This Device Saved Me Money On Vacation! - TP-Link TL-WR902AC Travel Router

The TP-Link TL-WR902AC Travel Router saved me a TON of money on my recent vacation with my family. And, while I'm not usually a big fan of TP-Link products, I must give credit where credit is due. If you're traveling this little device should be in your travel bag! If not to save you cash, then it will add a little more protection from the bad guys while you're traveling!
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TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC): amzn.to/3yzdjyQ
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*TIMESTAMPS*
0.00 Introduction
0:15 The problem and how the TL-WR902AC solves it
1:09 Dimensions, ports, size, and features of the TL-WR902AC
2:43 WiFi specs and details of the TL-WR902AC
3:49 Setting up the TL-WR902AC in hotspot (WISP) mode
5:46 Basic speed testing of the TL-WR902AC in hotspot mode
7:08 Quick overview of all the additional software features and functionality of the TL-WR902AC
7:47 A word about hotel wifi security and why a device like this is actually really valuable to someone traveling
8:47 Closing! Thanks for watching and subscribe already!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@edwinrosales6322]

Great video, well-rounded review and the setup demo was a bonus, thank you!

[@grocerylist]

There's nothing wrong with TP-Link products, not sure why the shade at the intro.

[@desupernoodle]

Their customer service sucks

[@common_sense_supreme]

All of my TPlink routers gave up after 1 year...used 5 of them over the years...and the random restarts and slow unstable connection were common in all of them. Switched to Asus and no more problem.

[@grocerylist]

@@common_sense_supreme I've never used their routers. I have only used their business class Omada switches and WAPs. Most consumer grade routers are overpriced garbage. I had Asus long ago using Asuswrt-Merlin and they're ok for low demand bandwidth applications but since then moved on to pfsense.

[@ksarp1281]

@@common_sense_supremeyo can you help me which asus router

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Ive used a lot of their routers/access points around 2012-2014. Back then their devices were always plagued with issues from buggy firmware. I now run an Archer AX-72 which has been more than awesome. Their wifi usb dongles have always been great and I have used many of them. So TP-Link have come a very very long way since then

[@rksoneji]

Useful information and re-sharing is excellent.

[@2GuysTek]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment and consider subscribing!

[@cu2983]

This router has saved me several times. I can hardwire the WR902AC in my work computer and connect the computer to my wifi--the computer just sees it as a hardwired connection router (upstairs in another room). The router can be configured from my personal computer and moved to the work machine.

[@DejiAdegbite]

Does it support openvpn?

[@frankvet1]

Agreed. TP link products have been flawless- better than literally every other product in their respective classes! Honestly, not sexy but work best.

[@marcomontes2397]

I got this for a security camera while staying at a hotel. Setup was easy,like you said. My only issue is the connection has no internet connection available. I don't understand if and what I am doing wrong. So frustrating (on vacation) 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@colyrusvenia3970]

Hi, I’ll be staying in a hotel with wifi connection only and am planning to bring my indoor camera. -What would be the WAN connection type that I should use? Dynamic or static? -Can i set up the router at home? Or just do it at the hotel? Thank you.

[@gordonreeder3451]

I'll have to get one of these to upgrade my travel setup. I currently have a pair of TL-702s. A much earlier version of the 902. The TL-702 doesn't support wifi to wifi operation, making me dependent on a wired network port.

[@jrod7223]

Tplink is a solid company and a this is a really great product.

[@Bryan-mn5to]

Ordered it, then searched for videos about it and found your perfect video!

[@2GuysTek]

Awesome!

[@Lon1001]

If I frequently go between 2 wifi networks is there an easy way to switch the settings on this little router without having to go into the interface on the browser? (i.e. automate it to detect a remembered network)? If not does anyone know if such a portable router exists?

[@Splendid-HQ]

When it acts as a router do i need to alr have purchased cable or is it from the Travel router? and can i use this for gaming consoles?????

[@GoaWay4Sanity]

*if I wanted to power this through a power bank what would be a good (mah) voltage: 20,00mah; 18,000mah?*

[@themathdude]

any tried using it in AP mode with ethernet plugged into a LAN. Can you set a static ip on that LAN for it?

[@djstevieo]

How do I connect a mifi to the tp and than to a Philips hue bridge hub

[@misteraon]

IMO gl-inet makes the best travel routers. I have the slate which also has LAN ports as well, it has a toggle switch on the side which you can link to a VPN profile. It has flip up antennas for better signal back to AP. It runs a modified open firmware and has a nice app to access it with in addition to the web UI. They make models with built in batteries but I prefer they features of this model and don’t mind plugging it into a battery bank.

