR700N:
Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.8 x 1.1 in. (81 x 71 x 28mm)

Apple Airport Express:
Dimensions: 3.7 inches (94.01 mm) by 2.95 inches (75.00 mm) by 1.12 inches (28.5 mm)

Asus Wireless-G Access Point (WL-330GE)
Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches

Its small BUT with a little effort from Asus it could lose that title real fast.
The price scares me $28 is really really cheap....

There is an interesting D-Link in Office Depot that isn't much bigger than an iPad charger that can double as USB charger or a method of accessing or USB data on an iPad. I thought about it, but decided to give it some thought.

That's the D-Link DIR-505. Pimped by D-Link at CES in January, it is finally appearing on the market. I can't find and review from real consumer experiences yet. And at $69 the price is a bit steep for an unproven product, middle of the road between the ASUS and TP-Link on the low end and the Airport Express on the high end.

Whatever happened to the Linksys WTR54GS? Linksys pulled it, and now they are for sale on Amazon for $279. Used to be about $39.

I downloaded the specs, and couldn't find power requirements. One thing people were worried about w/ the D-Link was that the original specs didn't clarify that it worked on 220V (later specs clarified that it did). I assume this one works worldwide as well, but hopefully one of you early adopters will confirm that.

Nice to see the folding plug. This looks like a winner to me, assuming they can get the initial fw issues resolved.

Seems like more than a few negative reviews due to Chinese language firmware. Has that been fixed in what is shipping now?

OK I called my contact at TP-LINK to check. Apparently the ones with Chinese firmware were products that somehow people procurred from resellers that sold Chinese versions.

As long as you buy from mainstream outlets such as Amazon.com, Buy.com, NewEgg.com or any of the distributors (Ingram Micro, etc.), they should all be the regular English version.

The dead giveaway is that the Chinese FW ones will have Chinese on the outer packaging, but the TP-LINK contact assures me that at this point it shouldn't be very likely to get that in North America.

Here's an in-depth review on We Got Served: http://www.wegotserved.com/2012/02/25/hands-tplink-tlwr700n-wireless-mini-pocket-router/

Whatever happened to the Linksys WTR54GS? Linksys pulled it, and now they are for sale on Amazon for $279. Used to be about $39.

I had to replace mine with the Cradlepoint CTR35. That Linksys model is quite old and I do not think it was ever refreshed.

http://www.cradlepoint.com/products/mobile-broadband-routers/ctr35-wireless-n-portable-router

As long as you buy from mainstream outlets such as Amazon.com, Buy.com, NewEgg.com or any of the distributors (Ingram Micro, etc.), they should all be the regular English version.Be careful when ordering @ Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005LN27K2/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new&storeAttribute=e&submit.see-all-buying-options=see-all-buying-options

Most of the sellers of this item are shipping from Hong Kong.

I have a very similar model, wireless G, I bought in Shanghai for about $15 USD. I use it with my Windows laptop, iPad and Mac Air. Works great and despite the Chinese firmware and language I was able to figure out how to setup security.

Mine looks nearly identical with the only difference being the grey panels on this model. Most likely they are from the same manufacturer.

There is actually a smaller one i saw but it used a separate AC adaptor for power.

I downloaded the specs, and couldn't find power requirements. One thing people were worried about w/ the D-Link was that the original specs didn't clarify that it worked on 220V (later specs clarified that it did). I assume this one works worldwide as well, but hopefully one of you early adopters will confirm that.

Nice to see the folding plug. This looks like a winner to me, assuming they can get the initial fw issues resolved.

I didn't love the amps on the USB output. I didn't think it was enough to properly charge an iPad.

I picked up the TP-Link a few months ago in Singapore for S$35. Works great! ^

TL-WR700N:
Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.8 x 1.1 in. (81 x 71 x 28mm)

Apple Airport Express:
Dimensions: 3.7 inches (94.01 mm) by 2.95 inches (75.00 mm) by 1.12 inches (28.5 mm)

Asus Wireless-G Access Point (WL-330GE)
Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches

Its small BUT with a little effort from Asus it could lose that title real fast.
The price scares me $28 is really really cheap....

Also pretty small:
ZyXEL MWR102 74.5 * 59 * 15.5 mm
2.93 x 2.32 x .61 inches
no built-in power but is USB driven so one can use any USB power supply.
~$30

Whatever happened to the Linksys WTR54GS? Linksys pulled it, and now they are for sale on Amazon for $279. Used to be about $39.

Custom firmware (http://www.dd-wrt.com/) for the linksys WRT54xx is what happened.
Take a $40 router and make it work like a $300+ router.

Custom firmware (http://www.dd-wrt.com/) for the linksys WRT54xx is what happened.
Take a $40 router and make it work like a $300+ router.

I am not talking about the WRT54xx (the common home router), but the WTR54GS (the portable travel router). Amazing that dd-wrt runs in the WTR.

I love the TP-Link - apparently the 700 is one with a folding plug and AC adapter built in, and the 720 has a separate AC adapter and can be powered off MicroUSB. I couldn't pick, so I have both :D

It does router, AP, client and repeater - making it pretty much the perfect little travel device. At $25, it is a steal.

Why buy a device?
If you plug your laptop in to a wired network, you can bridge its built in wireless card and your laptop can broadcast internet and remain completely functional.

http://www.zunidigital.com/?page_id=222

This router is very small and can be powered via AC outlet (110/220v) or via USB. It can be bought from Newegg.com for ~$25 frequently. It has got two USB ports as well to charge USB based devices.

Why buy a device?
If you plug your laptop in to a wired network, you can bridge its built in wireless card and your laptop can broadcast internet and remain completely functional.

For starters, many of us stopped carrying a laptop quite some time ago. Also, apps like Connectify are hardly reliable - taking hotel Wi-Fi and rebroadcasting to several other devices will rarely work for long.

Why buy a device?
If you plug your laptop in to a wired network, you can bridge its built in wireless card and your laptop can broadcast internet and remain completely functional.



Some people carry corporate laptops that are set so that you can't use it as an access point, or sometimes you are accessing sites that they don't want you on, for example if you work for a member of the broadcast association, they may frown on downloading music you don't pay for
Many people don't carry laptops anymore, or don't want to fire it up, set it and all that just to get their ipad online
XP still has a huge market share, and connection sharing under XP is not any fun at all
Sometimes the wireless signal where you need it (usually in the center of the room, on the bed or desk) is useless, but strong either at the door or the window. It's no fun to have to use your laptop in the bathroom to get work done, so you can plug the router in there and retransmit the wireless signal into the room
Sometimes you want to share a wireless signal, and while some laptops can do it, it's way easier with a proper router

From the instructions for the TP-LINK (http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-WR700N#app), it appears you must connect it to a computer by ethernet cable in order to configure it in AP or Bridge mode. If you're only traveling with an ipad or phone, that doesn't seem very useful.

Can it be configured with just an ipad, etc.? If not, are there similarly sized and priced units that can be configured without a wired connection?

The Asus WL-330N3G lets you do most everything wireless to the device, though it costs a bit more. Others have a switch on the side to set the mode.

Smallest is all relative here, as the actual size of the asus is considerably smaller than this device, but I'm sure the marketing types have some explanation how they believe this device at 81 x 71 x 28 mm (per their website) is smaller than the Asus at 90 x 38.9 x 12.8 mm (per the Asus website). I'm sure they will attribute it to the power supply or something.

The Asus WL-330N3G lets you do most everything wireless to the device, though it costs a bit more. Others have a switch on the side to set the mode.

Smallest is all relative here, as the actual size of the asus is considerably smaller than this device, but I'm sure the marketing types have some explanation how they believe this device at 81 x 71 x 28 mm (per their website) is smaller than the Asus at 90 x 38.9 x 12.8 mm (per the Asus website). I'm sure they will attribute it to the power supply or something.

While size is important, I also like single unit devices. Seperate power supplies, USB cables (non-standard), etc. are a bigger problem. It is the old joke about spare parts.

I picked up the TP-Link a few months ago in Singapore for S$35. Works great! ^

I bought one last week as a gift, same price. :)

On the side of the box there is a little sticker than mentions version v.1.1, is this about firmware or are there any hardware changes as well?

Picked up a WR700N based on the info in this thread and so far I'm impressed. I like the form factor, and the initial setup was easy and straightforward.

I have the Asus 330N3G and I have always found the GUI finicky and I was constantly resetting the unit when it would hang changing between modes.

Will christen the WR700N in several hotel rooms next week.

Picked up a WR700N based on the info in this thread and so far I'm impressed. I like the form factor, and the initial setup was easy and straightforward.

