TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router Review - Pros and Cons

TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router Review – Pros and Cons

The TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router is a versatile networking device designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It features five Gigabit Ethernet ports, including one WAN port, two configurable WAN/LAN ports, and two LAN ports, allowing for flexible network configurations and optimized bandwidth usage. The router also supports mobile broadband via a 4G/3G modem connected to its USB WAN port, providing a backup option for WAN connectivity.

In terms of security, the ER605 V2 offers a comprehensive suite of features. Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, and a speed test function are included to protect the network and data from various threats. The router is also highly secure for VPN connections, supporting up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16 OpenVPN, 16 L2TP, and 16 PPTP VPN connections, ensuring safe and encrypted communication between remote sites.

Additional security measures include SPI Firewall, VPN Pass-through, and various ALGs (Application Layer Gateways) for FTP, H.323, PPTP, SIP, and IPsec, along with DoS Defense and Ping of Death protection. The router adheres to standards and protocols such as IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, and IEEE 802.1q, ensuring compatibility and reliability in diverse network environments. Overall, the TP-Link ER605 V2 is a robust and secure solution for businesses seeking reliable and secure networking capabilities.

Pros:

  1. Value for Money: Users consistently praise TP-Link products for offering great value compared to the competition. The ER605 V2 is no exception, providing a feature-rich router at an affordable price.
  2. Easy Setup and Integration: The router is noted for its straightforward setup process and easy integration with existing networks, including TP-Link’s Omada SDN. Firmware updates are also easy to manage, enhancing the router’s reliability.
  3. Improved Network Performance: Many users have reported significant improvements in their network performance after upgrading to the ER605 V2. The router efficiently handles multiple devices and high-bandwidth activities, making it suitable for both home and small office environments.
  4. Advanced Security Features: The ER605 V2 offers abundant security features, including advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, and VPN support. This ensures a secure network environment, protecting data and devices from potential threats.
  5. Highly Secure VPN: The router supports multiple VPN connections, including LAN-to-LAN IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP, providing secure remote access to the network.
  6. Versatile Connectivity: With five Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB WAN port for 4G/3G modem support, the ER605 V2 offers flexible connectivity options for various network setups.
  7. Stable Performance: Users have noted the router’s rock-solid stability, with no need for frequent reboots or experiencing random speed drops.
  8. Excellent Customer Support: TP-Link’s customer support is highly regarded, with knowledgeable staff providing timely assistance for setup and troubleshooting.

Cons:

  1. Steep Learning Curve: Some users have found the router’s graphical user interface (GUI) to be confusing, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with networking terminology and settings.
  2. Limited Interface Usability: The interface lacks some user-friendly features, such as the ability to sort device lists by IP or MAC address, which can make managing large networks more tedious.
  3. Limited Advanced Features: While the router is feature-rich, some users have noted that certain advanced features, such as VLAN functionality, may not be as robust or well-documented as in other routers.

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In conclusion, the TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, secure, and affordable networking solution. Its ease of setup, robust security features, and stable performance make it suitable for both home and small office environments. While there is a learning curve associated with its interface and some advanced features may require additional effort to configure, the overall value and performance of the router are highly praised by users.