Choosing Between TP-Link WR940N and WR841HP: A Comprehensive Guide

When selecting a router, it's essential to consider your specific needs, including the size of your home, the number of devices you plan to connect, and the level of Wi-Fi performance you require. This guide provides a detailed comparison between the TP-Link WR940N and WR841HP to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of TP-Link WR940N

The TP-Link WR940N is a budget-friendly router designed for small to medium-sized homes with basic internet needs. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Speed and Antenna

The WR940N operates at up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It features 3 fixed antennas, which enhance overall coverage and signal strength within smaller spaces.

Port Configuration

This router includes 4 Ethernet ports witha speed rating of 10/100 Mbps each. These ports are suitable for connecting devices that require stable and reliable internet connectivity.

Ideal Use Cases

The WR940N is best suited for smaller spaces where basic internet tasks and streaming are the primary focus. It provides a reliable and stable connection for a handful of devices without straining its resources.

Overview of TP-Link WR841HP

The TP-Link WR841HP is designed to cover larger areas or spaces with more obstacles, offering better range and extended coverage due to its high-gain antennas. Here's a closer look at its features:

Speed and Antenna

Like its counterpart, the WR841HP also operates at up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. However, it comes with 2 high-gain antennas that provide enhanced range and coverage, making it ideal for larger homes or locations with many walls and obstacles.

Port Configuration

The WR841HP includes 4 Ethernet ports with the same speed rating of 10/100 Mbps, offering flexibility for connecting multiple devices.

Ideal Use Cases

Due to its high-gain antennas, the WR841HP is better suited for larger homes or areas with many obstacles. It ensures better coverage and a more consistent signal, even in hard-to-reach corners of your home.

Key Considerations: Speed, Storage, and Antenna Output

Speed: Both routers offer similar speeds, but the WR841HP may have an edge in coverage and antenna configuration, making it more suitable for larger or more challenging environments.

Storage: The WR841HP comes with 8 MiB of flash storage compared to the WR940N's 4 MiB. Additionally, the WR841HP has 64 MiB of RAM to the WR940N's 32 MiB, providing better performance and stability for complex network environments.

Antenna Output: The WR941HP has RP-SMA connectors, allowing you to replace the stock antennas with higher-gain options if needed. This flexibility can be crucial for significantly improving coverage, especially in larger homes or areas with dense walls.

Recommendation

TP-Link WR940N: If you have a smaller home and primarily require reliable internet for basic tasks and streaming, the WR940N is an excellent choice. It offers a straightforward and stable connection without the need for advanced functionalities.

TP-Link WR841HP: If you need better coverage in a larger home or have multiple walls and obstacles, the WR841HP is the better option. Its high-gain antennas ensure a more consistent and extended signal throughout your living space.

Additional Considerations

Routers with Qualcomm CPUs vs. Atheros: If you're not sure about the version, the WR841HP is generally a safer bet. The WR841HP has 8 MiB of flash storage, 64 MiB of RAM, and RP-SMA connectors, which can be particularly useful in challenging network environments.

For more recent versions of the WR940N, the WR940N v.3 or v.4 have 551 mW of output and 3x3:3 MIMO for higher throughput. They might be worthwhile if you don't plan to connect many devices or exhaust the router's resources.

In summary, the TP-Link WR940N is perfect for smaller homes with basic internet needs, while the WR841HP is ideal for larger spaces or areas with many obstacles. Based on your specific requirements and the number of devices you plan to connect, you can choose the router that best suits your needs.