[@MrHylarious]

Hi Aaron, which models has build in batteries?

[@misteraon]

@@MrHylarious the MUDI is the one with a battery in it but it’s also an LTE hotspot as well. It’s pretty pricey. The Slate is at a nice price point and it doesn’t draw too much power so I can run it off a 10-16Ah battery bank. I prefer having the battery external as its more versatile. I can power other things off the battery or it it’s not needed then I can plug it in to the wall.

[@dozog]

What would you say is the biggest advantage of a gl-iNet over a TP-Link (let's say the slate over the WR902 ) The TP Link apps are quite horrible to be honest. For all the advanced features they forward you to the built-in web interface.

[@misteraon]

@@dozog the gl-inet I like because a few reasons. It uses openish firmware. From my understanding it is a modified version of openwrt and I believe it can be reflashed to straight openwrt as well. It also has flip up antennas. I feel any external antennas will give better results than internal antennas any day. It has a switch on the side that can be used to turn on and off a vpn profile. I have some NordVPN profiles in mine. It has a micro SD card slot that can be used as network storage…so like a mini-nas. Cannot say I use it a ton but nice to have. Probably many of the other features are common in travel routers. It does support both 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands which I think some may not. It also supports guest networks. I went with the slate because it has what I felt was the right balance of cpu power vs power consumption. The next one up was more power hungry and I wanted to be able to run it of a typical power bank. Just wish the slate had a usb C for power, but I think they may have come out with an improved version. Would have to look.

[@misteraon]

The gl-inet also has two lan ports and the wan port can be defined as a lan port also.

[@tyannechavis]

How will I connect this device if I have to use a web browser first to set up. I only want to purchase 1 device for wifi on cruise ship. Will that be possible and how? Will I have to log off device w web browser first before I am able to use router as a access point

[@JohnDoe-iy1rr]

Thanks for the tip. My wife and my mother will soon be going to a rehabilitation clinic where you have to pay extra for each individual WiFi device. You saved us a ton of money with your tip. Best regards from Germany

[@JadeCarter66]

Question, if the WiFi I already have at home is weak or continues to go in and out, this wouldn’t help, right? Because it connects to the internet I already have?

[@danieleagles]

Hello, Do you know any other tp router that have a hotspot mode? Thanks.

[@lockpremium9826]

Thank you for very nice informative video One question this travel router will connect to a network with a login portal?where they require you to accept term and conditions and enter login credentials or payment info Thanks for your info in advance

[@2GuysTek]

Yes, it will

[@briantwining86]

@@2GuysTek How exactly do you successfully connect to such a network. I just ordered this item and cannot connect to a Cox Wifi Hotspot

[@robinloewenstein3220]

Thank you for this video. To use, will I need to sign onto an existing network (like with a password) / depend on there being an unsecure network? Or does it work like my phone hotspot?

[@2GuysTek]

Hi Robin, you need to connect this router to a hotel’s hotspot and then it will provide you added protection while you’re connected to it. E.g. hotel wifi tl-wr902ac laptop/tablet/phone/etc.

[@lovesdoggies1481]

Best wayset up doggy cam with your phone and camera?

[@barbaraalcala6429]

Hi, Thank you for posting such a helpful video with us. I'm wanted to ask if its possible to use the USB port to attach a usb printer and use it like a print server?

[@2GuysTek]

Yes, you should be able to do so.

[@barbaraalcala6429]

Hi Thank You So Much for replying... I'm hoping to use my old usb printer on my home network... This printer has alot of life left it... Sharing ot out would be great 👍

[@ABEXJW]

Would this work for my pop up business? For example I have Verizon on my tablet and phone and 90% of the time they work perfectly. I need a hotspot for when the network does not connect like I need it to. There is 1 event where we have tens of thousands of people in a little town trying to connect and the network gets jammed. I need a hotspot to help me run my point of sale when I am popping up. What are your thoughts? TIA!

[@nikd9811]

Could anybody help please I bought one of these as I have a sonos roam and want to connect to it when I travel but can't seem to get the hang of it. I have heard I can give the router the same name and password as my home router and I will be able to use the sonos app on my phone to control the roam. Also heard I would able to use all other devices that I connect to on my home wifi when at home using this router so it won't mess my settings up when I come home.