I have the Asus 330N3G and I have always found the GUI finicky and I was constantly resetting the unit when it would hang changing between modes.

Will christen the WR700N in several hotel rooms next week.
Can you set it up in hotel, internet cafe, etc. with just an ipad or the like, or do you need a laptop, as the instructions indicate? I only care about AP (ethernet->wr700n->wifi device) and bridge (hotel wifi->wr700n->wifi device) modes.

Having to travel with a notebook for setup would defeat much of the purpose of the wr700n, at least for me.

I'm using TRENDnet-654TR pocket router in hotel rooms. It has an excellent range. I usually travel with an iPad and its the best option. I use it with Ethernet. It works great and its so easy to setup.

There's a similar model TL-WR703N (China version of TL-WR702N) with has Chinese firmware and supports 3g modems. If you don't read Chinese, there's two options
1. Use the English manual found on scribed http://www.scribd.com/doc/73188140/WR703N-Setup
2. Install ddwrt or openwrt firmware which supports this specific unit. I think you would need to spend some time with it and a notebook/pc initially to configure http://ozamora.com/2011/03/netflix-on-ipadiphone-does-not-work-when-connected-to-a-router-running-dd-wrt-fix/#disqus_thread but afterwards, connecting to the admin interface via wifi is possible. At least, I've done this with another dd-wrt'd router.

There's an ebay seller who sells TL-WR703N with ddwrt pre-installed and it is just a few dollars more than one without flashed firmware.

I think I'll pick one up. Sometimes I come across mobile dongle data packages with better data caps/prices than the 3g sim version and the added 3g router functionality would come in handy.

Update: There's also the non-China version here TL-MR3020 which currently has openwrt support . Manual: http://www.tp-link.com/Resources/document/TL-MR3020_User_Guide.pdf

Just received my Zuni in the mail today, and it works as advertised.
Looking forward to many days of surfing with my and my
wifes laptops when we travel.

I use my old Apple airport express block which is about 3x3x1" - it automatically recognizes all my devices. Has become less useful now that many hotels switched to h/s wifi but still useful in places that use ethernet cables and the .......s that charge separately for each device.

Edimax Nano much smaller, or just use your laptop as a router

Edimax Nano much smaller, or just use your laptop as a routerThat's what I've been doing. There's a very nice, very stable and reliable program called Connectify that I use. My other wifi devices have no trouble connecting to my laptop.

That's what I've been doing. There's a very nice, very stable and reliable program called Connectify that I use. My other wifi devices have no trouble connecting to my laptop.

Sorry, but I'd hardly call connectify stable and reliable. There are some computers where it works, but on most machines I've tried, it has been a piece of crap :(

Seems like more than a few negative reviews due to Chinese language firmware. Has that been fixed in what is shipping now?

It could be transfer the language to other ones such as English...yet you may get one from Chinese seller who don't know English,lol！

Sorry, but I'd hardly call connectify stable and reliable. There are some computers where it works, but on most machines I've tried, it has been a piece of crap :(I've only had experience with one machine, namely my HP laptop. It works perfectly on that.

There's an ebay seller who sells TL-WR703N with ddwrt pre-installed and it is just a few dollars more than one without flashed firmware.

Thanks for the heads up. I just bought one from this eBay seller, prefect_foryou

There is another one that the geeks here in Australia really love, called the Dovado tiny. Here is the Wiki: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/hw_model_1251

and the discussion thread: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1784465

People love it for a variety of reasons, it is 4G, it can power cycle the USB device if the internet dies, and really great customer support for all new modems, and network APNs around the world.

Many businesses are implementing port based security these days. That means that only one MAC per port can transit the switch. Thereby eliminating DIY networks attached downline. Hotels aren't nearly as secure as other networks, but it's getting easier for them to implement this.

I would highly NOT recommend buying a router/switch from a Chinese outfit if you have an expectation of security or privacy. There have been instances where firmware from China was developed to intercept packets and send them to nefarious peeps.

I've used the Apple Airport Express for years. Very easy, straightforward, functional, and solid. Never had a problem. Very convienent when traveling with multiple gadgets and/or family. Can convert one hotel internet "subscription" into multiple wifi users. But, of course, still need a wired Ethernet connection.

I've used the Apple Airport Express for years. Very easy, straightforward, functional, and solid. Never had a problem. Very convienent when traveling with multiple gadgets and/or family. Can convert one hotel internet "subscription" into multiple wifi users. But, of course, still need a wired Ethernet connection.

The main reason I never got into the Airport Express is the lack of web based configuration. They have to have the only router in the world that requires an app to configure it. No app means no way to configure it using my Android tablet.

The main reason I never got into the Airport Express is the lack of web based configuration. They have to have the only router in the world that requires an app to configure it. No app means no way to configure it using my Android tablet.

True. In my case I configured it a few years ago via laptop. I've never had to configure it again; even when I switched to iPhone and iPad.

So how do you get the TL-WR702n running in the hotel with wired internet where you need to authenticate on the welcome page first and subscribe to a selected internet plan?

I have just tried setting it as a router, I can see on the status page that it receives IP address from the hotel properly, however when I open a browser it does nothing...

So how do you get the TL-WR702n running in the hotel with wired internet where you need to authenticate on the welcome page first and subscribe to a selected internet plan?

I have just tried setting it as a router, I can see on the status page that it receives IP address from the hotel properly, however when I open a browser it does nothing...
You could try doing the initial connection and setup of your plan using the laptop directly, then connect the 702N but have it clone the MAC address of your laptop. That should make it appear to the network no different than if your laptop was still there.

Alternately, you could put it in client mode, then reconfigure it as a router (this way it would pick up the MAC address of the router, but it is a pain to do the mode changing)

You could try doing the initial connection and setup of your plan using the laptop directly, then connect the 702N but have it clone the MAC address of your laptop. That should make it appear to the network no different than if your laptop was still there.

Alternately, you could put it in client mode, then reconfigure it as a router (this way it would pick up the MAC address of the router, but it is a pain to do the mode changing)

I thought about the 1st workaround, as you say it should work.
In a client mode I am not sure if you can achieve this with wired connection. Client mode requires SSID to be provided...

I wrote to TP-Link regarding this as they seem to failed here. It is supposed to be all purpose travel unit so I would be disappointed if they overlooked such issue. TP-Link gets IP properly from hotel ISP, you can even ping external IPs, but typing any URL or IP directly into browser fails (while it should redirect you to startup page to purchase the service).

Folks using Airport Express are reporting that they have no issues triggering the startup page allowing them to purchase internet service and agree to t&c.

TP-Link gets IP properly from hotel ISP, you can even ping external IPs, but typing any URL or IP directly into browser fails (while it should redirect you to startup page to purchase the service)
is the TP-link getting the correct DNS server?

is the TP-link getting the correct DNS server?

Yes, it does get DNS address properly, however as mentioned before typing anything in the browser fails to display the internet login page.

Newegg has the TP-LINK TL-WR702N on special through tomorrow (25 Dec 2012) for $17.99 after applying a $5 off promo code. Free 2-day shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704134

There is an interesting D-Link in Office Depot that isn't much bigger than an iPad charger that can double as USB charger or a method of accessing or USB data on an iPad. I thought about it, but decided to give it some thought.

That would be DIR 505. I have used it on several of my business trips and has worked very well for me. The initial set-up is a bit tricky but once you have that set-up, it is quite good. I use it for my iPhone, iPad and office laptop.

I thought about the 1st workaround, as you say it should work.
In a client mode I am not sure if you can achieve this with wired connection. Client mode requires SSID to be provided...

I wrote to TP-Link regarding this as they seem to failed here. It is supposed to be all purpose travel unit so I would be disappointed if they overlooked such issue. TP-Link gets IP properly from hotel ISP, you can even ping external IPs, but typing any URL or IP directly into browser fails (while it should redirect you to startup page to purchase the service).

Folks using Airport Express are reporting that they have no issues triggering the startup page allowing them to purchase internet service and agree to t&c.

TP-Link works properly in another hotel, getting hotel's isp page first so I could purchase a package and use it as a router. I am not sure why it didn't work in the previous hotel.

I think we just found our newest entry into the smallest travel router category. this one would actually provide even MORE value than some of the others based on USB power. Easily use it to share inflight internet I would imagine. As well as hotel room access.

http://gizmodo.com/5975159/asus-claims-the-title-of-worlds-smallest-wi+fi-router

and there is...another

http://www.macworld.com/article/2024920/review-compact-kanex-myspot-extends-an-ethernet-network-to-wi-fi.html

clearly, the category isn't yet at maturity.

