TP-LINK TD-W8961ND 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router Ethernet Port IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11n/g/b, ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ TP-LINK TD-W8961ND 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router Ethernet Port IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11n/g/b, ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+

Pros: VERY configurable. (I'll be honest here, it seems they took a DDWRT firmware, dumbed it down and removed a few features, and made it user friendly for the average user. Bravo!)

- Works with numerous DSL companies. (Unfortunately not mine. See below.)

- System log, for debugging purposes.

- The Diagnostics feature was critical for seeing where a problem is.

- "Statistics" page doesn't show dropped packages, but shows transmitted/received for any interface. So you can calculate it.

- Built-in firewall

- QoS/uPNP

- WPS/Mac Filters

- WDS/wireless bridge to extend a network. (although not sure why you'd want that feature in a modem..the more the merrier.)

- VLANS

- Physical Wifi on/off button on the rear of the modem.

- Can tone the wifi power down if you don't need it bleeding into the apartment complex next door.

- ADSL Telephone splitter if you still have a landline.

Cons: - Doesn't work with Centurylink [formerly Qwest] I get this error in the Diagnostic page "Testing ADSL Synchronization . FAIL" I wouldn't let this discourage a potential buyer [see end of other thoughts.] It could otherwise be the VPI/VCI settings. I'm not sure. After days of troubleshooting, I give up. I tried both the Qwest and Centurylink presets, as well as manually entered all the settings, verified settings with my Actiontec router and with Centurylink customer service. It either constantly says "Activating" or randomly says "Line down" depending on which settings i have entered.

- Yesterdays wired technology. Not gigabit ethernet.

- Not dual band. Not a problem if you don't have any 802.11a/b/g devices.

- There doesn't seem to be a definitive way to disable WPS, which is a 'feature' that most modem/router's have and packs a huge security risk. It seems to be disabled, but nothing is grayed out or anything.

Other Thoughts: Overall, if you want a budget modem (not for router purposes) at a low price, this wouldn't be a bad option if it works with your DSL company.

When unboxing, you may notice this thing looks sort of stylish. I'm not sure what the processor is clocked at, but it doesn't seem to get too warm on this winter day. But the imprints on the top of the modem are definitely stylish and would allow for some breathing if it heated up at all (and would definitely allow for any dust to get in, if you live in that climate.) It is very light, the plastic very thin, and feels very cheap. The power switch on the back is a physical toggle on/off button, which is rare in today's electronics.

- No USB. Would be a huge perk for network printing and other centralized services. Not really a con for this price range. My Actiontec Q1000 has one, however.


The first time logon is easy enough: username/pass: admin/admin. The first time Setup Wizard requires PPPoE, click exit if not ready to set up DSL. Wireless N speeds are typical. Not below average. I wasn't able to test my DSL speeds.


Final note on not working with Centurylink.
I have 40Mbit down and 20Mbit up speeds. This is hefty internet connection. So much that I had to buy a new modem because my 'old' modem couldn't handle this connection when I upgraded. So maybe that could be a pointer to this router's connection issues.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Theo,

We thank you for taking the time to review and test our product. We appreciate the feedback and welcome the input from our customers. It is this honest feedback that helps us as a company create better products for you our customers.

Best Regards!
TP-LINK Support Team
(866)225-8139
http://www.tp-link.com/us/support
http://www.facebook.com/TPLINK

Pros: A combined DSL modem and wireless n router results in a space-saving option for those who want to simplify their setup. The router is easy to set up with an intuitive interface and wizard to guide you through the process. I found the wireless range to be acceptable, and it’s nice to get MIMO in this price range. The modem comes with ISP templates for all of the popular service providers to quickly get set up and surfing.

Cons: On the DSL side of the equipment, I was unable to get the modem to work with my service. I have CenturyLink for my provider, which is listed right on the box as supported, but it just wouldn’t work. After two hours of troubleshooting with the help of my ISP service technician, I had to give it up as a lost cause. I tried a different phone jack, different CAT3 cable, rebooting, resetting, all to no avail. All PPPoE settings, username and password were verified to be correct. The modem just would not complete the DSL handshake with my ISP. Swapping out to my old modem with the exact same settings and everything works.

Other Thoughts: This is my first experience with a TP-Link product. Every brand has its duds and my experience may be an exception. This modem/router looks like a quality product but unfortunately the modem half of the equipment was faulty.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customrer,

We are very sorry to hear of your first experience with TP-LINK being unsatisfactory. We have no known issues regarding the compatibility of our products with CenturyLink DSL. It does sound like you've done the necessary steps in troubleshooting, so unfortunately, it may indeed be the case that your device is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If it has been within 30 days of your purchase, most retailers will provide and exchange for you, or a refund. Otherwise, our devices come with a 2 year manufacturer warranty. If you would like to speak with us about setting up an RMA with your product, we would be glad to assist you!

For more questions and support, please call us today!

Thank you for supporting TP-LINK.

Best Regards!
TP-LINK Support Team
(866)225-8139
http://www.tp-link.com/us/support
http://www.facebook.com/TPLINK

Pros: Supports pretty much every ISP you would ever need and has a ton of advanced settings to help configure it correctly for your specific ISP.

Pretty good range, still worked with decent signal strength and data speed about 45 feet away.
Ability to become a wireless bridge to extend an existing wireless network.
Has a help page that clearly defines what all of its many settings do.
Clearly labeled and color specific ports on the back of the router.
Has large amount of settings available to change such as:
Transmit power, lease time on DHCP, built in diagnostics, built in NAT Firewall, very advanced and customizable QOS settings, DDNS, UPnP and a lot more.

All of the information necessary to access the routers webpage and the wireless access key are all cleanly labeled on the bottom of the device.

Came with everything need for setup: 2 phone line cables, an Ethernet cable and an ADSL phone line splitter.

Cons: Only 10/100 ports, would have preferred to see Gigabit Ethernet ports

The vent holes on the top go straight into the internals and will most likely fill up with dust over time if this is not mounted to a wall. These holes on the top and bottom are apparently needed since this device pretty much stayed around 95-100°F.

Plastic feet on the bottom of the router are useless, due to them not being rubber, the router can and will slide across any surface like a hockey puck.

The webpage for the device lacks the ability to search for firmware updates itself which may result in flashing the wrong firmware by users when searching for the right firmware if not careful which in turn may damage the router. Allowing the router to do this helps prevent this possible problem.

Other Thoughts: Cat 5 Ethernet cable instead Cat 5e