[@deangeliststrozier6891]

is their a monthly payment or its just free

[@uncensored06]

This is only good while inside your crusi cabin right?? Is there an option to take this router around the ship? Like by the pool deck?? Are there any Battery powered travel routers??

[@2GuysTek]

You could absolutely power this off a USB battery as long as it has the necessary power output.

[@chriskukowski398]

I love using this to provide internet access to our equipment that doesn't have a line ran to it, nor wireless capabilities.

[@iainmcdonald9358]

Word of warning to Australian users: This device does not work properly on many AU 5ghz frequencies with client mode. (eg hotspotting from a public wifi to your other devices). Works fine on all 2.5g networks but that is super slow compared to 5ghz. You're actually better off connecting to hotel network with a windows 10/11 laptop with wireless ac and connecting to other devices like your phone from the built in hotspot in windows. Trust me I spent weeks looking into this, found other users saying same thing. FYI hardware TL-WR902AC V3 latest beta firmware.

Can confirm!

[@pauljones9150]

Thank you

[@KonstantinosReppas]

Hello! Thanks for the amazing video. My situation is living in an appartment with both wired and wireless connection that is without password, but has a captive portal login. The question is can I bypass that only once with that router so any other device can connect directly to the router and not ever having to deal with that captive portal again? For example getting chromecast, wifi vaccuum cleaners and more devices that cannot connect to such networks. Thank you very much.

[@2GuysTek]

Typically captive portals have specific timeframes before forcing a re-validation via the captive portal. Using this device would allow you to connect multiple devices behind it and only need to authenticate once per cycle for all devices behind the router. It wouldn’t solve your problem, but it would ease the pain a bit.

[@stephandelaat]

@@2GuysTek Thanks for clarifying....one point...do you need to varify just once, or once on every device?

[@2GuysTek]

Just once. Now, if the hotel’s captive portal requires revalidation every 24 hours (for example) you’d have to re-auth.

[@stephandelaat]

@@2GuysTek awesome thanks 🙏

[@yekaesh]

In my building we pay a flat fee for internet and we’re each given a login through a portal to connect our devices (limited to 10). Each unit has some sort of router or repeater. It doesn’t work the normal way where you click the network and enter the password. You click the network and it brings up a portal you login to. How do I use this with that?

[@rajenwtf]

have you found a solution to it? I’m at a resort right now having this problem and I can’t work💔

[@Jboy1527]

Do I need a laptop to activate it or can I used my phone?

[@danieleagles]

Is wisp mode same as hotspot mode?

[@renzolavarro6134]

Would this work with public wifi with authentication?

[@lolobrinkman3055]

Hey y'all. *Anyone willing to respond* I'm still confused. I do not comprehend tech details, such as what all of the numbers and acronyms mean. My aspby's has a block from some types of info. This is one of them. Ok, so here is my inquiry.... HOW DOES THIS WORK WITHOUT SERVICE, OR DO I ALSO NEED AN ISP SUBSCRIPTION TO GO ALONG WITH THIS DEVICE? Also, does this come with a sim card or are those completely different types of routers? I just really need internet STAT! TYSMIA!

[@netfun8087]

What about hotels where the log-on screen asks for the guest’s last name and room number? Where do you enter that info?

[@jcgoobee]

Does this work with the hotel's captive portal if they use that for initial authentication? Thanks.

[@2GuysTek]

Yes. Itself doesn’t authenticate, when you connect your device to the AP and configure it to connect to a hotel wifi, you’ll then auth using your device through it. Doing do tricks the captive portal into authorizing the AP and providing access through it.

[@treebranchdan]

Question: I was reading a review and a guy said he got this to work on his cruise but that the cruise line would drop the connection due to no activity at times. The guy was saying since the router is not a pc or does not have a screen that he had to go some longer process frequently to keep it going for everyone. Did you have this problem as well and/or what did you do to avoid/fix? Thanks

[@2GuysTek]

Any time the family left the cabin, and there were no active devices on the system, we did have to 'reconnect' by going back to the portal and logging in. The cruise line we were on had a 24-hour timeout anyway, so at least once a day we'd have to do the reconnect regardless if we were using data or not.

[@treebranchdan]

@ethanmacneal3935 I didnt use it like that. I connected to a hotspot and share the connection wirelessly but the way I understand it I think you can use it the way you suggest.

[@MoChuang343]

@@2GuysTek In the video you used a standard SSID and WEP password. But at most hotels I go to usually there is no password, but once you are connected you get a browser pop up to login to a portal with you room number or some access code. How does that work on a router since there is no browser interface? I want to get one of these but I just dont understand how to the hotel WiFi login process would work for a router.