I think we just found our newest entry into the smallest travel router category. this one would actually provide even MORE value than some of the others based on USB power. Easily use it to share inflight internet I would imagine. As well as hotel room access.

http://gizmodo.com/5975159/asus-claims-the-title-of-worlds-smallest-wi+fi-routerLooks interesting.

and there is...another

http://www.macworld.com/article/2024920/review-compact-kanex-myspot-extends-an-ethernet-network-to-wi-fi.htmlThis one only has b and g, no n.

clearly, the category isn't yet at maturity.Agreed.

Don't see why it would be a problem for a these companies to make a device such as the ASUS WL-330NUL or the Kanex Myspot ... especially based on what I purchased recently in Asia -- a USB Stick that has a 4G/3G/2G Cellular Data Modem with a NAT/FW/Router and provides a WiFi Hotspot also all built into a USB stick (for those interested google E355)

Hopefully this category matures fast as they apparently do have the chip/chipsets to build this functionality now.

I am interested in the TP-link TL WR700N travel router. I looked at the specs, and nowhere does it mention whether it works with both 110 and 220 voltage. I am looking to use it in US, Europe and Southeast Asia without a power converter (just an adapter). I see an earlier poster asked the same question, but I don't see that anyone answered it.
Has anyone used with multiple voltages? Can you configure it without using a pc/laptop? I'll only have an Ipad mini with me.

I am interested in the TP-link TL WR700N travel router. I looked at the specs, and nowhere does it mention whether it works with both 110 and 220 voltage. I am looking to use it in US, Europe and Southeast Asia without a power converter (just an adapter). I see an earlier poster asked the same question, but I don't see that anyone answered it.
Has anyone used with multiple voltages? Can you configure it without using a pc/laptop? I'll only have an Ipad mini with me.

This closeup shows the power requirements (100V-240V):

http://img-2.product.pchome.net/VtNIazJ_PNatzB/n9/byy/zB5oPm23cVYWz.jpg

You should have no problem configuring it with an iPad - the interface is all browser based.

You should have no problem configuring it with an iPad - the interface is all browser based.
The instructions say to connect it to a computer with an ethernet cable to configure it in bridge or repeater mode. Are you sure it can be configured with just an ipad?

http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-WR700N#app

The instructions say to connect it to a computer with an ethernet cable to configure it in bridge or repeater mode. Are you sure it can be configured with just an ipad?

http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-WR700N#app

Pretty sure you can always access its management page no matter what mode it is in.

Pretty sure you can always access its management page no matter what mode it is in.
I don't have one, so I don't know.

The instructions say to use a pc and cable, as do some comments on newegg, such as the current first feedback, "You will need a laptop to set this up, so if you are traveling with only an iPad make sure you have another means of connecting first." http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704121

I don't know why someone had an issue with configuring it via iPad but it is possible. You need to set a fixed IP according to the router manual since by default it works in AP mode (with dhcp disabled), so once you set 192.168.0.1 , router gateway 192.168.0.254 and subnet 255.255.255.0 you can connect by typing 192.168.0.254 in the browser with admin/admin login/pass details.

I am not sure if there is any different between TL-WR702N which I have and TL-WR700N but I believe not.

I don't know why someone had an issue with configuring it via iPad but it is possible. You need to set a fixed IP according to the router manual since by default it works in AP mode (with dhcp disabled), so once you set 192.168.0.1 , router gateway 192.168.0.254 and subnet 255.255.255.0 you can connect by typing 192.168.0.254 in the browser with admin/admin login/pass details.

I am not sure if there is any different between TL-WR702N which I have and TL-WR700N but I believe not.
How do you do those settings on an ipad? All I see are settings for network name, security and password. http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398

How do you do those settings on an ipad? All I see are settings for network name, security and password. http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398

Once you join the TP link WiFi network, go to settings / wifi and change from DHCP to static providing the details I mentioned above.

Also you can preconfigure everything at home... All you need in the hotel is to have this router set to router mode. In this mode dhcp is enabled, so no need to mess with anything manually.

On my ipad, under settings / wifi, I see wi-fi on/off, the Choose a Network (the list of networks) and Ask to Join Networks on/off.

If I click on a network name, the only setting is Password.

Apple's online manual doesn't show any additional settings

On my ipad, under settings / wifi, I see wi-fi on/off, the Choose a Network (the list of networks) and Ask to Join Networks on/off.

If I click on a network name, the only setting is Password.

Apple's online manual doesn't show any additional settings

You have to join a network first, then click > icon to see details of this WiFi connection and there you can set what I wrote above (under STATIC tab).

Aha. Now I see it

Thanks!

When you're using the TL-WR702N to connect to hotel wi-fi, can you both use it to provide a password to the hotel router (e.g., a WPA2 password) and to provide a username and password to log onto the hotel network? Some travel routers will only do the second.

I'd like to use the TL-WR702N to connect to hotel wi-fi, then use a few of my devices to connect to the TL-WR702N.

When you're using the TL-WR702N to connect to hotel wi-fi, can you both use it to provide a password to the hotel router (e.g., a WPA2 password) and to provide a username and password to log onto the hotel network? Some travel routers will only do the second.

I'd like to use the TL-WR702N to connect to hotel wi-fi, then use a few of my devices to connect to the TL-WR702N.

In this scenario there are two solutions:

1. TL-WR702N connected to WiFi hotel network (client mode). Then your laptop connected to the TL-WR702N via ethernet cable and enable WiFi sharing in your laptop (so your laptop is doing as WiFi router in this case).

2. Buy 2nd TL-WR702N. First one connect to the WiFi hotel network (client mode). 2nd device set in a router mode and connect via (short, e.g. 0.25m) ethernet cable to the first one.

Connect from any device to the 2nd device (router) and you should be able to authenticate via start page and purchase selected package.

1) I thought the TL-WR702N had a bridge mode, in which the TL-WR702N connects to the hotel network, then devices connect to the TL-WR702N.
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http://media.webcollage.net/rwvfp/wc/cp/9173640/module/tplinkusa/_cp/products/1322508939393/tab-a1e682b0-ff80-466b-b11a-743bb6a73a08/resource-ee918bb9-e9dc-4ac1-9052-f226a55a4615.jpg.250x.jpeg
BRIDGE MODE

Definition:The router borrows existing wireless Internet and broadcasts it using a different network name(SSID) and password. This application can create two individual networks for two groups of users sharing one Internet.
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Is it not the case that this works as described - TL-WR702N connects to hotel wi-fi, then your devices connect to the TL-WR702N?

2) The second question is how to log on.

2a) In the typical case, the first device to connect to the TL-WR702N, and through it to the hotel wi-fi and then the internet, sees a log-on screen and you enter a username and password to the hotel network to access the internet through that network.

2b) On rare occasions, you have to enter a WPA-2 (or other protocol) password to the hotel router.

Sorry for my confusion.

Picture and description from http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704121

You don't assume bad with bridge / repeater mode (almost identical).
The problem with those modes is that hotel's Access Point see how many devices are passing through and each of the device would be assigned IP from hotel's AP, so even despite hotel's AP might see the same MAC address (of TL-WR702N) for multiple devices it might still restrict it to just one IP pass-through...

In bridge and repeater mode DHCP features might no be passed properly from the hotel's AP. For example at home I use one of the TL-WR702N in repeater mode and devices are unable to obtain DHCP IP from my main router (Draytek) - they have to be inserted manually on the devices, while 2nd TL-WR702 is working in AP mode and devices have no issues obtaining IPs and DNS through DHCP.

Because of those issues and the way bridge and repeater modes work, you might not be able to obtain hotel's start page.

What I usually do in the hotels is to set up one TL-WR702N in router mode and plug ethernet cable to it for wired internet access and all devices connect to TL-WR702 via WiFi which assigns them IPs via DHCP.

However since you asked for WiFi, you need two devices. I have quickly googled to double check and found this thread (http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?1384-TL-WR702N-refuses-to-allow-DHCP-in-bridge-mode&p=3808&viewfull=1#post3808). Looks like I am not the only one thinking like that :)

Alas, sounds like this is not the travel router for me. What I'd like is the ability to connect a router to a hotel network (wired or wireless), then connect my devices wirelessly to the router.

Fortunately, most hotels that offer broadband have wifi and allow many connections, so I'm looking for a travel router to fill the gap.

Thank you for the information!

Alas, sounds like this is not the travel router for me. What I'd like is the ability to connect a router to a hotel network (wired or wireless), then connect my devices wirelessly to the router.

Fortunately, most hotels that offer broadband have wifi and allow many connections, so I'm looking for a travel router to fill the gap.

Thank you for the information!

