$12 router?

[stevenkedari]

I live alone in a studio apartment with 100 Mbps symmetrical FTTH service and have a PC, a smart TV, a phone and three smart bulbs. PC and TV will be on ethernet. Phone supports single-band 11n at 72 Mbps max. All smart bulbs will be scheduled to turn on and off at the same time. No mood lighting when the mood strikes.

 

Here, TP-Link's cheapest router sells for about $12. It has single-band 802.11n with Fast Ethernet WAN and 2x LAN ports. https://www.tp-link.com/in/home-networking/wifi-router/tl-wr820n/

 

This router looks ideal for me on paper. It's got everything I need. Nothing I don't. The only reason I can think of for not buying it is that it is so cheap.

 

I can spend more. But should I?

[Electronics Wizardy]

Id get a bit better router. Id get one with gig ports atleast. They model might not even be able to route 100m so you can't use your whole speed.

 

And faster wifi will be nice when you get a new phone or laptop.

[stevenkedari]

5 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Id get one with gig ports atleast. They model might not even be able to route 100m

I did think of this. How much can I expect this router to shave off from 100 Mbit. I will be more than satisfied if it delivered 90+ Mbit on ethernet. Phone I don't use much.

Edited June 2, 2021 by stevenkedari
90+ Mbit on ethernet. Phone I don't use much.

[mariushm]

Like everyone says, get something a bit better, with maybe 4+ gigabit ports and ideally dual band (2.4ghz / 5ghz) capable.

At $12 they're cutting corners everywhere to make that product, so it wouldn't surprise me if the power supply it comes with will die in 6 month to 1 year due to overheating itself to death. 

Get something used if you really have to save money, but you should be able to find something reasonable at around 20-25$. 

 

[stevenkedari]

Made up my mind. Going in for the $12 router. If it lasts more than two years, great. If it doesn't, I will learn my lesson. Appreciate your feedback fellow humans.

[Alex Atkin UK]

15 hours ago, stevenkedari said:

Made up my mind. Going in for the $12 router. If it lasts more than two years, great. If it doesn't, I will learn my lesson. Appreciate your feedback fellow humans.

I'd be surprised if you get half your broadband speed with it.

I realise as a consumer it makes no sense, but a router with 100Mbit ports is NOT expecting you to have 100Mbit broadband.