[@espenfr]

@@MoChuang343 did you ever figure this out? Allso, when going from one hotel to the next, how do you change to the new WiFi ?

[@MoChuang343]

@@espenfr I ended up going with a GL.inet Opal. Similar travel router concept, but more LAN ports. With that router, you connect one of your devices to the router's network. Then in your browser go to the routers IP address and configure it to repeater/wisp mode. It scans for wifi networks. Once you pick the hotel network, it connects and then the portal pops up in the browser you are using to configure the router. After that any new device that connects to the private network goes out through the router and so the hotel thinks its all the same device (I think). When you go to a new hotel, again turn on the router and connect to your offline private network. Then in the router config pick the new hotel wifi to get internet.

[@TheEdwardMon]

did this work with a wifi network with a TOS agreement page? also wondering if you can set up the extender on your phone without a laptop

[@2GuysTek]

yes to both.

[@jessedouglas7558]

this might be exactly what I am looking for! do you know if a VPN can be installed and run directly though that little guy, and totally out there question. do you know if the Nighthawk M6 can do the same things as this little fella here?

[@2GuysTek]

I highly doubt it has built-in VPN capability, the United is relatively low power and I think it’s performance would suffer from it. I can’t speak for the Nighthawk.

[@GoaWay4Sanity]

*does the speed depend on the isp/server?* *isnt there a way to increase speed using DNS?*

[@mprajescu]

How do you address the WISP mode that is connecting to a public SSID that has a captive portal? Does it also work on airlines?

[@2GuysTek]

Easy! The first thing you do is connect to the device and log into its management interface, then you configure the device to connect to whatever public Wi-Fi network you want, then you attempt to go to the Internet and you’ll be greeted with the captive portal of whatever public network you’re on. In theory it should work anywhere since there’s no real difference between the Wi-Fi on an airplane and the Wi-Fi on the cruise ship in terms of WISP.

[@mprajescu]

@@2GuysTek just got the device and tested with a home made captive portal. The captive portal was passed on to the client, but I can’t figure out why internet would not work. It might be that the captive portal addresses the MAC filtering option and I might have to clone the MAC address to the router after accepting the captive portal settings. I’ll check this weekend when I’m flying and will follow up with the results

[@miriamalvarez3982]

I can’t seem to connect to the internet!! I bought an extender but I just can’t get the router to connect to internet. I don’t have a computer. I’m doing everything through my phone

[@victorcruz865]

Same as well took it on the road but is working right now in my home odd

[@user-jx8hm3tw9i]

you don't have yo use your phone cell data with this correct?

[@thatlizzu8315]

i just moved so i was looking for a router, i bought this. Do i need to connect this to an already existing wifi connection or can i just plug it into my LAN+ normal plug and it will work?

[@2GuysTek]

It will also work as a traditional route as well.

[@nikolaiialokin]

I don’t understand the purpose of this device? Is it to strengthen the connection from the hotels wifi if the connection is weak? Or to bypass having to pay for it? I don’t get it 😅

[@2GuysTek]

The way we're using the device is to allow you to have multiple devices access the Internet in situations where you have to pay a per-device fee for access. The reason I bought it was for a cruise I was going on with my family where you're charged per device connected to the Internet. This device allows you to nest your devices behind it, and it connects to the network. This way you're 'technically' connecting one device to their network, but it's sharing that Internet connection behind it to many devices. HTH!

[@fishywishydishywoo]

Can I use my phone as a hotspot and then use this router to connect my computer to that WiFi? New to all of this!

[@niaa.8876]

Did u find a way

[@worlddutchie]

yes you can

[@deepakkapoor5232]

I have a question. If I am on the road in a foreign country say Canada or Mexico would I still be able to have connections on my phone via this device?

[@2GuysTek]

To be clear, this device doesn't give you free internet access, it acts as an intermediary between a hotspot and your computer(s), allowing you to share a single connection with multiple devices. So, assuming we're on the same page, this device should work fine in Canada and Mexico.

[@mrpratster]

How come you don’t talk about CAPTIVE portal? Every hotel seem to have this now. So this product wont’ work, will it?

[@2GuysTek]

I do talk about it and yes, this exactly what the feature I talk about is for. When you connect to a hotel wifi from your device through the travel router, you will be greeted by the captive portal and you’ll auth as you normally do. The trick here is that the hotel’s captive portal is authenticating the travel router, not your individual device, so anything that is behind the travel router including your devices is automatically allowed through the hotel wifi.