I am afraid you won't find such as router (you would need router with WISP feature but choices are so limited and neither of the compact ones supports it), it is not due to the router but due to the way certain modes work. TL-WR702N will work alone if set in router mode and attach wired internet cable. 2nd device is not required considering the hotel provide wired internet.

The ASUS WL-330N http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320095 seems to do this in hotspot mode

http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/uZ3TsFGhAGL8W6Rw/mode_hotspot.jpg
Hotspot Mode

In a coffee shop
It is quite convenient for you to use hotspot (Wi-Fi account sharing) mode of WL-330N when you in a public environment, not only your laptop can get on the internet but you (or your friend's) other WiFI devices (PDA, PSP or WiFi phone) can access the internet without extra cost.

the older linksys used to do this, but they are hard to find.
that was a great router though. Maybe Belkin will make a new one again.

The ASUS WL-330N http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320095 seems to do this in hotspot mode

http://www.asus.com/websites/global/products/uZ3TsFGhAGL8W6Rw/mode_hotspot.jpg
Hotspot Mode

In a coffee shop
It is quite convenient for you to use hotspot (Wi-Fi account sharing) mode of WL-330N when you in a public environment, not only your laptop can get on the internet but you (or your friend's) other WiFI devices (PDA, PSP or WiFi phone) can access the internet without extra cost.

Yes but in this case you can share 3G internet to WiFi devices, not WiFi to WiFi...

I have this wifi travel router (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315095). Very impressed indeed.

The ASUS WL-330N http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320095 seems to do this in hotspot mode


Yes but in this case you can share 3G internet to WiFi devices, not WiFi to WiFi...

richardd is correct. The Asus WL-330N (and its older cousin, the WL-330GE) can use an existing wifi network as the WAN and create a separate, NATted wifi network for your devices.

I have this wifi travel router (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315095). Very impressed indeed.
Will that connect by wifi to a network, then let you connect multiple devices by wifi, as in the hotspot mode I describe above?

Can you configure it via wi-fi, so that you can use an ipad rather than a pc and ethernet cable?

Will that connect by wifi to a network, then let you connect multiple devices by wifi, as in the hotspot mode I describe above?

Can you configure it via wi-fi, so that you can use an ipad rather than a pc and ethernet cable?

For the first question, this is the datasheet (http://www.edimax.com/images/Image/datasheet/Wireless/BR-6258n/BR-6258n_Datasheet_2012Oct26.pdf), I think it does what you want in AP mode.

For the second question, I am not sure as I connected a cable to it. This Manual (http://www.edimax.com/images/Image/manual/Wireless/BR-6258n/BR-6258n_Manual_with_iQ_Setup.zip) might help. I know I can manage it via the web, but I am not sure about the initial setup having to be done by ethernet. If I get a chance I will give it a go in the next week and feedback.

For the first question, this is the datasheet (http://www.edimax.com/images/Image/datasheet/Wireless/BR-6258n/BR-6258n_Datasheet_2012Oct26.pdf), I think it does what you want in AP mode.

For the second question, I am not sure as I connected a cable to it. This Manual (http://www.edimax.com/images/Image/manual/Wireless/BR-6258n/BR-6258n_Manual_with_iQ_Setup.zip) might help. I know I can manage it via the web, but I am not sure about the initial setup having to be done by ethernet. If I get a chance I will give it a go in the next week and feedback.
If I'm reading http://www.edimax.us/html/Faq/BR6258n-WISP.pdf correctly, it can do what I want. It can connect to a hotel wifi network and can act as a router so that you can connect to it with wifi devices.

It's tiny and both highly rated and inexpensive at Newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315095

If I'm reading http://www.edimax.us/html/Faq/BR6258n-WISP.pdf correctly, it can do what I want. It can connect to a hotel wifi network and can act as a router so that you can connect to it with wifi devices.

It's tiny and both highly rated and inexpensive at Newegg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315095

It is about the size of a tic-tac box, both the power supply and the router itself. I have used it once and I really like it. I might have time towards the end of the week to try setting it up from scratch from wife's ipad.

It is about the size of a tic-tac box, both the power supply and the router itself. I have used it once and I really like it. I might have time towards the end of the week to try setting it up from scratch from wife's ipad.

Found it on Amazon for $25 - and ordered! Thanks so much, can't believe I missed this beauty!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069JA7M2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_builder-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0069JA7M2&adid=1NW473BHHCG5YE30WW7J&

Edimax BR-6258n indeed looks like an ultimate solution. Since it has both WAN and LAN, you probably can also connect wired internet cable to WAN, connect your laptop via LAN (as I still prefer LAN whenever possible) and the rest devices via WiFi.

Found it on Amazon for $25 - and ordered! Thanks so much, can't believe I missed this beauty!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069JA7M2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_builder-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0069JA7M2&adid=1NW473BHHCG5YE30WW7J&

Me too!

Now I also want the tiny USB Asus router mentioned around here.

But what to do with my two Asus WL-330GEs?

Found it on Amazon for $25 - and ordered! Thanks so much, can't believe I missed this beauty!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069JA7M2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_builder-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0069JA7M2&adid=1NW473BHHCG5YE30WW7J&Curse you for posting this link! :)

I don't even need this (I hardly travel at all these days, and I have a couple of perfectly competent travel routers), but it just looks so cool I ordered one. It's soooooooooo tiny! :)

Curse you for posting this link! :)

I don't even need this (I hardly travel at all these days, and I have a couple of perfectly competent travel routers), but it just looks so cool I ordered one. It's soooooooooo tiny! :)

Oddly enough, this one might even be better for me than the Asus. It arrives tomorrow - can't wait to use it. And yes, like you, I don't really need it since I use my Verizon hotspot, but it is sooooo cute :D

Curse you for posting this link! :)

I don't even need this (I hardly travel at all these days, and I have a couple of perfectly competent travel routers), but it just looks so cool I ordered one. It's soooooooooo tiny! :)

Oddly enough, this one might even be better for me than the Asus. It arrives tomorrow - can't wait to use it. And yes, like you, I don't really need it since I use my Verizon hotspot, but it is sooooo cute :D

My sentiments exactly. I have two Asus WL-330GE's that I never use. This will join them in the drawer.

...but it's so cute! Plus, I'll get that new USB Asus when it comes out. I have so much routing potential!

My sentiments exactly. I have two Asus WL-330GE's that I never use. This will join them in the drawer.

...but it's so cute! Plus, I'll get that new USB Asus when it comes out. I have so much routing potential!

Do post a review/comparison as you've collected them all!

^ I second drbobguy's request. I don't have a traveling router yet but after getting stuck with paying for three people using the wireless on a trip (both daughters and myself) I do want/need one.

Just got the teensy tiny little Edimax router. It is literally the size of a Tic Tac box, and very light. It's powered by a micro USB connector. The USB charger that comes with it is about the same size as the router and has prongs that fold sideways. When folded, the charger lays perfectly flat.

I am posting this while connected wirelessly to the Edimax, which is connected wirelessly to my home wifi. It was a little wonky at first (required a second reboot) but now seems to work fine. I'm powering it off of a USB port on my laptop (not a high power port).

The web interface is fine...not the friendliest but better than some I've seen. I dove right in to the Advanced Settings and ignored the "Quick Setup" menus.

One thing I note is that the router doesn't seem to let you adjust TTL of routed packets. This could prove problematic for using several devices in a hotel or other place where they check to ensure you're not using several devices behind a router.

I haven't used the Asus wl-330 in a very long time, but I remember its firmware being similar. The Asus came with a nice little carry pouch; the Edimax didn't. The Edimax is also half the size of the Asus, and works with 802.11n while the Asus is 802.11g. On the other hand, I was also able to put Tomato firmware on the Asus. The Edimax has two ethernet ports to the Asus' one ethernet port, allowing you to plug in a LAN client, connect a WAN cable, and have wireless.

So is this model: Edimax BR-6258nL just the same but even smaller?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-BR-6258nL-WirelessPersonal-Hotspot-Travel/dp/B00ADHPP6Y/

Looks like it, but mine has two ethernet ports: a LAN one and a WAN one.

Solid little router! Bonus: AC adapter is 1A, so it'll also charge an iPad. Chipset inside the router is the Realtek RTL8196 so I don't think we'll ever see DD-WRT or Tomato running on it.

Ugggg.....I got caught up in the frenzy!
I've been trying to figure out my Apple Airport Express at home and read how excited you guys got about the EDIMAX BR-6258n. When I saw only 2 left on Amazon, I couldn't stop myself!

Now, with the keyboard not even cold, I am trying to figure out if this actually solves my problem any better than the AE?

