TP-Link TL-WR703N Mini 150M Wireless Router AP Router For iphone4 HTC iPad 1 2 android

I bought this in a group order with my hackerspace (OpenLabIdaho.org) so we could all get a good price shipping from the Orient.

Obviously, we're all somewhat advanced users, but even someone who had never used Linux/configured a router/played with networking was able to get his all set in about 20 minutes.

I simply downloaded Open-WRT(later tried DD-WRT)and flashed using the instructions here

This allowed me to A) Have complete control over my router and B) ENGLISH!

I used it as an AP (access point) connected to the switch at our hackerspace (had to turn off DHCP so that it wouldn't try routing all traffic through itself) and had fine reception... From about 3 feet away. Haven't tested how far the WiFi will stretch in my house, but I understand it won't be very far since this is admittedly a low powered device without an external antenna.

I'm setting it up as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) to stream audio/video to my XBMC powered original XBox, please comment so I'll be notified if you want to know how it functions.

So all of my uses may seem a bit advanced for what originally was designed just for a mobile router for a 3G usb dongle.

If you want a wireless access point to cover your house, this isn't for you.

If you want something easy for someone not at all versed in configuring an AP, this isn't for you.

Finally, if you want customer support and replacements if you break something, this device is not for you.

Buy this if you love to tinker.

Buy this if you need to have an extra WiFi AP available anytime/anywhere.

Buy this if you want a cheap and low power NAS.

Buy this if you want to learn network configuration/firmware flashing without fear of breaking your existing network.

Buy this if you want to have a public network for people visiting your home without giving full access to your own network.

Buy this if you want to have a pretty paperweight should you break it.

Finally, buy this if you consider yourself a technically inclined person. If you can flash/configure/use this and know what's going on, all you need are grammatical skills to complete the illusion of a networking guru... Well, at least on Amazon reviews.

The 703n wasn't originally meant for the western market, know that up front. The GUI is in Chinese. But it's the smallest full router in existence at a price that's un-ignorable. If you are of the hacker/maker class you already know that the 703n is being looked to as a potential linux/R Pi box.

As a router, it functions great but there isn't a ton of range because the antenna is just a small strip of copper on the CB. Plug a 3g stick into it and give it a power source and you have a cheap MiFi that isn't bottle necked by number of users.

Buy TP-Link TL-WR703N Mini 150M Wireless Router AP Router For iphone4 HTC iPad 1 2 android Now

I bought a few of these to use as minipwners and to do similar projects. They do the job great. The web interface is in Chinese, so if you speak English, I'd highly suggest installing OpenWRT or something similar on it. There are guides online to get through the process and break the language barrier. I haven't used them with a 3G modem yet, but I plan on giving it a whirl in the near future. I am satisfied with these and may buy more. Great bang for the buck.

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This device is SWEET. Tons of things can be done with this device using open source firmware such as DD-WRT and OpenWRT. The type of projects you can do with this device outside of what its actually sold to do are endless. I'll be ordering more soon.

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The WR703 has enough flash to put OpenWRT on it. For this cost, you can setup a small network-enabled computer and attach some USB accessories. I found it was possible to solder the wires to use the serial port too.

The power consumption is where this unit really shines. It draws between 80 and 120ma. This is less than half of most competing models. For a while, I ran this off a battery and solar panel.