[@Thedarkstampede]

I Travel a lot for work. Most hotels make you go through a portal to set up the connection. Will this travel router let you go through the portal page to start the connection?

[@2GuysTek]

Exactly.

[@Thedarkstampede]

@@2GuysTek sweet, definitely gonna go ahead and order one.

[@cresole]

Does this router update firmware automatically?

[@rachinc]

question for you: i'm trying to find a hotspot device to buy that will give me fast internet speeds at a hotel that only has 30mpbs wifi. i dont know anything about this technology. i tried calling one company who made a physical device for hotspots and they couldnt even give me a ballpark range of upload speeds if i buy this device. so it seems like a gamble to buy one if the device isnt going to give me speeds faster then the advertised 30mbps wifi hotel. are you able to speak to the internet speeds of these things? looking to upload a 4gig file from a hotel

[@2GuysTek]

Your throughout will always be affected by a number of factors, things like connection speeds, distance from AP and the obstacles between you and the AP, other users sharing the same 'air space' on that AP, etc. If you have a large file you need to upload and the best you can get from the hotel is 30mbps, this device in between your laptop and the hotel wifi isn't going to make it go any faster.

[@dennisportis6124]

When i do the setup through web browser can i use my cell phone or do i need to use a laptop or a desktop?

[@2GuysTek]

You can use your mobile phone’s browser. If might be less convenient, but it’s totally doable.

[@colettedubose]

Would this work as a substitute Ethernet hard wire connection for laptops?

[@2GuysTek]

Wired Ethernet will always provide better network performance over wifi. If you can be wired, you should use that over wireless.

[@davidtstone]

How do you connect to the website if you have connected your computer to the router before the router is connected to the internet?

[@2GuysTek]

You'd connect to the router's admin page and configure it to connect.

[@partydiva8206]

can this work off my iphone data?

[@Kalerix9999]

So im currently in a hotel with crap wifi like less than 1 gbps bad would this be able to boost that signal and give me something usable?

[@2GuysTek]

This does not provide it's own Internet access, it connects to the hotel's wifi and provides a protected connection down to your clients behind it. It's possible it might have better reception over your personal devices, but my guess would be that if the hotel's wifi is garbage, there's nothing you can do about it.

[@mazproteg]

Hi! Im trying to use my TP-link, I have a WR102N. Im trying to connect my devices to my router. I have a internet card, to connect one device, I want the router to use this internet connection to share the connection. Im paying for one device but wanna use the tplink to connect one or two devices with the same internet card. Can you please help figure out how I can do it?

[@kirin7409]

Hey, did you figure out how to do that

[@mazproteg]

Impossible because the provider disconnect the device when you share de connection.

[@satishkumarrumandla5428]

Can we connect the usb port to a harddrive and use it as network storage?

[@2GuysTek]

You can, however the thought of hanging storage off of your firewall gives me uncomfortable chills.

[@johnnymo761]

about to be on rc cruise. could you explain how you use tplink to connect to voom? and do i need to clone the mac addy at all? i'm confused on the process. thanks

[@johnnymo761]

and i'm using the same exact model in your vid. thanks!

[@ashtechltd]

I am sat on a cruise now and can’t seem to get connect to the voom internet, any help ? 😉

[@JtotheRizzo]

I'm not a network guy but if the WR902AC is on the hotel's wifi SSID as it's WAN connection, couldn't a hacker just jump on the same SSID and back into the WR902AC travel router and gain access to all the devices that's connected to the WR902AC? The WR902AC isn't a firewall, right?

[@2GuysTek]

No, they wouldn’t. The unit acts as a firewall, the same as the one you have protecting your home network from the Internet. Just in this case instead of an Ethernet connection from your ISP for your WAN, you’re connecting to a wireless access point. Clients behind the WR902AC are afforded the same protection. Thanks for the question!

[@anammyolwa7016]

How do you pay for monthly or yearly subscription? How is link to your router?

[@2GuysTek]

This is a travel router, it’s purpose is to allow you to share an upstream internet connection with multiple devices behind it. We used it while on a cruise that charged a per-device charge for Internet access while we were onboard.

[@JasonsLabVideos]

You were so close to me !!

[@2GuysTek]

Hey, I waved as I passed by! 😂

[@mildactpro2290]

Does it work well with playstation?