I am trying to
1. Use a wifi router for traveling when all I have is an ipad and iphone (no ethernet jack)
- this would mean both boosting a poor wifi hotel connection AND/OR converting a wired connection to wifi

2. Boost/bridge my home wifi to areas in the house where the signal is week

The AE is about the size of a cigarette box but it is weighty. On the road, both domestic and internationally, it's success is spotty. I think I may have realized that it may only really work when the Express is connected by Ethernet. Or....Maybe it can only relay a wireless signal it receives if the original WIFI router is an Apple product??

At home, even though the instructions tell me it is capable of either serving as a bridge or creating it's own private network (it does acknowledge receiving the signal from my Linksys router), I cannot determine if it is actually doing anything. The weak areas of the house still do not receive a strong signal. And if I have to hard wire it to the modem or router, it's just sitting right next to the original signal. That does me no good.

So........a short answer to my long question ........does this Edimax receive and transmit a wifi signal????

Please hurry.....I'm still in "shipping soon" mode on Amazon

I don't follow.

The Edimax will receive a wifi signal, NAT it, and send out a different SSID for your private network.

It can also be a WDS bridge. So it would seem to do what you need, but you will need to reconfigure it each time.

I don't follow.

The Edimax will receive a wifi signal, NAT it, and send out a different SSID for your private network.

It can also be a WDS bridge. So it would seem to do what you need, but you will need to reconfigure it each time.
I have 3 travel routers (ASUS, Airlive and Tenda) but am getting caught up in the Edimax frenzy too!

I downloaded their docs and they show a screenshot for WISP mode that seems to indicate this will support WiFi over 5GHZ band. Can any owner confirm that it is dual-band and that this is not a typo?

gfunkdave, can you test the LAN port in WISP mode and see if it can be used to connect a wired device to the network?

Thanks.

I have 3 travel routers (ASUS, Airlive and Tenda) but am getting caught up in the Edimax frenzy too!

I downloaded their docs and they show a screenshot for WISP mode that seems to indicate this will support WiFi over 5GHZ band. Can any owner confirm that it is dual-band and that this is not a typo?

gfunkdave, can you test the LAN port in WISP mode and see if it can be used to connect a wired device to the network?

Thanks.

I am 99% sure it's 2.4GHz only. I don't have any 5GHz stuff to check.

When in WISP mode, it bridges the two ethernet ports to the LAN side of things.

I am 99% sure it's 2.4GHz only. I don't have any 5GHz stuff to check.

When in WISP mode, it bridges the two ethernet ports to the LAN side of things.

I checked, and I could not pull in the 5GHz signal in my home.

I checked, and I could not pull in the 5GHz signal in my home.
It is likely a typo or wishful thinking on their/my part :D

Does using Site Survey in WISP mode automatically transfer the selected wireless LANs SSID and channel into the setting fields and bring up a Security dialog or does that have to be done manually? The documentation is insufficiently clear on this.

When in WISP mode, it bridges the two ethernet ports to the LAN side of things.
That is even better than I had hoped.

It is likely a typo or wishful thinking on their/my part :D

Does using Site Survey in WISP mode automatically transfer the selected wireless LANs SSID and channel into the setting fields and bring up a Security dialog or does that have to be done manually? The documentation is insufficiently clear on this.

Yes, all automagic.

I have created a monster. :D

I was on the verge of ordering the TP LINK WR702N, when I read the new posts about the Edimax. I see that the price is $19.99 for TP Link vs $27 for the Edimax. The Edimax is smaller and has both Wan and Lan ports.

I plan to use it at hotels when traveling, either to transform a wired Internet access to wireless or for wireless to wireless - making signal stronger in the hotel room. I will have only wireless devices with me.

Any opinions which one is better?

In case Amazon sells out it's also available at Walmart and Meritline.

Interesting little router.

http://www.meritline.com/edimax-150mbps-wireless-broadband-nano-router---p-68965.aspx

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Edimax-150Mbps-Wireless-11n-Broadband-Nano-Router-Black/20611775

I should note that I still prefer the new Asus to this, as the Asus should be able to do Ethernet->USB, so double as a non-wifi ethernet adapter for ultrabooks (like the Macbook Air).

I should note that I still prefer the new Asus to this, as the Asus should be able to do Ethernet->USB, so double as a non-wifi ethernet adapter for ultrabooks (like the Macbook Air).
Do you expect that mode to perform better than using the travel router as a .11n WiFi access point or router when connected to the Ethernet cable?

I was on the verge of ordering the TP LINK WR702N, when I read the new posts about the Edimax. I see that the price is $19.99 for TP Link vs $27 for the Edimax. The Edimax is smaller and has both Wan and Lan ports.

I plan to use it at hotels when traveling, either to transform a wired Internet access to wireless or for wireless to wireless - making signal stronger in the hotel room. I will have only wireless devices with me.

Any opinions which one is better?
The WR702N seems fine except that the Edimax has two Ethernet jacks that allows it to have a wired LAN in router mode. This may not be useful to you but I've found it useful on occasion when I'm staying with friends and they have a desktop directly connected over Ethernet to their broadband modem.

The WR702N seems fine except that the Edimax has two Ethernet jacks that allows it to have a wired LAN in router mode. This may not be useful to you but I've found it useful on occasion when I'm staying with friends and they have a desktop directly connected over Ethernet to their broadband modem.

I ordered the Edimax - two jacks will be handy when visiting friends / relatives with the same setup.

I've been using the mini router by Satechi for a while now and I really like it (http://www.satechi.net/index.php/wireless-multifunction-mini-router-repeater-access-point-client-bridge). It's not as small as some that I've seen over the Internet, but that's because it has two jacks.

I ordered the Edimax - two jacks will be handy when visiting friends / relatives with the same setup.

I have a really humiliating confession to make. Everyone was raving about the Edimax and how cute it is and I couldn't resist buying one. It has arrived and I still can't figure out what it does. I travel with a Clear hotspot that gives me wireless Internet wherever I travel in the U.S. I don't really expect anyone to try to explain the ins and outs of routers to me, but did I just buy a cute piece of plastic that is of no use to me? (If it wasn't against the rules of CC, I'd offer to give a couple of club passes to someone who would try to help me understand how to stay connected for a reasonable price when I travel outside the US.). I don't have the technical background to understand most of what appears here but I keep trying.

I have a really humiliating confession to make. Everyone was raving about the Edimax and how cute it is and I couldn't resist buying one. It has arrived and I still can't figure out what it does. I travel with a Clear hotspot that gives me wireless Internet wherever I travel in the U.S. I don't really expect anyone to try to explain the ins and outs of routers to me, but did I just buy a cute piece of plastic that is of no use to me? (If it wasn't against the rules of CC, I'd offer to give a couple of club passes to someone who would try to help me understand how to stay connected for a reasonable price when I travel outside the US.). I don't have the technical background to understand most of what appears here but I keep trying.

With your Clear hotspot, you don't need a separate router.

The router is used to share an existing internet connection from a hotel or coffee shop.

My Edimax came today. Took me a minute to do an ipconfig to find the router's IP address, and then a quick google search to find the default password -- information that should be provided in the manual, but isn't.

After that, setting it up took no time at all and it works like a charm. A very, very cool device -- and so cute! :)

I have a really humiliating confession to make. Everyone was raving about the Edimax and how cute it is and I couldn't resist buying one. It has arrived and I still can't figure out what it does. I travel with a Clear hotspot that gives me wireless Internet wherever I travel in the U.S. I don't really expect anyone to try to explain the ins and outs of routers to me, but did I just buy a cute piece of plastic that is of no use to me? (If it wasn't against the rules of CC, I'd offer to give a couple of club passes to someone who would try to help me understand how to stay connected for a reasonable price when I travel outside the US.). I don't have the technical background to understand most of what appears here but I keep trying.The Edimax router works when you don't have access to a wireless (as opposed to wifi) connection, but do have access to a wired connection. The best application is when you're in a hotel room with wired internet. The Edimax will connect to the hotel's LAN and then broadcast via wifi to multiple devices -- you only pay for one connection, but can use your laptop, tablet and smartphone all at the same time. Or you can just connect your laptop via wifi, take it to the bed and work or watch streamed videos without being tethered by a wire to the desk.

There are other things you can do with it but, frankly, if you have a mobile hub and travel only in the US, you don't really need it.

Do you expect that mode to perform better than using the travel router as a .11n WiFi access point or router when connected to the Ethernet cable?
I think the idea is that Ultrabooks (maybe) and the MacBook Air (definitely) do not have Ethernet ports. There are times when I want to connect to the hotel hardwired Ethernet with my MacBook Air and this will let me do this.

