TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router Review – Pros and Cons

The TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router is a high-performance networking device designed to cater to the demands of modern businesses and power users. With its flexible port configuration, the router features one Gigabit SFP WAN Port, one Gigabit WAN Port, two Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports, and one Gigabit LAN Port. This allows for up to four WAN ports to optimize bandwidth usage through a single device, making it an ideal solution for environments requiring high-speed internet connectivity and efficient bandwidth management. The router’s ability to support a maximum of 150,000 associated client devices and up to 700 clients further enhances its network capacity, ensuring seamless connectivity for a large number of devices.

Integration into the Omada Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform is a standout feature of the TP-Link ER7206. This platform enables centralized management of network devices, including gateways, access points, and switches, across multiple sites. Users can choose from multiple control options, such as the Omada Hardware controller, Omada Software Controller, or the cloud-based controller, with the latter offering remote access and management capabilities. The standalone mode also provides flexibility for different network setups. The router’s compatibility with SDN ensures that users can easily integrate it into their existing network infrastructure, provided their devices and controllers are equipped with or can be upgraded to the SDN version.

Security is a paramount concern in today’s digital landscape, and the TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router addresses this with its abundant security features. Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, and a speed test are some of the security functions that protect the network and data from potential threats. Additionally, the router offers highly secure VPN support, with the capability to handle up to 100 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 50 OpenVPN, 50 L2TP, and 50 PPTP VPN connections. This ensures that sensitive data can be transmitted securely over the internet, making the TP-Link ER7206 an ideal choice for businesses and individuals who prioritize network security and data protection.

Pros of the TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router:

1. Reliable Performance: The router has proven its reliability over two years of continuous operation, with no reported issues. This level of performance is particularly impressive and speaks to the quality of the hardware and the stability of the software.
2. Aesthetically Pleasing Design: The router’s design is based on the Golden Ratio, giving it a visually appealing rectangular shape. This attention to aesthetics is a nice touch, especially for users who value the appearance of their tech devices.
3. User-Friendly Web Interface: The web interface is clean and well-organized, making network management a breeze. Actionable items and tasks are clearly categorized, allowing administrators to quickly locate and address specific issues.
4. Support for VLAN Segmentation: The router supports VLAN segmentation, which is essential for creating separate networks for home offices, children, and guests. This feature enhances security and network efficiency by isolating different types of traffic.
5. High Bandwidth Capacity: Users have experienced significant increases in bandwidth, with some reporting a doubling in speed compared to previous routers. This improvement in bandwidth is crucial for supporting high-speed internet connections and data-intensive applications.
6. Multiple Internet Provider Connectivity: The ability to connect to multiple internet providers ensures network redundancy and reliability. This feature is particularly useful for households or businesses that require a constant internet connection.
7. Excellent Technical Support: TP-Link’s technical support has received high praise for its responsiveness and effectiveness in resolving issues. This level of support is invaluable for users who encounter technical difficulties or require assistance with configuration.
8. Firmware Updates: The router receives regular firmware updates, which address known issues and enhance functionality. These updates are essential for maintaining the security and performance of the device.
9. Multi-WAN Load Balancing: The router’s Multi-WAN load balancing feature efficiently manages network traffic, ensuring optimal performance and avoiding bottlenecks. This is particularly important for networks with high traffic volumes.
10. Positive Customer Care and Service Attitude: Users have expressed appreciation for the positive attitude and customer-centric approach of TP-Link’s technical support team. This level of service is a significant factor in customer satisfaction.
11. Integration with Omada SDN: The router’s integration with Omada SDN allows for centralized management of network devices across multiple sites. This feature simplifies network administration and provides greater control over network resources.
12. Highly Secure VPN Support: The router supports various VPN protocols, providing secure remote access to the network. This is crucial for businesses and individuals who need to protect their data while accessing the network from different locations.
13. Abundant Security Features: The router offers advanced security features such as firewall policies, DoS defense, and IP/MAC/URL filtering. These features are essential for protecting the network from external threats and ensuring data security.
14. Easy Setup for Multi-WAN Load Balancing: Although the initial setup can be challenging, technical support is available to assist users in configuring the router for Multi-WAN load balancing. This support is invaluable for optimizing network performance.
15. Cost-Effective: Considering its features and performance, the router offers excellent value for its price. This makes it an attractive option for users looking for a high-quality networking solution without breaking the bank.

Cons of the TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router:

1. SNMP Function Limitations: The SNMP functions are limited, providing bandwidth information only for one Cat5e WAN Port and not for other ports. This limitation can be a drawback for users who rely on SNMP for network monitoring.
2. Archaic User Interface: Some users find the user interface outdated and less intuitive compared to modern interfaces. This can make navigation and configuration more challenging, especially for less tech-savvy users.
3. Runs Warm: The router tends to run warm, which requires careful placement to ensure proper airflow and cooling. This can be a concern for users who have limited space or need to place the router in a confined area.
4. Documentation and Configuration Challenges: The documentation and lack of configuration wizards can make the initial setup more challenging for some users. This can lead to a steeper learning curve and potential frustration during the configuration process.
5. Lack of Certain Advanced Features: Some users wish for additional features like DNS over HTTPS (DOH) to be included in future updates. The absence of these features can be a drawback for users who require them for their specific needs.

(see more details and discounts)

In summary, the TP-Link ER7206 VPN Router offers a robust set of features and reliable performance, making it a great choice for both home and business users. While there are some limitations and areas for improvement, the router’s strengths, particularly its high bandwidth capacity, excellent technical support, and integration with Omada SDN, make it a competitive option in the market.