[@maxbautista8013]

hello can anyone help me. i cannot access the range extender mode

[@tineacasey3253]

Can I use this for my work from home job? And is the download speed 30 Mbps or faster? And internet upload speed 10.0 Mbps or faster ?

[@2GuysTek]

You could, and it should be able sustains those speeds, however, I’d recommend something more robust since it’s for work. This router is relatively low-powered and lightweight to serve its purpose, you might consider something more robust with stronger wifi and performance.

[@NelvinGP3001]

Could it be use as a file hub? Connect to a 64GB USB and SMB sharing ?

[@2GuysTek]

Yes you can, but it’s a risky thing to make your firewall also your NAS.

[@rosemarytarricone8634]

I’m a bit confused do I have to purchase at least one WiFi package on my cruise, in order to make this device work? There will be 3 of us in the cabin needing WiFi. Sorry I’m not very tech savvy. Thanks for any help.

[@2GuysTek]

Yes you need to purchase wifi. The cruise ships don’t usually allow more than one device connected at the same time. This device will allow you to share that single connection with multiple concurrent users.

[@rosemarytarricone8634]

@@2GuysTek Thank you so much!

[@danielparma]

@@2GuysTekwill it work in MSC Cruises were its only 1 connection per device (you can’t log off and then log in with other, cause the first Mac adress connected will be the only one that works)

[@sandeep_kmr]

Can I use this device with mobile usb tethering?.... I don't want to use mobile hotspot as it drains battery.

[@kirin7409]

Hey, did you find if you could?

[@sandeep_kmr]

@@kirin7409 yes you can

[@brekerr]

are there any security concerns with it being chinese kit?

[@2GuysTek]

TP-link has a good reputation, but it’s always a good question to ask. There is less China snooping security concerns with products like these over cheap IP cameras (like HIKvision) and Internet routers (like Huawei) which provide more valuable information. Considering the data that typically flows through here is likely encrypted (websites, etc.) you’re reasonably safe.

[@jainetu]

Hey, I'm about to go on a cruise and try this. Which part of the video simulates connecting to the cruise WiFi? Do you then connect the rest of the devices to the router? Do I need to clone the MAC address or else my other devices will be visible as connected regardless of the router? I'm a bit confused, thank you!

[@2GuysTek]

What I recommend you do is before the cruise, power up the router and connect to it with your laptop and get logged into the web management of the router. When you get on the cruise, power everything back up, and get back on the web admin interface and continue the setup. The wizard will walk you through connecting to another wifi network, but in case it doesn’t, you can easily run through the config. No need to clone anything or do anything exotic. As part of the setup, the router will scan for all the wifi SSIDs it find and then you can choose the one for the ship. After you save the config, follow whatever instructions for authenticating to the Ship’s wifi that you’re provided. It might seem complicated, but once you get going through it, it’ll make sense. Best of luck and enjoy the cruise!

[@jainetu]

@@2GuysTek thanks so much for this! My only concern is - will they not be able to see that I've connected a router to their WiFi and block it? That's why I thought MAC cloning might be required or something more complex

[@mattd.619]

Currently on a carnival cruise and the way they authenticate connections in through their carnival hub app. I’ve tried just about everything I can think of and can’t get the travel router to broadcast an authenticated connection

[@johnnymo761]

@@2GuysTek i've done the at home setup. so now trying to understand the order of operations on the ship: finish tplink setup with phone > connect to ships wifi > authenticate ship's wifi with phone > and then . . . ? other devices connect to tplink ? or primary phone ?

[@2GuysTek]

@@johnnymo761 Yep! After you’ve done all the work to set up the TP-link to connect to the boat’s Wi-Fi, your next step is to just connect your other clients to the TP-link like you would any typical access point.

[@brittneymichon8767]

Can I use this with the hotspot on my phone, to connect my laptop to the internet?

[@2GuysTek]

You’d have to give me more details as to what you’re trying to do.

[@dozog]

You CAN connect this device to the hotspot on your phone and then connect other devices to the WiFi of this device.

[@Game7woo]

I don’t have any WiFi so dose it just come free or do I got too pay

[@2GuysTek]

This doesn’t give you free Internet. This would help you share an internet connection with others.

[@eagleaviator252]

How did you get past having to log into the Royal Caribbean app to use the WiFi? And have to enter the account username and pin to access the internet? Please reply I leave for my cruise in 6 days

[@2GuysTek]

On our cruise the app was not required for Internet access, only useful while on the network. So configure the device to connect to their SSID, then while connected to it launch the app.