I think you're suggesting that I use the Edimax to connect to the hotel Ethernet and be a Wifi hotspot, thus obviating the need for the USB Ethernet functionality. I think you're right for that use case. There are times where I do want a real Ethernet connection out of my MacBook Air because I want gigabit ethernet (or at least 100mbs) rather than wifi.

I feel like I'm a few days behind the curve here, but I just ordered one. Can't wait to play with it when it arrives.

Hey, can it be used as an Ethernet switch between two computers?

I think the idea is that Ultrabooks (maybe) and the MacBook Air (definitely) do not have Ethernet ports. There are times when I want to connect to the hotel hardwired Ethernet with my MacBook Air and this will let me do this.

I think you're suggesting that I use the Edimax to connect to the hotel Ethernet and be a Wifi hotspot, thus obviating the need for the USB Ethernet functionality. I think you're right for that use case. There are times where I do want a real Ethernet connection out of my MacBook Air because I want gigabit ethernet (or at least 100mbs) rather than wifi.

I feel like I'm a few days behind the curve here, but I just ordered one. Can't wait to play with it when it arrives.

Hey, can it be used as an Ethernet switch between two computers?
Because of its two Ethernet ports, it can be used as a wired switch; remember to put it into WISP (wireless hotspot) mode even if you don't connect to a hotspot.

If your MacBook Air has a USB3 port, you can buy a USB3-to-Gigabit-Ethernet dongle with full throughput for about $35.

I have a really humiliating confession to make. Everyone was raving about the Edimax and how cute it is and I couldn't resist buying one. It has arrived and I still can't figure out what it does. I travel with a Clear hotspot that gives me wireless Internet wherever I travel in the U.S. I don't really expect anyone to try to explain the ins and outs of routers to me, but did I just buy a cute piece of plastic that is of no use to me? (If it wasn't against the rules of CC, I'd offer to give a couple of club passes to someone who would try to help me understand how to stay connected for a reasonable price when I travel outside the US.). I don't have the technical background to understand most of what appears here but I keep trying.
Don't feel bad; I've often bought things and only later tried to figure out what I was going to do with them. For example, I have 3 travel routers and am contemplating buying the Edimax as my 4th :D

My Edimax came today. Took me a minute to do an ipconfig to find the router's IP address, and then a quick google search to find the default password -- information that should be provided in the manual, but isn't.

After that, setting it up took no time at all and it works like a charm. A very, very cool device -- and so cute! :)

It tells you the default password when you try to access the router - "admin/1234" appears in the password popup.

If your MacBook Air has a USB3 port, you can buy a USB3-to-Gigabit-Ethernet dongle with full throughput for about $35.

The Thunderbolt gigabit ethernet adapter is also quite nice. It is more svelte than my old USB 2.0 gigabit ethernet adapter and is also shorter. I like to leave the usb ports for card readers, usb->phone, or other usb peripherals.

Because of its two Ethernet ports, it can be used as a wired switch; remember to put it into WISP (wireless hotspot) mode even if you don't connect to a hotspot.
Good point, fantastic!

If your MacBook Air has a USB3 port, you can buy a USB3-to-Gigabit-Ethernet dongle with full throughput for about $35.
The Thunderbolt gigabit ethernet adapter is also quite nice.
I actually have both the old USB2-Ethernet adapter and the new Thunderbolt-Ethernet adapter, but am going for maximum multitasking. I don't need to compete with Scott on how much junk I have to haul around! :)

I actually have both the old USB2-Ethernet adapter and the new Thunderbolt-Ethernet adapter, but am going for maximum multitasking. I don't need to compete with Scott on how much junk I have to haul around! :)

You can always compare your tech kit to the Woz's
http://gizmodo.com/5926598/the-amazing-contents-of-steve-wozniaks-travel-backpack

That usually makes me feel better. On the other hand, he probably isn't stuck back in commercial Y like I fly.

You can always compare your tech kit to the Woz's
http://gizmodo.com/5926598/the-amazing-contents-of-steve-wozniaks-travel-backpack

That usually makes me feel better. On the other hand, he probably isn't stuck back in commercial Y like I fly.

He cheated- half the stuff there belongs to his wife. If I include all the gear my wife drags along, I'd look even worse :D

I got the Edimax BR-6258n yesterday and I agree - it is pretty versatile.
I tested it in four different configurations and it worked fine for all of them.

I tried
1) Edimax connected wirelessly to Cisco wireless router with a Ipad connected wirelessly to Edimax
2) same as 1 plus a PC connected to the Edimax LAN port.
3) Edimax WAN port connected to cable/modem with Ipad wirelessly connected to Edimax and PC connected to Edimax LAN port.
4) Edimax WAN port connected to Cisco router with Ipad connected wirelessly to Edimax and PC connected to Edimax via LAN port.

I also tried connecting the ipad wirelessly at different distances and it worked in different rooms through walls and floors and even out in the garage.

Nifty device! I'll give it a road test on my upcoming trip to Southeast Asia.

Quick question for the Edimax router:

Is the USB port a Micro-USB or Mini-USB? I bring several Micro-USB cables to charge phones, Kindles, etc, and would love to drop the lone Micro-USB cable that I use.

Quick question for the Edimax router:

Is the USB port a Micro-USB or Mini-USB? I bring several Micro-USB cables to charge phones, Kindles, etc, and would love to drop the lone Micro-USB cable that I use.

micro

micro

Thanks. It was hard to tell with all of the pictures I could find.

My Edimax came today. Took me a minute to do an ipconfig to find the router's IP address, and then a quick google search to find the default password -- information that should be provided in the manual, but isn't.

After that, setting it up took no time at all and it works like a charm. A very, very cool device -- and so cute! :)

You look grasshopper, but you do not see:

Note: You can click “Connect to the Internet manually” to log in the user interface. Input “admin” in the “User name” field and “1234” in the “Password” field when prompted.

P.21, of BR-6258N, User manual, Version 2.0, September 2011. On the CD in the box.

You look grasshopper, but you do not see:

Note: You can click “Connect to the Internet manually” to log in the user interface. Input “admin” in the “User name” field and “1234” in the “Password” field when prompted.

P.21, of BR-6258N, User manual, Version 2.0, September 2011. On the CD in the box.Who runs CDs that come in boxes? :)

Who runs CDs that come in boxes? :)

People that want to find out the passwords! :D

Does the Edimax work if I want to connect wirelessly to the hotel wifi and then share that connection wirelessly with my MacAir, iPad and iPhone?

Who runs CDs that come in boxes? :)

Given that it's the smaller format CD that doesn't work in most slot CD drives, I'd imagine not many people...

Does the Edimax work if I want to connect wirelessly to the hotel wifi and then share that connection wirelessly with my MacAir, iPad and iPhone?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20142069-post76.html

My finalists are:

Asus WL-330NUL: http://www.asus.com/News/4eBKfIF7GE2NGIxP
Edimax nano: http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=372&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18
Edimax BR-6258nL: http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=450&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18

A strong merit of the Asus the Edimax BR-6258nL is that they come with a built-in usb cable and require only a single usb port for power.

Are all three equivalent in terms of the operating modes and features they offer?.

I'm aware the Edimax nano has two ethernet ports, but this is not important for me.

TIA

Does the Edimax work if I want to connect wirelessly to the hotel wifi and then share that connection wirelessly with my MacAir, iPad and iPhone?

I am connecting two devices, a Dell laptop and an Ipad mini to Edimax in wireless mode. So I think the answer would be yes. I read in the overview:

"The NAT/NAPT function lets you share the Internet connection with up to 253 Intranet users."

http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=372&pl1_id=24&pl2_id=89

My finalists are:

Asus WL-330NUL: http://www.asus.com/News/4eBKfIF7GE2NGIxP
Edimax nano: http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=372&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18
Edimax BR-6258nL: http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=450&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18

A strong merit of the Asus the Edimax BR-6258nL is that they come with a built-in usb cable and require only a single usb port for power.

Are all three equivalent in terms of the operating modes and features they offer?.

I'm aware the Edimax nano has two ethernet ports, but this is not important for me.

TIA
The first and the 3rd are similar looking to the EDUP EP-2906 that has been available on Ebay for a while for about $17, for example http://www.ebay.com/itm/EDUP-New-150Mbps-Portable-Mini-Wireless-Wifi-AP-Client-Network-Router-Adapter-/390462476488?pt=COMP_EN_Routers&hash=item5ae96090c8&_uhb=1

I thought this was a very useful review and how-to guide regarding the Edimax:

http://www.wegotserved.com/2011/08/2...d-nano-router/

I thought this was a very useful review and how-to guide regarding the Edimax:

http://www.wegotserved.com/2011/08/2...d-nano-router/



Thanks. Can you re-post the link?

