TP-Link TL-WR802n Nano Router Customer Review

Kevin Busse Sep 13, 2024
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TP-Link N300 Nano Routers

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. 

The Tp-Link N300 Nano Router is the best way to connect client devices to the internet for my player piano service appointments.

Instructions for 'Client Mode' (which is the proper setting) setup are available in the paper instructions inside the box.

I've written briefly about how to quickly set it up to your home internet with pictures. Please scroll to #3A for instructions ==> 3 Best Ways to Connect a Yamaha Disklavier Piano to the Internet

TP-Link N300 Nano Router Pros and Cons


Like all nano-sized routers, there's a series of pros and cons for each device. Here's my thoughts on the N300:

Pros:

  • Next best method to direct ethernet connection lan cable

  • Small Size

  • Simple solid green light indicates whether it's connected to the network

  • Establishes a dedicated bridge for one specific device (the piano)

  • Can be setup using only using your phone

Cons:

  • It requires 8-steps to configure the software to "set it and forget it"

  • May require AC outlet/power source to power the device

For this device, I use the term “hybrid” connection. This means that it connects from the:

Piano/Client Device ==> ethernet cable ==> Nano Router ==> wireless connection ==> home Wi-Fi network of the router.

It should be manually set up in "Client mode". The picture of instructions shows that there are 8-steps to set it up in "Client Mode" which is the correct setting when establishing a connection to a player piano or client device.

TP-Link N300 Nano Router Client Mode Instructions

The wires are tied with both zip ties and bendable clamps so that it can be removed to reach the "reset" button with a paper clip. It is also necessary to read the numerical password on the back, which is required to configure the software during setup.

It's convenient that the "reset button" can be reached only using a paperclip!

Yamaha Disklavier Connected to Internet\

The nano router's light is solid green, which means it has established internet connectivity to the home internet.

TP-Link N300 Nano Routers

I tend to carry extra TP-Link Nano routers with me in case I ever need to install one on a piano. When a player piano has internet issues. I install these routers most often.

*It's important to note that it can be configured to establish a connection to a static IP address, which may be required depending on the complexity of the network.

Most home networks are not complex. In which case, the 8-step quick setup guide is all that is needed to establish a strong connection for the piano.

When the home network is complex, I recommend to contact the "IT guy" who is usually able to help set it up and/or find an available static IP address.

Are TP-Link TL-WR802n N300 Nano Routers Worth it?

Yes!

Overall, these are the routers that I use most often in commercial settings.

It's easy to install using only my phone and a paperclip, that's it!

The signal strength of this device is plenty for most use cases, so I don't have to worry about it providing too little bandwidth.

Related:

Wi-Fi routers for Player Piano Systems

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.