[@yaboilorenzot]

@@2GuysTekSo, I have an xfinity wifi pass. How would I connect it to the router?

[@DejiAdegbite]

Does it support NordVPN?

[@stuartbaillie1407]

I'm researching due to an issue Im having connecting a Google nest mini to a public WiFi (in a rent an office setup) I believe the nest mini won't connect because its a public network and the security of that. I'm researching this device, say I we're to buy and set up set up my own hotspot from the same wifi because I can privatise the network could I then allow the nest mini to conect. I'm not that knowledgeable. Would appreciate your time and support. Subscribed as video was great 👍

[@2GuysTek]

That’s what it’s for!

[@stuartbaillie1407]

@2GuysTek thank you, i was thinking that but just wanted to research and clarify. Ordered will let you know how I get on

[@stuartbaillie1407]

Set up today, all working 👍

[@x74455]

how do you get 400 download speed bc it says it gets that on the cover

[@2GuysTek]

Your throughput speeds are dependent on the connectivity you have and the Internet connection on the far end. Unfortunately with WiFi that means your mileage may vary. If you're having problems with performance you can test by moving the device around to get closer to the far access point (your upstream Internet connection) or closer to your devices. One key thing to keep in mind though, this device is low powered and doesn't have a ton of performance horsepower in it.

[@wildhearts1999]

Do you need a computer to create the hotspot from WiFi or can I use my phone? We are going on a cruise and I am not bringing my computer. :(

[@2GuysTek]

Yes, you should be able to configure it via your phone or tablet. All configuration is done via the web interface of the router.

[@wildhearts1999]

@@2GuysTekbut do I need the computer to create the hotspot link or can we use the tp link for our phones and iPad ?

[@2GuysTek]

You’ll power up the TPLink, connect to it with your phone, configure the TPLink to connect to the ship WiFi, and you’re good to go. You’ll auth just once with the ship’s wifi and then any device connected to the TPLink’s wifi will have access.

[@wildhearts1999]

@@2GuysTek thank you. I bought one and we have a trip coming up. I just bought one package , my husband said we can share , but you know how that goes. Lol.

[@jusadude7162]

Thanks. Just bought this for this very purpose- a cruise. But why not make a video showing step by step just how one would use this on a cruise as if you were on that cruise? A video that my mom could follow. This was waaaaay too technical for anyone not familiar with routers.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

I have a TP Link Hub...it is SO NOISY ...it splatters RF ALL OVER MY HOUSE... Listening to my HF Radio It puts out so much stray RF that it is blocking most of the HF bands, and I have Mix 31 Toroids on all the inputs and outputs... I am planning to throw it away as soon as my son leaves for college.

[@mattsmith2208]

Does this work with captive portals?

[@2GuysTek]

Yes. That’s how I used it.

[@martinschneider5869]

Watch this video around 12 minute mark -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZjFnJuFhKqphdU -- it shows it with a captive portal

[@1drummer172]

Will it support SmartDNS so that I can use VPN?

[@2GuysTek]

There's nothing that would prevent you from using VPN through the unit, however I didn't specifically see 'SmartDNS' listed anywhere. I do believe the unit generally supports DynamicDNS, but which services I can't say as I didn't test that in my use case.

[@alavinsky1]

Great video. Thanks. But I'm wondering - on a cruise you have to use your login name AND your password. The setup that you showed only let you provide a password, not a user name. How did you do configure user name and password on your cruise? Thanks, in advance.

[@2GuysTek]

After you connect your phone/computer/tablet to the router and configure the router to connect to the cruise ship's wifi, the router becomes transparent to the process. On my cruise, the wifi portal required user name and password to authenticate and then you were allowed access to the Internet. Keep in mind that what's happening here is that even though your using your device to give the credentials to the the ship's wifi, the ships wifi it talking to the router, not your phone. So the single device the ship is allowing internet access to is the router, not your phone. Your phone/table/computer is behind the router and the router takes care of masquerading your traffic as if it's coming from itself. It's the same way that your home Internet router works - You only get one public IP address from your ISP, and the router handles rewriting that traffic using a technology called network address translation (NAT). Hope this helps answer your question.

[@alavinsky1]

@@2GuysTek You’re terrific. Thanks so much! I’ll have to give it a try. Going on a ship with Starlink in a few weeks. I’ll buy it on Amazon right before I go, so if it doesn’t work, I’ll return it when I get home.