Also, does it cover only the Edimax nano?

Any inputs regarding the Asus the Edimax BR-6258nL?

TIA

Just do a search on the We Got Served site for Edimax. It will come up.

Just do a search on the We Got Served site for Edimax. It will come up.

http://www.wegotserved.com/2011/08/27/hands-edimax-br6258n-150mbps-wireless-broadband-nano-router/

Tnx, but I cant find any detailed info on the Edimax BR-6258nL and the Asus.

The manufacturers' websites still dont have the manual for download.

The devices aren't available for purchase yet.

The devices aren't available for purchase yet.

The Edimax BR-6258nl is:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-BR-6258nL-WirelessPersonal-Hotspot-Travel/dp/B00ADHPP6Y

I downloaded the specs, and couldn't find power requirements. One thing people were worried about w/ the D-Link was that the original specs didn't clarify that it worked on 220V (later specs clarified that it did). I assume this one works worldwide as well, but hopefully one of you early adopters will confirm that.

Nice to see the folding plug. This looks like a winner to me, assuming they can get the initial fw issues resolved.

I found the Dlink to be unacceptable. I only had one but it had the shortest life, most difficult to get to behave and it finally failed.
I use a Cradlepoint. It is bigger but it works.

I found the Dlink to be unacceptable. I only had one but it had the shortest life, most difficult to get to behave and it finally failed.
I use a Cradlepoint. It is bigger but it works.

Too bad that the Dlink 505 did not work out for you. I have used mine several times in hotels without any problems. Connecting all my iDevices and laptop without any hassle or re-login.
Running on the latest firmware.

Just got an email advertising this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46&

Just got an email advertising this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46&
Very nice industrial design though you have to question their (Amazon's?) choice to show it plugged into the wall in a way that makes the second AC socket unusable :D

Just got an email advertising this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46&

300Mbps huh? Interesting. Sure wish the prongs were retractable.

300Mbps huh? Interesting. Sure wish the prongs were retractable.


I'm still trying to understand how these things all work. Am I correct that you can't speed up an otherwise slow internet service with one of these devices? But that you can extend the range of the service you do have?

I'm still trying to understand how these things all work. Am I correct that you can't speed up an otherwise slow internet service with one of these devices? But that you can extend the range of the service you do have?
correct, if the internet connection is the bottleneck then this won't make anything to/from the internet any faster. Moving stuff within the network e.g. from one laptop to another would be quicker though.

300Mbps huh? Interesting. Sure wish the prongs were retractable.
The Airlive N.Mini is also 300Mbps and uses a separate power supply making it very compact. As a travel router, though, I find the overall throughput at hotels so slow that 150Mbps link speed has never been the bottleneck.

Just got an email advertising this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46&

I read a review of that wireless travel router: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/satechi-releases-mini-router-repeater/. 300Mbps is great!

I read a review of that wireless travel router: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/satechi-releases-mini-router-repeater/. 300Mbps is great!

This product looks great. I'm very disappointed they chose a design that doesn't allow the prongs to get folded in! This effectively takes it out of my space optimization needs :-(

This product looks great. I'm very disappointed they chose a design that doesn't allow the prongs to get folded in! This effectively takes it out of my space optimization needs :-(

Agreed - no folding prongs is a deal breaker for me. The only reason I'd ever buy one of these is for travel purposes. Without folding prongs, the thing takes up a big, unwieldy space in my gadget bag, not to mention which the exposed prongs always seem to try to pierce thru the bag.

That's why I'm sticking with the Edimax. It powers off a micro usb cable, which I have to carry anyway for my other gadgets (I use 4ft Ziplinq rretractable cables), and it's tiny. The fact that it's 150Mps is irrelevant, given that no hotel network ever comes anywhere near that speed.

Of course, if they come out with a 300Mps Edimax....or if they fold the prongs on the Satechi...I have no doubt I'll be the first in line to buy it!

Oh boy... And another new one:

http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/19/adata-dashdrive-ae400/#continued

Power, streaming AND a router...

is the Edimax only available in the UK? On their site they list only one US retailer/online option: http://getnetusa.com/store/index.php/cPath/17_41/osCsid/aaf92be6cda54f4db9a9e37b8f16263a, but they do not show it available. :confused:

is the Edimax only available in the UK? On their site they list only one US retailer/online option: http://getnetusa.com/store/index.php/cPath/17_41/osCsid/aaf92be6cda54f4db9a9e37b8f16263a, but they do not show it available. :confused:

I bought one from Amazon a few weeks ago.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=edimax+br-6258n&sprefix=edimax+%2Caps%2C122

That one does not look the same as this one that thegasguru, et al, mentioned above:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-BR-6258nL-WirelessPersonal-Hotspot-Travel/dp/B00ADHPP6Y

That one does not look the same as this one that thegasguru, et al, mentioned above:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-BR-6258nL-WirelessPersonal-Hotspot-Travel/dp/B00ADHPP6Y

That one is also available via Amazon in the US, it is quite a bit more expensive though.
http://www.amazon.com/Edimax-BR-6258NL-WL-ROUTER/dp/B00ADHPP6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361752177&sr=8-1&keywords=BR-6258nL

Thanks! ^

Hi folks, I had a specific question on Edimax in WISP mode.
I tried the router at home, configured it to WISP, made it scan my home wifi, connected to it, did all the settings, changed the SSID to a different name, secured it. I assumed that when I got to a hotel, I would power it up, connect to its new SSID and then go to 192.168.(whatever .the IP is) and simply rescan the WISP mode wifi, attach to the hotel wifi and 'restart' the edimax and all would be good.

What infact happened is that it did not even broadcast an SSID when I went to the hotel. I had to hold down the hardware reset and take it back to factory, and then redo the entire WISP connection, local security et all - only then did it start broadcasting an SSID for my other devices.

I found this odd - I expected that it will not connect to the internet till I reattached to the hotel WiFi in WISP, but I did not expect it not to broadcast the SSID till I did a 'hardware reset' just because it was configured to connect to my home wifi earlier.

Is this normal?

Just got an email advertising this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46&

I hesitated and this item sold out both on Amazon and on their own website weeks ago (within days of it's release).

Anyone have any info as to why and when they will be available again?? Anyone with experience with it saying it's worth the wait? Trying to decide if I should wait but I have a trip in April.

Been looking into getting one of these myself and came across the TP-LINK MR3040 (http://www.tp-link.us/products/details/?categoryid=&model=TL-MR3040) which looks like the perfect device to me, battery opeated, WISP, WAN/LAN port. I guess the only thing it's missing is the ability to share the contents of a USB drive...might have to add a RAVPower® RP-WD01 for that, which would be somewhat overkill...

Will order the MR3040 and report back !

Originally Posted by ScottC

"Just got an email advertising this unit:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATFFHEA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=prd_idnr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00ATFFHEA&adid=08CEW9P1A2RFH4G2YF46
"

I hesitated and this item sold out both on Amazon and on their own website weeks ago (within days of it's release).

Anyone have any info as to why and when they will be available again?? Anyone with experience with it saying it's worth the wait? Trying to decide if I should wait but I have a trip in April.

This item is available again as of today

Has anyone here tried the D-Link DRI-506L? Seems to be the best of "all" worlds :
- ethernet
- wisp
- media sharing on USB port
- 1700mAh battery (can recharge devices)
- $40 !

Not the big 5000mAh battery of the Adata (RavPower has a 3000mAh battery) but it probably makes sense to have an extra battery pack anyway. And the RavPower has an extra SD slot. Neither of these two have an ethernet port, which is a big "no, no" for me.

Does anyone have insight that these 2 are identical from feature/functionality standpoint? They look similar but Asus website doesn't give much details as Edimax website provided.

Thanks.

The TP-LINK router makes Inc.'s top 6 business gadgets to make life easier: http://www.inc.com/ss/john-brandon/business-travel-6-gadgets-that-make-life-easier#4

A neat device, no WISP though on that model unlike on the TP-LINK MR3040 and the 2000mAh battery makes it more convenient IMHO.

About the DRI-506L I was asking about yesterday, I've ordered one and will see how well the media sharing/streaming from the USB port works.

Hi folks, I had a specific question on Edimax in WISP mode.
I tried the router at home, configured it to WISP, made it scan my home wifi, connected to it, did all the settings, changed the SSID to a different name, secured it. I assumed that when I got to a hotel, I would power it up, connect to its new SSID and then go to 192.168.(whatever .the IP is) and simply rescan the WISP mode wifi, attach to the hotel wifi and 'restart' the edimax and all would be good.