[@alavinsky1]

@@2GuysTek Hope it’s okay to ask - few more questions: I think that I would use this mostly in our stateroom. But if I leave the room and log on directly to the Wi-Fi, will I need to configure the router each time? If I turn off the router, will it remember the settings? Should I turn it off before leaving the room? It would appear that there is a built in battery that can also be used as a power bank. Could I take it with us to breakfast or to the pool and share my internet connection with my wife from there? Or would it help to bring a second power bank to keep it charged? Thanks, in advance.

[@2GuysTek]

@@alavinsky1Always happy to answer questions! Depending on how many current devices you pay for on your cruise, you may or may not need to re-login on the router. Also, remember that the onboard WiFi will require you to re-logon every 8-24 hours, depending on their configuration. As to whether you need to log back into the router and re-configure it each time, no, you won't have to do that. When you're out and about and return to the state room and your mobile device re-connects to the AP, you may have to re-authenticate through the ship's captive portal to get Internet access back running. The AP will always connect back to the ship's wifi, but the state of your session with the on-board wifi will be dependent on when the last time you logged in was, if you connected your phone directly, which then invalidated the session with the router, etc. Lastly, the little AP does not have an internal battery. When we used it, we just brought a little USB charger plug and had it connected to power the entire time in the room. Unless you're planning on traveling around the ship with it in your pocket, sharing your wifi with multiple devices, there is no need to have a battery with it - wall power via a USB charger is good enough.

[@alavinsky1]

@@2GuysTek Thanks for being so generous with your time and expertise. Last question (for the time being). Since it's my phone that connects to the AP, can I just configure it at home (for testing purposes) and then bring it on the ship once it's already configured for my phones? Or will it lose the information once I disconnect the power?

[@gmskimo]

Are these able to log in to hotel captive portals?

[@2GuysTek]

That’s exactly what it does.

[@gmskimo]

@@2GuysTek thanks. I have read in some posts it is not able to bypass the captive log in portal. How do ypu log in using it? Thanks

[@anything22789]

Does it support sim card?

[@IvanSkodje]

The router does not have a built-in slot for a sim card.

[@JtotheRizzo]

Wish there was a way to use a VPN on this router like NordVPN. But a great travel router nonetheless!

[@ricki7389]

can I put in a SIM card to use hotspot?

[@2GuysTek]

Nope.

[@ricki7389]

@@2GuysTek do you know if the TP-Link TL-WR802N N300 WLAN Nano Router is any different? To me they look identical but on amazon it said there's a sim slot. Thanks x

[@bryancastaneda985]

Could this act as a VPN on a LAN?

[@2GuysTek]

No. Even if it had the ability to function as a VPN client, it’s far too lightweight in hardware performance to handle efficient encryption/decryption.

[@Thepinkwaffle300]

I don’t understand the use case for this

[@dennis_nguyen]

Why are you wearing gloves? Is the product toxic?

[@2GuysTek]

I'll wear gloves when unboxing a product and shooting broll to prevent fingerprints. Nothing kills me more than shooting a bunch of broll and beauty shots and in editing seeing a fingerprint or smudge visible.

[@Virtual_Edits2]

Fair 😂​@@2GuysTek

[@Tenly2009]

Where are the instructions on how to connect to a network protected by a captive portal??? Most hotels and businesses use captive portals and some only authorize a single MAC address to connect to the internet - which would need to be the travel router. But since the travel router doesn’t have screen that you can click “I agree” on, you need to use a real device. Any setup tutorial that doesn’t discuss Captive Portal network sharing is woefully inadequate as it misses the primary, most common use case travelers will encounter.

[@666Husky]

You are absolutely right!

[@vibe2118]

It says connected, but no Internet smh

[@flyingsteel]

I wish you guys would talk to us like we don’t know what the acronyms mean. Tlr wac what?

[@kmortensen]

TPLink is as good as netgear etc. Whats with the gloves? Making BBQ right after this?

[@2GuysTek]

BBQ TPLink! 😂🤣

[@flyingsteel]

I wish you would say SSID, which means… and then tell us what SSID means etc

[@ykdagod4332]

Is this good for gaming?

[@bnevarc2010]

Is this thing so hot and illegal on cruise ship this guy has to wear black OJ gloves.

[@AA-kj4ic]

I think the GL-MT3000 is much better than this model.

[@rasberry4739]

Why do you wear gloves.

[@2GuysTek]

We wear gloves because it keeps fingerprints off the stuff we're filming. I hate watching broll and seeing a greasy fingerprint on something so we've always worn gloves to keep that from happening. Thanks for the question!