What infact happened is that it did not even broadcast an SSID when I went to the hotel. I had to hold down the hardware reset and take it back to factory, and then redo the entire WISP connection, local security et all - only then did it start broadcasting an SSID for my other devices.

I found this odd - I expected that it will not connect to the internet till I reattached to the hotel WiFi in WISP, but I did not expect it not to broadcast the SSID till I did a 'hardware reset' just because it was configured to connect to my home wifi earlier.

Is this normal?

I just had my first field test with one of these routers and experienced the exact same thing. In the end I couldn't figure out how to make it work at all because the hotel required a browser based login in order to actually get out to the net.

Yeah it seems some of these little "portable routers" require a full reset when they can't find the WISP network they were configured for...had the same happen with the TPLink MR-3040. A big hassle obviously. The DLink DIR-506 doesn't have that problem fortunately.

As for logging in WISP mode, I was also wondering about that, and it turns out you can type any required info when you first connect your computer/smartphone/tablet via the wireless router connected to the server in WISP mode.

so what one portable router should i buy to share wireless internet access in a hotel? The one im going to soon is a pay per device, wireless network with a password. Any info would be much appreciated.

You need one with the WISP mode, as pointed out above the TPLink MR-3040 and the Edimax have some quirks. I've found the DLink DIR-506 to work well and it's battery and media server/USB key are cool. I just got the RavPower that has an SD slot but no Ethernet slot for WAN/LAN...

is the 506L the same?

Yes, someone on Amazon said there was a 508 model too but I've never seen it...

[Yeah it seems some of these little "portable routers" require a full reset when they can't find the WISP network they were configured for...had the same happen with the TPLink MR-3040. A big hassle obviously. The DLink DIR-506 doesn't have that problem fortunately.

As for logging in WISP mode, I was also wondering about that, and it turns out you can type any required info when you first connect your computer/smartphone/tablet via the wireless router connected to the server in WISP mode.

I've been planning to buy an EDIMAX BR-6258n to replace my Tenda W150M travel router which has a single RJ45 jack and am now hesitant.

The Tenda saves settings on a per mode basis. For example, I have set a different LAN address for occasional use of the router as an additional AP on my home LAN from the one we use in WISP mode or Router mode while traveling. Not having to re-enter config data unnecessarily is very convenient. And it does broadcast its local SSID in WISP mode even when the WAN-SSID has changed which allows you to configure it with a wireless-only laptop/tablet/smartphone.

Well if you need two Ethernet ports (do you have a device that is Ethernet only?) I guess you can live with having to reset it when it's in WISP mode ;-)

Well if you need two Ethernet ports (do you have a device that is Ethernet only?) I guess you can live with having to reset it when it's in WISP mode ;-)
Good question and the answer is no.

The use case is somewhat unusual.

I sometimes visit/stay with people in different parts of the world who have no WiFi and who have a single desktop PC that they've plugged into their ISP's broadband modem. A 2 jack device would help me easily get onto the Internet with only a momentary interruption of service to their PC.

I see, yes the EDIMAX BR-6258n would be ideal for that. I guess another option would be to carry along a small hub...and a power supply as they all need one to work.

Carrying one fewer device would be great. Unfortunately, it is either carry multiple devices or be prepared to enter config data multiple times :(

That dual Ethernet port got me thinking and I went for the Edimax to cover all bases when I travel. I'll have the RavPower for media and WISP (no WEP compatibility I found...) and the Edimax for all the rest. I'll return the DIR-506 as it its media server is limited and I can always add a battery pack to the Edimax if need be.

Could you explain that a little more? You don't use the Edimax for Wisp? Or am I missing something? I just bought one for that reason.

It should do that fine, what I meant is that the RavPower has a WISP mode (not WEP compatible though) so if I only need WISP that's what I'll use. What's great about the RavPower are it's SD/USB slots, media server and battery.

Just received the Edimax BR-6258nand WOW, it's just tiny! Given its size I'm a bit concerned about its performance in WISP mode, will have to do some testing...

Just received the Edimax BR-6258nand WOW, it's just tiny! Given its size I'm a bit concerned about its performance in WISP mode, will have to do some testing...

please report back on your testing! will be very interested to hear...

That dual Ethernet port got me thinking and I went for the Edimax to cover all bases when I travel. I'll have the RavPower for media and WISP (no WEP compatibility I found...) and the Edimax for all the rest. I'll return the DIR-506 as it its media server is limited and I can always add a battery pack to the Edimax if need be.
Mine was delivered today and it will likely be my sole travel router even though I think the Tenda is easier to use.

As for WISP mode, I've seen more than one router not support any kind of encryption on the WAN wireless.

Yes the Samsung SE208BW DVD-Burner doesn't support encryption, which I guess shouldn't be a problem since most hotspots aren't encrypted. Still nice to have the option though ;-)

has anyone tried the Edimax BR-6258nL (it's the single ethernet port router with a small usb cable attached).
http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=450&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18

any inputs of the signal strength? overall performance? ease of setup?

TIA

Not me but the Edimax 6258n with two ports and that's hardly bigger than a pack of matches has very good range, better than the RavPower and about the same as the much larger DLink DIR-506, not sure how they do it!

has anyone tried the Edimax BR-6258nL (it's the single ethernet port router with a small usb cable attached).
http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=450&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18

any inputs of the signal strength? overall performance? ease of setup?

TIA

i just bought this off amazon so should be here next week and i can certainly give it a go for you see how it fairs as i live in an area with quite a few wifi hotspots so will see how it performs with interference etc. hopefully it works out and will be perfect for my holiday in the summer to usa as i think the place were staying has free internet but only through an ethernet.

i just bought this off amazon so should be here next week and i can certainly give it a go for you see how it fairs as i live in an area with quite a few wifi hotspots so will see how it performs with interference etc. hopefully it works out and will be perfect for my holiday in the summer to usa as i think the place were staying has free internet but only through an ethernet.

Tnx. looking forward to inputs on this nifty gadget.

Tnx. looking forward to inputs on this nifty gadget.

Uh, did you see the preceding 185 posts?

Well, after having made several trips with my Edimax, I can conclusively state that, for me, this one is a winner. So small and easy to pack and travel with. I also love that it does not use a proprietary charging cable, but rather I can just attach it via one of my retractable micro USB cables to one of the charging ports on my Skiva (see the thread "I found the ultimate charging solution").

Getting the WISP mode set up at first was a tiny bit of a PITA, but once I found where everything was on the Edimax set up screen, it was a breeze. Such a breath of fresh air to only have to go to the hotel log in screen ONCE, enter my room number, name, etc., and then have ALL my devices simply look for "Edimax" as the SSID for their Wifi signal. No log in required.

On a recent trip with my wife, she was browsing with her iPhone, we were both occasionally browsing on our laptops, and all the while watching a movie on Amazon Prime via my Roku player. Bliss. And all for no extra charge! The range on this little Edimax is quite nice too, especially given it's compact size.

Thanks for the feedback, microUSB so I take it you're talking about the 6258n ? I found I could also run it temporarily with an external battery pack.

Has anyone tried to use a TP-Link TL-MR3020 with an Xcom Global USB modem?

I found this list of compatible modems. You might need to select the correct country in the dropdown menu: http://www.tp-link.com/en/support/3g-comp-list/?model=TL-MR3020&location=1163

There's currently a $4 off coupon at Amazon for the WR702N version of this which I assume is just the newer model of the 700N.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PTCFFW

Just over $17, free shipping with Prime or add something to $25 for free SSS.

I think they probably feel the new ASUS travel router is going to kill their bizniss?

Which one ?

this one, available now here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1426641-new-worlds-smallest-travel-router-asus.html


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320164

Thanks, any reason to think it's better than the Edimax 6258n/nL? I posted over there.

FYI, the TP-LINK 700N is now being carried in 800 Walmart stores:

http://www.retailingtoday.com/article/walmart-consumers-get-wireless-options

The MR3040 is as well, the TP-LINK Portable Battery Powered 3G/4G Wireless N Router: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-MR3040

I am having one heck of a time getting my Edimax BR6258n to work here in MUC. I can get it work perfectly when testing it at home.

I am at a hotel that has you sign in for wifi (supplied UN/PW), but ethernet does not appear to have that limitation. The iQ cannot get anything to work, and I have tried just about every variation of settings to see what works.

I am trying to make my wired hotel connection work with the router and become private wifi in the room. THe weird thing is, when I have my Chromebook plugged in to the router, it can access the Internet. However, nothing that connects via wifi can - they go straight to the configuration screen.

Would someone be so kind to explain to me how to get this thing to work?